Tag Archive for: west bali

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.

A JOYFUL CELEBRATION OF INDONESIA’S 81ST INDEPENDENCE DAY

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Indonesia’s Independence Day is one of the most important celebrations of the year. Across the archipelago, every city and village comes alive with colorful decorations, festive parades, and traditional games that bring communities together in a spirit of joy, laughter, and unity. At Puri Dajuma Terrace, our guests—both children and adults—enthusiastically joined in the celebrations, enjoying classics such as the cracker-eating contest, the ball-in-the-box challenge, and the water relay, sharing unforgettable moments with our team. And the celebration continues! Tomorrow, the festive spirit moves to Puri Dajuma Beach, where even more fun, laughter, and memorable moments await.

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.

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!