Tag Archive for: experience

THE FRAGRANT TASTE OF BALI: PEPES AYAM BUNGA KECOMBRANG

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Wrapped in banana leaves and infused with the distinctive fragrance of torch ginger, Pepes Ayam Bunga Kecombrang is a beautiful expression of Balinese home-style cooking. Tender chicken, aromatic spices, fresh basil and a touch of chilli come together in a dish that is simple, fragrant and deeply comforting. Steamed and then lightly grilled, it brings the authentic flavours of Bali straight from the kitchen of Puri Dajuma Terrace to your table. Not on our regular menu, but if you’d like to discover this fragrant taste of Bali, come visit Puri Dajuma Terrace and let us know. Stay tuned for more authentic Balinese flavours in our next edition of Dajuma Food.

MEET AMI: 14 YEARS OF HEART, SERVICE & SOUL AT DAJUMA

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Behind every memorable stay at Dajuma, there are people whose dedication quietly becomes part of the experience. One of them is Ni Luh Gede Padmi Lestari, warmly known as Padmi or Ami — a familiar face at Puri Dajuma Beach who has been part of the Dajuma family for 14 years. Ami joined Dajuma in 2012, after previously working as a Japanese cuisine cook at a Japanese villa. When she came to Dajuma, the restaurant was in need of additional staff. Although she had applied with her cooking experience, Ami was happy to take on the role of waitress, a position she has embraced ever since.
Today, at 34, Ami is the only woman among the six-member restaurant team, and she has certainly made her place. Over the years, she has developed many skills, from creating coffee art to preparing cocktails, but she feels most at home serving guests directly. For Ami, hospitality is more than simply serving food and drinks. It is about making guests feel welcomed, cared for, and giving them the best service possible, no matter where in the world they come from. Her caring nature extends beyond the restaurant. Ami is a devoted older sister and a strong support for her younger brother, while also being deeply connected to her family. Her father is a dedicated farmer, and her mother is a friendly village tailor. Coming from a family with ancestors known as priests and spiritual healers, Ami also carries a unique spiritual tradition. Outside her work at Dajuma, she continues this family heritage as a healer.
After 14 years, Dajuma has become much more than a workplace for Ami. As she simply puts it, “Dajuma is half of my life.” Looking ahead, she hopes to see Dajuma continue to grow and succeed as one of West Bali’s luxury destinations, while always preserving the traditions, culture, and local wisdom that make the region so special. Fourteen years may sound like a long time, but for Ami, it is a story still being written — one guest, one smile, and one day at a time. Stay tuned as we continue this series by introducing more of the wonderful individuals behind Dajuma. In our next edition, you’ll meet another dedicated team member whose commitment helps make every stay at Dajuma truly special.

THE TASTE OF SUMMER: J-VIOLET

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Some places can be captured in a single sip. Meet J-Violet, our new signature cocktail inspired by the peaceful beauty of Jembrana, home of Puri Dajuma. Its vibrant violet color mirrors Bali’s unforgettable sunsets, while a refreshing blend of Vodka, Triple Sec, Blue Curaçao, Grenadine, fresh lime, and Sprite brings the taste of tropical summer to life. The very first guest to try it described it in just one word: “Nature.” As the sun melts into the Indian Ocean, J-Violet becomes more than a cocktail—it becomes a moment. A toast to Bali, to breathtaking sunsets, and to memories you’ll never forget.

THE POWERFUL RHYTHM OF JEGOG: JEMBRANA’S UNIQUE BAMBOO ORCHESTRA

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When visiting West Bali, there is one cultural experience you should not miss: Jegog, the traditional bamboo orchestra that originated in Jembrana. Believed to have existed since around 1912, Jegog is a musical heritage found only in this part of Bali. The story of Jegog began with local farmers. While working in the fields, they used bamboo to create loud sounds to scare birds away from their crops. The beautiful echo of bamboo striking bamboo inspired Kiyang Geliduh to transform these simple rhythms into a musical instrument. Using giant bamboo that grew abundantly in the forests of Jembrana, he created what is now known as Jegog. In its early days, Jegog performances were held as a joyful celebration after the harvest season. Today, this remarkable bamboo music has become one of Jembrana’s most treasured cultural attractions. Its deep, powerful, and melodic sound creates an uplifting atmosphere that captivates everyone who listens.
Last week at Puri Dajuma, we were delighted to present a special Jegog performance accompanied by several traditional Balinese dances. The evening became even more memorable as our guests were invited to try playing the instruments themselves. Their excitement and smiles reflected the joy of experiencing this unique cultural tradition firsthand. The wonderful enthusiasm from our guests has encouraged us to continue featuring Jegog whenever possible, especially during our special cultural evenings. We hope that many more guests will have the chance to experience the powerful rhythms and vibrant spirit of this unique musical heritage during their stay at Puri Dajuma. At Puri Dajuma, we believe that travel is not only about discovering beautiful places but also about connecting with the traditions that make each destination truly special. By sharing experiences like Jegog, we hope every visit becomes a meaningful journey into the culture and traditions of West Bali.

EXPERIENCE THE SOUL OF BALI THROUGH THE ENCHANTING SOUND OF RINDIK

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Discover the gentle rhythm of Bali through our Traditional Balinese Instrument called Rindik. We offer you a complimentary cultural activity exclusively for our in-house guests at Puri Dajuma Terrace.
Held every Friday at 4:00 PM at the Yoga Shala, this interactive experience invites you to discover the soothing melodies of the Rindik, one of Bali’s most treasured bamboo instruments. Crafted from carefully selected bamboo and played with soft mallets, the Rindik produces peaceful, harmonious sounds that have long been associated with relaxation and the beauty of Balinese village life. For generations, Rindik music has been performed during weddings, traditional ceremonies, and welcoming rituals, making it a timeless symbol of Balinese hospitality and cultural heritage. Its calming melodies beautifully reflect the island’s philosophy of living in harmony with nature.
Hosted by our own team members, who is also a talented Rindik player, this interactive session offers a unique opportunity to learn about the instrument’s history, enjoy a live performance, and experience the joy of playing it yourself. Whether you have a passion for music or simply wish to experience authentic Balinese culture, this activity offers a memorable and meaningful connection to the island.
Join us every Friday at 4:00 PM and let the enchanting sound of the Rindik become part of your Bali journey—only at Puri Dajuma Terrace.

FROM DAJUMA TERRACE EXPERIENCE THE HEART OF RURAL BALI

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Beyond Bali’s popular attractions lies a quieter side of the island, where nature and village life create a more meaningful travel experience. At Dajuma Terrace, guests can discover this authentic side of Bali through our enhanced Walking Around the Village activity. This updated route takes guests along peaceful village paths and into our newly managed tropical fruit plantation, offering a unique opportunity to connect with the natural beauty and agricultural heritage of the region. The plantation features a variety of tropical plants and fruit trees, including cacao, coffee, coconut, vanilla, banana, mangosteen, durian, pineapple, salak, papaya, clove, and dragon fruit. As guests explore the garden, they can learn more about local crops and the sustainable practices used to maintain this thriving green space.
More than just a walk, this experience invites guests to slow down, enjoy the fresh countryside air, and gain a deeper appreciation for Bali’s rural landscape and traditions. Recently, Mr. Stephane Thil and his family experienced the activity during their stay in our Sawah Room, enjoying a guided walk through the village and surrounding countryside. During fruiting season, guests may even have the chance to taste freshly harvested fruits directly from the plantation, adding an authentic and memorable touch to the journey. Whether you are a nature lover, a curious traveler, or simply looking to experience Bali beyond the usual tourist routes, Walking Around the Village offers a rewarding blend of nature, culture, and local life in the heart of Bali’s countryside.

REWILD BY JODI: A TRANSFORMATIONAL JOURNEY THROUGH WEST BALI

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We were honored to host REWILD by Jodi at Dajuma Beach — a unique women’s retreat bringing together nine inspiring guests from Australia for five unforgettable days in West Bali. More than a holiday, REWILD was a journey of adventure, reflection, connection, and authentic cultural discovery. Far from Bali’s busy tourist areas, guests experienced the island’s quieter soul through village cycling tours, waterfalls, hot springs, a peaceful Buddhist monastery, and meaningful encounters with local communities. Designed by Jodi as an intentional and transformative experience, the retreat blended nature, culture, wellness, and human connection in a truly special way. Shared laughter, conversations, and moments of reflection became just as memorable as the destinations themselves. At Puri Dajuma, we were grateful to support this beautiful vision through heartfelt hospitality, oceanfront tranquility, and authentic West Bali experiences. We sincerely thank Jodi and her wonderful guests for allowing us to be part of this inspiring journey — and we look forward to welcoming REWILD back again soon.

A PEACEFUL CULTURAL ESCAPE TO PURA BATUKARU

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Last week, Susanne, one of our long-stay guests in Joglo Room, joined one of our cultural experience programs by visiting Pura Batukaru, one of Bali’s largest and most sacred temples, surrounded by lush rainforest and a deeply peaceful atmosphere.
As part of her slow travel journey in Bali, Susanne took the time not only to explore the temple area, but also to truly connect with the island’s spiritual and cultural essence. During the visit, she had the opportunity to experience a traditional prayer ceremony led directly by a local priest, allowing her to gain a deeper understanding of Balinese traditions, spirituality, and daily life.
More than simply visiting a destination, this experience invited her to slow down, embrace the serenity of nature, and appreciate the meaningful moments found within Bali’s local culture. The calm and tranquil atmosphere of the temple left a lasting impression on her, making the visit one of the most memorable highlights of her stay at Puri Dajuma Terrace, Eco-Lodge & Spa.
Through experiences like this, slow travel becomes more than a way of exploring — it becomes a way of feeling more connected to the people, culture, and spirit of Bali.

CELEBRATING SACRED HARMONY: ODALAN ON PURNAMA KEDASA

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A few days ago, on April 2nd, under the full moon of Purnama Kedasa, our temple hosted a beautiful Odalan ceremony, a meaningful Balinese Hindu celebration honoring the divine. The evening was filled with devotion, offerings, and the enchanting sounds of gamelan. Sacred dances added to the atmosphere, including the graceful Tari Rejang Dewa performed by local girls, and the welcoming Tari Panyembrama. Our guests were captivated by the authenticity and spirit of the ceremony, sharing in a unique cultural experience. As the night ended, a deep sense of peace and gratitude remained, reflecting Bali’s harmony between the spiritual and everyday life.

A TASTE OF BALI: OUTDOOR COOKING CLASS WITH NADIA’S GROUP

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There is something truly special about bringing people together through food, especially when it happens in a serene, open-air setting surrounded by nature. During their 9-day stay with us, the wonderful Nadia Yoga group embraced this experience wholeheartedly through a delightful cooking class. With a group of 8 participants, we curated a more intimate and immersive session by hosting the class outdoors. As the evening breeze set in, the cooking session began at 6:00 PM, creating the perfect ambiance for a hands-on culinary journey. The menu was thoughtfully selected to introduce the group to authentic Balinese flavors. Participants learned how to prepare sate lilit & jukut ares, a traditional Balinese dish rich in local ingredients and cultural heritage. Alongside this, they also crafted fresh lawar salad, crispy spring rolls, and the beloved Indonesian dessert, dadar gulung.
What made the experience truly unforgettable was the energy and enthusiasm of the group. Laughter, curiosity, and excitement filled the air as everyone worked together, chopping, mixing, and cooking under the open sky. For many, it was their first time experiencing a cooking class in such a natural setting, making it not just a lesson, but a cherished memory. Moments like these reflect the essence of what we aim to offer: meaningful experiences that connect people not only to local culture, but also to each other.