Subak in Bali: a unique rice-field irrigation system exciting to visit Puri Dajuma, Beach Eco-Resort & Spa, West Bali

Subak in Bali: a unique rice-field irrigation system exciting to visit

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A very interesting curiosity to visit in West Bali is the rice field irrigation system. It is called Subak and was developed more than 1,000 years ago. For Balinese people, irrigation is not simply providing water for the plant’s roots, but a holy activity which must be blessed by a priest. Water is also used to construct a complex artificial ecosystem where many species such as frogs and eels can develop.
From Dajuma, you will be invited to visit such a Subak, on the occasion of a bicycle tour around the nearby villages. A unique experience!

New access to Sinta lounge Puri Dajuma, Beach Eco-Resort & Spa, West Bali

New access to Sinta lounge

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Our Sinta lounge with its large comfortable sofas and its Teppanyaki at night is the perfect place where to relax and meditate, especially when the sun is coming down. The access to this very special place has been recently improved by a beautiful helicoidal stairway, entirely built from merbau and clove tree woods by our skilled workers. Here on the picture, Muriyono assisted by Harorik, both from Banyuwangi, who build it. You can be proud of it guys! It is not only nice to see but also very easy and comfortable to climb.

The tradition of floral decoration in Bali Puri Dajuma, Beach Eco-Resort & Spa, West Bali

The tradition of floral decoration in Bali

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One of the most fascinating tradition in Bali is the preparation of decorative arrangements, generally made from flowers, bamboo and palm leaves. Everybody in a Balinese family is skilled enough to invent these decorations sometimes very complex. They are used as offerings to the Gods and decoration in the temples and houses.
Dajuma staff does not escape this beautiful tradition. Every day, our staff collects flowers in the garden and prepares nice floral decorations which enchants our guests, especially honeymooners!
Here on the picture, Setha from Germany made this beautiful decoration, trained by Erly our HR Manager.

7 years of success for our « Bali Free Map » Puri Dajuma, Beach Eco-Resort & Spa, West Bali

7 years of success for our « Bali Free Map »

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In 2007, our hotel decided to publish for the first time, a « Bali Free Map ». The original idea was to inform our guests about the points of interest of the West part of the island usually neglected by the guides. Year after year the map has been enhanced by new curiosities brought by our staff and other locals themselves. Today, after almost 7 years of existence, our Bali Free Map is one of the most complete, used and appreciated by thousands of Bali lovers. This last edition does not derogate to the rule by perpetuating the tradition of new wonders to be discovered in West Bali, all of them being stamped “Bali Authentic »!
To download the last version of our Bali Free Map.

The Dajuma home cinema enriched with a 60 inch screen Puri Dajuma, Beach Eco-Resort & Spa, West Bali

The Dajuma home cinema enriched with a 60 inch screen

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Because of its unique location close to the sea and nature, where it is so easy to forget everything about the hectic occidental life, the choice was made from the beginning of Dajuma to avoid TV screens in the rooms. What does not mean that TV and cinema are forbidden at Dajuma! On the contrary, Dajuma offers to its guests a comfortable home cinema which recently enriched with a 60 inch LED screen. A huge library of DVDs in all languages completes the Indovision satellite TV which is covering more than 100 TV channels from all around the world. For all nationalities and tastes!

New uniforms Puri Dajuma, Beach Eco-Resort & Spa, West Bali

New uniforms

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Year 2014 also started with an important event for Dajuma staff : the change of the uniforms. Each employee received a new uniform composed of a nice batik for the top and the traditional sarong. The fabric was chosen strong and light with the objective to support heavy-duty tasks while providing the necessary comfort to our employees. Colors were also carefully chosen to fit with our environment. Padmi, our waitress at Rama restaurant, looks very « cantik » (pronounced « chantik » in Bahasa Indonesia which means « nice ») on the picture!

Tumpek Landep : a sympathetic tradition in Bali Puri Dajuma, Beach Eco-Resort & Spa, West Bali

Tumpek Landep : a sympathetic tradition in Bali

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Once a year, Hindus in Bali are used to celebrate what we call here the Tumpek Landep.
Don’t try to guess what it is, it is just impossible !
The tradition is to  consider that all objects of the daily life made of iron including cars, motorcycles, engines, tools, etc.  is a gift from the Gods. As such, they must be celebrated in a specific ceremony called Tumpek Landep. All the objects of the hotel made of iron are gathered in a single place and blessed by the Priest while the staff prays and thanks the Gods for their benefactions.
On the picture, some of the cars of the hotel specially decorated on this occasion.

Natacha 6 months stay Puri Dajuma, Beach Eco-Resort & Spa, West Bali

Natacha 6 months stay

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After several stays at Dajuma in the last 2 years, Natacha, an executive woman from France, decided to make a break in her hectic professional career by staying for 6 months in Dajuma.
During this time she got more and more acquainted with the rich Balinese culture and traditions. She built a lot of friendly relationships with the staff and the villagers, and even participated in the outing to Jogjakarta with them.
«My living among Balinese people was the way to find the new spirit I was kooking for, we shared so much!”
Here on the picture, she is preparing some decorations, learning from Tini the head of the Spa how to create from the bamboo leaves these adorable suspending decorations.

Nyepi celebration at Dajuma Puri Dajuma, Beach Eco-Resort & Spa, West Bali

Nyepi celebration at Dajuma

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On March 31st, 2014, Dajuma celebrated Nyepi, the famous “Day of Silence” that is commemorated every Isaka Warsa (new year) in the Balinese calendar.
Observed from 6 a.m. until 6 a.m. the next morning, Nyepi is a day reserved for self-reflection and as such, anything that might interfere like lighting fires (lights must be kept low), working, entertainment or pleasure, traveling; and, for some, talking or eating is restricted. The effect of these prohibitions is that Bali’s usually bustling streets and roads are empty, there is little or no noise from TVs and radios, and few signs of activity are seen even inside homes. Even the airport is closed on that day.
Pictured below, the day before Nyepi, Dajuma staff celebrated the Melasti Ritual on the beach in front of the hotel. Dedicated to Sanghyang Widhi Wasa. this ritual is performed in Pura (Balinese temple) near the sea (Pura Segara) and meant to purify Arca, Pratima, and Pralingga (sacred objects) belonging to several temples, also to acquire sacred water from the sea.

Cooking class at Dajuma Puri Dajuma, Beach Eco-Resort & Spa, West Bali

Cooking class at Dajuma

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Among the numerous facets of Balinese culture, the food diversity and quality occupies a particular importance. Who never tried the famous Babi Guling (Grilled Pork) or the Ayam Betutu (Chicken stuffed with herbs and spices) probably missed something!
At Dajuma, our 7 cooks brigade is always happy to welcome guests willing to discover the secrets and spiced flavors of the Bali’s cuisine. Classes offer a fascinating introduction into the exotic ingredients and unique culinary heritage of Bali. They provide a valuable insight into the various techniques of food preparation and the cooking style used in our island homes.
On the picture our guest Markus learning how to prepare Beef Garlic Butter and Green Curry Chicken, taught by our cook supervisor Made Swadewi.