In Dajuma, the sky is currently studded with kites dancing gracefully above our heads. Most are crafted with bits and pieces by small kids and exude a unique charm. With vibrant colors and imaginative designs, they create a mesmerizing spectacle for our guests. The gentle breeze carries their flight, and the joyous laughter of children fills the air. Just try it next time you visit us, it is a very nice way to revisit our youth!
On the eastern side of Dajuma is a beach where sea turtles are used to laying their eggs overnight. For 22 years, we have been used to shelter them from predators by bringing them to the Kurma Asih Turtle conservatory in Perancak, where our friend Komang knows how to take care of them until their hatching. This is what happened last week with an important hatching that made the joy of our Australian customers Deb and her husband Phil as well as little Célestin, very impressed to hold a baby turtle in his hand. They were very lucky to be able to attend the egg hatch and to accompany these small beings so fragile to the sea to start their life trip.
Many of our guests regularly ask us about our Talipot palm. In December 2022, we published the extraordinary and very rare news of the flowering of this very special palm. Very rare as it only happens once in its lifetime. Today, after 8 months, the inflorescence is huge, reaching up to 20 meters in height. It is covered with millions of tiny, yellowish-white flowers, which give off a sweet fragrance. The flowering of the talipot palm is a rare and special event, and it is a reminder of the beauty of nature that we are very proud to have in our garden!
Clove harvesting at Pancak Tirtha in Jembrana, Bali, with Dajuma guests is a unique and memorable experience that combines the beauty of nature, local farming practices and cultural immersion. Located in the scenic area of Jembrana, Pancak Tirtha is not only a popular lunch spot but also a place where guests can witness and participate in the traditional clove harvesting process.
When guests arrive at Pancak Tirtha, they are greeted by the owner, Pak Ming, known for his expertise in growing cloves. With his warm smile and genuine hospitality, Pak Ming welcomes Dajuma guests, sharing his knowledge and passion for growing cloves.
The lush greenery surrounding Pancak Tirtha creates a breathtaking backdrop as Pak Ming leads guests to the clove plantation. The air is filled with the invigorating aroma of cloves, setting the stage for an immersive experience in the heart of Jembrana’s agricultural landscape.
Amid vibrant clove trees, Pak Ming explains the importance of harvesting cloves in Jembrana and the meticulous care needed to ensure a successful yield. He shares information about the life cycle of clove trees, their unique characteristics, and ideal growing conditions.
As guests explore the plantation, they have the opportunity to observe the clove trees in different stages of development. Some trees are adorned with beautiful white and pink flowers, while others are abundant with ripe cloves ready to harvest.
With the gentle guidance of Pak Ming, Dajuma guests are invited to partake in the centuries-old tradition of “Ngepik Cengkeh”, which involves separating cloves from the stems. Armed with nimble fingers, guests carefully pick the cloves, experiencing firsthand the delicate nature of the harvesting process.
Pak Ming shares stories of the challenges and joys of growing cloves in Jembrana. He explains that the current season might not be as abundant as expected due to certain factors, such as weather conditions or natural variations in tree productivity. Nonetheless, he stresses the importance of appreciating small harvests and the resilience of local farmers.
As guests actively engage in clove harvesting, their connection to the land and the local community deepens. They gain a new appreciation for the hard work and dedication it takes to bring this aromatic spice from farm to table.
After the successful harvest, Pak Ming brings the guests together for a moment of reflection and gratitude. He expresses his gratitude for their participation and offers them a thoughtful gift: a selection of freshly harvested cloves as a souvenir. This gesture serves as a reminder of the shared experience and bonds formed through this immersive journey into Jembrana’s clove culture.
The day ends with a delicious lunch at Pancak Tirtha, where guests savor the flavors of local cuisine infused with the aromatic essence of cloves. The meal becomes a celebration of the harvest, a feast of community and connection, where stories and laughter are shared.
Harvesting cloves at Pancak Tirtha in Jembrana, Bali with Dajuma guests is not just an agricultural activity, but a gateway to cultural exploration and appreciation. It promotes a deeper understanding of local traditions, the beauty of nature and the interconnectedness between communities and their environment. It’s an experience that leaves a lasting impression, weaving together the scents, flavors and memories of Jembrana’s clove harvest into the fabric of each guest’s journey.
Dajuma had the pleasure of hosting the Australian International School Bali Camp from June 26th to 28th. A merry band of 36 3rd and 4th year students supervised by 6 teachers took part in the camp, which aims to train students in independence through all kinds of activities, such as painting, quiz nights, beach cleaning and many more organized by the teachers. The hotel has also been put to use by organizing other activities such as rice cultivation with visits to local schools, introduction to Balinese floral decorations and traditional dances. Everyone really enjoyed the camp and we had great feedback from the teachers who said it was the best camp they had ever had.