Tag Archive for: west bali

HAPPY GALUNGAN & KUNINGAN DAY

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Galungan (June 17th) and Kunigan (June 27th) in West Bali: A Celebration of Tradition, Family, and Community
For the Balinese people, Galungan is much more than a religious holiday, it is a time when traditions come alive in every home, temple, and village across the island.
Preparations begin several days before Galungan, with families gathering to prepare special dishes that are not commonly cooked in everyday life. Traditional favorites include lawar, a ceremonial mixed dish. In West Bali, one of the most distinctive varieties is Lawar Klungah, made from young coconut shell. Families also prepare various types of satay, including sate tusuk (skewer meat) and sate lilit, many of which will later be offered as part of religious ceremonies.
Another unmistakable sign of Galungan is the erection of penjor, beautifully decorated bamboo poles placed in front of homes and temples. Temples are adorned with colorful fabrics and intricate ornaments crafted from coconut and palm leaves, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the island.
On Galungan Day itself, Balinese Hindus visit not only their family shrines but also village temples and places of work to offer prayers and gratitude. At Puri Dajuma, for example, employees come throughout the day to present offerings at the various shrines located around the resort, bringing the spirit of Galungan into every corner of the property.
Walking along Bali’s roads during Galungan is a truly memorable experience. Rows of elegant penjor sway gently in the breeze, creating one of the island’s most iconic and beautiful sights.
As the day draws to a close, many families spend time together enjoying the outdoors. Beaches become popular gathering places where people relax, watch the sunset, play in the sand, and fly kites with their children, simple moments that reflect the joy, togetherness, and gratitude at the heart of Galungan.
Selamat Hari Raya Galungan, may this sacred celebration bring peace, prosperity, and blessings to all.

A SLOW JOURNEY THROUGH WEST BALI

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In a world that moves fast, sometimes the most meaningful experiences come from slowing down.
Our newest experience, A Slow Journey Through West Bali, invites you to discover a different side of Bali, one filled with authentic local stories, natural beauty, and simple pleasures.
The journey begins at a peaceful cacao plantation, where guests can learn about different cacao varieties, pick fresh cacao fruits, and taste cacao straight from the tree. Surrounded by the tranquil atmosphere of rural West Bali, the experience is complemented by fresh young coconut water and traditional Balinese snacks.
From there, guests visit a local cacao processing facility to witness the fascinating transformation of cacao beans into cacao nibs, gaining insight into the craftsmanship behind every chocolate product. The adventure continues to the scenic Palasari Dam and the beautiful Sacred Heart Church of Palasari, a unique landmark where Balinese culture and Catholic heritage blend harmoniously. After lunch, the journey concludes at a local dragon fruit plantation, where guests can learn about the cultivation process and enjoy the fresh sweetness of the fruit directly from the farm. More than just a tour, this experience offers a chance to connect with the authentic soul of West Bali through its landscapes, flavours, and local traditions, one slow moment at a time.

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.

TRY SLOW TRAVEL AT DAJUMA

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The Slow Travel concept is gaining increasing importance in today’s tourism industry. But what does it really mean? In many ways, it’s a modern evolution of the old idea: “Don’t just get tanned, understand the place.” Slow Travel encourages guests to move away from mass tourism, where destinations are often experienced quickly and superficially. Instead, it invites travelers to take their time—exploring more deeply and meaningfully by connecting with local people, culture, and nature. This philosophy has been at the heart of Dajuma since its creation in 2002. Today, we are proud to take it even further with the opening of our second resort, Dajuma Terrace, nestled in the rice fields. Across both resorts, we offer a wide range of authentic experiences. One of our guests’ favorites is a scenic trek through the rice fields leading to the beautiful Sing Sing Waterfall. On the way back, a stop in a nearby village offers something truly special: a warm welcome from a local family, a delicious home-cooked lunch, and a glimpse into their daily life and traditions. Moments like these are rare, genuine, and deeply appreciated by our guests. Viva Slow Travel!

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.

OFFICIAL MAKEPUNG CALENDAR 2026

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The Makepung buffalo race is one of the most iconic cultural events in West Bali, celebrated with great pride by local communities near Puri Dajuma Beach.
Makepung, which means “to chase” in the local dialect, features pairs of water buffalo pulling decorated wooden chariots along a dirt track. These races are not just competitions but deeply rooted traditions that reflect the agricultural heritage of the region. Farmers devote exceptional care and attention to their buffaloes, feeding them special diets and maintaining their strength and health. The animals are often beautifully adorned with colorful harnesses, ornaments, and traditional decorations. Villages organize teams that proudly represent their community, creating a festive and highly anticipated rivalry. Music, cheering crowds, and traditional attire add to the vibrant atmosphere of the event. For the Balinese people, the race is also a celebration of gratitude for the buffaloes, which have long been essential partners in rice farming. The Makepung season usually takes place after the rice harvest, turning the countryside into a lively arena of culture and sport.

RELIGIOUS HARMONY IN WEST BALI

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West Bali is known not only for its beautiful landscapes and tranquil beaches, but also for the harmony among its diverse communities. In this peaceful region, different cultures and religions live side by side with mutual respect and understanding. Last week, this spirit of togetherness was visible as Ramadan and Chinese New Year were celebrated close to one another. In Jembrana, Confucian and Buddhist communities gathered at temples such as TITD Cung Ling Bio in Negara to celebrate the Lunar New Year. The temple was decorated in red and gold, and visitors — regardless of faith — came to offer greetings and share in the joy. Angpao and mandarin oranges were distributed as symbols of blessing and prosperity. At the same time, the Muslim community began observing Ramadan, a holy month of fasting, prayer, and reflection. In the evenings, families gather for iftar, and neighbors of different backgrounds often show their support by sharing food and warm wishes. Harmony in West Bali also includes the Hindu majority, whose daily offerings, temple ceremonies, and traditions form the spiritual rhythm of the island. It is common to see mosques, temples, and shrines standing within the same neighborhoods, reflecting peaceful coexistence. In Jembrana, diversity is not only acknowledged — it is embraced as a natural and beautiful part of everyday life.

MORE THAN A TREK: A LOCAL LIFE EXPERIENCE

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Lis and her husband, Soeren, are valued repeater guests from Denmark who have stayed with us at Dajuma Beach several times over the years. This year, after spending three nights at Dajuma Beach, they decided to continue their holiday with a three-night stay at Dajuma Terrace. During their stay, they chose one of our most popular activities, a waterfall trekking experience. Along the way, we encountered several local residents engaged in their daily activities, including harvesting rice in the fields. We also met an elderly woman, approximately 80 years old, who was working in the rice paddies. We approached her resting hut and had a brief conversation about her work and daily life. Afterward, we continued our journey toward the waterfall. This experience was deeply appreciated by the guests, as it allowed them to connect with the local community and see authentic village life up close, an unforgettable part of their journey.

SURFING AT DAJUMA

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Surfing at Dajuma Beach is simply ideal. The resort is bordered by two unspoiled beaches to the east and west, offering perfectly shaped waves for every level—from beginners to experienced surfers. If you’re not yet confident on a board, you’re in excellent hands with our Beach Manager, Jupry. Born in the neighboring fishing village, he has been surfing these waters his entire life. He appears in the right  photo, while the enthusiastic young local surfers in the left photo are equally eager to guide you out to sea.