Bali
Bali is one of the first places that comes to mind when we think of a cultural vacation. It is a Hindu-majority province, known for its highly developed arts - including traditional and modern dance, sculpture, painting, music and history. Additionally, Bali is also known for its natural beauty - stunning beaches, awe-inspiring volcanic mountains and coral reefs. Combine these with the magical temples and lavish hotels and resorts and you can easily see why this island is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful places in the world. Many large-scale international events such as the G20, the Indonesian Film Festival and Miss World have been held in Bali. In March 2017, Trip Advisor named it as the world's top destination in its Traveler's Choice Award. And this was earned again in January 2021.
Bali is renowned as the Island of Gods on Earth. Its natural scenic beauty, along with quaint historic buildings, make it a ‘must-explore’ destination for travelers. Its luxurious resorts and hotels make it the perfect spot for a vacation retreat. So many people are attracted to the island and view it as their ideal vacation spot because it offers activities like surfing, sightseeing, days out on the beautiful beaches and so much more. Many who come here love to spend their time discovering the rich culture, the arts and the traditions of the native population.
Tenganan
One of the oldest and most unexplored locations in Bali is known as Tenganan. Tenganan is a village in the regency of Karangasem in East Bali, Indonesia. In the 1970s, it was little more than a secluded society hidden away in the vast archipelago. However, today, through developments by the central government, it has become much more accessible to visitors. Famous for its rich Bali Aga culture and unique village layout and architecture, it is a must-see.
Village layout in Tenganan Pegringsingan
Tenganan has a distinctive overall layout. Houses there are built on either side of a hill with their doors opening out onto it. A large open public area stretches out in front of each one on the other side. The entrances of the houses are quirky and, and allow only one person to enter or exit at any given time. The village’s entrance is adorned with two small temples on both sides.
Rites and rituals in Tenganan
Tenganan is famous for its ceremonial activities. One of the distinguishing features is the ubiquitous sound of ringing from the temple bell. The village is also famous for its double ikat cloth, known as Geringsing. The magical qualities of Geringsing are said to keep danger away from the village and to protect the local community from harmful influences, especially during rites of passage as villagers transition from one phase of life to the next. The Tengananese receive their first Geringsing at the hair-cutting ritual. The newly-cut hair is placed in a basket on a folded Geringsing on the Bale Tengah on which the Tegananese are said to both enter and depart this world. In one ceremony, in which a very young boy or girl is admitted to the youth association of the village, the child is dressed specifically in Geringsing cloth and carried on their father's right shoulder. During the ceremony of Teruna Nyoman, which is an initiation, the candidates also wear Geringsing and also carry a local dagger, known as a Keris.
Ramayana Candidasa
After a long day exploring this area, one needs to rest in a comfortable, peaceful place. Only 11-minutes away is Ramayana Candidasa - one of East Bali's most popular luxury resorts. Perched on the edge of the sea, it is situated in the village of Sengkidu, just outside Candidasa, Bali. This is a quiet and tranquil spot, perfectly suitable for a romantic vacation just for 2 and a beautiful escape from a hectic work life. The resort has the most picturesque scenery you could experience, with the crystal clear ocean on one side and a large, jungle clad mountain on the other. On site there is a large pool, lush and colorful foliage, perfectly manicured Balinese gardens and running marble fountains, all surrounded by swaying palm trees. All these features make this resort a dream retreat location for visitors to Bali.
Conclusion
To see the cultural side of Bali and to experience this world famous must-visit destination and heavenly island paradise, we recommend you stay at Ramayana Candidasa. To learn more about the Resort, click here. To book our discounted offer, click here.