Friday, May 5, 2006, 06:14 AM
Kecak is the most unique Balinese dance which is not accompanied by any orchestra / gambelan but by a choir of approx seventy men it has its origin in an old ritual dance, “Sanghyang” or Trance dance. In the Sanghyang dance a person in a state of trance communicates with the deities or ancestors. Using the dancers as a medium, the deities or ancestors convey their wishes in the 1930’s the old Indian epic Ramayana was included into the dance. Briefly the story runs as follows : Due to a wise prince of Ayodya Rama the legal heir to the throne of Ayodya was exillied from the realm of his father Dasarata. Accompanied by his wife Sita and his younger brother Laksmana they went into a forest called Dandaka. While they were in the forest the demon king Rahwana found them and lusted after the beautiful Sita. Accompanied by his prime minister Marica, they made a trick to steal Sita. Using his magic power Marica transformed himself into a golden deer. Disguised as a golden deer they succeeded in luring Rama and Laksamana away from Sita. Rahwana making use of this opportunity, kidnapped Sita and took her to his palace Alengka. Discovering the deception Rama and Laksamana, set out to rescue Sita from the clutches of the demon king assisted by the huge army of monkeys under the command of their king (Hanoman). Rama succeeded in getting his wife back safely.
[ add comment ] | permalink |
( 3 / 447 )Friday, May 5, 2006, 06:05 AM
The endless metaphysical battle between good and evil is symbolically reenacted by two weird characters, Barong and rangda, who by their very performance re-inforce the magic power of the village and restore the balance between these two contrary forces. The Barong represents of the good force of nature. It is strange creature that danced by two men inside a highly decorated framework that represents a stylized animal, often a kind Chinese lion. Barong adversary is Queen of the Whiches, an ugly creature with a long tongue, fangs and pendulaous breasts. The two opposite forces that Barong and Rangda portray as they fight is enough to send the followers of the Barong into trance as they try to attack Rangda with their keris (sharp knife). But Rangda’s magical power turns their swords way and toward themselves. Barong’s power saves them from harm, and the result is draw.[ add comment ] | permalink |
( 3 / 460 )Sunday, February 26, 2006, 11:26 AM
Just lies 25 minutes from its celebrated sister Island of Bali by flight or 4 hours by public ferry from Padangbay harbor, Lombok has various attractions for those who are in search for a memorable holiday. In the northern coastline, the unspoilt beaches forested by thick palm trees dominate the landscape. Senggigi, the main tourist resort area in Lombok, for instance, is amazing and offers various range of accommodation categories, from non-star cottages to the international 5 star-rated ones such as Sheraton Senggigi Beach Resort, Senggigi Beach Hotel, Holiday Inn and many others. Three-small-island, better known as Gili Air, Gili Meno, and Gili Trawangan are also heaven for either beginner or professional divers. Their underwater beauties inspire a next vacation to Lombok. Driving further north, you can experience a unique way of life of the Sasak indigenous who live in the simple traditional houses in the rustic village of Segenter. This mountain tribe compound is not built for tourists, but is open widely to tourist, though. So they are not commercial as many other tourist places through out the island.
For hard trekkers, the highest and holiest mountain for both Baliness and Sasakness, Mt. Rinjani (3.726 m), is a perfect choice to escape from complicated daily routine. 3 days 2 nights hiking to the summit is quite a bit tiring, but to enjoy the fascinating sunrise from the summit is worthwhile. Spending a night by the lake shore of Segara Anak is also enjoyable and unforgettable.
Lombok is also gains more popularity amongst the young surfers for its various surf breaks along the southern coast of Kuta Beach. Many hotels In Kuta Beach, therefore, provides and arrange surfing trip to the surfing point around.
Aside from the natural attractions above, Lombok is also well known by its fine handicraft and jewelry such as traditional woven fabric, pottery, furniture, and sea pearls.
They are made in the best and finest quality by local people and that they can meet the export quality standard. This is also one of the reason why coming to Lombok.
We can eventually assure you that you can absolutely experience more than we can tell. See you around in Lombok !
[ add comment ] | permalink |
( 3 / 503 )Sunday, February 26, 2006, 10:54 AM
;)
Bali is densely populated island. Most of the population life in closely packed villages of 2.000 to 4.000 people on the fertile southern slopes of the island, along the ridges that carry the irrigation ditches. On these slopes it is usually only fifteen minutes walk from one village to another through open rice fields. On the northern coastal strips, the villages spread along the java sea. Traditionally the social organization of the islands was based on the village, with each village being completely self-sufficient, providing all the needs and function from birth through cremation. Recently, as in all industrializing countries, the cities and tourist centers are absorbing a portion of the population from the country-side and centralizing, to some extend, the flow of goods and service. The social organization of the villages is the one of the most unique aspects of the enchanting island. The village is very much communal unit, almost an extended family. ;)
The layout of a Balinese village and life of its member are closely tied to religion and the religious life of the people. The main community organization is the Banjar, which plans all ceremonies, including marriages, tooth-filling and cremations, as well as mediates disputes that may rise within the community. Every village has at least one Banjar, which have an average membership of 50 to 100 families. Each Banjar has central meeting places called the Bale Banjar, and the Drum tower of Kulkul made of wood to call the members of any meeting and any activities to be done in the village. [ add comment ] | permalink |
( 3 / 497 )Saturday, February 25, 2006, 01:35 PM
Central of Bali - Denpasar : the capital city of BALI, mostly the offices of government needs. Daily market
needs, shopping places, Bali Museum, Bali Art Center, Bajra Sandi Museum, and many more.
- Batubulan : Known for stone carving and Barong dance performance.
- Bona : center of palm-leave and bamboo handycrafts.
- Celuk : Center of gold & silverworks in the village and along the street of Celuk with its artshops
- Gianyar : the capital town of Gianyar district with old residence of the former Raja of Gianyar.
- Goa Gajah : ancient hermitage with a Ganesa statue inside the cave, often called the Elephant
cave.
;)
- Gunung Kawi : Ancient memorial of the Balinese rulers carved on a solid rock with beautiful
surroundings
- Mas : Well-known for special quality of woodcarving, painting, and stone carving made by
talented craftman.
- Mengwi : known for Royal Family temple of Taman Ayun
- Sangeh : forest of nugmeg trees with hundreds of monkeys inhabitants and Bukit Sari temple in
the middle of it
- Sanur : Exciting white sandy beach known as one of the main tourist resort, stunning sun rise,
restaurants – dining pleasure, bars, night life entertainment, handy-craft shops, recreation
parks, budget accommodations to 5 star luxury resort and villas choices to stay in
- Sukawati : Art Market with wide selection of Balinese artworks / handy-crafts with reasonable
prices
;)
- Ubud : Famous amidst visitors from various countries for Museum of Painting countryside living
and artist community
North of Bali
- Air Sanih : Tranquil beach with fresh spring pools beach and accommodations.
- Banjar village : Hot spring bathing-place with pool on the northern coast.
- Bedugul : beautiful Lake-temple Beratan with harmonious mountain panorama, flowers and
vegetables plantations
More Details
[ add comment ] | permalink |
( 3 / 502 )Back Next
