Tag Archive for: tradition

Dajuma Cultural Experience: Jagatnatha Temples

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In Bali there are three famous public temples called Jagatnatha Temples respectively located in Denpasar, Buleleng and Jembrana regencies.
In Jembrana regency, it is situated in Negara City, 25 km from Dajuma. Its erection started in 1996 and was completed in 2002. This one has several specific features compared with the others: a very beautiful architecture and, above all, a 40 meters high « Padmasana » (looking like a tower), which makes it the highest among the three temples. In this temple the people worships Sang Hyang Jagatnatha as the king and the protector of the Universe. The most important ceremony is held once a year (second full moon of Balinese calendar), the Hindu people prays in this temple not only during the temple ceremony but also in other holy days. In the Nista Mandala (outside area) of the temple there is an open stage that is usually used for performing Balinese dances, traditional music and other arts. It also has a beautiful garden. Jembrana government is currently developing a 5.4 hectares piece of land, behind the JagatnathaTemple, as a botanical garden which is still under construction and is targeted to be completed by the end of this year. A holy place which definitively deserves to be visited next time you decide to come over!

Dajuma Experience: Genuine Balinese Food

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One of our “Dajuma Experiences” particularly appreciated by our guests is a lunch in the pure Balinese tradition. We prepare this unique experience on the occasion of our farming and plantation tours. For the farming tour, the lunch takes place in the middle of the rice fields as shown on the picture, whereas, for the plantation one, the pique-nique is held in the mountain with a breathtaking view of the ocean. In both cases, the food is prepared and cooked by our local friends from the nearby villages. The various foods that are served are really like what the local people are serving at home for their family. In the rice farming tour the dishes are presented in the “Kubu” (small gazebo) and guest really enjoy a delicious lunch with beautiful scenery and fresh air of the rice terraces. When do you plan to come over?

BALINESE WEDDING: A UNIQUE CULTURAL EXPERIENCE

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Among cultural experiences offered to our guests there is one which is particularly appreciated: the participation to a local wedding. This is what happened last week to Robert and Janett from Germany who were invited to the wedding ceremony of Agus and Tina, a few kilometers from Dajuma. Agus completed his training as waiter at Dajuma last year. Our front desk staff helped Robert and Janett wear the traditional dressing. They enjoyed a lot this important moment of sharing. Congratulations to the newlyweds !

CULTURAL PARADE OF WEST BALI

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Last week, a few kilometers from Dajuma, took place in Negara, the capital city of the Regency of Jembrana, a cultural festival giving the opportunity to all surroundings villages to celebrate Balinese traditions, among them the clothing is particularly important.
The highlight of the event was on September 1st with the Annual Cultural Parade of West Bali involving various artists not only from Jembrana but also from other regencies in Bali, some of them also came from Java.
This year the government invited the tourism associations to involve the tourists to be the part of the parade. This is what happened to our guests so excited to participate in this event and get a chance to wear the traditional Balinese clothes.
On the above picture (left to right) beautifully dressed: Aron, Antje, Laurenz, Sofia, Youssef, Dayu, Andreas and friend of Andreas. You look great guys!

JOGED BUMBUNG DANCE AT DAJUMA

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Last week in Dajuma took place an evening show featuring the famous traditional Balinese dances accompanied by the Gamelan Jegog orchestra. Born in West Bali a few kilometers from Dajuma, the gamelan jegog is one of the most impressive sounding ensembles in the world. It is an orchestra of bamboo marimbas, with keys (tubes) ranging from small to gigantic. The largest tubes, up to three meters long, are used for the bass jegog, for which the ensemble is named. The vibrations created by the instruments are transmitted through the ground to your own body, creating a unique feeling of wellness. At the end of the show, the guests are invited to dance on the stage the other famous Joged Bumbung dance. A nice moment of sharing!

DAJUMA FAMILY, TOGETHERNESS IN A CULTURE

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In Balinese beliefs, each house must have at least one temple which acts as a shield against bad spirits and evils. Dajuma does not escape to this nice tradition: last wednesday our staff decided to organise a ceremony in honor of one of our temple “Penunggun Karang” located in front of the lobby. The ceremony must be held a specific day which name is Budha Kliwon Ugu, all Hindu people in Bali celebrating their temples the same day.
At the end of the ceremony they shared one of the offerings called “Rayunan”. This is a special offering that is made in a big basket which looks like a Balinese Rijsttafel.
From left to richt on the picture: Suarbawa (Housekeeping), Agus (Front desk), Padmi and Leli (Waitresses), Kadek (Priest & Manager), Punya (Security), Putu (Gardener) and, standing up, Gusalit (Assistant GM).

BEAUTIFUL KITES

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Another beautiful tradition in Bali is the kite celebration. Every year mainly in July and August, Bali sky is covered of these colorful kites driven by kids as well as by adults. The kite in Bali has a strong meaning: it is not only a hobby for Balinese but also a link to the sky and a way to say thank you to the Gods for what they do for the humans. At the moment, in all villages, everybody is preparing his kite for the various competitions which will take place this year from the beginning of July until the end of October (http://www.bali-indonesia.com/magazine/bali-kites-festival.htm).
Dajuma is no exception to the rule: on the beach where the wind is just ideal, village’ kids train themselves in view of the next competition and are also glad to initiate our guests. You should not miss it: it is just unbelievable because some kites are sometimes 10 meters long! Just crazy!

HAPPY WEDDING OF OUR COLLEAGUE GUSALIT

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Last week took place a happy event in the nice village of Gumbrih close to Dajuma: the wedding of our colleague Gusalit with the lovely Dian from Singaraja. According to the tradition, all Dajuma staff was invited in Gusalit’s family house to congratulate the young weds in a warm and joyful atmosphere. Congratulations again dear Gusalit and Dian !

Balinese floral decoration

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Among many other special customs, Bali is the place in the world where the know-how of floral decorations is probably at the top! Made from flowers, bamboo, coconut or banana leaves, these decorations adorn houses and temples in Bali and many of our guests make the most of their stay with us by learning about this beautiful tradition. This is what happened last week with family Liertz from Germany whose father is learning from our staff as shown on the picture.

OFFERINGS TO THE GODS

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Bali is a beautiful island, full of history and culture. Among all its traditions, there is one consisting in making offerings to the gods that surprises most tourists. Three times a day, the Balinese meticulously prepare charming small baskets called “Canang Sari” made from young coconut leaves and filled with rice and flowers. Once prepared these Canang Sari are put in two different places : on the floor to repel evil spirits who live in the sea which is the home to demons and ogres and in temples to thank the good spirits.
But what exactly is the meaning of this ritual?
It gives back what has been given to the people by the Gods. It is a sharing based on gratitude to the richness of life. Offerings appease the spirits and bring prosperity and good health to the family. It is a duty and an honour at the same time, and in Balinese perspective a very natural way to maintain a good relationship between people and spirits.
On the picture, our guest and friend Astrid from Holland, learns how to make these offerings with the attentive help of Anom in charge of the garden at Dajuma.