Ngaben (Cremation Ceremony of Bali)

Ngaben (Cremation ceremony) is one ritual performed by Hindus in Bali are classified as Pitra Yadnya (a ceremony that was dedicated to Ancestor). Cremation is etymologically derived from the word "api" (fire) that gets the prefix "nga", and suffix "an", so to become "ngapian", which is encoded into "ngapen" which gradually shift into a word "ngaben". Ngaben or Cremation ceremony always involves a fire, there are two kinds of fire, in the form of a concrete fire (actual fire) and abstract fire (fire coming from Mantra Puja (holy chanting) by the priest who led the ceremony). Another version says that Ngaben comes from the word "beya" that means stock, so that also means the cremation ceremony gives stock to the ancestors to journey to Sunia Loka (Heaven).

ngaben

Blue Lagoon Beach

www.baligreattravel.com

Blue Lagoon beach, Padang Bay, Bali.  White sand beach with clean water and beautiful reef and coral.  One of best place for snorkling and diving. 

Just walk down 100 meters from the fascinating Blue Lagoon Hotel.  Located just east part of Padang Bay beach.  Comfortable parking is available for 5,000 rupiah.

Barong Landung

Barong Landung is a holy big dolls characterize Balinese man (black doll) and Chinese woman (white doll).  It proves an interracial  marriage and good relationship between Bali and China long time ago.

Cultural acculturation also can be witnessed till these days. Many ancient Chinese sites can be found in Bali. 

These Barong Landungs now become sacred temple's paraphernalia at some holy places in Bali as a symbol of respecting the Chinese culture's influences in Bali.

PKB (Pesta Kesenian Bali) or Bali Arts Festival

Bali Arts Festival - Pesta Kesenian Bali (PKB) is an annual event of the Bali Governmentprogram, which is used as a place of activities and creativity of the artists in the effort of supporting the government programs in terms of excavation, preservation and development of great values of Balinese art and culture.

Gong Kebyar festival or parade of Balinese Gambelan music is one event in the agenda of the Bali Arts Festival which is very prestigious. In this festival, we can see or witness the artwork as a result of the creativity of the artists and the expertise of the musicians in playing gambelanGong Kebyar.

Bali Arts Festival is held in an attempt offering copyrighted works of best public arts. Eventhough nowdays Balinese people choosing between art and handicrafts, profane and secular, public order and the pure creativity of Bali, all they do them based on the spirit of "dedication" to God, Humanity and Nature (Tri Hita Karana). The difference will not reduce the nature of art. 

The offerings of art and creative works are sincere liberation arts implies that in Hinduism is often referred to as yadnya. Yadnya presented through art and creative works as an offering to make the best of his creation, then the artist wherever possible someone will not present his or her work the most ugly or sober, let alone offering it in the form of artistic and creative works are born from the upstream cultivation of love and spiritual civilization art society.

Bali Arts Festival is a medium and a means to explore and preserve the cultural arts and to improve welfare. Excavation and preservation of art and culture include philosophy, noble values ​​and universal, basic concepts, both cultural heritage objects or objects of historical value is not high, science and art as a representation of civilization and the development of the arts through creation, innovation, cultural adaptation expectations in order to stay alive and sustained in the context of steady change time and times and the ever-changing environment.

Bali Arts Festival 2014

Bali Arts Festival - Pesta Kesenian Bali (PKB) is an annual event of the Bali Government program, which is used as a place of activities and creativity of the artists in the effort of supporting the government programs in terms of excavation, preservation and development of great values of Balinese art and culture.

Gong Kebyar festival or parade of Balinese Gambelan music is one event in the agenda of the Bali Arts Festival which is very prestigious. In this festival, we can see or witness the artwork as a result of the creativity of the artists and the expertise of the musicians in playing gambelan Gong Kebyar.

Bali Arts Festival is held in an attempt offering copyrighted works of best public arts. Eventhough nowdays Balinese people choosing between art and handicrafts, profane and secular, public order and the pure creativity of Bali, all they do them based on the spirit of "dedication" to God, Humanity and Nature (Tri Hita Karana). The difference will not reduce the nature of art. 

The offerings of art and creative works are sincere liberation arts implies that in Hinduism is often referred to as yadnya. Yadnya presented through art and creative works as an offering to make the best of his creation, then the artist wherever possible someone will not present his or her work the most ugly or sober, let alone offering it in the form of artistic and creative works are born from the upstream cultivation of love and spiritual civilization art society.

Bali Arts Festival is a medium and a means to explore and preserve the cultural arts and to improve welfare. Excavation and preservation of art and culture include philosophy, noble values ​​and universal, basic concepts, both cultural heritage objects or objects of historical value is not high, science and art as a representation of civilization and the development of the arts through creation, innovation, cultural adaptation expectations in order to stay alive and sustained in the context of steady change time and times and the ever-changing environment.

Bali Arts Festival

Bedulu Village

Bedulu Village is an ancient village where Bedahulu or Bedulu Kingdom was. Bedahulu or Bedulu kingdom is an ancient kingdom on the island of Bali in 8th century until the 14th century, located at Bedulu, Gianyar, Bali. It is estimated that this kingdom was ruled by a dynasty of kings Warmadewa descent. Last ruler of the Bedulu kingdom (Bedahulu) opposed against the expansion of Majapahit kingdom in 1343, led by Gajah Mada, however, ended in defeat of Bedulu Kingdom. Resistance of Bedulu Kingdom then completely extinguished after uprising last descent (Dalem Makambika) was defeated in 1347.
Afterwards, Gajah Mada ordered a Brahmin descent from Java named Sri Krishna Kepakisan as king (Dalem) on the island of Bali. Eventually Descendants of Kepakisan dynasty later on becoming kings of several small kingdoms in the island of Bali until nowdays.
Thus, it is discovered many ancient relics around the Bedulu village. Where the ancient relics such as sarcofagus etc are stored in Bedulu archaeological museum. While ancient sites such as caves, relief, temple can still be seen to this day.
Here are some of the sites of ancient royal relics we can visit:

• Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave Temple)
• Yeh Pulu (The longest relief in Bali)
• Kebo Edan (Temple for Brahma sect)
• Pusering Jagat (The central temple of the island)

Bali Traditional Market

Kuta Art Market

Situated close to the Kuta Beach on Jl. Bakung Sari, Kuta Art Market has a large number of shops selling a wide variety of merchandises including sarongs, clothes, shoes, jewelries, handicrafts, leather goods, and furniture. You can find some good pieces if you look carefully and have a huge bargaining power.

Sanur Art Market

Located on Jl. Danau Tamblingan, Sanur Art Market has a more relaxed atmosphere and is less crowded than Kuta. This art market has an interesting variety of shops selling a wide range of merchandises such as sarongs, woodcarvings, and other handicrafts. It is also surrounded by lots of nice restaurants.

Kumbasari Market

Kumbasari Market is located on Jl. Gajah Mada, Denpasar, near the Badung River. This traditional, non-air-conditioned market offers an interesting overview of an Indonesia market. In the basement, you will find the traditional market and lots of traditional kitchen crafts made out of woven bamboo on the first floor. The second floor provides spices and dried goods as well as a wide variety of Balinese printed batik, Balinese and Javanese hand-woven textiles and various batik textiles at reasonable prices, while the household wares and clothing can be found on the third floor.

Badung Market

This 24 hours traditional market is located on Jl. Gajah Mada, Denpasar, across the Kumbasari Market, separated by the Badung River. This largest and oldest market in Bali provides such local needs as fruit and meat to and, meat, fish, vegetables, tropical and subtropical fruits, groceries, spices, clothes, textiles, and many more. Apart from consumables, one can also find beetle leaves which are used in Balinese Hindu prayers, as well as fabrics and household supplies. Although it is rather unclean, this tent market attracts many local shoppers and wholesalers for its completeness and competitive prices. The peak hour is in the afternoon, when the big transaction occurs.

Pasar Burung (Bird Market)

Pasar Burung (Bird Market) is located on Jl. Pramuka, Denpasar. This colorful and noisy market provides a wide range of birds and other such small animals as monkeys, squirrels, small wild cats and other unidentifiable animals from the heart of the dark jungles of Indonesia.

Batubulan Market

Batubulan Market, situated at the border of Denpasar and Gianyar, is the home of stone sculptures. You will find various kinds of style here, from traditional to modern, small to large. Traditionally, stone sculptures carved from soft volcanic rock (paras) were used to decorate temples and palaces but recently they are sold for export as well. The craftsmen practically can make anything you request from small to large sculptures.

Ubud Market

Ubud is known as the cultural center of Bali and as a land of artists. It is a place where you have the opportunity to see the real Bali. Located on Jl. Raya Ubud, Ubud Market has kept much of its traditional charm, with squatting Balinese sellers haggling loudly among spices and vegetables. The market also sells handicrafts which mostly were made in the neighboring villages of Mas, Tegalalang, and more.

Sukawati Art Market

Sukawati Art Market is located on Jl. Raya Sukawati, Gianyar, across the Sukawati Traditional Market. Set in a new two-story building, the art market sells a wide variety of merchandises, ranging from statues to dance costumes, all at reasonable prices. A large variety of woven baskets can be found here along with Balinese ceremonial items made from colorful prada (gold painted cloth).

Candi Kuning Market

Located in Bedugul, Candi Kuning Market provides fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, and such exotic flowers as delicate orchids and roses, creating an array of wonderful colors. Spices include nutmeg, pepper, paprika and turmeric. A wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables can be found here, as well as jeruk bali (pomelo) and durian.

Galiran Market

Galiran Market, Klungkung is known as the central market of Eastern Bali, because of its agricultural commodities from Karangasem, Bangli and Gianyar are mostly sold here. Before 1974, Klungkung traditional market was situated in the heart of Semarapura city. In accordance with the development of commercial activities, the market was moved to Galiran Village, 2 hours drive to the south. It was renovated to a three-story building, providing handicrafts, artworks, traditional fabrics and many more. The most crowded market day falls every three days on pasah (a three-day week based on Balinese calendar). In 1994, the market area was extended to 3 hectares which consists of 14 building blocks each selling different goods. Block A, B and C sell consumer products. Block D and E are specialized in agricultural products, block F for vegetables. Food and beverages and various fruits are available at block G and H. While, block J and I sell various cattle and pottery handicrafts whilst baskets and salt can be found at block K. Block L and M sell meat and sugar, and block N for cakes and plaits.

Kreneng Market

Kreneng market is located on Kamboja Street, East Denpasar, about 3 km from the city center. Daily commodities at reasonable prices can be found in this market. At night, it becomes a night bazaar where various kinds of traditional foods at reasonable prices are also available. Kreneng Market is also the terminal of mini buses. These mini buses are called ‘bemo’, public transportations which have routes around Denpasar area.

Sanglah Market

Sanglah market is located in south Denpasar area, about 2.5 km from the city center. Like other traditional markets in Denpasar, this market offers commodities for the daily needs. Although it is open the whole day, the busy activities are only in the morning around 6 am.

Satria Market

Satria market is located at the north side of Gajah Mada Street, in the corner of Nakula Street and Veteran Street. This market sells the art crafts such as wooden handicrafts, paintings, and other handicrafts on the second level; and daily commodities on ground level.