Tumpek Landep

Nowadays Tumpek Landep is a ceremonial day at which offerings are made for objects that are made of metal. The ceremonies start in the morning hours at the village temple when people gather for special prayers and blessings. Afterwards, at the home compounds, additional ceremonies and blessings follow at which offerings are made for the holy family keris that most families own, but also for cars and motorbikes. In these modern times, also other objects that contain metal, such as computers, may be subject to these ceremonies. Most Balinese people truly believe that these ceremonies and blessings will bring them luck and keep them safe in traffic. Tragically, at the day of Tumpek Landep the hospitals in Bali show a peak in the treatments of especially motorbike accidents.

Ethymology

Tumpek Landep is High Balinese language. The word tumpek means ‘close (to)’ and the word landep means ‘sharp’. Together it thus translates as ‘close to sharp’. But what does this mean? We will have to go back in time to shed some light on this cryptic word combination. In the early days of Balinese Hinduism the keris (dagger) was one of the few objects that were made of metal. As a dagger the keris was a weapon which was used in battles. More important, there were also lots of special keris that were regarded as holy, spiritual object with magical power. As such, the keris played an important role in the early days of Balinese Hinduism (and as a matter of fact it still does).

The original meaning of Tumpek Landep

Although it is true that the keris is made out of metal, this fact is originally *not* why the ceremonies are held. As stated above, in the early days the keris was one of the few objects that were made out of metal and it was in several respects an important object. Because it played such an important role, the keris, so to speak, was in everyone’s mind every day. And the tip of the blade of the keris….. is sharp! Now here comes the clue, in fact the keris is a symbol, a metaphor which tells you to be as ‘sharp’ as possible in your thinking. One should always be aware what one in fact is, a soul that has been incarnated to learn the lessons of life and to resist negative temptations like jealousy, anger, hate, greed, laziness, egoism, etc. which are all ego-driven, fear based (re)actions to life’s experiences.

When is Tumpek Landep?

Tumpek Landep takes place every 210 days according to the ceremonial Pawukon calendar, which is always at the Saturday of its second week, Landep. This day is also referred to as  Saniscara Keliwon Tegeh.

Trunyan, traditional Bali village

The Bali Aga of Trunyan

The mountain village of Trunyan can be found at the foot of Mt. Abang, at a remote and isolated location on the eastern shore of Lake Batur. The Trunyanese are often referred to as Bali Aga (mountain Balinese), which refers to a conservative, pre-Hindu way of life with ancient, neolithic customs and a very definite avoidance of outside influences.
Instead of the term “Bali Aga, the term Bali Mula (‘original Balinese’) is often used instead. In this respect it should be noted that the Bali Aga are in no sense ‘original’. Therefore the term ‘Mountain Balinese’ is, from a historical perspective, more correct. The Bali Aga namely have always occupied their ancestral villages from choice and performed their traditional crafts and trades appropriate to the nature of the land.
According to copper plate inscriptions found in one of the shrines of the main temple of Trunyan, the temple must be dating back to at least the 10th century AD (833 Çaka). The village itself, however, is believed to be much older than the temple.

Society of Trunyan

Trunyanese society consists of two obvious ‘castes’. these castes are the banjar jero and the banjar jaba. Contrary to the other parts of Bali, where the caste system is always based on the idea of purity, the Trunyanese castes are determined by descent from the period of the Gelgel dynasty.
This caste system is an exquisite example of when outside influence actually did affect the life of the Trunyanese people, as those belonging to the banjar jero are in this respect the descendants of rulers, id est the Trunyanese who were appointed by the kings of Gelgel to rule, whereas those of the banjar jaba are the descendants of the people, id est those who were ruled by the banjar jero.
Another fine example of outside influence is the requirement for their young men to travel through lowland Bali for a period of time, to live there as beggars. This little known practice can be traced back to practices of the monks of Thailand, and is derived from a strong Buddhist tradition of about a thousand years ago.
Prestige consciousness, which is so very much present everywhere in Bali, also plays an dominant role in Trunyanese society. The hosting of any major ceremony is the time when a family can raise prestige within the community. This is shown most clearly at their wedding ceremonies, which should either be impressive or not held at all. As the economy of Trunyan is mainly based on agriculture, it is difficult for the Trunyanese to accumulate money and possessions. In this respect you will find married couples with children in Trunyan who continue to postpone their wedding ceremony just because of the costs. Besides, an official wedding ceremony in Trunyan is only allowed to take place after the male candidate has taken part in the Berutuk ceremony.

Funeral rites of Trunyan

Contrary to elswhere in Hindu Bali the Trunyanese do not cremate their dead. Instead, after a ritual cleansing with rain water, the body of the deceased is placed in a bamboo cage under the taru menyan tree until the forces of nature, in particular the wind, has dissolved the body tissues until only the skeleton remains. Then the skull is placed on a stairs-shaped stone altar which is located some 500 meter north of the banjar Kuban, a special place which can only be reached by boat.

This ancient practice traces back to the neolithic Agama Bayu sekt, one of the six most important religious-spiritual sekts that dominated Bali during pre-Hindu times. This Agama Bayu sekt mainly worshipped the stars and the wind (angin ngelinus).
Taru Menyan means ‘nice smelling tree’. This tree eminates a typical scent which neutralizes the smell of rotting bodies. It is also this tree from which the name Trunyan is derived. Furthermore typical for the funeral rites of Trunyan is that only the bodies of married people are aloowed to be placed in bamboo cages; if the deceased is unmarried, the body is normally buried at the cemetry.
Also typical is that women are not allowed to attend the Pengiriman ceremonies, the bringing of the body to the taru menyan tree or to the cemetry. The reason for this is the belief that otherwise the village will be struck by disaster, such as an earthquake, a volcanic eruption, or a land slide. How and when this rule came into being however is not clear.

Volcano God – Bhatara Da Tonta

Since long forgotten times the Trunyanese have been worshipping an ancient, local god connected to the Batur volcano and patron guardian of the village, Ratu Gede Pantjering Djagat – who is also referred to as Bhatara Da Tonta. In a for non-Trunyanese forbidden area one can find an enormous, neolithic statue of Bhatara Da Tonta. During special initiation rites of the village flowers are offered here and the statue is ritually cleansed with rain water and a special oil, precisely as instructed on an old bronze tablet (911 AD) that was found in the mysterious Pura Tegeh Koripan, a temple built in the form of a neolithic pyramid at Mount Penulisan, the second highest point of the caldera of the Batur volcano.

Bhatara da Tonta

Music and dance in Trunyan

Like elsewhere in Bali, the performing arts of Trunyan are associated with religious rites, and are a means to maintain an equilibrium between the visible, physical world and the non-visible, multi-dimensional worlds. In this respect the Berutuk dance of Trunyan is indeed strongly associated with typical religious rites and, of course, supernatural powers.
The berutuk dance is at once a performance, a ceremony, and a rite. The performers are a selected group of unmarried men who must undergo a period of ritual purification and isolation prior to performing. During this time they sleep in the temple, abstain from sexual contact, and learn the prayers for the ceremony from the temple priest. The Berutuk performers wear sacred masks and two aprons of dried banana leaf fiber; one is tied around the neck and hangs over the torso and the other is tied around the waist. There is no musical accompaniment for the performance.

The Berutuk reenacts the historical legend of the Trunyan migration from the other Bali Aga areas in East Bali. However, this is not a mere dramatization. The Berutuk performance requires the purification of the actors and appropriate offerings and prayers which will allow the young men to be possessed by Bethara Berutuk.
At one point, the Berutuk are presented with offerings and members of the audience barter with the Berutuk in order to take part of the offering. In addition, the banana fiber costumes are now charged with powerful magic and spectators attempt to steal bits of the hanging fibers which become protective amulets.
The king and queen Berutuk engage in a courtship dance inspired by the movements of a bird common to the Trunyan area and the queen must be successfully captured by the king in order to ensure the fertility of both the village of Trunyan as well as that of the performer himself. Only after the performance will the young men be eligible for official marriage. The performance ends after the queen is captured and the dancers bathe in the sacred Lake Batur.
The performances happen at irregular intervals and are depending on the needs of the villages. However, the performance cannot be held at times when the village is tainted by diseases or crop failure.
The performers are not trained in the movement of the Berutuk but in the necessary prayers. It is not the dance technique but the selection and ritual preparation of the dancers that is important, as they will become temporary vessels for the Bethara Berutuk: Ratu Pancering Jagat. Thus, the performance places an emphasis on the ritual readiness of the performers, not technical training. It is a recounting of legendary history, a fertility rite for both land and humans, a passage into adulthood, and a time when the spirits enter humans and the tumultuous interaction between performer and audience mimics the interaction between the human, spirit, and natural worlds.

Enjoy the Atmosphere of Ubud Village

 

 
Some of the tourists who come to Bali, seek a peaceful tourist destinations. Ubud is a great base for those looking for a peaceful living standards in Bali. Furthermore Ubud also offers place for escape from busy monotonous life. Ubud is already become famous as an art heaven. Green rice paddies and steep valley at the foot of the hill which is located in this Bali center part, gives never unforgettable wonderful feeling. Ubud is located at 25km to the north of Denpasar. The village originally, was a place an important source of plants and crops.




In 1930 from 1920, foreign artists such as Walter Spies who enjoys art in Ubud became a pioneer who revolutionized this village became the center of the art village. This village in recent years, began to enjoy the development of tourism, tourists will be able to enjoy the atmosphere of the creative arts and the relaxed lifestyle of farm life in the village of Ubud.

Main street of this village, and Jalan Raya Ubud through the center of the town extends from east to west (Ubud Boulevard), two long street, is Hanoman street extending from Monkey Forest Street and Jalan Raya Ubud south. Puri Saren is a big palace, which is located at the intersection of Monkey Forest Street and Ubud Boulevard. You will find many restaurants Balinese cuisine to Western cuisine from the Monkey Forest and the Hanuman street. Authentic Balinese cuisine made from fresh ingredients at a local shop (stalls located along the road) has become one distinctive cuisine of this art tourism area.
 

One more good tourist spot list that always visited are Sukawati market of south Ubud. More than one hundred stores craft / art shop supply products with high quality, especially the handmade souvenirs made of stone and wood.

When visiting the temple Tirta Empul located at a distance of only about 15 miles, which is the heritage of the ancient Balinese dynasty, I feel like going back to ancient times. Here is a temple complex, where Tirta Empul is a sacred fountain. Since Ubud is relatively small, you can explore the city on foot, you can also rent a bicycle or motorcycle.

New Kuta Golf Course, Uluwatu, Bali. Unbeatable view !

New Kuta Golf Course, Uluwatu, Bali.   Unbeatable view !

 

New Kuta Golf is a tournament standard course embedded in 85 acres of land and is the first links style layout in Indonesia, designed by Ronald Fream, David Dale & Kevin Ramsey, USA and opened in 2007.  With five sets of tees you surely have some variety
Par 72
18 Hole course
Selective public welcome
One day in advance reservation booking for selected public and privilege members
Tournament packages
What makes this course so special? Who would not love to play golf facing the ocean ? The landscaping is natural desert like vegetation with native trees, long grass, creepers, a semi Scottish rough of existing shrubs. The Turf grass is made of seashore pasphalum and is coming from Thailand.

Hole 15

Shelter Snack/beverage stand at hole15.

One of the reasons why hole 15 is so popular (apart from the absolute stunning ocean view), it is a “pit stop” for some drinks and snacks. With a view like this, I would not be surprised if the break turns out longer than planned.

Shelter Snack/Beverage stand Hole 6

Hole 6 is popular for the same reasons, some shelter to have another break and snacks

The New Kuta Golf course was voted top three best maintained course in Asia Pacific 2013/2014 and looking at this picture of hole 16 it does not come as a surprise.


The golf course at sunset

Even those who might not be interested in playing golf, will surely be blown away by the beauty of the view and sunset

The Golf course seen from a bird’s eye

They also organize about 144 golfer tournaments a year

All Golf carts are equipped with cooler boxes, and one player is assisted by one trained female caddy

Caddy girls

All caddies are ladies (since 90% of all golfers are men, this probably makes sense, but it would still be nice to have some nice male caddies for the 10% of lady golfers too) and are trained to be a golfer for single travelers and players. Having a caddie for every golfer is an obligation, just be aware of it, you have no choice, but to accept this condition.

View over Balangan beach, a very popular surfing spot


 The Golf Academy Bali (www.golfacademybali.com)

You are not yet a golfer, no problem, the PGA qualified Golf Academy is available to lead you up to the level you are aiming for. There are golf clinics for groups, and golf lessons. And since you can never start early enough to become a champion, there are junior programs too (minimum 10 years old).

Scottish national Rory Young, a British P.G.A trained professional golf coach at New Kuta Golf course for the last 20 months. 

Ladies, this message is for you, since the New Kuta Golf course really wants to encourage more ladies to take up this sport. Every Monday a ladies beginners’ course takes place at 08.00 am with free demonstration.

Asking the golf team where most of the players are coming from, the answer was that 90% were made up of Indonesians, Australians, Japanese, South Koreas and Chinese.  The remaining are from the rest of the world.
The club offers 2, 3 or 5 days intensive courses with 6 hours of lessons a day to include an hour break, 3 hours of lessons and a 9 hole golf play. The ideal group size is about 3-4 people.
Rory is one of the in-house golf instructors, was playing the European Tour for 2 years and discovered for himself that he is actually a better and more passionate coach than player.
I asked Rory if certain new students really stand out and he said it really depends on the individual, but he noticed over time that a lot of northern Europeans and Americans are better players, probably because many were already exposed to certain kinds of sports like tennis, cricket, hockey, etc. as children, making it easier for them at a later stage to learn golf. However, he said that his Asian students are among the most dedicated and disciplined. He also wished that more women would take up this sport, because he said what they might lack in power, they make up for with mental strength and technical skills.


Driving Range

A nice playground for those hitting the ball for the first time or wishing to practice before playing the real game.  The driving range is 250 long with Seashore Paspalum turf and artificial turf hitting mats

Practice on the driving range



A few rules are necessary.


Club house & Link Restaurant

The Golf course is also housing its own restaurant, serving mostly Indonesian, but also a variety of international food.   You can either enjoy your meal in the open-air atmosphere or if you prefer in the air-conditioned dining area.   The restaurant is open from 06.00 am until 8 pm.

Golf and seal a deal

Since golf courses around the world also act for many business people as an open air boardroom to seal a deal, you might like the idea that the New Kuta golf Course also has its own small meeting facilities and VIP boardroom which can accommodate about 16 people.

The VIP meeting space has more of a cozy living room kind of feeling to it.


Locker rooms, separate for men and women

Separate ladies and gentlemen locker rooms with hot and cold water facilities and lockers are available at the club.

And some nice amenities are awaiting you too


Praying room

Even though Bali is a pre-dominantly Hindu island, even here the tolerance for other cultures is visible. For Muslim visitors, there is a special praying room.


Pro Shop
Golf Retail therapy

We are happy to assist you with bookings at the New Kuta Golf Course, but you may of course also make your own arrangements if you prefer.
Our additional tips:
You can easily combine this golf day with a trip to the famous Uluwatu temple which is only about a 5 minutes drive away. At 6 pm there is also a traditional Balinese kecak dance performance taking place at the Uluwatu temple with an amazing sunset as a backdrop.
We hope you like monkeys though, they are everywhere around the Uluwatu temple and surely appreciate the peanuts you bring for them.  They are not aggressive, but keep your belongings close to you, I have already seen monkeys sitting on the trees with sunglasses in their hands and frustrated visitors trying to convince them to give them back.
For the surfers among you, Dreamland and Balangan beaches are just a stone throw away as well.

Contact details:

New Kuta Golf Course
Kawasan Pecatu Indah Resort
Jl. Raya Uluwatu
Tel. + 62 361 8481 333  Fax + 62 361 8481 400
Email: reservation@newkutagolf.com
www.newkutagolf.com



Opening hours: Daily 06.30 am – 6.30 pm

Tanah Lot Temple,Majestic Sunset

Tanah Lot is one place of interest that vote as one as favorite destinations from both of domestic and foreign tourists. Become an attractions that should be visited when you are traveling to the island of Bali. This temple is located in Beraban Village, Kediri, Tabanan. The distance is about 13km west from the capital city of Tabanan and 20 km from Denpasar. If you start from Ngurah Rai International Airport can be reached in less than 1 hour by motorbike if there is no traffic Jam. Along the road to these attractions, there are plenty of lodging from the simple lodging to luxury villas and five star hotels.

This tourist attraction is very crowded with tourists in the afternoon to evening during the sunset time. Beautiful views of the beach and awesome sunsets can be enjoyed around 6pm. Experience of watching the sunset from the temple that became a legend in Bali will be very special and will not be found elsewhere.This  Tourist attractions such content has been built with adequate facilities such as wide parking area and restrooms to support the enjoyment of those who visit this tourist destination. There are also several hotels close to the beach around these attractions, which regulates a variety of events at night for tourists who visit this place and want to enjoy the pleasure of a cool atmosphere in Tabanan to stay and this place is also often one of the pre-wedding photo locations in Bali because of its beauty for tourists who choose this island as a favorite location pre-wedding photo implementing them in Bali.

Tanah Lot comes from the Balinese language means “Land of Sea”. This temple stands, and built on a rock which is limestone that overlooking the Indian Ocean that has formed continuously over the years by abrasion of the rocks by the waves naturally and create brilliant temple and majestic temple as it is now. Tanah Lot temple was built and has been part of Balinese mythology for centuries. This temple is one of seven sea temples around the Balinese coast. Each temple was founded in the vision of the sea next to form a chain along the west coast. However, the temple had significant Hindu influence. At the base of the rocky island, poisonous sea snakes are believed to guard the temple from evil spirits and intruders. A giant snake purportedly protects the temple is created from scarves ‘Dhang Hyang Nirartha’ when he established the island.

Ulundanu, The Famous Temple in Bali

 
Ulun Danu Temple is a Balinese Hindu Temple located at Candi Kuning Village, Baturiti Sub-district, Tabanan regency. From Denpasar town is about 50 km or around 2 hours. It is set at lakeside of Beratan with beautiful lake view, cool atmosphere and hills as a background.


 
The name of Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is taken from the lake where the temple is built at Beratan Lake. The name of Beratan Lake is inseparable with the Beratan Mount as Deity and Goddess as fertility source, prosperity to keep the prosperity in life and society life. Ulun is come from Hulu word meaning head or power and in this case is intended by Ulun Danu Beratan means power of Beratan Lake that is Danu Goddess.
It is recommended place to visit in Bali when you got holidays to come to Bali where you just book your trip thru a reliable travel agents in Bali to make your trip be easier. I believe your trip will be awesome and great experience.

11 Reasons to Choose Travel Agency on Your Vacation Trips to Bali

11 Reasons to Choose Travel Agency on Your Vacation Trips to Bali

Today, the development of tourism is fast growing in line with the global development because of global influences. The globalizations create several of changes that are very difficult to predict in many aspect which include the community world. One effect of globalization is very obvious that we feel is the impact of tourism sector in the world generally including Bali. The globalization which makes progress in various of fields make the desire to compete is becoming increasingly tight and real. The Bali’s tourism in particularly, it can be seen the various form of competitions in terms of properties includes hotels and villas meanwhile in terms of services includes the readiness to provide the services which then able to attract the tourists to choose and use their services.

What to Know?

So many interesting choices related to the development of Bali’s tourism in particular with the terms of services and properties with various of services and competitive prices are easily be found. In a wonderful holiday in Bali Island, the foreign and domestic tourists are always mess around with different shapes and a wide selection of properties and services offered with very competitive prices. Some choose the property and services directly, there are also tourists choose the Freeland Services and the others choose the travel agencies to arrange all their travel arrangements.

On this occasion, we share 11 reason why what are the advantage in choosing the travel agency to arrange your holiday trips to Bali as well as all activities related to your vacation day in this paradise island :

1. Travel Agent will provide you comprehensive range of travel services in specific term of your desire rather than you make online reservation to the property of Freeland Tour. Example: when you make travel packages, it is included free return airport transfer, there is professional tour guide will explain you about Bali correctly, spa, adventures and other activities that what the client needs.
2. The travel agency will offer you the cheaper price quotation than when you make direct booking online to the properties.
3. Travel agent will provide you clear and precise information according with your desire through email or other tools communications. The travel agent will do the maximum effort to fulfill all your needs those are very difficult you get when you do property online reservation or make the booking through Freeland Tour Company.
4. You can do one stop shopping at travel agency where the travel agent relatively has the ability to arrange your holiday trips when you make the booking more than one activity as well as destinations. It will make your holidays more efficient, easy, relax and comfortable.
5. Travel agency has the ability to give the clear and precise information related to arrange the timing or trip schedule that you need as well as the other information that you desire.
6. Travel agency provides a range of services and facilities that will add the value for your holidays in Bali. The Facilities and Services are provided by each travel agent varies, so you have to choose the reliable one.
7. In addition to give the best prices, most of the activities booked through travel agency has been covered by the insurances that will secure you and make comfortable when doing the activities.
8. Travel agency provide the comprehensive and reliable services.
9. Travel agency provides information more completely rather than when you book online reservation.
10. When you book through travel agent, you will avoid from the trap prices, facilities or services that are not measurable and not meet your expectation.
11. Your holiday trips will more comfortable using travel agent services so that they can be contacted when the emergency.

HAPPY HOLIDAY

Sails Sensations Daylight Cruise

Sails Sensations Daylight Cruise
'A Cruise of Elegance'

Daylight Cruise of Sail Sensations is one of the exciting sailing experiences perfectly combined by exploring Lembongan Island and attractive cruise activities. The cruise is much comfortable by using 27 meters long vessel of sail assisted motorized catamaran to cross Bali Strait and go to the most beautiful island with white sandy beach along the coastal area. Sail Sensations is one of the established cruise companies in Bali serve you with exciting cruise experience to explore the blue ocean and stop over at Lembongan Island. You will enjoy the fun ship cruise with sailing catamaran and friendly services from professional crew that complete your experiences in Bali.

Cruise to Lembongan Island

Sail Sensation will bring you the fantastic cruise experience to go to the beautiful island of Lembongan which is located in east of Bali. The ship will depart from Benoa Harbor at 09.00 am and return about 17.30 pm. The Daylight Cruise is using SV Sail Sensations Vessel that is rated by HSC under international (Maritime) Code of Safety. The boat can accommodate up to 110 people with 27 meter long and 12 meters wide.
Benoa Harbor

• Departure : 09.00 am
• Return: 17.30 pm

What to Bring?

• Swimming costume
• Change Clothe
• Short/long pant
• T-shirt
• Sunscreen
• Sun glasses
• Hat
• Camera
• Sandal
• Money for optional activities and souvenir

PRICE: US$ 112 net/person ONLY
Children (4 - 14 Years): US$ 56 net/child
Rate Inclusion:

• 21% Government tax and service
• Round trip hotel transfer valid for the hotel area of Tanjung Benoa, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Kuta, Seminyak and Sanur only)
• Sail away with a light breakfast
• Return with afternoon snacks
• Tea/coffee throughout the day
• Barbeque Buffet Lunch at the Beach Club “The Anchorage”
• Village Tours (to visit underground house and seaweed farming)
• Sea kayaking
• Snorkeling equipment
• Glass Bottom Boat
• Banana Boat ride
• Full use of anchorage facilities with swimming pool and waterslide
• Three beverage coupons throughout the day consisted of one bottle of soft drink or mineral water, one glass of beer and one glass of house wine

PICK UP SERVICES

Free round trip hotel transfer will be provided for the following hotel location and outside of below location will be applied additional charge

Hotel Location	Pick up time
Sanur Area Kuta, Tuban and Legian Area Seminyak and Kerobokan Area Jimbaran Area Nusa Dua Area Tanjung Benoa Area	08.00 - 08.15 am 07.30 - 07.45 am 07.15 - 07.30 am 07.30 - 07.45 am 07.30 - 07.45 am 07.30 - 07.45 am

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

• The additional charge of 3% will be charged if the payment is made by credit card on spot for bank administration fee
• Payment can be also made via PayPal
• Free round trip hotel transfer is valid for hotel area in Tanjung Benoa, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Kuta, Legian, Seminyak and Sanur only. Outside of these hotel area will be charged additional fee
• The above rates are valid until 31 March 2016
• All rate quoted on the page are subject to change without notice and strictly valid when the booking is made via Bali Star Island only
• All booking confirmations are subject to availability basis.

Cancellation and No Show Policy

Cancellation fee will be charged if the cancellation is made within:

• If the booking cancellation is made within 3 days before the service date, 50% of the total tour reserved will be charged as a cancellation fee.
• If the booking is made within 1 day before the service date up to no show, a full (100%) charge will be applied as a cancellation fee
• This cancellation policy is valid for individual booking and not valid for group booking. The cancellation policy for group booking will be advised on the confirmation made

The Fascinating Barong Dance in Bali

The Barong is a mythological being in Bali that takes the form of a four-legged wild animal. The Barong Dance has always been popular in Bali. It is danced by two men, one man dancing the head and forelegs and other playing the hind legs and tail. The wel-known barong in Bali are the Barong Keket, the Barong Kalekek and Barong Landung.
The story goes that Rangda, the mother of Erlangga, the King of Bali in the tenth century, was condemned by Erlangga’s father because she practiced black magic. After she became a widow, she summoned all the evil spirits in the jungle, the leaks and the demons, to come after Erlangga. A fight occurred, but she and her black magic troops were too strong that Erlangga had to ask for the help of Barong. Barong came with Erlangga’s soldiers, and fight ensued. Rangda casted a spell that made Erlangga soldiers all wanted to kill themselves, pointing their poisoned keris into their own stomachs and chests. Barong casted a spell that turned their body resistant to the sharp keris. At the end, Barong won, and Rangda ran away.
Somebody can die or get seriously injured in a Barong dance. It is said that if Rangda’s spell is too strong, a weak soldier may not be able to resist it, even with the help of Barong. He may end up hurting himself with his own keris.
The masks of Barong and Rangda are considered sacred items, and before they are brought out, a priest must be present to offer blessings by sprinkling them with holy water taken from Mount Agung, and offerrings must be presented.