The Barong & Kris Dance, Kesiman Denpasar 14 Nov 2016

We woke up early in the morning, got ready all of our backpacks and luggage as we would check out from the CT1 Bed & Breakfast Hotel and start our full day tour.

Resen picked us up at 8.00am, and we headed to Kesiman village for the Barong & Kris Dance being our first itinerary of the day.

The Barong and Kris dance is one of the Bali most iconic dance-dramas, on par with the Legong and Kecak. The Kecak Dance we watched the day before made us  more keen and looking forward to the the performance.

We were there on just in time, before 9.30am and we bought the tickets Adult Rp.100,000 and Child Rp.50,000. Pamphlets containing synopses handed out at the ticket booths prior to the start of the show. Otherwise, it can be difficult to follow the story as the scenes unfold, due to the lack of narration.

After we got our tickets, Resen brought us around to the area as beside the performance hall is the village temple. Later on we learned that the shows is managed locally; dances performed by villagers, and live gamelan orchestra accompanies the full length of the show.

We managed to find a place just in front of the stage. Unlike the Kecak using the men's’ chanting as the music background, Barong using vibrant gamelan overtures begin as the audience is seated.

The Barong dance represent on eternal fight between good and evil spirit. Barong (a mythological animal) represent a good spirit and Rangda (a mythological monster) represent an evil one.

The Barong, a benevolent spirit in beast form must protect a kingdom against the vengeful wrath of the widow and witch queen, Rangda. Two male dancers work out the movements of the heavily ornate Barong costume, much in resemblance of the Chinese lion dance, while supporting dancers portray monkeys, priests and village men.

Below is the synopses which was given to us:

THE DANCES START WITH MUSIC OVERTONE ~ Followed by his friend, the monkey, the tiger comes up. Three masked dancers appear representing Meri, making palm wine in the forest whose child is killed by the tiger. the three men get angry and attack the tiger which is helped by the monkey. During the fight the nose of one of the three men was bitten off.

FIRST ACT ~ Two girls (dancers) appear representing the servant of the Rangda. They looking for the severities of Dewi Kunti who are on the way to meet their Patih.

SECOND ACT ~ Dewi Kunti followers arrived. One of the followers of Rangda transfigured into a demon (a kind of Rangda ) and enter a demon spirit to Dewi Kunti’s followers, which make them angry .

THIRD ACT ~ Dewi Kunti and her son; Sahadewa emerged. Dewi Kunti has promised to Rangda to hand over Sahadewa as a victim . Dewi Kunti actually not want to sacrifice his son Sahadewa to the Rangda, but devil (a kind of Rangda ) insert an evil spirit that caused her to become angry and willingly to sacrifice his son. With the assistance of Patih, she exiles Sahadewa into the jungle. Patih is also being inserted an evil spirit by the devil which make Patih with no humanity herd Sahadewa into the jungle and tied him in-front of Rangda’s palace.

FOURTH ACT ~ Come down Dewa Siwa and give immortal life to Sahadewa. This incident is not known by Rangda . Then came Rangda to tearing and killing Sahadewa but he can not be killed because of immunity bestowed by Dewa Siwa . Rangda surrender to Sahadewa and begged to be saved so that he could go to heaven . The demand is met by Sahadewa and then Rangda got heaven .

FIFTH ACT ~ When one of the Rangda’s followers (Kalika) facing Sahadewa to ask for forgiveness, it was rejected by Sahadewa. This rejection cause fights and Kalika transfigured into a “wild boar” and in the struggle between Sahadewa and the wild boar, Sahadewa gets victory.  Then Kalika (wild boar) is turned into a “bird”. Kalika remains defeated.

And finally Kalika (bird) transfigured into “Rangda”. Because of his magic, Rangda cannot be killed by Sahadewa and eventually Sahadewa transfigured into a “Barong”. Since they have the same magical strength then the fight between Barong against Rangda is no winning this fight and thus lasts forever. Then came the Barong’s followers, each with a Keris to help barong  in the fight against Rangda.

The climactic scene has the palace guards in trance, turning on themselves by screaming and stabbing their chests fiercely with their Kris daggers, but without harm due to the black magic. Barong comes to the rescue, lifting the spell off all those inflicted, and a priest comes around sprinkling holy water to fully revive the kingdom as the famine subsides, and Rangda is defeated.

The shows last between 45 minutes and an hour, and the end of the show features photo taking onstage with the performing cast in their full costumes, as well as with the gamelan orchestra.

Initially we had much enthusiastic for the show, but may be it was due to story line is too long, and a little bit confusing of the characters appeared on the stage and trying to figure out who is who. In the end, we found it a bit boring through out the show.

Both kids were feeling sleepy in the end of the show. I guess the hot weather contributed to this too! And, what they were waiting in the end was eagerly to have photo and touch the Barong costume!

One of the gamelan musicians invited us to the back stage where they kept all the costumes and masks used in the dance. We had a chance to put on them and have a few photos taken together. Daddy did give the musician some tips for that.

CT1 Bed & Breakfast Bali 11-14 Nov 2016

We arrived around 8pm to 9pm. at the hotel. It was a bit disappointing after we saw the hotel.

It was quite a difference compared to the website photos. The entrance of the hotel is a bit hidden by the cars parking in front of the hotel.

Later on, we realized that it was due to the photos perspective views that shown at the website, resulted the wrong impression of the hotel view.

We entered the main glass door and we just followed the corridor, which it would lead us to the canteen of the hotel on the left.

Here there is a soft drinks fridge where you can buy cold soft drinks here. And, here too, we would redeem our breakfast every morning.

The breakfast provided is local Indonesian food as it was quite new for us, so we have no complaints on that as it is free.

Then, we came to the reception counter, where we do our check-in and check-out here. At the right side there is a row of seating area along the corridor.

The hotel lobby is located at the back, and it is served as a break fast area in the morning or meeting area for some.

It is actually quite a cosy place at the night, and it is open-air, meaning is not an enclosure. At the side there is a koi pond with a small garden.

The koi pond is located just next to the main staircase where we used to our room at 3rd floor. There is no lift in this hotel. We stayed at the 3rd floor, thus we have to walk up and down every time we wanted to go out.

We booked the double decker room which come with 1 King size bed and 1 Queen size bed.

There is an air-conditioner and a wall mounted fan. We have our hot shower after the meal, and made us happier after our first checked-in day.

There is a big break out area just outside our room.

There are 3 sets of sofas, coffee tables, wash basins with mirrors, and drinking dispensers. It would be great for big group or family gathering.

We stayed for 3 nights here. There is one night which there was guests from some institution stayed for a night, and we can heard their talking and laughing during our sleep in the night. And, luckily we were too tired to bother about them.

The location of the hotel is a bit far from Pantai Kuta and the main tourist spots at Kuta as we have to walk a lot further.

Anyhow it is next to the Tuban Police Station, a 24 hours clinic and the ATM kiosks.

We have to walk further down or up the street to look for our meals, convenience stores and the laundry shop.

The hotel offers access to a vast array of services to the guests, including 24-hour room service, free Wi-Fi in all rooms, gift/souvenir shop, Wi-Fi in public areas, car park.

The hotel guest rooms, many of which include television LCD/plasma screen, internet access – wireless, internet access – wireless (complimentary), air conditioning, desk.

Well, if you are looking for a place to sleep and shower should be value for money.  Just the room and the area is a bit wear down but still considered ok for the money spent. Frankly, we would look for hotel nearer to Kuta Beach, as it would be more choices and things to see around.

Uluwatu Kecak Ramayana & Fire Dance 13 Nov 2016

The Kecak dance is performed at the Uluwatu Temple Amphitheatre everyday at the adjacent cliff-top stage at 6:00pm to 7:00pm.

Visitors are charged a nominal fee – Adult Rp.100,000 and Child Rp.70,000. What makes it the most favourite venue to watch a Kecak dance is the sunset background of the performance.

Around 5.00pm, the Amphitheatre was opened for the visitors.

It is a half round shape with the seating in timber on a concrete structure. We choose a place at the left hand side of the theatre.The seats were rather hard but we are ok with that.

We can see more and more people coming in as we can see that there is no limitation of the audiences in the amphitheatre, so once all of the tiered seating is filled, then the staffs direct the audience start to fill the walk ways. We can see there were still people coming in even the show started.

And, because it is set in a circular amphitheatre, there is limited air flow so it gets hot really quickly,especially with the number of people squashed into in.

Luckily we brought our water with us, and we just use the script papers which given by the ticket counter as our paper fan.

The show started with the Emcee greeted to all the audiences and a brief explanation on the dance itself with the since of the sunset and the view of the sun setting over the water behind him was magnificent.

The priest blessing the fire and then the men come out to surround it and commence their singing/chanting which forms the music for the dance.

There were around 70 men wearing only a loin-cloth, the upper part of their bodies left bare.

They formed rows of circles, where in the middle is a coconut oil lamp which the priest blessed.

The men’s chorus chants the words “Cak ke-cak ke-cak ke-cak ke-cak”, in rhythm, over and over again. For this reason they are called the Kecak or Cak dance.The show is a combination of song, dance and theatre.

We read the story lines which given, and then it is better for us to understand the show was all about. It break down to 5 acts.

The Kecak Fire Dance synopsis goes that Sri Rama, the prince of the Ayodya kingdom was sent into exile by his father King Dasaratha following an evil trick by his stepmother Kaikeyi.

Deep in a monkey forest (which fits in perfectly with Uluwatu’s setting), Rama is accompanied by his wife Sita and loyal younger brother Laksamana.

The evil Rahwana, who had a crush on Sita, knew of this, and set out to kidnap her.

The rescuing effort by the two brothers ensues with help from the monkey king Hanoman and his monkey troops.

Rahwana eventually subdued, the two lovers are finally reunited right after the setting sun.

The fire torches in the stage’s centre flicker against the darkened sky and the echoing chants subside.

After the performance, the fire dance come in.

They place a ring of fire around the centre and a monkey dancer moves in, over and around this, as part of the performance he kicks the lit tinder around causing sparks to fly into the nearer audiences.

The show ended with the big claps from all the audience and photo taking with the dancers.

The day that we watched this show, the night before was heavy rain and thunderstorm had make the electricity short circuit which resulted there was no night lighting.

Thus, there were a lot of audience with good cameras went for the photo session. The rest of the people like us just left at the same time, causing traffic jams in the car park and along the access road out.

We have enjoyed the shows very much! and, it is really a must see in Bali!

We headed to Jimbaran for our seafood dinner. It took us about almost 45 minutes from Uluwatu to Jimbaran.

We had our dinner at a place called Sri Gangga Café. The staffs hospitality were really good, just the food served here really poor and we were never come back again.

The food here were tasteless, and extremely expensive and not fresh!

We had 2 types of fish Rp.308,000 and Rp332,000 and some squid Rp.245,000 and all of it cooked with same method - grilled!

We ordered 1 Coca-Cola Rp.15,000, 2 Soda Gembira Rp.40,000 and 1 lemon juice Rp20,000.

Even though the dishes came with white rice and vegetables, plus the service and tax it come to the total of Rp.1,104,000!

This was the most expensive meals we had ever, even in our homeland!

We decided to pay it using MasterCard, also have additional charges and the bill become Rp.1,138,000!

Through our experience, we still find that Malaysia have the best seafood dinner ever! And, it can come with various method of cooking – steam, salt baked, oven baked, etc. And it is delicious and fresh!

Well, the staffs serving there were very helpful and friendly, just the food itself really spoilt our day! If not it could be a beautiful day we had!

Overall the night was great despite the dinner! We were thinking of if next time we would have a chance to come Bali again, we wouldn’t want to come for the seafood dinner again!

Pura Luhur Uluwatu Bali 13 Nov 2016

We arrived Uluwatu Temple around 4.30pm. It is just nice I guess the timing after we visit the temple, and we can wait for the Kecak & Fire Dance Performance which is in the evening.

Uluwatu Temple, or Pura Luhur Uluwatu, one of six key temples believed to be Bali's spiritual pillars, is renowned for its magnificent location, perched on top of a steep cliff approximately 70 metres above sea level.

This temple also shares the splendid sunset backdrops as that of Tanah Lot Temple, another important sea temple located in the island's western shores.

Pura Luhur Uluwatu is definitely one of the top places on the island to go to for sunset delights, with direct views overlooking the beautiful Indian Ocean and daily Kecak dance performances.

Balinese architecture, traditionally-designed gateways, and ancient sculptures add to Uluwatu Temple's appeal. That is the reason why it is a must-visit place to go whoever go to Bali – The Island of Gods!

We got our entrance ticket – Adult Rp.30,000 and Child Rp.20,000. At the back of the tickets, written a brief history of the Uluwatu Temple.

Resen helped us to wear the sarong. Visitors must wear a sarong (whom the skirts or pants not reach knee length) and a sash (whom wearing long pants), as well as appropriate clothes common for all the temple visits.

We were given precautionary warn of the monkeys grabbing attractive items such as sunglasses and cameras before this.

And, true enough there was an incidents which we saw the monkeys came down from the trees and snatched hand phone from one of the visitors.

Resen showed us around the surrounding of the Temple, as the visitors are not allowed to go into the temple as it is only for the prayers only. Thus we were looking around especially near the cliff side.

Along the way we did see some Balinese ladies carrying the offerings on their head and men were wearing their traditional custom and white colour udeng (men’s headwear) to perform their prayers and rituals in the temple.

What makes Uluwatu Temple spectacular is its cliff-top setting at the edge of a plateau 250 feet above the waves of the Indian Ocean. 'Ulu' means the ‘top’ or the ‘tip’ and 'watu' means a ‘stone’ or a ‘rock’ in Balinese. Several archaeological remains found here prove the temple to be of megalithic origin, dating back to around the 10th century.

There are two entrances to Uluwatu Temple, from the south and the north. A small forest lies at the front and hundreds of monkeys dwell here. They are believed to guard the temple from bad influences.

The serpentine pathway to the temple is fortified by concrete walls on the cliff side. It takes about an hour to get from one end to another as there are several fenced points along the way to stop. The views from the bottom of the water surging up against rocks and the ocean horizon are remarkable.

The Balinese Hindus believe that the three divine powers of Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva become one here. That belief results in making Uluwatu Temple a place of worship of Siva Rudra, the Balinese Hindu deity of all elements and aspects of life in the universe. Pura Uluwatu is also dedicated to protect Bali from evil sea spirits.

We just love the scenic view of the sea and the sounds of the waves splashing towards the rocks and the cliff! One can just stand here for hours just listen to the sounds of the waves and the breeze of the oceans. I really appreciate this and love God more! I had given so much!

                   

After we were touring around the temple, we went back to the square as we can see there were a lot of tourists waiting for the evening Kecak & Fire Dance Show which will be starting at 6.00pm.

Resen helped us to snap a family photo with the Main Shrine is on top of the cliff behind. Can you see the Temple? I cannot imagine how far we have walked from the start to the Amphitheatre here!

Padang-Padang Beach & Blue Point Beach Bali 13 Nov 2016

After our visit or the presentation of Karma Royal membership, we waited for Resen to pick us up and start our half day tour at Uluwatu area. All of us were so starving since it was nearly 1.00pm.

Daddy asked Resen to look for a place to eat while we were on the way to Uluwatu. Resen brought us to a place and it is called Warung Cikgo.

From the street it doesn't look at all as attractive as it really is. From the first impression, I like the place, as it is kind of environment that we love, authentic!

Once we sat down, and I did notice that almost all of the guests were tourists! And I knew that the food price too, would not be cheap either.

We ordered 1 Cah Kangkung Rp.30,000, 1 Crispy Duck Rp.105,000, 1 Cikgo Special Pork Rib Rp.125,000, 4 Steamed Rice Rp.48,000, 1 Coca Cola Rp.15,000, 2 Ice Lemongrass Rp.30,000 and 1 Mineral Water Rp.10,000.

I feel that it is pricey as the food portion are not big, the sauce is little. We need to wait quite some time for our meals. The food is ok.

May be this is the first time I drink Lemongrass, it is really yummy, soothing and cooling too! I like the drink so much.

The Kangkung was average, the  Pork Rib is ok but the portion really is small, and the Crispy Duck as well. All in together with the 5% service charge and 10% tax, the total bill came to Rp.419,265.

Through our 2 days experience here at Bali, we feel that the local Balinese main food is rice, and the vegetables or meats would only a very little portion of their meals.

After the meal, we continue our journey to our next destination – Padang-Padang Beach.

Padang Padang Beach, locally referred to as Pantai Labuan Sait, is one of Bali’s most famous surf spots, located on the north-western coast of the island’s Bukit Peninsula.

Heading up along Jalan Raya Uluwatu from Jimbaran and around 30 minutes’ drive past the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, a junction with signs that clearly bear ‘Jalan Labuan Sait’ leads you along a hilly but smooth 3.5km asphalt route.

We reached there around 2.45pm. There are entrance fees for the foreign tourists 2 adults x Rp.10,000 and 2 children x Rp.5,000.

During the time we purchased the tickets at the counter, we saw some tourists walking up with their surf boards under their arms. definitely a good surf spot.

According to Resen, Uluwatu is the place for surfers as the wave is huge enough. Beach access is down the slope across the road from a large parking area.

We came to a place where two sides of the limestone cliff, offering a glimpse down to the beach from up high. The steps were steep going through small narrow cave.

Once we reached to the beach, the sand was white and can see moderate number of people doing swimming , enjoying surfing ,fishing and sunbathing.

There are stalls which sells food, drinks, and some souvenirs there. We spent roughly 45 minutes there.

It was during the low tide, we were surprise as we able to see some sea snails, star fish, sea urchins, etc.

The weather was really hot and ‘killing’ us. We went to the next beach which according to Resen is much more beautiful.

Blue Point Beach is a beach with steep cliffs and big waves, and the Blue Point beach is more suitable for surfing!

Therefore, when we arrived there, we saw plenty of surfers. All were in their swimming suits, bikinis, and the surfing boards!

We noticed that when going down the stairs, we can see many cafes offering culinary combined with the scenic beauty of the beach.

Frankly, we were too tired too walk. We just rested at one of the local warung and have our cool coconut drinks! We did try their local grilled corns, with the spicy and sweet flavour. It tasted nice and better compared Malaysia!

We concluded our beaches visits and heading towards our next destination – which is the Uluwatu Temple visit.