BALIAN, Bali's Traditional Healer

In the wilds of Denpasar and hidden away in small villages, Bali’s traditional healers dispense what is needed to keep the Balinese people healthy. Known as Balian, Bomoh, Dukun or Shaman, these mystical men and women are well connected to the spirit world and dispense advice as well as medical support.

There are three major types of healers – the Balian Ushadas (from the Sanskrit word ”ausadhi” meaning 'herbs') use magnetic power and knowledge that is passed from generation to generation. They glean knowledge from ancient Balinese texts inscribed on lontar leaves and are able to analyse the harmony or disharmony in a person and prescribe treatments...

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BALI AGA

The Original Balinese

Bali Aga are a unique ethnic group that still live and practise a way of life that pre-dates modern civilisation. The Bali Aga are thought to be the original inhabitants of Bali who fled imperialistic invaders, eventually finding refuge in the solitude of Bali's remote mountains. Only two villages remain - which until recently, were firmly shut away from the rest of the world, hidden in the hills of East Bali.

The villages, home to the Bali Aga, are shut off by a solid wall surrounding the entire village. The wall is only broken by means of four gates, each facing north, south, east and west.

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Welcome Dance PANYEMBRAMA

One of the most reasons why people love Bali is because of the hospitality. Balinese always welcome you to enjoy their beautiful island with the unique culture and tradition.

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Panyembrama is Balinese welcome dance. The dance was performed for the first time at the Pandaan Festival in 1971, and now Panyembrama Dance is not only performed on the commercial stage, but is also performed as the opening dance of religious ceremonies in temples.

After spending many years learning Balinese dance and traditional instruments, I Wayan Berata made a composition for a new dance called Panyembrama, 1963. The name of the dance comes from the Balinese word for welcome.

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Ceremonies Create Connection

Balinese Hindus observe the state laws of Indonesia and also the complex traditional guidelines (adat or Desa Pekraman) which govern cultural and religious life according to the Desa (place), Kala (time), Patra (condition).

Balineses are competitive as anyone around schooling, business and career. However in cultural and religious activities, Balinese are highly cooperative. Few cultural or religious activities can be carried out alone.

Men, women and communities work together to create the colorful ceremonies of family, temple and public life.

A family ceremony-such as blessing a new house - new baby or marriage – will involve extended family and immediate neighbors. The whole village or neighboring villages cooperate in the more elaborate temple ceremonies – perhaps providing Pesantian (Balinese choir), Gamelan (gong orchestra) or ceremonial dancers.

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How UBUD Came to be

According to lontar (traditional palm leaf book), in the 8th century there was an east Indian priest named Rsi Markandeya, set off on a spiritual journey, walking across the island of Java to spread the teachings of Hinduism.

Eventually, he and his large group of followers reached the island of Bali and attempted to settle in the vicinity of Taro (a village at north of Ubud). Unluckily, they were struck down by a cholera epidemic and many perished. Rsi Markandeya led the surviving devotees back to Java, where they regrouped and after a while made their way to Bali again, although this time their number was somewhat diminished.

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Why FISHERMEN Can Never Become Rich

Once upon a time, in the village of Kelaan, right on the southern peninsula of Bali, there lived a simple man by the name of Kamanjaya. Nature had endowed him generously with wide, well built shoulders and a good, strong chest. He sported a luxurious moustache and his seemingly fierce eyes reflected a brave and courageous soul. Kaman Jaya was the first fisherman ever on the island of Bali.

One day, Kaman Jaya received an invitation from the God Siwa, who, it was said, wished to bestow a blessing on his life. Similar invitations were also extended to all other early men and creatures on the surface of the earth.

Kamanjaya, a man of little means, but of pure heart, felt worried and anxious at the invitation of the god. "When I meet with Siwa in his heavenly chambers, what gift can I bring him that will be good enough to serve as a token of thanks for the blessing I no doubt am going to get in return?

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