VEGAN RAW FOOD REVOLUTIONMADE GRIYAWAN WORLD OF ARTTHE PEMUTERAN COASTAMED IN THE WET

NYEPI HOW TO REINVENT A TRADITION

UbudLifeguide to ubud & beyond, bali lifestyle, people, arts, yoga, spirit, culture and cuisine

NO. 26 • MARCH - MAY 2016

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Ibu Rai, as she was well known to many travelers in the 60’s, was born 1925. She sold food and her “Warung” became quite famous, even

travel books recommended it as place to find safe and good quality food for foreigners. Her son, Dewa Gede, opened a restaurant in 1986 at family land and as a tribute to his mother courage and enterprise, called it Ibu Rai Restaurant. He carries on his mother’s. Our restaurant

is specially selected for nutrition and natural flavors using the best and freshest ingredients. All are carefully presented and with

friendly service. “Hope you enjoy our food with taste of Asian Spices”.

72 Monkey Forest Street Ubud Bali | +62 361 973472restaurant@iburai.com | www.iburai.com

UbudLife MAG

Cover photo by Ayu Sekar

These gay jukungs in Amed are the fishermen’s pride and joy. They can be hired to watch a sunrise or take to the sea for a hour or two.

EDITOR’S NOTE Like Us! facebook.com/ubudlifemagz

Om Swastiastu,

The thing with a quarterly is that it is difficult to remain topical. With our failed monsoon and crazy heat, as one tries to think through the haze of heat and humidity, one wonders what this lovely new year will bring.It is said to be a year that heralds change and lets hope that it will. Some change for the best are badly needed, with more kindness and less craziness, and bad decisions from politicians everywhere.

Closer to home, we approach the Balinese New year. After gorgeous Galungan has passed, Nyepi, the day of silence approaches. The Balinese greet their new year somewhat more meditatively than people of the west. Instead of the wild celebrations that accompany a typical western New year, here we are greeted with silence.

Of course, the night before Nyepi is always raucous, as the bad spirits are chased out of town, terrified with Ogoh Ogoh and loud bangs from handmade bamboo bang boxes, but the actual day is completely silent. The idea is to trick the spirits into thinking that everyone has left the island. No lights, no cooking fires, no loud noise. And While traditionally, People spoke in only whispers, One suspects the younger generation are less likely to follow with quite the same enthusiasm. A more worldly youth is not always a good thing, but it is called progress.

So this issue we bring you as usual a veritable pot pourri of stories that we hope you will enjoy, with something for everybody who has an interest in Bali and more particularly Ubud! We hope you will enjoy our first issue for 2016 and we wish you a belated Happy New year, first time!

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti Om

THE EDITOR

editorubudlife-gsb team

creative graphic designerdedito ssn.

photographeri gusti ketut windia

sales and marketingketut muliartani

financeyukmang susilawati

distributionubudlife-gsb team

publisherGSB (gemini studio bali)jalan gunung tangkuban perahu III/4, denpasar barat - bali 80361p: 0361 8495479, 0361 8447982e: sales@geministudio-bali.comw: www.ubudlife.com

directorputu santosa

views expressed are not necessarily those of the editor’s and publisher’s. all material copyright ©2010 (gsb) gemini studio bali. the publisher will not be held responsible for copyright infringerment on images supplied by advertiser and, or contributors.

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44 VEGAN RAW FOODREVOLUTION

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66 THE PEMUTERAN COAST

contents

74 AMED IN THE WET56

BALI BATIK STUDIOPEJENG

34 MADE GRIYAWAN26 NYEPI: HOW TO REINVENTA TRADITION

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Divine! Simply DivineThe new divine wine bar at Bridges is …simply Divine! Loacted at the level beneath the restaurant, it looks out over the same sublime view of the Wos River and the old Campuhan Bridge, hence the restaurant name.

Not only does the new wine bar feature an excellent

selection of fine wines, but they also offer great cocktails, many with innovative new mixes. Best of all, Divine has its own purpose built kitchen. With a menu created by Executive Chef Miles, it features easy to eat selections, like smoked Tasmanian Salmon, Parma Ham with Gruyere Bread sticks, Pate de Fois, with a great grape dip, and even a specialty fondue. The menu is full of delicious offerings, which you just want to try.

Divine Fridays is now held here in the Wine bar where guests can still enjoy sampling specially selected bottle wines by the glass for a special price together with delicious paired canapés. It is a treat!

Divine Wine Bar at Bridges, Jl Raya Campuhan, by the old bridge.

happenings around ubud

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TriOriginally from East Bali, Ketut Tri Suda Pala is one of the island’s most sough-after natural healers. Not only does Tri have strong healing powers, but he also has a strong passion for environmental activism, permaculture, and traditional medicine. He has taught permaculture and herbal medicine at the Green School, and also teaches traditional medicine at the Nursing School of Gianyar.

He Graduated from the Ayurveda Health Study Program in Indonesia’s Hindu University and now devotes his time to healing. He uses herbal medicine, acupuncture, acupressure, and his specialty, pranic healing.

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Bridges Hosts a New Photo ExhibitionNew Zealand born Bali resident David Metcalf will be presenting a Photo Exhibition at Bridges restaurant Themed “A Love Affair With Asia”. This exhibition showcases 24 beautiful images of nature, people, and cultures across Asia. The launching event will be on Wednesday, 2 March, and the exhibition opens until 31 August 2016.

The 25 Exhibits show of Metcalf’s work over the past four years. While the majority of the Images are of Bali, the exhibition will also include other parts of Indonesia as well as Myanmar and India, including Nagaland.

“ I have travelled extensively in Asia over the past few years and I believe my photographs express my respect, connection and love of some of the people and places I have had the pleasure of visiting”.

The exhibition opens at Bridges on  March 2nd  6.30 pm and it will run for six months until August 31st.  Any of the photos can be purchased with 20%of the sales going to support Dave’s education and cultural awareness programs in Borneo.

Bridges, from 2nd March 2016, Jl. Raya Campuhan, Ubud

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Cata OdataWithin Ubud’s constantly evolving artscape, galleries and art spaces come and go. Cata Odata, a new artist driven space located in Penestanan, introduces a fresh model of art infrastructure to Bali. Artist and gallery management, artist in residency programs, internships along with exhibitions and a community space for discussions and workshops combined with a bold future vision.

The space is the brainchild of two East Javanese: Ratna Odata, a theatre design and management freelancer who has worked in Bali, Jakarta and Singapore, and Djunaidi Kenyut

with 15 years experience as an exhibiting artist, as well as managing arts events and spaces both in Bali and Surabaya. The pair reunited in Ubud to realize a shared dream.

Born in 2014, Cata Odata’s main goal is to promote Indonesian artists who are based in East Java and Bali while encouraging global connections and exchanges between artists and the community.

Upcoming 2016 events include the solo exhibition by Balinese artist Rio Saren, a photography exhibition by photographers from Jakarta, art workshops led by local artists, and the Bare Journal #3 artist in residency program.

www.cataodata.com, Facebook: Cata Odata, Tel: 081212126096

Located opposite the Pura Dalem temple in Penestanan Kelod, look for the white two story building.

Antonius Kho Exhibits in VietnamAntonious Kho will hold a solo exhibition in Vietnam at La Maison Art & Amp; Wine Club, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Vietnam. It will run from 28 February to 31 March 2016. It is organised by Himiko Visual Spaces, Vietnam.

This is my first exhibition in Vietnam, although he has already exhibited in many Asian countries including Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia , Malaysia, China, India and the Philippines. The exhibition will display 25 of his latest paintings. These small 40 x 20 cm or 20 x 20 cm works have the theme, Faces. Faces that is all over in the life of me all this time, the faces that are solid, full of ornament. Ones life shows in the face itself , which is why portraits are always so popular.

info@antoniuskho.com (“Mariya girl”) +62818496247

SO You Want to be A volunteer?Every year millions of people visit Bali and fall in love with the island, the culture and the people. But even in the midst of all the beauty, it is clear to most who visit that there is a

vast disparity in wealth here, and that there are many Balinese people stuck in a cycle of poverty that they may not be able to escape, mainly due to a lack of education. For those who want to support local communities here and help stop the cycle of poverty, Volunteer Programs Bali offers opportunities for real change.

Volunteer Programs Bali is an Ubud-based international volunteer organisation that provides free English classes and other activities for underprivileged children in Bali. They also offer workshops and events for local communities, provide donations to villages and temples, offer scholarships for students, and assist with job opportunities for locals who otherwise might not have a chance to get ahead. All programs are designed with the utmost respect for Balinese traditions and values, and aim to inspire and empower local people.

Since its inception, VP Bali has placed thousands of volunteers in safe, supportive and sustainable programs that allow them to give back through education, whilst being immersed in authentic Balinese culture. Volunteers can opt for four different teaching programs, two of which are based in Ubud; one in Karangasem; and one for children with special needs. Each program includes a volunteer prep kit prior to arrival that includes information about Bali and the organisation; shared accommodation in a homestay; airport transfers; a local SIM card; and 24-hour support from the VP Bali team.

While in Bali, volunteers will teach after-school classes for children from families of all socio-economic levels. The programs use the EAL curriculum, which has been designed for consistency and routine, but teachers are also encouraged to bring their own skills and talents into the lessons including art,

Due to the sheer number of children taking part in the free classes, VP Bali is always happy with new volunteers who apply to make a difference in the lives of these kids. All registration and program fees go towards accommodation and transportation for volunteers, teaching materials, VP Bali staff wages and health care, program expansion, and direct support to Balinese communities in the form of scholarships, workshops and local employment. The organisation cannot accept direct donations of money, but those who want to contribute can donate materials via their Kid’s Wish List or sponsor individual students for scholarships.

www.volunteerprogramsbali.org

music and dance. This way both students and teachers have fun, which enriches the learning experience and allows for a great deal of inspiration for all.

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Bali Spirit FestivalThe 9th annual BaliSpirit Festival, a Global

Celebration of Yoga, Dance & Music – March 29 until April 3, 2016, is maintaining its reputation as one of the top festivals in the world.

The BaliSpirit Festival is a celebration of the richness of culture, the sanctity of the environment, and harmony between people of all nations.

BaliSpirit Festival differ the program as daytime and nighttime program. Daytime program offers yoga classes, healing huts, meditations, Dharma Fair (market), and dance classes. Aside from the daytime program, BaliSpirit Festival’s vibrant night concerts inspire visitors from all over the world to rave about the quality and diversity of world music. The Festival’s after-dark lineup is powered by extraordinary musicians and dancers who encourage conscious living and well-being for individuals in communities around the world.

Drawing in a global audience of 7000 from over 50 countries, the tranquil town of Ubud in Bali will be transformed into an internatioal cornucopia of world music and yogic fun. The One World Night Music Stage brings together music and traditions from every corner of the planet, staying true to the festival's message of peace, love and positivity, combines genres such as world, folk & electronica, with traditional and modern dance and physical theatre on two stages.

Alongside workshops and the organic-healthy Dharma Fair market, the daytime events also feature Healing Huts - a healing village, a Kids Zone and a community music stage which showcases Indonesian and global musicians throughout the day, creating a dynamic and captivating festival vibe.

CELEBRATIONS

For year 2016, BaliSpirit Festival also moves to a new daytime program location in Bhanuswari Resort and Spa, Ubud-Bali. Hidden away in the southern foothills of Bali, just a short 10-minute drive from Ubud city center, Bhanuswari Resort & Spa gives new meaning to the word “tranquility”. The breathtaking beauty of terraced rice fields, towering coconut trees, natural spring-fed streams and luscious flowering gardens envelop this perfectly secluded sanctuary of peace.

BaliSpirit Festival is a global collaboration on love, harmony and positivity. Check http://www.balispiritfestival.com to get the updates for our next Festival!

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NYEPI:HOW TO REINVENT A TRADITIONby jean couteau • images ayu sekar

If you have lived for some time in Indonesia, you have certainly been

warned. On the ninth of March comes the day of silence, Nyepi. This day, you keep quiet. No walking or driving around, no cooking, no light. Nothing but silence. You are not allowed to visit friends. You are not even supposed to make love, even though your wife does not cook and the light is off. Last but not least, Bali is totally cut from the world: no flights in, no flights out.

Of course, if you come to Bali, with its reputation of being an exotic land of smiling people, you are ready to “understand”, to accept the fact that the Balinese do indeed have their own spiritual demands. Who knows? Perhaps you came to Bali on a spiritual tour, to purchase at a good price the “Wisdom of the East?” If so, there are chances that you are residing in Ubud, which has handsome gurus who, among

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CULTURE

other services, churn out wisdom and art as other Asians do cars. Perhaps one has even sold to you that Nyepi is to become an International – I insist on the word—day of silence, which would be good for ecology and enable mother Earth to better awaken her kundalini. So it feels good to support Nyepi.

It is viewed by visitors to Bali, especially if they are agnostic, as something ‘extraordinary’, a ‘deep sign of spirituality’. Oh dear! But one thing is sure. If Nyepi had been invented not to celebrate the jolly gods of Balinese tradition, but the old Semitic God of international fame, it would be much less popular than it is today in those same circles. And not without good reasons: it is indeed easier to deal with the lesser deities who live in your back garden (teba), that with a God that is all too Encompassing for your own safety. But that is another story.

Let us go back to Nyepi. The main problem with this ceremony as it exists today, is that it is not all ‘genuine’ anymore. Because even though it is not an invention – it is deeply rooted in history - many of its contemporary aspects - including the fantastic Ngrupuk procession on its eve- are invented tradition.

The expression “invented tradition” is not mine. It came from British Erci Hobsbawn and some 30 years ago – he wrote, I have forgotten the title of the article---that the most famous British traditions – the queens defiles and similar royal paraphernalia etc—were not authentic traditions at all, but symbolic manipulation that aimed at constructing a meaningful past for Britain’s gullible people.

I don’t mean to say that the Balinese are gullible and that everything in Nyepi has been invented. Nyepi indeed opens the New Year of the Balinese lunar-solar Saka calendar, at it comes back every year on the day following the dark moon of the kedasa month. It will fall this year on the 9th of March, which will open the year 1938 of the Saka era. This Saka era, dates back to the conquest of Northern India by the Scythian king Kanishka, in 78 AD and is still in use in some parts of India.

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Nyepi has become a key definer of Balinese identity. Until roughly thirty years ago, while it was already a day of silence, this silence was relative, because it was not compulsory: you could cross the road to visit a friend, keep the lights on, watch a telenovela on the TV, and generally have fun – such as playing Chinese dominos, or engage in plays with your wife after she had finished cooking. Nyepi was no big thing.

And then, somehow, it all changed. Village guards (pecalang) dressed in Balinese attire, started appearing all over the place. They would see to it that you stayed home, did not ride your bike, and hid the light of your house. A few years ago, television went blank too. Luckily, until today, these pecalang still don’t check what you and your wife are doing, even though she is not cooking, but who knows? It could soon change. So, the fact is that now, the only people allowed to utilize the road on Nyepi are those heading for the hospital, plus of course the pecalang and a few doctors.

Unsurprisingly, the change in Nyepi was accompanied with a change in language. Thirty years ago, the only word one knew was Nyepi, it was all. No one, apart a few priests, cared about the theological foundations of the event. But twenty years ago, explanations of the event started coming out in the press. To make silence (=nyepi) was explained, and the wording was not in daily modern Balinese but in Middle-Balinese, the language used two or three hundred years ago: one was now supposed to amati geni (no fire) amati pekaryan (no work--it is unclear whether love-making is part of it), amati lelungaan (no travel) lelangon (no pleasure --it is unclear whether love-making is a pleasure)…It was an explanation that what rooted in and justified by “history”, by the Words of the Origin. Isn’t it interesting? Just like there are Moslems who try to live by rules based on a fourteen centuries old text, there are Balinese who

reshape there rites in accordance with the demands of a long dead language --dead, hence sacred of course! Not to mention those who go back to the Indian Veda for similar purposes; but this will be the topic of another article.

Yet, not everything is ‘fundamentalist’ in the new Nyepi. The ngrupuk parade on the night before Nyepi is something new too. Until the 1980s or so, there were no giants and others monsters taken along the roads in noise and music. Of course, like now, demons were to be given an ultimate farewell in wait for the day of silence, but this was done by children using the dry beating of bamboo sticks. No demonic figures, no horrific microbes, no rock’n’ roll singing monsters. No signs of modernity.

This is the word. The reinvention of tradition new Nyepi is as much a sign of modernity as are tourists, television and cars.

Revival of identity is indeed an important component of today’s Balinese modernity. How could it not be. Land is purchased by alien money, population moving in drove to tourist resorts, foreign men and women hunt Balinese beaus and belles, and Western music is making deep inroads in the land of gong and gamelan. Almost all land is no more Balinese and all Balinese are no more actors of a unique culture.

If another proof of the unavoidability of change is needed, ask around yourself . Who still know when Nyepi silence begins? At night? Certainly not! Then leak rule over the land. The day of Nyepi comes with the rising of the sun, on the fifth, and last until the following rising of the sun, on the sixth.

If the Balinese have lost knowledge of their notion of time, isn’t it yet another sign that the times have truly changed.

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WORLD OF ART

MADEGRIYAWANby richard horstman • images ayu sekar

“I have been gifted with a curious mind,” says Balinese artist Made Griyawan. “Since I was a child I have always been inquisitive and driven to seek out my own answers to life. As I grew in awareness important questions provoked me. Who am I? Why am I here, and what for?”

“For my answers I look to the world around me, along with reflecting on the world within. I observe people’s behaviour, the rhythms of nature, and learn. I have become a dedicated student in the school of life.”

Made Griyawan is no ordinary artist; he is one of the finest practitioners of

the Batuan “School” of Balinese traditional painting. A deeply spiritual man, through his art he shares his values and wisdoms. “Religious perspectives determine how we are different, the spiritual, however reveals that we are all one. This is an empowering philosophy,” Griyawan says.

Born in 1980 in Batuan Griyawan has succeeded in depicting the religious narratives and localized fables of his culture into beautiful paintings that pulsate with life, and are defined by his own signature style. His imagination and ability to create anew, old narratives, as well as innovative storylines challenges Balinese convention, and sets him apart from his peers.

Batuan is situated on a plain flanked by two rivers in the southern central region of Bali, 15 minutes south of Ubud. It’s earliest known record is a royal decree dated 1022. Over the past 3 centuries its artists have played a vital role in performing the rituals of the state that were in high demand from the royal courts of the kingdom of Gianyar. To fulfil the requirements of these ceremonies they became proficient in music, dance, craving and painting. The high concentration of

artists in Banjar Pekandelan, the central part of the area, and previously home to the King’s artists, remains a unique characteristic of Batuan today.

Batuan paintings are held with special esteem within the context of Balinese art. They have endured and evolved through the highs and lows of the ever-changing social, economic and political climate that has shaped the island during the past 85 years. Beginning in the early 1930’s, when foreign influences were instrumental in the changing course of traditional painting, the village artists began to develop a unique style of their own.

Often dark and moody sketches in black Chinese ink, the compositions were generally dense and crowded. The colour ranged from the pure white of the paper or canvas to deeply saturated dark tones, together creating striking contrasts. The imagery, layered in patterns, appeared to pulsate in visual rhythms out from the painting in waves of swirling motion. In the 1970’s the style was revolutionized, the compositions became larger, highly detailed, dynamic and colourful with universal themes. Of all the genres of Balinese modern traditional painting that evolved from commercial demand, this style is

the most internationally renowned. It is Made Griyawan’s cultural inheritance.

Lineage and the master pupil relationship has played an important role in the development of Batuan painting. The youngest of three boys, all of who followed in footsteps of their father, the accomplished painter Wayan Taweng (1926-2005), Griyawan was sketching and painting at an early age. Taweng himself trained under one of the foremost artists of Batuan, Nyoman Ngendon (1903-1936).

Drawing is the fundamental element of the paintings, after which Griyawan adds layers of colour, and then completes the work with fine black outlines. The visual impact is strengthened by the relationship of colours, soft yellows and blues, for example, exist side-by-side, conflicting and vibrating against one another. He is sensitive to adding

rhythmic black lines that define seascapes and landscapes creating life and motion. Yet all the while the atmosphere is calming; in these works it is Griyawan’s own personal spirit that comes shining through.

The storyline however, is often of the most interest. They may come from his own person experience and beliefs that he transforms into narratives that involve one or two central characters, often a person or sage who are engaged in the challenges of life and commit to a journey seeking higher knowledge. Recently, both social and environmental themes have been a focus. Humour is selectively introduced and plays a vital role in his narratives, which then become playful and light hearted. “I want to make paintings with messages for humanity and of how we must look forward into the future positively,” Griyawan says. “I want them to be soothing and to bring people peace.”

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Significant change in Griyawan’s art occurred in 2009. Having fulfilled a sense of competency, stylistically and technically he was determined to explore themes that were more personal, and hence more meaningful as well. As an artist this is where Griyawan began to reveal maturity beyond his age. “As I grow older and more dedicated to my spiritual practise I have become clearer in body and mind; my intuition has become more finely tuned. As a result I am able to receive answers to my questions about life. I then translate these into my work.”

The sense of community is one of the foundations of the Balinese culture, and indeed the art community as well. Griyawan is constantly socially active, not only building networks, yet sharing his skills and good will. In 2012 responding to a belief that Batuan painting was in decline, he, along with other artists were instrumental in the formation of a new art collective: the Baturulangan Artist’s Association. There has been a resurgence of Batuan painting and this has been evident in three stunning exhibitions in the museums of Ubud since 2012.

A regular finalist in one of Indonesia’s most respected art awards, the UOB Painting of the Year Award, Griyawan has just completed a series of 20 paintings on paper for exhibitions in Tokyo in October 2016. Japanese art lovers have long embraced Balinese painting and over the years Griyawan has made many Japanese friends. He will participate in two events, the Tokyo Art Fair where he will exhibit

along with giving painting demonstrations. Following this Griyawan’s first solo exhibition will be held at the Omotesando Hills Gallery in Tokyo.

www.madegriyawan.com

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FRESH! SPA AD

words • image ayu sekar

Every year on the days following Kuningan, the hamlets in the deeper recesses of Karangasem burst into flower as the girls perform exotic renditions of the sacred Rejang dance.

Vegan Raw Food Revolution

by stephanie • images ayu sekar

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For years now Ubud has been a haven for vegans and raw

food revolutionaries who want fresh healthy cuisine minus the meat and animal products. In fact we’re absolutely blessed with an abundance of restaurants and cafes that strive to offer super nutritious plant-based dishes that not are not only good for you, but taste good too. Whether you’ve cut out animal products completely, or just want a spectacular meal sans meat, these are our top picks for stellar spots that are taking vegan and raw food to a whole new level.

UBUD FOOD

MOKSAHow many places do you know of where you can sit down for a meal and gaze out at the exact spot where your food came from? Welcome to Moksa, a gorgeous vegan and raw food restaurant surrounded by expansive permaculture gardens, rice fields and subak system streams.

Moksa is the brainchild of I Made Janur and Chef I Made Runatha, both formerly from Fivelements. When they set out to create a restaurant, they knew they wanted to do something different, something community-based, sustainable, and focused on living foods.

Approximately 50 to 70 per cent of the food used in the Moksa kitchen comes directly from their gardens, and each dish is plant-based, only slightly heated if at all, and expertly prepared by Chef Made in a variety of innovative and intensely flavourful ways.

Your meal could include dishes like the Jackfruit Tacos with meaty shredded and amply spiced jackfruit in a crispy corn shell with tomato salsa and coconut sour cream, or the Asam Laksa Noodle with barbecued seitan, char siew tofu and a plethora of crunchy veggies in a tangy and fiery broth.

The food at Moksa is cleverly created to bring the most out of the pure ingredients. However, unlike some other raw food places, the vibe here is extremely laid-back and utterly unpretentious. You won’t find a ‘healthier than thou’ attitude, and chances are you’ll be greeted by name after just one visit.

Made Janur says, “Eating is a personal choice, so we’re not preaching. We’re just a restaurant serving plant-based food.” Chef Made Runatha echoes this sentiment and adds,

“The restaurant is just about sharing what we have, not all about making money. I really believe that this type of food can heal, and we want people who come here to be happy and healthy.”

Puskesmas Ubud II, Gang Damai, Ubudwww.moksaubud.com

FRESH at TAKSULocated on a quiet corner on the southern stretch of Jalan Goutama, Taksu consists of lovely terraces and pavilions spilling down the side of a jungle-clad ravine. Best known as a holistic healing hotspot for their rejuvenating spa sessions and yoga classes, they are also garnering rave reviews for Fresh, their newest raw food and vegan restaurant set in a tranquil garden.

The menu, created by Chef Arif, includes inspired creations made with organic produce sourced from Taksu’s own gardens on site and small organic farms that they have partnered with. Each dish is artfully created using only vegan ingredients, and nothing is heated over 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 degrees Celsius).

The culinary creations at Fresh include the Mini Lasagna piled high with vibrant layers of zucchini, sun-dried tomato marinara, almond pesto and citrus salad, the Avocado Tartare with crunchy peppers, fragrant coriander leaves and cashew cream cheese, and the Mini Tacos with baby romaine, walnut carnitas, cashew chipotle and organic heirloom tomatoes.

For those with a sweet tooth, Fresh offers a range of desserts and treats like the Kaffir Lime Tart with ginger coconut crumb and pina colada fruits and the Strawberry Cheesecake with cashew lime cream cheese, fresh strawberries and fruit coulis. You can also peruse the display case for different flavours of organic chocolate from the Ubud Raw Chocolate Factory.

Jalan Goutama Selatan, Ubudwww.taksuspa.com

GARDEN KAFE at THE YOGA BARNThe Yoga Barn has become an iconic institution in Ubud with all manner of yoga classes packing out pretty much all day, every day of the week. But what many people may not know is that the site is also home to a cute little garden cafe that serves up some mean living raw vegan food.

The setting here is picturesque with tables looking out over the gardens, terraced lawn, and the amphitheatre of The Yoga Barn. You’ll find plenty of yoga peeps chilling out after their classes, as well as foodies looking for a healthy fix.

Settle in at one of the wooden tables under an umbrella and start with a Super Anti-Oxidant Shake or a Liver Detox Shot with carrot and turmeric. Then you have your choice of a Breakfast Bowl filled with nutritious ingredients like fresh fruit, oats and seeds, or if it’s after 11am, an Organic Salad, Raw Coconut Green Curry or the Tricolour Soba Plate to name just a few options.

The Garden Kafe also specialises in Ayurvedic cuisine, which is associated with their Kush Ayurvedic Rejuvenation and Detox programs and can be customised for your unique body and mind type. Examples of their Ayurvedic dishes include the Red Lentil Dahl with whole wheat chapati and the hearty Kitcheree Mrdu stew with organic rice, split yellow lentils and a mild spice blend.

Jalan Raya Pengosekan, Ubudwww.theyogabarn.com/healingfoods

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SAGENew to the Nyuh Kuning hood is Sage, an eclectic vegan restaurant where the vibe is contemporary and chic, yet still super cosy, and the food is a fabulous mash-up of different spices and flavours influenced by the owners’ travels around the globe. The underlying concept is good, clean food made with local and organic products and prepared from scratch and by hand.

Step inside Sage and you enter a space with bright white walls, inviting wooden tables and cushioned benches next to huge circular windows. Soaring ceilings allow air to flow through, and the massive windows let in plenty of natural light.

The menu features a fusion of unique flavours and cooking styles. Take for example the Tempeh Buffalo Wings made with crunchy corn-crusted tempeh served with a creamy vegan ranch and piquant buffalo sauce, or the Lonestar Sandwich with smoky marinated baked tofu topped with lettuce, sliced tomato, pickles and chipotle mayonnaise on homemade flatbread.

The veggie bowls and salads are also particularly good value, as you get a huge bowl teeming with fresh ingredients like baked purple sweet potatoes, steamed cauliflower, tofu, spinach and sautéed carrots. Be sure to check out their dessert board too for delish after-dinner treats.

Jalan Nyuh Bulan, Nyuh Kuning, Ubudwww.facebook.com/sagerestobali/

EXPLORE UBUD Welcome to the second edition of 90-pages, pocket size Free Guidebook is sown and circulated February 2016 and

published quarterlyby Gemini Studio

Bali DesignCommunication

For further information and advertising booking please contact:Email: sales@geministudio-bali.com • Mobile: 087 86228 3535

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by ibu kat • image ibu kat, windia

ARTISANAL SEA SALT – Bali is changing at warp speed, and many traditional

occupations are quickly disappearing. In the space of just a few years young Balinese are turning their backs on generations of farming, fishing, silver smithing and wood carving. They’d rather spend their days working in a spa or restaurant where it’s easier to recharge their smart phones, or in the more lucrative construction industry.

Up on the remote coast of north Bali there’s been a long tradition of extracting salt from the sea. It’s very hot, hard work and the returns are small. About 20 families in the community of Les each use one of the salt works along the rocky shore. These are neat squares of earth with a high woven bamboo basket filter in the middle. The salt makers rake the earth very finely, carry it to the filter and tamp it down firmly.

Then sea water is carried up from the shore in heavy buckets and poured into the filter or, if the family has enough money for petrol, pumped up using an ancient generator. The salt water is drawn through the earth in the filter by gravity and drips into a catchment tank; from there it’s transferred by hand with a small bucket into flat, shallow plastic-lined drying chambers. Until about five years ago the farmers used hollow coconut logs to dry the salt but this technique is faster and more salt can be dried with each batch. See saltofthesea@weebly.com for pictures of the ancient salt-making process.

It takes about 3 days to make each batch of salt and in dry weather every farmer can produce about 500 kilograms a month. The salt is sold to an agent who pays the farmers Rp 3,000/kg so they make about Rp 1.5 juta a month. But they can only farm salt for about 7 months a year because of the weather and other work, and once their costs are deducted the monthly income over a year is less than Rp 800,000 --- about US$ 80. This is less than half of the average minimum wage for Bali.

About 18 months ago American-born Indonesian Rucina Ballinger began to come to Les each week to manage a project, and took an interest in the salt farmers. Working with volunteers in Ubud, a strategy was developed to help enhance their income.

Rucina buys salt from them for Rp 5,000/kg and brings it to Ubud where it’s further dehydrated in big pans over a gas flame. Helpers package it in ziplock plastic bags which are tucked into drawstring muslin pouches and decorated with an attractive label for retail. Adding value by improving the product, designing packaging and providing a bridge to market has significantly increased farmers’ income. When the salt is packaged and sold this way the farmers realise about Rp. 60,000/kg.

These little bags of traditionally harvested sea salt can now be purchased around Ubud as popular gift items. They’re available at Locavore to Go, Mingle, Caramel and the Yoga Shop. Bulk salt is also available for baths and spas.

ARTISAN

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A DISAPPEARING CRAFTThe salt has a wonderful flavour with an almost sweet after

taste. Being filtered through soil mineralizes the salt while removing impurities. The chunky grains make it perfect for sprinkling over sweets or savouries.

Salt is bad for us, salt is good for us... what to believe? Three recent studies in the New England Journal of Medicine indicated that too much salt is indeed bad for us, but too little salt can be harmful too. It’s important to get enough high quality natural salt in our diets here in the tropics, where we lose so many electrolytes through perspiration.

Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association  followed 3,681 middle-aged healthy Europeans for eight years. The participants were divided into three groups: low salt, moderate salt, and high salt consumption. Researchers tracked mortality rates for the three groups with rather surprising results. Of the low-salt group, 50 people died. Of the moderate salt group, 24 people died. But the high-salt group lost only 10 people during the course of the study.

Actually sea salt, table salt, kosher salt, flavoured/smoked salt, fleur de sel, Black Hawaiian Sea Salt, ‘organic salt’ and Pink Himalayan Rock Salt are all basically the same chemical, sodium chloride. Only trace amounts of other elements vary. The mineral content of the different salts is not a compelling reason to choose one salt over the other because the amounts are negligible compared to what we get from a sensible diet.

Although both contain about 40 % sodium by weight, sea salt and table salt are very different. Sea salt is produced through evaporation of ocean water or water from saltwater lakes, usually with little processing. Depending on the water source, this leaves behind certain trace minerals and elements. The minerals add flavour and colour to sea salt, which also comes in a variety of coarseness levels. Table salt is typically mined from underground salt deposits. It’s heavily processed to eliminate minerals and usually contains moisture absorbents and flow agents such as aluminosilicate to prevent clumping, as well as iodine. Taste the difference.

Les is one of a handful of fishing villages in Bali that has historically farmed sea salt. The young people of Les have more options these days. Tourists are starting to come and snorkel the artificial reefs placed by the Les fisherman. A Singapore company is building a technical training centre in the village to teach local kids to cook for surrounding villas and resorts. One boy has a scholarship for a year-long intensive English and computer course. It’s unlikely that these young people will be content to haul heavy buckets of sea water in the hot sun for a few thousand rupiah. So savour the unique taste of Bali’s artisanal sea salt while you still can. More information at info.saltofthesea@gmail.com

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The most treasured memento from my first trip to Bali in the mid 1980’s was an

Indonesian batik shirt. Made from assorted pieces of cotton adorned with exotic motifs in vibrant colours, it was sewn together like a patchwork quilt. I wore it relentlessly. It was light and comfortable, and of course, eye catching. At first the attraction was purely aesthetic, yet as I learned about Indonesia my appreciation and passion for batik’s unique cultural significance increased.

Batik is the art of decorating cloth using wax and dye that has been practiced for centuries in Java. While experts cannot agree on the precise origins, traces being found 1,500 years ago in Egypt and the Middle East, Turkey, India, China, Japan and West Africa, what is true, however is that the most highly developed and intricate batik is found in Indonesia.

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CRAFT

Bali Batik Studio Pejengby richard horstman • images ayu sekar

The word batik is thought to be derived from ‘ambatik’ that means ‘a cloth with little dots’, yet the combination of patterns and symbols, along with colors, have evolved to reveal stories that define regions and distinctive cultures, while containing sacred significance. The batik making process first involves sketching designs upon cloth, selected areas are then blocked out by brushing or drawing hot wax over them with a canting ( in Java and Bali) and the cloth is then dyed. The parts covered in wax, resist the dye and remain the original color. This process of waxing and dyeing can be repeated to create more elaborate and colorful designs. Wax is removed by boiling the cloth in water, then more wax can be added. A final wash will render the batik ready for wearing or showing.

It is believed that batik was originally reserved as an art form for Javanese royalty. During the 19th century the technique became highly developed, aided by the introduction of fine cloth from China, and it became widely practiced, as well being ingrained in Javanese cultural life. Batik is an icon of Indonesian identity that is today enjoying a revival in popularity as Indonesian fashion designers, young and old are embracing hand woven fabrics with fresh modern designs produced with solely organic materials. Following the defeat of the East Javanese Majapahit Hindu kingdom in the late 15th, early 16th century, many of the Javanese aristocracy fled to Bali and here the traditions continued, establishing batik on the island of Bali.

In 2009, UNESCO designated Indonesian batik as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, affirming its value as a unique testimony of living cultural tradition and identity, and highlighting its human creative genius.

In January I visited the workshop of the renowned local batik producer, Tjokorda Agung Pemayun’s BISA batik studio located in the ground’s of his family’s royal compound in the heart of Pejeng to see how they produce batik there. Their specialty is the natural dyes they uses, in particular, indigo. After working in Denpasar for several years, he moved back to Gianyar and created a small batik workshop specializing in hand-blocked and hand-drawn batiks colored with indigo and other natural dyes.

Well aware of the environmental hazards of modern synthetic dyes, Tjok Agung’s initiative is to maintain traditional Indonesian batik methods and work only with natural indigo. Perhaps the oldest dye known to man, indigo has been used for eons. Blue motifs decorated Chinese porcelain centuries ago, while more recently, indigo was made famous in the early 19thcentury by Levi’s, the blue denim working jeans that later covered the most fashion conscious backsides in the western world.

“The process of creating natural indigo dye is incredibly time consuming and labor intensive,” says Agung Antik, who assists her husband in his numerous chores, such as dealing directly with clients, oversees all design work, along with managing the 20 women and 10 men who are his local staff.

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“Hot and arid locations, near the beaches of Bali and the eastern regions of Indonesia are ideal locations to source the indigo leaves,” she continues. “After the small leaves are collected, they are pounded and placed in a large earthen ware pot to which water is added, where they are left from 3-10 days, occasionally stirring during the process of oxidation occurs.”

Indigo is obtained from plants in the genus Indigofera, ten kg of leaves makes one kg of thick indigo paste, the end result of a lengthy extraction process. “As many as 30 immersions may be required to produce the characteristic blue colour saturation in one batik sarong. It is a very long process that accounts for the cost of our high quality products,” she adds.

In a batik workshop, a small group of women engage in light banter while diligently work away, painting wax upon cloth in preparation before dyeing. Hanging from the walls are an array of carved wooden templates that are used for applying design motifs upon fabrics. Numerous projects are in process and multitudes of fabrics are strewn throughout the space. The hand made wood block design stamps, made by local wood carvers in Pejeng, and the brass stamps made to order in Central Java are an interesting feature of the technical process. Incredible precision is required by the craftsman to make the stamps that are then simply dipped into hot wax and pressed down upon the fabric applying wax to the appropriate areas.

Entering the dye workshop, we see large concrete vats containing dye, machinery and electrical winches for lower large fabrics during the immersion process; a cottage industrial landscape.

In Ubud itself, at the lower end of Jl Monkey Forest daylight filters down from skylights, flooding the various showrooms with natural

l light. The area is filled with beautifully displayed indigo batik fabrics. The motif designs come from throughout Indonesia along with modern and western designs. One of the keys to their success, Agung Antik reveals, has been their willingness to experiment and keep learning, while fine-tuning their techniques.

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ubud cultural dance performanceslegong of mahabrata ubud palace-open stage 7.30 pmkecak fire & trance dance padang tegal kaja-open stage 7.00 pmwayang kulit [shadow puppet] ubud main road-oka kartini 8.00 pmlegong dance arma-open stage 7.30 pmjanger dance ubud water palace-open stage 7.30 pmjegog [bamboo gamelan] bentuyung village 7.00 pmkecak fire & trance dance batu karu temple-open stage 7.30 pm

legong dances ubud palace-open stage 7.30 pmbarong & keris dance wantilan padang tegal kelod 7.00 pmkecak ramayana & fire dance pura dalem ubud-open stage 7.30 pmwayang wong arma-open stage 7.00 pmwomen performance bale banjar ubud kelod 7.30 pm

ramayana ballet ubud palace-open stage 7.30 pmkecak fire & trance dance jaba pura taman sari-padang tegal kelod 7.30 pmwayang kulit [shadow puppet] kertha accommodation-monkey forest st 8.00 pmlegong telek arma-open stage 7.30 pmtrance culture bale banjar ubud kelod 7.30 pm

legong & barong dance ubud palace-open stage 7.30 pmmask dance [topeng jimat] arma-open stage 7.00 pmwayang kulit [shadow puppet] ubud main road-oka kartini 8.00 pmlegong dance yamasari stage-peliatan open stage 7.30 pmkecak fire & trance dance padang tegal kaja-open stage 7.00 pmjegog [bamboo gamelan] pura dalem ubud-open stage 7.00 pm

kecak [monkey chant dance] puri agung peliatan 7.30 pmlegong dance jaba pura desa kutuh 7.30 pmthe barong & keris dance pura dalem ubud-open stage 7.30 pmkecak fire & trance dance pura taman sari-padang tegal kelod 7.30 pmwayang wong dance bale banjar ubud kelod 7.30 pmwayang kulit [shadow puppet] pondok bambu-monkey forest st 7.30 pm

barong dance ubud palace-open stage 7.30 pmlegong dance balerung stage peliatan 7.30 pmkecak and fire dance pura padang kertha-padang tegal kelod 7.00 pmwayang kulit [shadow puppet] ubud main road-oka kartini 8.00 pmjegog [bamboo gamelan] bentuyung village 7.00 pmbarong & keris dance arma-open stage 6.00 pm

legong dance ubud palace-open stage 7.30 pmlegong dance ubud water palace 7.30 pmfrog dance bale banjar ubud kelod 7.00 pmlegong dance pura dalem ubud-open stage 7.30 pmkecak fire & trance dance pura dalem taman kaja-open stage 7.30 pmthe magic of jegog arma-open stage 7.00 pm

every 1st and 15th: gambuh dance pura desa batuan-open stage 7.00 pm

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pura protocolTips for how to visit one of Bali’s fabulous temples

As visitors to Bali we like to know how to visit a temple graciously.

Here are a few guidelines to help make a visit more enjoyable. Enjoy!

The Balinese are quite open and generally welcome visitors. You can enter most temples freely. Wear a sash around the waist and preferably a sarong. Big temples can hire a sarong at the front gate but it is nice to have your own. You can buy a sash and sarong at Ubud market or Sukawati where the choice is limitless.

When there is a ceremony on, the Balinese believe the gods have descended to the temple for the duration. All prayer and dance is performed for the benefit of the gods rather than the tourists. Be respectful. Women who are menstruating must wait outside.

Priests (Pedanda) are well respected and the most important person at the ceremony. They occupy the highest position. Show respect and don’t try to climb on scaffolding or steps higher than the officiating priest to get a better view or photo.

If you visit a holy spring like Pura Tirtha Empul and decide to try bathing, keep your clothes on and leave the shampoo behind. It is not a bath, but an immersion in holy water, for a spiritual cleansing.

Expect to pay a small donation before entering a temple. These donations are put to good use, and help with the upkeep of the grounds and the temple itself.

TIPS

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64 UbudLife64 UbudLife

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UbudLife 65

THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA

WORLD MAP

UBUD

ISLAND OF BALI

UBUD LOCATION Ubud, lies in the heart of Bali, in the centre of the fertile southern rice growing plains. Fertility means much more than the simple sawah or rice fields, it refers to the huge flowering of the arts which happens all around this magical town. Ubud is the home to the arts. Painting, music, dance and gamelan as well as woodcarving, maskmaking and sculpture have attracted visitors for decades.

Artists also apply their skills to making attractive things for visitors. Whole streets, like the Tegallalang Road are lined with crafts shop making clever knick knacks to tempt buyers.

Out from Ubud are magnificent vistas to view and temples and wonderous sights to enjoy. Around Ubud there is plenty to keep a visitor busy for days. Enjoy!...

UbudLife 65

THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA

WORLD MAP

UBUD

ISLAND OF BALI

UBUD LOCATIONUbud, lies in the heart of Bali, in the

centre of the fertile southern rice growing plains. Fertility means much more than the simple sawah or rice fields, it refers to the huge flowering of the arts which happens all around this magical town. Ubud is the home to the arts. Painting, music, dance and gamelan as well as woodcarving, maskmaking and sculpture have attracted visitors for decades.

Artists also apply their skills to making attractive things for visitors. Whole streets, like the Tegallalang Road are lined with crafts shop making clever knick knacks to tempt buyers.

Out from Ubud are magnificent vistas to view and temples and wonderous sights to enjoy. Around Ubud there is plenty to keep a visitor busy for days. Enjoy!

THE PEMUTERAN COASTby rachel love • images rachel love, matthew oldfield

66 UbudLife

OUT OF TOWN

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Not many visitors get to see the remote northwest corner of Bali, but if you are bold enough to venture away from the island’s busy tourist areas and congested roads, you will discover another world.

Here, you will be amply rewarded with vineyards heavy with bunches of grapes,

dramatic windswept coastal temples, and activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, horse-riding, dolphin watching, and trekking through the massive and spectacular West Bali National Park.

The journey to the coastal district of Pemuteran incorporates a segment of the most gorgeous scenery on the island, including three beautiful lakes and a series of pretty hillside villages where nearly every gateway is adorned with orange and pink bougainvillea. Along the roadside, cloves and coffee beans can be seen drying on mats in the sun, and at every turn there is a vista of palm trees, rice terraces, deep valleys and jungle, with the volcanoes and the sea constantly shimmering in the distance.

Pemuteran lies in the shadow of Bali’s central volcanic mountain range, which isolates it from the south, making the region less humid. The sea is calmer here and free of strong currents and waves, and the landscape is amazing, with the Tiga Saudara Mountains behind and Java’s volcano alley to one side. The district is famous for its artistic heritage and dance tradition.

The style of the gold and silver work, together with the weaving, pottery and instrument-making is very distinctive and unique. For hundreds of years this was the part of Bali that was most open to foreign influence, as Chinese and Muslim traders brought their products, religion and culture through the port of Singaraja. The incredible variety of the countryside makes this historical area diverse, interesting and delightful.

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In Pemuteran village, you will find a string of hotels, restaurants and dive centres along the main road, and a scenic, dark-sand beach that leads to a superb dive site with great drop-offs just one kilometre offshore. The reefs, known as Pura Tembok, Close Encounter and Napoleon, are dominated by soft corals, sponges and sea fans, with numerous fish including silver fusiliers, blue dancers, damsel fish, and occasional manta rays. In the 1990s the coast suffered environmental degradation from destructive fishing using bombs and cyanide, and in 1998 the House Reef at Pemuteran was devastated by El Niño. This prompted the highly successful Karang Lestari Coral Restoration Project, using Biorock technology, in which large holding domes are sunk with live coral samples. The reef receives electronic stimulus from shore and responds with remarkable growth rates. Furthermore, the local community has declared the reefs as protected no-fishing zones, for eco-tourism

The nearby village of Perancak, meanwhile, is the home of a small community-run turtle conservation programme, aimed at saving new turtle nests from predators including poachers hoping to sell the eggs in the markets. If you visit Perancak you can adopt a nest and release a baby turtle into the sea.

Labuhan Lalang, 17 kilometres west of Pemuteran is the jump-off point for the tiny uninhabited Menjangan Island, which is located within the boundaries of the National Park. The excellent coral reefs surrounding the island offer some of Bali’s best wall-diving and snorkelling sites, with diverse marine life, good visibility and pristine coral reefs extending deep into the ocean floor. Here one can view some of the best soft corals, sponges, and Bali’s greatest diversity of gorgonian fans – which attract huge numbers of small reef fish including brightly coloured parrot fish, yellow back fusiliers, powder-blue surgeon fish, damsel fish, puffer fish, unicorn fish, barracuda and silvery jacks. Boats can be chartered from the Labuhan Lalang visitors’ centre, along with snorkelling equipment. Dive trips are better arranged from Pemuteran.

If you wish to go hiking in the National Park, you can obtain the necessary permits at the visitor centre in Labuhan Lalang; an official guide is compulsory as visitors are not allowed

use only, with the village retaining rights to all snorkelling income from tourists. This serves to reinforce the basic understanding that each fish has more value in the sea than in a net or on the end of a fishing line. Even the dolphins have returned.

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to trek on their own. Established in 1984, the 760 square kilometres of forested mountain slopes, savannah, rainforest, monsoon forest, mangrove swamp, coastal flats and offshore reefs are the last remaining pristine areas on the island. The Park is home to 200 species of flora and 150 species of fauna including Javan rusa deer, mouse deer, barking deer, long-tailed macaques, civet cats, black leaf-eating monkeys, wild boar, pangolin, and the last of the island’s wild banteng from which the deer-like Balinese cattle are descended.

The Park's profuse and beautiful bird life boasts over 250 different species and is only place where the Bali Starling can be found in its natural habitat. Extremely rare, this is the only surviving bird endemic to Bali, and is one of the world's most endangered species. It is a striking snow-white in colour, featuring black wingtips and tail, silky feathers, and brilliant blue rings around its eyes. At the Bali Starling Pre-Release Centre, birds that have been bred in captivity are acquainted with the food sources of the natural environment and encouraged to nest in native trees before being released.

On a final note, you might wish to visit Brahma Arama Vihara at Banjar – a striking Thai-style Theravada Buddhist temple, with a bright orange roof and colourful statues of Buddha and other figures. It was founded in 1958 by a Balinese monk and rebuilt in

1971. The views down to the coast are stunning, and visitors are welcome as long as they dress modestly, lower their voices and walk barefoot. Just three kilometres from here is Air Panas Banjar, a natural spring and water shrine, with hot water gushing out from the mouths of carved ‘naga’ (serpents) into three pools. The healing sulfurous water cascading from spouts onto your back from a height of two or three metres, at perhaps 200 kilos per minute, is the ultimate massage.

Ultimate indeed. Visit northwest Bali and it’s quite possible that you will never want to leave.

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BALI MAPLEGEND: Provincial capital Town Mountain LakePlaces of interest Village Temple Airport/Airstrip Harbour Surfing spotsDiving spots

50 10 15 20 25 35 40 45 50 km30

Jimbaran Bay

Legian Beach

San

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ac

h

Kuta Beach

Canggu Beach

Nusa

Dua

Bea

ch

Medewi Beach

Balian BeachSoka Beach

TulambenB

ay

Amuk Bay

Candidasa Beach

Lo

vina Beach

L O M B O K S T R A I T

BA

LI

ST

RA

I T

B A L I S E A

BA

DU

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S T R A I T

I N D O NE S

I AN

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Tegallalang

Sedihing

Pemuteran Reef Building

BiahaMimpang

Tepekong

Gili Selang

Jemeluk WallBunutan Reef

BuyukSD

Manta Point

Manta Point

Malibu

Secret Bay Puri Jati [muck-diving]

Blue Corner

Crystal Bay

LETKOL WISNU AIRSTRIP

Kubutambahan

Sanda

Seminyak

BENOA HARBOUR

Taro

Kertakawat

Bubunan

Labuhan Haji

Pujungan

Buruan

Jemeluk

BucuBangbang

Padpadan

Delod Berawah

Sumbersari

PangkungdedariMelaya

Candikusuma

Banyubiru

Cupel

Munduk

Bayun

Jagaraga

Pemaron

Kaliasem

BuktiPacung

JulahBondalem

Sambirenteng

Tembok

Sekardadi

Kayubihi

Kayuambua

Sulahan

Buahan

Sengkidu

Tihingan

YehsumbulPesinggahan

Bajera

Selemadeg

Bantas

Kengetan

Kerobokan

Batubelig

MuncanAngantaka

Banyupoh

Lalanglinggah

Senganan

SembungTimbrah

Tegalasih

Petitenget

Penulisan

Kedisan

Subagan

Pandakgede

Sumberkima

Labuhan lalang

Tibubiyu

Mt. Agung3142

Pecatu

UngasanSawangan

KampialBualu

Mumbul

Kedonganan

Tuban

Tanjung Benoa

GelogorcarikPegok

Pesanggaran Blanjong

Renon

Padanggalak

SemawangBatujimbar

SindhuSanglah

Pengubengan

Legian

BrawaUmalas

Muding

Ubung

Canggu

BerabanYeh Gangga

Pejaten

KediriGubugBeraban

Kerambitan

Soka

AntosariSuraberata

Ngis

Timpag

Samsam

Blayu

Wanasari

Marga

Batusari

Denkayu

Sibang

Blahkiuh

Abiansemal

Sempidi

Darmasaba

Sibang

Tohpati

Sumerta

Lumintang

Singapadu

Batuan

Sakah

Lebih

BlahbatuhKemenuh

Bone

SidanKutri

Petulu

Bunutan

Bongkasa

Peliatan

Kawan

Petak

Akah

Selat

Sidemen

Talibeng

Mambal

Silakarang

MENJANGAN ISLAND

CekikSumberkelampok

Klatakan Blimbingsari

Airanakan

Perancak

Munduk

Yehkuning

Mendoyo

Batuagung

Yehbuah

BanyuwedangGoris Pulaki

MelantingGondol

PenyabanganMusi Gerokgak

Celukan BawangTegallenga

Kalisada

PengastulanSeririt

Ringdikit

Dencarik

Sidetapa

Cempaga

MayongBestalaPancoran

Temukus

Tigawasa

Kalibukbuk

AnturanSukasada

Panji

Banyuning

Pegayaman

Gitgit

Yehketipat

Bila

TamblangTegal

Bakungan

Bungkulan

Busungbiu

Subuk

Pupuan

Tista Batungsel

Belimbing

Munduk

Gobleg

Asah Gobleg

Tamblingan

Asahpanji

Candi Kuning

Pancasari

Kembangmerta

Pelaga

Catur

Penginyahan

Gentah

Bantang

Les

Tianyar

Muntidesa

Baturinggit

Culik Amed

Seraya

Jasri

Bugbug

Asak

Bebandem

Sibetan

Buitan

AbabiAbang

Manggis

Ulakan

GelgelKamasan

Dawan

TembukuIseh

Sindu

Selat

Sidakarya

Muncan

Rendang

SingarataMenanga

BuyanPempatan

Seribatu

PengotanPenyebah

Batur

Penulisan

Penelokan

NungkungPekaranganBaturiti

Pacung

Soka

ApuanAngantiga

Petang

Sandakan

Luwus

Jatiluwih

BabahanWongaya

Ampadan

PitraPenebel

Perean

Kuwum

Payangan

BukitCeking

NGURAH RAIINTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

SERANGAN ISLAND

SebatuPujung

Puhu

LEMBONGAN ISLAND

CENINGAN ISLAND

NUSA PENIDA

Jungutbatu

Lembongan ToyapakehPed

TelagaKutampi

SampalanSentalkangin

MetakihGelagah

BayuhPonjok

Batukandik

Batumandeg PejukutanAmbenganPendem

Pelilit

TangladSoyorBungkit

Tabuanan RamoanSekartaji

Anta

SemayaSuana

Pidada

AsahdurenManggissari

PasebanSaren

Mt. Seraya1175

Mt. Batur1717

Mt. Abang2153

Mt. Catur2096

Mt. Batukaru2276

Mt. Merbuk1386

Mt. Mesehe1344

Mt. Musi1224

Jimbaran

Tejakula

Yehembang

Penuktukan

KubuRubaya

Fast Boats Padangbai (Bali) - Gili Islands (Lombok)

DENPASAR

TABANANGIANYAR

BANGLI

NEGARA

Taman Nasional Bali Barat(West Bali National Park)

SINGARAJA

AMLAPURA

KLUNGKUNG

Ferryto

Nusa

Penida

Ferry Padangbai (Bali) - Lembar (Lombok)

Batukaru

Padangbai

Gilimanuk

Banjar

Lake Bratan

Mas

Trunyan

Kuta

Lovina

Alas Kedaton

Candidasa

Lake Batur

Batubulan

Uluwatu

Sanur

Sangeh

Mengwi

Celuk

Sukawati

BeduluUBUD

Pemuteran

Sangsit Air Sanih

Lake TamblinganLake Buyan

Bedugul

Ujung

Tenganan

Tirta Gangga

Kusamba

Besakih

Kintamani

Tampaksiring

Nusa Dua

Tanah Lot

Tulamben

Sental

Japanese WreckBunutan

Goa Lawah

Silayukti

Lempuyang

Beji

Jasri

Keramas

Sanur

Serangan

GegerSuluban

Padang Padang

Bingin

Kuta

Canggu

Balian Beach

Medewi

Rambutsiwi

Ferry ChannelBlue LagoonTanjung SariTanjung Jepun

Shipwreck

Ferry to Java

Batuabah

TAMAN SARI RESORTAMERTHA BALI VILLAS

BALI MAPLEGEND: Provincial capital Town Mountain LakePlaces of interest Village Temple Airport/Airstrip Harbour Surfing spotsDiving spots

50 10 15 20 25 35 40 45 50 km30

Jimbaran Bay

Legian Beach

San

urBe

ac

h

Kuta Beach

Canggu Beach

Nusa

Dua

Bea

ch

Medewi Beach

Balian BeachSoka Beach

TulambenB

ay

Amuk Bay

Candidasa Beach

Lo

vina Beach

L O M B O K S T R A I T

BA

LI

ST

RA

I T

B A L I S E A

BA

DU

NG

S T R A I T

I N D O NE S

I AN

OC

EA

N

Tegallalang

Sedihing

Pemuteran Reef Building

BiahaMimpang

Tepekong

Gili Selang

Jemeluk WallBunutan Reef

BuyukSD

Manta Point

Manta Point

Malibu

Secret Bay Puri Jati [muck-diving]

Blue Corner

Crystal Bay

LETKOL WISNU AIRSTRIP

Kubutambahan

Sanda

Seminyak

BENOA HARBOUR

Taro

Kertakawat

Bubunan

Labuhan Haji

Pujungan

Buruan

Jemeluk

BucuBangbang

Padpadan

Delod Berawah

Sumbersari

PangkungdedariMelaya

Candikusuma

Banyubiru

Cupel

Munduk

Bayun

Jagaraga

Pemaron

Kaliasem

BuktiPacung

JulahBondalem

Sambirenteng

Tembok

Sekardadi

Kayubihi

Kayuambua

Sulahan

Buahan

Sengkidu

Tihingan

YehsumbulPesinggahan

Bajera

Selemadeg

Bantas

Kengetan

Kerobokan

Batubelig

MuncanAngantaka

Banyupoh

Lalanglinggah

Senganan

SembungTimbrah

Tegalasih

Petitenget

Penulisan

Kedisan

Subagan

Pandakgede

Sumberkima

Labuhan lalang

Tibubiyu

Mt. Agung3142

Pecatu

UngasanSawangan

KampialBualu

Mumbul

Kedonganan

Tuban

Tanjung Benoa

GelogorcarikPegok

Pesanggaran Blanjong

Renon

Padanggalak

SemawangBatujimbar

SindhuSanglah

Pengubengan

Legian

BrawaUmalas

Muding

Ubung

Canggu

BerabanYeh Gangga

Pejaten

KediriGubugBeraban

Kerambitan

Soka

AntosariSuraberata

Ngis

Timpag

Samsam

Blayu

Wanasari

Marga

Batusari

Denkayu

Sibang

Blahkiuh

Abiansemal

Sempidi

Darmasaba

Sibang

Tohpati

Sumerta

Lumintang

Singapadu

Batuan

Sakah

Lebih

BlahbatuhKemenuh

Bone

SidanKutri

Petulu

Bunutan

Bongkasa

Peliatan

Kawan

Petak

Akah

Selat

Sidemen

Talibeng

Mambal

Silakarang

MENJANGAN ISLAND

CekikSumberkelampok

Klatakan Blimbingsari

Airanakan

Perancak

Munduk

Yehkuning

Mendoyo

Batuagung

Yehbuah

BanyuwedangGoris Pulaki

MelantingGondol

PenyabanganMusi Gerokgak

Celukan BawangTegallenga

Kalisada

PengastulanSeririt

Ringdikit

Dencarik

Sidetapa

Cempaga

MayongBestalaPancoran

Temukus

Tigawasa

Kalibukbuk

AnturanSukasada

Panji

Banyuning

Pegayaman

Gitgit

Yehketipat

Bila

TamblangTegal

Bakungan

Bungkulan

Busungbiu

Subuk

Pupuan

Tista Batungsel

Belimbing

Munduk

Gobleg

Asah Gobleg

Tamblingan

Asahpanji

Candi Kuning

Pancasari

Kembangmerta

Pelaga

Catur

Penginyahan

Gentah

Bantang

Les

Tianyar

Muntidesa

Baturinggit

Culik Amed

Seraya

Jasri

Bugbug

Asak

Bebandem

Sibetan

Buitan

AbabiAbang

Manggis

Ulakan

GelgelKamasan

Dawan

TembukuIseh

Sindu

Selat

Sidakarya

Muncan

Rendang

SingarataMenanga

BuyanPempatan

Seribatu

PengotanPenyebah

Batur

Penulisan

Penelokan

NungkungPekaranganBaturiti

Pacung

Soka

ApuanAngantiga

Petang

Sandakan

Luwus

Jatiluwih

BabahanWongaya

Ampadan

PitraPenebel

Perean

Kuwum

Payangan

BukitCeking

NGURAH RAIINTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

SERANGAN ISLAND

SebatuPujung

Puhu

LEMBONGAN ISLAND

CENINGAN ISLAND

NUSA PENIDA

Jungutbatu

Lembongan ToyapakehPed

TelagaKutampi

SampalanSentalkangin

MetakihGelagah

BayuhPonjok

Batukandik

Batumandeg PejukutanAmbenganPendem

Pelilit

TangladSoyorBungkit

Tabuanan RamoanSekartaji

Anta

SemayaSuana

Pidada

AsahdurenManggissari

PasebanSaren

Mt. Seraya1175

Mt. Batur1717

Mt. Abang2153

Mt. Catur2096

Mt. Batukaru2276

Mt. Merbuk1386

Mt. Mesehe1344

Mt. Musi1224

Jimbaran

Tejakula

Yehembang

Penuktukan

KubuRubaya

Fast Boats Padangbai (Bali) - Gili Islands (Lombok)

DENPASAR

TABANANGIANYAR

BANGLI

NEGARA

Taman Nasional Bali Barat(West Bali National Park)

SINGARAJA

AMLAPURA

KLUNGKUNG

Ferryto

Nusa

Penida

Ferry Padangbai (Bali) - Lembar (Lombok)

Batukaru

Padangbai

Gilimanuk

Banjar

Lake Bratan

Mas

Trunyan

Kuta

Lovina

Alas Kedaton

Candidasa

Lake Batur

Batubulan

Uluwatu

Sanur

Sangeh

Mengwi

Celuk

Sukawati

BeduluUBUD

Pemuteran

Sangsit Air Sanih

Lake TamblinganLake Buyan

Bedugul

Ujung

Tenganan

Tirta Gangga

Kusamba

Besakih

Kintamani

Tampaksiring

Nusa Dua

Tanah Lot

Tulamben

Sental

Japanese WreckBunutan

Goa Lawah

Silayukti

Lempuyang

Beji

Jasri

Keramas

Sanur

Serangan

GegerSuluban

Padang Padang

Bingin

Kuta

Canggu

Balian Beach

Medewi

Rambutsiwi

Ferry ChannelBlue LagoonTanjung SariTanjung Jepun

Shipwreck

Ferry to Java

Batuabah

PURI WIRATADive Resort & Spa

CORAL VIEW VILLASEuro Dive Bali

74 UbudLife

Amed in the WetITS ELEMENTAL!by ayu sekar • images jill alexander

UbudLife 75

SEASONS

Amed, the beautiful still natural area in Bali’s east, is usually known for its dry, dry weather and great diving. The hills that tumble down into the gin clear seas are covered with dry yellow grasses and rain is the last thing on anyone’s mind.

76 UbudLife

But come the end of the year and everything changes along with the monsoon. Grey clouds start to gather and the first drops of rain start to fall. Overnight, the landscape changes, as the first shoots of

green appear and it looks like spring. Soon, within days the whole landscape becomes green, instead of yellow. It starts to look like the rest of Bali. You start to get the feel of being at one with the elements, and, in this very dry area, rain is really something to celebrate.

UbudLife 77

The rainy season is a happy time as the local folk plant the corn that helps to see them through the year. While I was driving by through a deluge, I saw an Australian tourist standing under a roof that was pouring water to the ground. While he stood there smiling broadly, in this mini waterfall, his wife took photos.

78 UbudLife

Further along, a group of young boys were doing a kind of victory dance in the rain. Smiling and laughing, they were just enjoying the rain.

The rainy season is the time for long walks though the beautiful hinterland. With the cooler weather it makes walking and exploring a perfect option. Yet there is no need to do anything much. Curl up in a hammock, or a cushiony day bed, with a good book, and just take it easy. There is no thing more relaxing than listening to the gentle rain.

But when the rain stops and the sun comes out there is no better time to take a walk. The verdant hills are fresh and alive with new vegetation and everything is bright and new. The cooler temperatures make walking a pleasure and it is easy to find a helpful guide who will show you beautiful ways to enjoy the fabulous landscapes. Waterfalls, forests, or a long walk along the beach where fishermen may sit mending their nets or doing other maintenance chores to keep their gear in tip top condition. They are all pleasing options.

.The wet season can also be the time for a long relaxing lunch at one of Amed’s nicer restaurants. MMM at the Hidden Paradise Resort looks out to the beach, as does Sails, with its panoramic view over the bay. These restaurants have plenty of fish and also an array of western dishes and Indonesian specialties. Time to take it easy and linger over an enjoyable meal.

There is no need to be fearful of the rain, especially in the tropics. It brings much needed sustenance to the people and turns dry Amed into a place of lush beauty.

Enjoy the difference.

UbudLife 79

80 UbudLife80 UbudLife

nEXT ISSUEimage ayu sekar

A Magical Walk

Rafting the Ayung

The Pyramids of Chi

Robot Men of Tenganan

The Karangasem Cashew Story

UbudLife 81UbudLife 81

Bali Star CoffeeJl. Dewi Sita, UbudPhone: +62 89671188648www.balistar-coffee.com

BridgesJl. Raya Campuhan, UbudPhone: 0361 970095www.bridgesbali.com

Biah BiahJl. Goutama, UbudPhone: 0361 978249

Biah-Biah+Jl. Pengosekan, UbudPhone: 0361 8015124

Bollero Bar & RestoJl. Dewi Sita, UbudPhone: 0361 972872www.bollerobali.com

Buddha BowlJl. Raya Pengosekan, UbudPhone: +62 81339339928

Cafe Des ArtistesJl. Bisma 9x, UbudPhone: 0361 972706www.cafedesartistesbali.com

CP LOUNGEJl. Monkey Forest, UbudPhone: 0361 978954www.cp-lounge.com

DIVINEJl. Raya Campuhan, UbudPhone: 0361 970095www.bridgesbali.com

Down To EarthJl. Goutama Selatan, UbudPhone: 03617835545www.earthcafeubud.com

de WarungJl. Raya Monkey Forest, UbudPhone: 0361 971465www.dewarung.com

Ibu Rai Restaurant Jl. Monkey Forest 72, UbudPhone: 973472www.iburai.com

Juice Ja Cafe Jl. Dewi Sita, UbudPhone: 0361 971056

KebunJl. Raya Hanoman 44B, Ubudwww.kebunbistro.com

RESTAURANTS

ACCOMMODATION

Arma ResortJl. Pengosekan, UbudPhone: 0361 976659www.armaresort.com

Ayung ResortDesa Melinggih Kelod, Payangan, UbudPhone: 0361 9001333www.ayungresortubud.com

Cendana Resort & SpaJl. Monkey Forest, UbudPhone: 0361 973243www.cendanaresort-spa.com

Gunung Merta BungalowJl. Andong, Peliatan, UbudPhone: 0361 975463

Kupu Kupu BarongJl. Kedewatan, UbudPhone: 0361 975478www.dewanggaubud.com

Om Ham RetreatJl. Tirta Tawar, UbudPhone: 0361 9000352www.omhamretreat .com

Melati CottagesJl. Raya Penestanan Kaja, UbudPhone: 0361 974650www.melati-cottages.com

Ubud Sari Health ResortJl. Kajeng, UbudPhone: 0361 974393www.ubudsari.com

Sri Ratih Cottages & SpaJl. Raya Campuhan 1, UbudPhone: 0361 975638www.sriratih.com

SenS Hotel & ResortJl. Sukma, Tebesaya, Peliatan, UbudPhone: 0361 8493328www.senshotelsresorts.com

Terrace Abing ResortBanjar Kebon, Tegallalang, UbudPhone: 0361 980970www.abingterrace.com

Kopi CoffeeUbud Market 2F, UbudPhone: +62 89621071118www.kopi-coffee.com

KAFE Jl. Raya Hanoman 48B, UbudPhone: 0361 970992

Kafe TopiJl. Nyuh Kuning No.2, UbudPhone: 0361 8235151

NOMADJl. Raya Ubud 35, UbudPhone: 0361 977169www.nomad-bali.com

Sri Ratih Cafe & JewelryJl. Raya Campuhan 1, UbudPhone: 0361 975638www.sriratih.com

Taksu FreshJl. Goutama Selatan, UbudPhone: 0361 4792525www.taksuyoga.com

Warung Sopa GardenJl. Nyuh Kuning 2, UbudPhone: 0361 2801340

Warung AlamiJl. Penestanan, UbudPhone: 081 23913754www.warungalami.jombo.com

Warung Citta OvestJl. Dewi Sita, UbudPhone: 0361 971352

Warung SiamJl. Goutama, UbudPhone: +62 81239655905

Wijaya Kusuma RestaurantDesa Melinggih Kelod, PayanganPhone: 0361 9001333www.ayungresortubud.com

CP LoungeJl. Monkey Forest, UbudPhone: 0361 978954www.cp-lounge.com

Cafe HavanaJl. Dewi Sita, UbudPhone: 0361 972973www.cafehavanabali.com

NIGHT LIFE

82 UbudLife

Sari Api CeramicsJl. Raya Pengosekan, UbudPhone: 0361 971056

CERAMICS

Wayan Karja [Painter]Jl. Penestanan, UbudHp: 081 239 76419

Wayan Sila [Owl House]Jl. Bisma, UbudPhone: 977649 | Mobile: 081 8566861

ARTISTS

GALLERIES

Pilar Batu GalleryJl. Pengosekan, UbudPhone: 0361 978197www.pilarbatu.com

Tanah Tho GalleryJl. Raya Lodtunduh, UbudPhone: 0361 981482www.tanahtho.com

SHOPS

BambookuJl. Hanoman 32, UbudPhone: 0361 7803119www.bambooku.com

KunciJl. Hanoman, UbudPhone: 0361 971050www.kuncicottonknit.com

Nirmala - Work On T’shirtJl. Hanoman 2, UbudPhone: 0361 7475404

Rainbow SpiritJl. Hanoman 38, UbudPhone: 0361 3699978 www.rainbowspiritbali.com

Sensatia BotanicalsJl. Monkey Forest 64, UbudPhone: 0361 3400011www.sensatia.com

Studio PerakJl. Hanoman, UbudPhone: 0361 974244Jl. Monkey Forest, UbudPhone: 081 236 51809www.dketut37@yahoo.com

SISIJl. Nyuh Kuning No.2, UbudPhone: 0361 8235151www.sisibag.com

SISI+NANANJl. Hanoman, UbudHp: 085 1007 65896

YINJl. Dewi Sita, UbudPhone: 0361 970718

Jl. Monkey Forest, UbudPhone: 0361 8468510

Jl. HanomanPhone: 085 100801879www.yinjewelryforthesoul.com

SPAS

Aura Theraphy SpaUbud Aura Retreat CenterJl. Hanoman 888, UbudPhone: 0361 972956www.ubudaura.com

Bali Healing SpaJl. Raya Ubud, UbudPhone: 0361 27997658www.balihealingspa.com

Bali Botanical Day SpaJl. Raya Sanggingan, UbudPhone: 0361 976739

FRESH SpaJl. Dewi Sita, UbudPhone: 0361 8493677

KUSH Ayurvedic Rejuvenation SpaYoga Barn - Jl. Pengosekan, UbudPhone: 0361 971236www.yogabarn.com/kush

Milano SalonJl. Monkey Forest Road, UbudPhone: 0361 973488prs_milano@yahoo.com

Nani SpaJl. Monkey Forest, UbudHp: 082 3404 15848

Sang Spa 1 RebornMonkey Forest Road, UbudPhone: 0361 973236www.sangspaubud.com

Sang Spa 2Jl. Raya Jembawan 13B, UbudPhone: 0361 9277222www.sangspaubud.com

Sang Spa 3Monkey Forest Road, UbudPhone: 0361 9277333www.sangspaubud.com

Sedona SpaJl. Raya Campuhan, UbudPhone: 0361 975770www.sedonaspa-ubud.com

SKIN Organic Spa and Waxing SalonJl. Gotama 24 & Jl. Sanggingan 36, Ubud Phone: 0361 975615 & 0361 975604rsvp@ubudSkinOrganic.com

Taksu Spa and RestaurantJl. Gootama Selatan, UbudPhone: 0361 971490www.taksuspa.com

PROPERTY

Red Lotus PropertyJl. Sukma, Br. Tebesaya, UbudPhone: 970980www.redlotusbaliproperty.com

Yoga BarnJl. Pengosekan, Ubud-BaliPhone: 971236 www.theyogabarn.com

YOGA CENTRE

82 UbudLife

CONSULATESAustralia

Brazil

Czech Republic

Denmark & Norway

French

Germany

Hungary

Italy

Japan

Mexico

Netherlands

Spain/Portugal

Sweden & Finland

Switzerland

Unitedkingdom

USA

241118

757775

286465

701070

285485

288535

287701

701005

227628

223266

761502

769286

288407

751735

270601

233605

Ashyana CandidasaJl. Raya Candidasa, Karangasem Phone: 0363 41359www.ashyanacandidasa.com

Coral View VillasJl.Raya Bunutan Amed, Karangasem Phone: 0363 23493www.coralviewvillas.com

Le-Zat RestaurantJl. Raya Candidasa, KarangasePhone: 0363 41538, 41539www.balicateringservices.com

Le 48 Hotel & RestaurantJl. Raya Candidasa 48, Karangasem Phone: 0363 41177www.lezatbeachrestaurant.com

Puri Wirata Dive Resort and SpaJl. Raya Bunutan, Amed, Karangasem Phone: 0363 23523www.puriwirata.com

Tirta Ayu Hotel & RestaurantJl.Tirta Gangga, Karangasem Phone: 0363 22503www.hoteltirtagangga.com

Villarossa CandidasaJl.Candidasa, Karangasem Phone: 0363 42062www.villarossa.org

Villa SasoonJl. Puri Bagus Candidasa, Karangasem Phone: 0363 41511www.villasasoon.com

Watergarden Hotel Restaurant & SpaJl. Raya Candidasa, Karangasem Phone: 0363 41540

EAST BALI SECTION

MUSEUMS

ARMA ( Agung Rai Museum of Art )Jl. Raya Pengosekan, UbudPhone: 974228

Antonio Blanco Renaissance MuseumJl. Raya Campuhan, UbudPhone: 975502

Museum Puri Lukisan UbudJl. Raya Ubud, Ubud, GianyarPhone: 975136

Neka Art MuseumJl. Raya SangginganPhone: 975074

Pendet MuseumJl. Nyuh Kuning, UbudPhone: 971338

Rudana MuseumJl. Raya Cok Rai Pudak, Peliatan, UbudPhone: 975779

UbudLife 83

USEFUL NUMBERSAmbulance

Airport Authority

Bali Police Department

Directory Inquiries

Fire Brigade

Immigration

International Red Cros

Post Office

Search and Rescue

Sanglah Public Hospital

Tourist information Center

Time

Ubud Tourist Information

118

751011

227711

108/112

113

751038

226465

161

751111

227911

753540

103

973286

Bali Adventure RaftingBypass Ngurah Rai, PesanggaranPhone: 0361 721480www.baliadventuretours.co

Sepeda BaliGreen Adventure CyclingJl. Nyuh Bojog, UbudPhone: 0361 978631www.sepedabali.com

Ubud StablesDesa Pupuan, Br. Timbul, TegallalangPhone: +62 81339585666www.ubudstables.com

SPORT/RECREATION

UbudLife 83

84 UbudLife84 UbudLife

LAST WORD

Sutra

Mark UlyseasPublisher/Editor, http://www.liveencounters.net Free online magazine from village earth.

Mark Ulyseas

Selfies at one time meant self-gratification. Now they are a socially acceptable display of narcissism.

Words seep into sinews and translate the sublime to the absurd for benign bovines ruminating with their fingers hip hopping across a keyboard. This is a homo sapien’s version of chewing the cud. Homo sapien is Latin for ‘wise person’. (Latin homō, man + Latin sapiēns, wise, rational, present participle of sapere, to be wise). A comforting definition considering we evolved from apes.

Time is moving so fast that in a blink of an eye a pure thought is deliberately discarded like an unborn child and comforting misconception embraced. Life changes like a chameleon in the throes of the mating season. The moment is all that counts. Regrets can always be passed onto another life time.

Beneath the veneer of social obligations lies an uninhibited spontaneous being shackled by guilt. Perhaps the devil is in the details.

A mundane life with a large dose of mendacity, interspersed with selfies helps one move to the rhythms of the drums, conundrums. Absence of mind is essential to achieve best results.

And in the melee of the madding crowd there remains a spark. But what do we light? The big bang is now a roll in the hay. And the light at the end of tunnel is just the end of a ciggy.

We go on living like rabbits, proliferating and being killed in the millions every year.

Perhaps we are like Bill Murray, the protagonist in the movie Groundhog Day where he relives the worst day of his life every day. And like Bill we may perhaps one day awake to another Sutra where we are different beings full of love, understanding, humble and non-violent.

I shall leave you with this quote that is self-explanatory: Groundhog Day is now associated in the minds of many spiritual seekers with redemption, rebirth and the process of

moving to a higher plain. Professor Angela Zito, the co-director of the Centre for Religion and Media at New York University, told me that Groundhog Day illustrated the Buddhist notion of samsara, the continuing cycle of rebirth that individuals try to escape. In the older form of Buddhist belief, she said, no one can escape to nirvana unless they work hard and lead a very good life. But in the teachings of the slightly more recently established Mahayana Buddhism, no one can escape samsara until everyone else does. "That's why you have what are called bodhisattvas who reach the brink of nirvana and come back for others," she said. "The Dalai Lama is considered one living bodhisattva, but Bill Murray could also be one." - https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Groundhog_Day_(film)

The sutra continues to entwine us all together from birth to death. One for all, and all for nothing.

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti Om

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