WOOD CARVING ART IN BALI Puri Dajuma, Beach Eco-Resort & Spa, West Bali balinese art

WOOD CARVING ART IN BALI

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Wood carving is one of the ancestral art praticed in Bali by skilled carvers trained in numerous schools in the island.
In Pekutatan, we are lucky enough to have some of them happy to share their know-how with our guests once a week, for an unforgettable “wood carving experience”. This is what happened this week to Anne and Maja from Sweden who were able to carve their names by themselves under the attentive guidance of the master carver Gede Budiarsa. A good memory of Bali to be brought back home!

WORLD CLEANUP DAY AT DAJUMA Puri Dajuma, Beach Eco-Resort & Spa, West Bali

WORLD CLEANUP DAY AT DAJUMA

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For the second consecutive year, the World Cleanup Day took place in Bali like everywhere in the world, on September 21st. Born from an Estonian initiative in 2018 and from previous successes of global cleaning efforts, the World Cleanup Day is aimed at combating the global solid waste problem, including the marine debris. In Bali this year, 9 cities held a cleaning activity simultaneously from 7 to 9 o’clock on this date. As shown on the pictures, some of our team did participate to the cleaning of Delod Berawah Beach (near by the buffalo race circuit). It was initiated by the Indonesian national army, government, tourism actors, environmentalists and the civil society, in order to keep Bali green, clean and free from plastic waste. Needless to say that it should not happen once a year, but everyday, as we do in Dajuma!

HAPPY RETIREMENT TO MISRIN AND KADEK! Puri Dajuma, Beach Eco-Resort & Spa, West Bali

HAPPY RETIREMENT TO MISRIN AND KADEK!

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First time in Dajuma life, 2 of our employees will be retiring soon. Misrin and Kadek have respectively 17 years and 9 years of service with Dajuma. Our guests will certainly remember their grand smiles and … their moustaches! Since the beginning of Dajuma in 2002, Misrin was part of our security team, taking care of the safety of our guests 24h, always ready to help during the night including late arrivals. Kadek was one of our driver, particularly appreciated by our guests for his soft and safe driving and his deep knowledge of West Bali. According to the Indonesian labor law, both are leaving at 57 in full shape and a lot of ideas in mind: open a warung for Kadek and take care of a farm for Misrin. On the picture the farewell party organised by their colleagues. Thank you so much for your commitment with Dajuma. We wish you a healthy and joyful retirement!

WELCOME AGAIN DEAR VALRHONA! Puri Dajuma, Beach Eco-Resort & Spa, West Bali west bali tours chocolate

WELCOME AGAIN DEAR VALRHONA!

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This year again, we had the pleasure of welcoming at the beginning of September, 3 groups of the famous french chocolatier Valrhona bringing together chocolate masters from the Asia-Pacific region. Aimed at exchanging experiences and recipes and visiting their cacao producers of West Bali, the gathering was also the opportunity to spend some good time at Dajuma and practice some activities such as massages, stand-up paddle and surfing. They also invited the representatives of the cacao farmers to come and taste the delicious chocolate creations made from the West Bali cacao, particularly some chocolate mousses. Everybody was so happy.

KUKUL ANOTHER INTERESTING TRADITION OF BALINESE CULTURE Puri Dajuma, Beach Eco-Resort & Spa, West Bali dancing music

KUKUL ANOTHER INTERESTING TRADITION OF BALINESE CULTURE

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Kulkul is a traditional communication tool of the Balinese people. It is a big wooden bell installed at the top of decorated towers erected in the middle of each village in Bali. Inherited from the ancestors one can find it in every traditional organization in Bali. It is used like an alarm for Balinese people and, depending on the number of strikes on the bell, has different meanings such as invitations to regular meetings of the villagers, ceremony preparations or natural disasters. Besides having a role in the lives of Balinese people, Kulkul is also used in smaller size, as a musical instrument in several art performances. This is what is shown on the picture this week. Dajuma is used to organise entertainments combining traditional Balinese music (Jegog) and dances. At the end of the show, our guests are invited to come on stage and play the Kukul instrument with our musicians. They love it!

DID YOU TRY OUR TEPPANYAKI? Puri Dajuma, Beach Eco-Resort & Spa, West Bali Restaurant West Bali

DID YOU TRY OUR TEPPANYAKI?

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Since almost 10 years now, our guests can savour in our Sinta lounge, the delicious teppanyaki cuisine from Japan. The word teppanyaki is derived from teppan (鉄板), which is the metal plate on which it is cooked, and yaki (焼き), which means grilled, broiled, or pan-fried. Imagine up to 6 guests seating together in front of the chef, who cooks various dishes of meat, fish, or both, grilled with vegetables on a hot steel plate forming the center of the dining table. For westerners, this way of dining is unusual, not to say completely new. On the picture our Chef Rudi in action. Don’t forget to try it next time you decide to visit us, you will not be disappointed!

How the villagers of Pekutatan celebrate Independence Day Puri Dajuma, Beach Eco-Resort & Spa, West Bali independence bali

How the villagers of Pekutatan celebrate Independence Day

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In August, all Indonesia is keen to comemorate the independence day. Many funny activities were held on this occasion. Having no desire to break with this fine tradition, Pekutatan Village held its own activities, prepared and organised by its villagers. Few days before the independence day, there are some funny games, gate decoration competition using only natural material, Balinese dances performances and many more (see on picture). On August 17th was the formal flag ceremony, with the participation of students from the local schools based in Pekutatan, government officials, police, army and villagers representatives. This year, all the participants of flag ceremony were wearing Balinese traditional dress based on the instruction of the Bali Governor.

BALI MORE BALINESE Puri Dajuma, Beach Eco-Resort & Spa, West Bali

BALI MORE BALINESE

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Part of the large Indonesia and its 279 Million inhabitants, welcoming 4 millions foreigners every year, one’s may fear that the small island of Bali could be losing step by step its brilliant culture and traditions.
This was before the new Bali’s Governor, Wayan KOSTER was elected last June, and made it clear that his administration intends to bring Bali back to its cultural roots, which is now effective through several decrees.
Changes are visible from anyone in Bali after applying these two:
N° 79/2018 Decree regarding customary Balinese Dress use stipulates that people working in Bali should don traditional wear every Thursday.
Same requirement during full moon (Purnama Day), new moon (Tilem Day), anniversary of Bali Province, regency anniversary days, and city anniversaries.
The island’s indigenous langage is traditionally written with an elaborate Brahmic-derived script natively known as Aksara Bali and Hanacaraka. Used in ceremonies and religious texts, the traditional script is deeply tied to Balinese Hindu practices.
“I think Balinese letters, Balinese text is in our identity, a symbol of our civilization” he said.
In accordance with Decree n° 80/2018, Balinese script will be written alongside Latin writing in public facilities, including our hotel as shown on the picture with the new signage on the road.
Many opportunities to enjoy the graceful « Udeng » on men head and women « Kebaya », and remember the Balinese long History through its everywhere writing.
On the picture taken in Dajuma garden, besides our colorful Jegog music instrument, some of our staff proud to wear the traditional Balinese dressing every thursday. From left to right, Dina, Alit, Kadek, Gusalit and Erly.

DAJUMA'S GUESTS BECOMING FRIENDS Puri Dajuma, Beach Eco-Resort & Spa, West Bali

DAJUMA’S GUESTS BECOMING FRIENDS

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It is something which happens frequently at Dajuma, when our guests are leaving, they like taking a picture with our staff and keeping in touch with us. What is shown this week is a compilation of these pics taken during the month of July. Among them, two dynamic couples Peter and Astrid (top left) and Annette and Marc (bottom left) who are used to visit us regularly. For Peter and Astrid it is twice a year, 26 times in total, an all time high! Thank you, Dear Friends, for sharing the same passion for Dajuma!

MAKEPUNG: THE AMAZING BUFFALO RACES OF WEST BALI Puri Dajuma, Beach Eco-Resort & Spa, West Bali dajuma tours

MAKEPUNG: THE AMAZING BUFFALO RACES OF WEST BALI

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Sunday, July 28th, particularly appreciated by our guests, was the second championship of Makepung (Buffalo Race) of this season (the first was held on July 14th). Makepung races become a tradition for Jembrana, the regency of West Bali. There are some unique facts behind it: 1) Only selected Buffalos which are strong and healthy can participate. They get special training and care by the owner such as special herbs drinks (Jamu). Buffaloes cannot be used to plow ricefields or other activities, 2) Championship or training cannot be held on full moon or new moon, 3) A special ceremony for the buffaloes is held before the championship, 4) The winner is not determined by the participant who reaches the finish line the fastest but by the distance that was successfully made.
A unique event not to be missed next time you visit us!