Jendela di Bali Guest Compendium
Thank you for choosing Jendela di Bali for your stay and we sincerely hope that you enjoy your time with us.
This guest compendium is designed to provide you with all the information you may require during your stay at Jendela di Bali. We invite you to familiarise yourself with the contents and we hope that you find the information useful. Please feel free to let us know any additional information which you would like to see included.
We’re passionate about your positive experience. If for any reason any aspect of your stay is not satisfactory, please let our staff know immediately and we will endeavor to rectify any problem or concern. We appreciate all feedback given and use your comments to improve the villa and the facilities.
OTHER GUIDES
In addition to the guest information below, you can view our Yoga & Meditation guide here and our Sites & Attractions near Jendela di Bali here. We also like this comprehensive guide to what to pack for Bali and Lombok by Baligram.me
Contents
Latest Travel Updates
Villa Location & Key Phone Numbers
About Jendela di Bali Onsite Manager
Our Staff
Villa Inclusions & Additional Services
Check-In / Out Policy
Children Policy
Event and Parties
Food and Beverage Service
Massage at the Villa
Entertainment Systems
Pool and Garden
Internet
Safety at the Villa
Valuables & Security
Note of Caution
Fire Safety
Smoking Policy
Laundry & Linen
Makeup Removal
Electricity
Drinking Water
Environmental Concerns
Newspapers
Insects & Precautions
First Aid / Medical Assistance
Gym
Transportation/Driver
Currency/Money Changers/ATMs
Payments for Extras
Do You Need Special Assistance?
At The End of Your Stay
Please Write a Review for Us
Bali Consulate Addresses
Bali Airline Offices
Bali Travel Tips
Balinese Faith and Worship
Temple Ettiquette
Local Holidays
LATEST TRAVEL UPDATES
To check the current entry requirements for travel to Bali, Indonesia check the official Bali Hotels Association’s ‘Welcome Back to Bali’ website.
Villa Location & Key Phone Numbers
The villa is located at:
Jalan Benawah-Petak Kaja, Banjar Penyembahan,
Desa Petak Kaja, Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia
Click here for Google Map
Phone (Onsite Manager, Ibu Dayu Made): +62 815 4711 8072
Lat/Long: -8.460209, 115.315106
Key Phone Numbers
Manager: Dayu Made: +62 815 4711 8072
Villa Management:
Bali Individual Wisata:
Office: Jl. Muding Tengah, Bougenville 18, Kerobokan, Kuta Utara, Bali 80361
Phone: +62 811 399 513
Mobile: +62 811 392 2728 or +62 811 388 6655
Whatsapp: +62-812-4672-7979 or +62-812-3861-3513 or +62-811-399-513
Tour and Travel Service: Bali Individual Tour Phone: +62 811 399 629
Car and Driver Hire: Bali Midori Phone: +62 811 399 631
Medical: Check the First Aid/Medical Assistance section below for contacts.
About Jendela di Bali Onsite Manager
Jendela di Bali is managed by our local Manager Ibu Dayu Made. She can look after all your requirements during your villa stay. Our experienced and friendly staff will do their best to make your stay in Bali an enjoyable experience. If Dayu Made is not at the villa when you require service, use the villa phone in the kitchen to call her on her mobile: Dayu Made: +62 815 4711 8072
Our Staff
There are four staff working for Jendela di Bali. They enjoy interacting with guests and are a great source of local information.
• Dayu Made – Villa Manager, main cook, housekeeping supervisor
• Dayu Suci – Housekeeping, service
• Agung – Garden maintenance
Villa Inclusions & Additional Services
Villa Inclusions (details depend on package, see your booking confirmation for specific details relating to your stay):
Welcome drink & seasonal tropical fruit upon arrival
Daily breakfast for two persons per bedroom bale
Housekeeping
All bed linen, towels, bottled water and normal household supplies are included in the rental price and will be replenished as needed.
Additional Services
The following are available at additional charge, by prior arrangement, subject to availability. Enquire for cost:
Extra bed Included Daily Breakfast
Extra Bed without Breakfast
Baby Cot per day
Baby Chair per day
Pool Fence per day
Scooter rental per day
Food and Beverages Click here to see our menu for prices
In house massage See menu in villa for details/rates
Baby sitter - Price on application
Yoga & Meditation, Purification at Holy Temple (see separate Tour & Attractions Guide)
Car Charter (see key contact number section for contact details)
Tour and Travel Services (see key contact number section for contact details)
Check-In / Out Policy
Check-in Time at 2:00 PM
Check-out Time at 11:00 AM (12pm checkout may be available on request if no incoming guest)
Request for late check-out is subject to availability
Check out after 12:00 noon until 06:00 PM is charged half day of rental charge
Check-out effectuated after 06:00 PM is charged at a full day of rental charge
Children Policy
Our villa is not safe for children 1 – 7 years old, since we have a very deep gorge beside the villa. An extra bed can be placed in White Elephant Bale at an additional charge. No extra bed is available for the Kingfisher Bale.
Event and Parties
Events and parties are not catered for at this villa.
Access to the Villa
The Villa and its facilities are available for the Guests full enjoyment during the rental period. However, our staff and contractors may need access to the Villa from time to time (e.g. for maintenance purposes to the house, garden, swimming pool, utilities and services, or for the purposes of providing additional services requested by the Guest, etc.). The Guest is required to give them reasonable access to the Villa for these purposes.
Registration of Foreigners
The law in Indonesia requires registration for all foreigners within 24 hours of arrival. Our Staff will request your passports on arrival to complete this formality. The passport will be returned to you straight after the registration within the same day. We understand that you may not feel comfortable handing over your passport but by law we are required to follow these procedures. Please rest assured that your precious documents will be looked after and returned after a short time. This procedure is for your own safety and should anything happen requiring an insurance claim we need to have the corresponding registration card that we will collect and hold on your behalf.
Food and Beverage Service
We have talented home cook on staff (Dayu Made) who can prepare traditional-inspired meals tailored to western taste (not spicy) or other requests as required. Please order 24 hours in advance. Click here to the view our villa menu from which you can select. Prices are modest and reflect just the cost of buying produce and transport and costs associated with private dining experience. Dining can be in the Bale Bengong and if the weather allows, by the pool. Guests are also welcome to dine in their bale – just ask the staff in advance.
We can offer basic beverages, including fresh juices, local beer and soft drinks. Please note fresh juices consume a lot of fresh fruit and will be subject to the fresh fruits on hand so do let us know if you have special likings so we can shop in advance.
Massage at the Villa
Subject to therapist availability, we can usually offer two styles of massage therapy at the villa – relaxation massage (female therapist) and therapeutic massage (male therapist). Please see the separate massage therapy menu for details and pricing.
Entertainment Systems
Your villa is equipped with a satellite television offering numerous channels. The is also a DVD with home theatre and surround sound. If you are unsure of how to operate this equipment there is a guide in the Wayang Kulit Media Bale. Please understand the staff only have basic understanding of the equipment. A CD player is located in the living space of the villa. Jendela di Bali is located at the top of the high caste village of Penyembahan, so in consideration of your neighbours, please keep the noise level at a reasonable level, particularly at night time.
Pool and Garden
The swimming pool is available for you to use during both day and night time. Our staff will set up pool towels on the sun chairs on your request. Please be aware that the pool is shallow in some areas and not very deep elsewhere so is not suitable for diving. We advise extra caution to be taken when swimming in the pool, as we cannot assume responsibility for any injuries or accidents. Please do not take glass into or on the edge of pool.
Our staff like to be up and early with their sweeping – it’s a Balinese thing and how we start our day. If this bothers you, please tell Dayu Made and she will ask for them to sweep later.
Internet
Internet is available at the villa. Access to the internet is via the WiFi wireless system which is broadcast over most of the property. There are access points in the Kingfisher and The White Elephant bales. There are four networks. The name of the networks are ‘Jendela 1’ and ‘Jendela 2’ 'Kingfisher' and 'White Elephant'. Choose whichever has the stronger signal in your location. The password is available from the staff and on signs in each bale.
Safety at the Villa
Jendela di Bali is safe, but we recommend that you lock your bale for peace of mind. Our staff will keep a close eye on the villa to ensure all is in working order and to offer service where required. If you specifically do not wish them to come into the villa please be sure to advise the Manager of your privacy requirements.
Valuables & Security
We advise you to lock all valuables in your room safe. Each room has a safety box. Please speak to our staff if you have any questions operating the safe. Each safe has its own key which is attached to your bale key ring. Our staff are very honest; however we suggest you do not leave valuables such as your wallet lying around in the living dining room areas over night. We cannot accept any responsibility in the case of theft, loss or damage to your belongings so we advise precautionary measures.
Note of Caution
Whilst Bali is generally safe for walking around even at the night time, we recommend that you always use your driver or licensed taxi to move around after dark. Please understand that drug related laws are very strict here in Bali. Any guest found in possession of drugs within the villa will be asked to leave immediately. The authorities in Bali pursue drug enforcement vigorously. The penalties for possession are severe and are applied whether you are visitor or resident. We cannot stress enough the danger associated with this issue, and under no circumstances should you become involved in any form of illegal drug use.
Fire Safety
Our Villa has a thatched roofs and many are hand crafted from timbers, as you can see. Our staff has been trained to use the fire extinguishers in case of a fire emergency, please familiarise yourselves with where the extinguishers are located in the villa. Unfortunately because of the very real risks, we have to have a 'no candles or incense' policy indoors and we ask guests to respect this.
Smoking Policy
For fire safety and for the convenience of other guests smoking is strictly forbidden anywhere indoors or on the decks of bales. In the garden or by the pool are good places to enjoy a cigarette and Dayu Made can provide you with an ashtray. We ask you to respect this request. Any guest found contravening this request will be asked to leave and no refund will be offered. Further, if smoking occurs within any building a US$500 cleaning fee will be charged to cover the cost of fumigating/replacing soft furnishings etc.
Laundry & Linen
We have nearby local laundry services that will wash, dry and fold your clothes at very reasonable prices. You will also find numerous laundries in Ubud. All bed linen and towels are professionally laundered and will be changed by the staff.
Makeup Removal
Please do not use our white bath towels to remove makeup. Tissues are provided for your convenience. Note: A US$10 replacement fee per item will be charged for soiled towels.
Electricity
All electrical supply outlets in the Villa operate at 220V. Due to the rapid development of Bali the local power supply can be erratic. Any power outage is usually only up to 1 or 2 hours. Plug in your electronic equipment to the local power supply at your own risk.
Drinking Water
We will provide you with initial sealed individual bottles of water by your bed and unlimited free refills. There is a water fountain in the kitchen and the staff can provide chilled water. Jendela di Bali has a superb natural bore supply to provide clean water straight from taps for washing – we do not recommend drinking this water (although it has been lab tested as suitable for drinking, so is very safe for washing or making hot drinks where the water is boiled). Ice cubes available from our staff are safe to consume as they are made from bottled water.
Environmental Concerns
We take pride in respecting the environment at Jendela di Bali and implement many practices to recycle, re-use and protect the delicate ecosystem. Our totally self contained Bio System allows this recycling to take place. Please help by not disposing of Tampons or Condoms into the WC – the Bio System cannot process these objects and they will block the system. Plastic bags are provided for disposal in the bin in each bathroom.
Newspapers
If you require a daily newspaper, either the Jakarta Post or the International papers these can be obtained from Ganesha Bookshop or Periplus Bookshop in Ubud. Unfortunately English language newspapers are not easily accessible for our staff locally.
Insects & Precautions
You are staying on a tropical island, in a tropical climate and in a rural area alongside a forest/gorge. Insects, geckos (who control the insects) are natural and to be expected. The villa is sprayed periodically to limit pests and to do our best to ensure your comfort. Mosquito coils are provided at the Villa for your convenience and are available for you to light every early evening in the outside living areas. These coils should help very much to keep most the pests away. We recommend you close your bedroom and bathroom doors before leaving to prevent insects entering. A can of insect spray is provided in each room.
First Aid / Medical Assistance / Doctor
A First Aid kit is provided for minor injuries (basic antiseptics, band aids, bandages etc). Please contact our staff for the First Aid Kit or if the staff are not present, you will find the medical kit in the Main Lounge Bale in one of the cupboards.
Depending on the seriousness of the medical condition we recommend as follows:
Minor Injury/Ailment
We recommend three clinics in Ubud:
BIMC UBUD
Jl. Raya Sanggingan No.21, Kedewatan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80561
Google Maps Link
Phone: +62 361 2091030
Website: www.bimcbali.com
TOYA MEDICAL CENTRE (on the villa side of Ubud, so closer)
Jalan Raya Pengosekan (East of Gas Sation), Ubud (Japanese spoken)
Phone: 0361 978 078
UBUD CLINIC
Jl. Raya Campuhan 36 (just before the Champuhan bridge on the right hand side) Ubud.
Phone: (24 hours): 0361 974 911 or 0361 2799 911
More Serious Injury/Ailments
In the case of more serious medical assistance please:
1. Advise one of our staff and then
2. Call the BIMC - Bali International Medical Center:
BIMC UBUD
Jl. Raya Sanggingan No.21, Kedewatan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80561
Google Maps Link
Phone: +62 361 2091030
Website: www.bimcbali.com
BIMC KUTA
Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai No.100X, Kuta, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Google Maps Link
Phone: +62 361 761263
Website: www.bimcbali.com
Major Medical Emergency
If a very serious accident occurs the best course of action is to:
1. Alert the staff (contact details below);
2. Transport the patient to the local Hospital RSUD Sanjiwani Gianyar for short-term emergency triage.
Hospital RSUD Sanjiwani Gianyar
Google Maps Link
Jl. Ciung Wanara-Gianyar No.2,
Gianyar, Kec. Gianyar, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80511
Phone: +62 361 943020
3. As soon as possible (preferably whilst on the way to the local Gianyar hospital) call BIMC (contact details below) and advise them of the situation and that you are en-route to Ginayar Hospital RSUD Sanjiwani Gianyar.
BIMC UBUD
Jl. Raya Sanggingan No.21, Kedewatan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80561
Google Maps Link
Phone: +62 361 2091030
Website: www.bimcbali.com
OR
BIMC KUTA
Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai No.100X, Kuta, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Google Maps Link
Phone: +62 361 761263
Website: www.bimcbali.com
BIMC will make an assessment and can in consultation with you dispatch an ambulance to meet you at Hospital RSUD Sanjiwani Gianyar and transfer the patient to the BMIC hospital in Ubud or Kuta. BMIC can arrange international evacuation if required.
If Dayu Made is not at the villa when you require service, use the villa phone to call her on her mobile:
Dayu Made: +62 815 4711 8072
Please note we strongly recommend all guests arrange full medical insurance before arriving in Bali. Medical treatment is very expensive here and good cover is essential. In the event of an emergency contacting your insurer for their assistance and instructions should be a top priority.
yoga and Gym
Ubud is one of the world-best locations for yoga and pilates practice. Click here to get details of yoga studios near Jendela di Bali on our dedicated page. For gym, we recommend Ubud Fitness. Address: Jalan Jero Gadung, Ubud, Bali. Phone:+62 361 974804. Open 6.30am to 8.30pm 7 days a week. There are numerous local-style gyms to choose from as well which can give you the chance to mix with fitness-minded Balinese.
Transportation/Driver
A driver and car can be arranged in advance of your stay. Taxis are not available from our location. Staying at Jendela di Bali requires a car and it is best given road conditions to have a driver.
If you have pre-booked a car and driver, our staff can assist you to contact them each day when you wish to do a day trip to local sights, go into Ubud for dining and shopping, etc.
If however you want to drive yourself, you must have an international driving license and we strongly recommend you insist that the car you hire comes with full insurance (most hire cars are hired without insurance and you are fully liable for the cost of repair – or full cost of the car if written off – in case of accident if you do not expressly arrange insurance with an agreed excess).
Currency/Money Changers/ATMs
The currency in Indonesia is the Rupiah. Many shops and restaurants will accept foreign currency but the exchange rate will be poor – it is best to change money at a reputable changer first. Some restaurants and shops accept credit card. There are reputable money changers in the main road in Ubud. Always compare rates before changing, confirm no commission is payable and double-check calculations and count before leaving the premises. Please note our staff are not able to arrange for or change money on your behalf.
Nearest ATMs:
Ubud has a full range of ATMs, but for the closest to the villa there are a range at the hardware store Depo Bagoes Bangunan (about 15 mins from the villa) Google Maps Link Jalan Raya Semabuang No 18, Bj Margesengkala, Bedulu (head down our main road to the red lights at Bitera, turn right and drive over the bridge and 500m further on the left-hand side is the Hardware Store with ATMs in the parking area).
Recommended Ubud Money Changer:
We have always had good rates and trustworthy service at:
PT Dirgahayu Valuata Prima
Jalan Raya Ubud
Phone : +62 361 977365, 975563
Google Maps Link
Look for the green 'Money Changer' sign on the Ubud main road, next door to the Guardian Chemist on the right hand side as you drive west, down from the big 'T' intersection statue. Note the above photo is taken from the west looking east, so you will be coming down the hill from east to west – just look for the green sign! We receive no benefit nor make any warranty for this service.
Payments for Extras
Please pay our manager for any extras (meals, other shopping) in Rupiah cash. Please ask for your account balance 24 Hours prior to departure. Please leave enough time to make payment of your account. To avoid an unexpected large bill we will present your account for immediate payment after the amount exceeds Rp1,000,000.
If the staff shop in a local market they will not get a receipt. Shopping at the local Gianyar Hardies supermarket will come with a receipt. Please be assured you can trust our staff to be completely honest in the reporting of the cost of any shopping on your behalf. If you do not have faith in their trust you may wish to do your own food and beverage shopping (see the shopping section for details).
Do You Need Special Assistance?
We want you to have a wonderful stay. If there is anything at all that is not to your liking or you need special assistance your first point of contact should be with your manager, Dayu Made. If you feel that you are not being understood or your needs are not being met, contact our villa management team Individual Bali Hospitality:
Individual Bali Hospitality
Office: Jl. Muding Tengah, Bougenville 18, Kerobokan, Kuta Utara, Bali 80361
M: +62 811 392 2728 T: +62 811 399 513, +62 811 388 6655
Whatsapp: +62-812-4672-7979 or +62-812-3861-3513 or +62-811-399-513
E-mail: reservation@individualbalivillas.com | Website: www.individualbali.com
At The End of Your Stay
Smooth Departure - Please check to ensure that you have packed all your belongings. Double check you have emptied the safe deposit box. Please leave your safe open when finished. If you leave items behind it is very difficult to send them to your country but where possible to arrange we will request advanced payment for the cost of delivery.
Payment for Extras - Pay all of you outstanding bills that have not already settled, which may include: transportation, food & beverage, villa rental, etc.
Damages - You will be expected to pay for any items in your villa that you may have broken or damaged. We also understand that exceptions may be warranted. This will be handled on a case by case basis, and can be discussed with your villa manager.
Airport Departure - It is recommended you allow two hours for the trip from the villa back to the airport. It will likely take less, but allowing a margin for bad traffic or street ceremonies that cause delay is wise just to be safe. Also be sure to arrive well ahead of your flight departute (your airline will advise check-in recommendations).
Departure Tax - Please be aware that the airport charges a Rp.200,000 departure tax per person, payable in Rupiah cash. We recommend putting this amount in Rupiah aside early in your stay to ensure you have this to hand at the airport.
Staff Tips – We recognise that many guests like to reward great service by giving a 'thank you' tip to the villa staff in addition to the modest service fee included in the villa rental rate. Staff often use tips for their children’s education and religious commitments, so your gift has great meaning and is appreciated very much by them. Our suggestion is to discreetly give any tip to Dayu Made who will distribute it amongst the staff.
Please Write a Review for Us
We hope you are enjoying your stay at Jendela di Bali and we would be very grateful if you would let us and the world know by writing a review.
Jendela di Bali relies on reviews to spread the word about the experience we offer. You might have looked at reviews prior to making your decision to stay with us, so you know how important they are.
So, if time permits, sit back with your favourite drink, use Jendela di Bali's free WiFi and let us and the world know what you think.
Click here to write a review on Google.
Click here to write a review on Facebook
TripAdvisor
The direct link is very long, so we've created a shortened one to take you there direct – just enter the following into your web browser:
…and under the heading look for the link to ‘write a review’.
Alternatively, another way to find us on TripAdvisor is to Google 'jendela di bali trip advisor' and that will give you the direct link to our page on Trip Advisor.
The Site on Which You Booked
If you booked through an online travel agent, please write a review there. This really helps us to get known and build trust on these sites.
Each guest can write their own review - the more the better - or you can write a combined review.
Thank you for your support! Dayu Made & team, Individual Bali Hospitality and the owners
Bali Consulate Addresses
You can do a search for your consulate or consult this list
Airline Offices
You can do a search for your airline or consult this list
Bali Travel Tips
The following list has been compiled to help you make the most of your stay in Bali. If you have any further concerns that are not mentioned here, please do not hesitate to contact your villa manager with any questions or queries that you may have.
General things that you should or shouldn't do:
DO
Change money at a reputable looking location, use your own calculator before changing!
Put on loads of High Factor Waterproof Sun Cream (especially if you intend to spend a lot of time in the water).
Drink a lot of bottled water and eat a lot of fresh fruit - do your body a favor.
Be careful with your belongings at all times. Crime is on the increase and can ruin your holiday. Cases of handbag snatching have been reported, so leave important documents in your villa safe and wear your bag across your shoulders!
Try not to step on offerings in the street (walk around them).
Respect the slow pace of processions when stuck behind one, i.e. don't honk!
Haggle when buying (except on price-tagged goods.)
Buy 'Immodium' to relieve bouts of Bali belly.
Have a great holiday!
DON’T
Forget to take your passport (or a photocopy of your ID).
Swim outside designated swimming areas on the beach, currents can be very strong. Swim between the red and yellow flags.
Do drugs! It can carry the death penalty, and there are enough foreigners residing in Bali courtesy of the Govt. prison service!
Touch people's heads - it is very offensive to Hindus.
Enter a temple during menstruation. Sorry Ladies!
Forget to put salt on your food & drink water - you will probably sweat a lot.
Worry too much about the ice - it's government-quality controlled in established bars and restaurants.
Forget to look and listen while you cross the road. Cars may stop, motorbikes may not!
Forget to reconfirm your flight 72 hours prior to flying.
Some Key Advice
Attending Ceremonies
Remember these are serious occasions and should be treated as such. Religious guidelines:
Always wear a sarong and sash (we have a small supply at the villa for your use)
Do not walk in front of people praying.
Do not use flash camera or push your camera into the priest's face!
Never sit higher than the priest or the offerings.
At cremations, do not get in the way of the attendees - however important that photographic opportunity is! Women are not allowed to enter temples during menstruation.
Dangerous Sports
Make sure you either have personal insurance or travel insurance that will cover any accidents.
Driving
In Bali always expects the unexpected; always keep your eyes open and your mind on driving. Beware of motorbikes! It is best to rent a car with a full insurance as this will save time and money if you are involved in an accident.
Small Donations Are Appreciated at Ceremonies
When attending special ceremonies, anniversary celebrations, weddings or funerals as a guest or onlooker in our local village or beyond, small donations are gratefully received. Your donations will help in paying for the offerings and upkeep of the family and village temples.
Thank you for respecting these suggestions.
Balinese Faith and Worship
Whilst the majority of Indonesia are Muslim, here in Bali over 90% of the population follow a religion called “Hindu Dharma” a combination of Hinduism and Buddhism. In Bali religion is a very important part of everyday life and the people perform daily offering to the Gods and actively participate in the numerous temple festival and rituals.
Balinese Religion
Bali Hinduism is a combination of elements from Indian Shivaite and Buddhist traditions with older beliefs and practices. One of the oldest names for the Balinese religion is Agama Tirtha or religion of Holy water. Tirtha (Holy water) has always been used in Hindu religious ceremonies. The word “Tirtha” comes from Sanskrit and means “Holy” or “to cleanse”. The holy water possesses the means of opening our hearts to prayer.
The aim of agama Hindu Bali is to reach peace of spirit and harmony in this material life. In practicing their faith, Hindu communities try to achieve a spiritual balance of worship between Tattwa (philosophy), Susila (etiquette/morals), and Upacara (ritual). In Bali there are two ways to pray: mbakti and muspa. The first is worship through devotion, the second show respect with flowers.
According to the Balinese the universe is divided into three realms: the realms of the Gods, the realm of the demons and ground spirits and the realm of the people. Their universe is divided into three areas: the mountains are the home of the Gods; the sea where the powerful forces of dissolutions dwell; and the intermediary region, where the people live. This three part layout is repeated endlessly in the village, homes and shrines of Bali.
Bali is known as the island of the gods because there are literally thousands of temples. From Bali’s six major temples known as Sad Khayanagan, honored by all Balinese people, to the village temples each village has three; Pura Puseh (ancestor temple nearest the mountains), Pura Desa (central village temple) and Pura Dalem (temple dedicated to Ciwa, or the God of dissolution, usually nearest the cremation ground). Every home has temple and shrines also. Finally there is temple in the rice fields dedicated to Dewi Sri, Goddess of rice.
Of course the Balinese honor nature, and bring offerings to spots including banyan trees, caves, and rivers. Balinese religion is embedded in deep tradition of animism and the veneration of ancestors. Their Hindu manifestations of God are abstractions associated with natural forces.
This is Hindu trinity Brahma the creator, Vishnu the preserve and Shiva (Siwa) the renewed. The Supreme Being is referrers to as ‘Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa’. He falls in line with religious beliefs that resolve around a single of which all other manifestations of God.
Hinduism is a monotheistic religion with one God head. In Bali, this is called Ida Sanghyang Widi Wasa or Sang Hyang Tunggal or Sang Hyang Cintya. These are all words for the one God. Hinduism is often misunderstood as being a faith with many manifestations of God and Goddess (Dewas and Bhataris). This other manifestations of God are merely the realization of the holy rays from the one God.
The word Dewa comes from the Sanskrit word Dev, meaning ray. Bhatara comes from the word Bhar, meaning protector. The Dewas (holy manifestations of God).Which appear most often in Balinese religion are called the Tri Murti or “ Holy Trinity”.
Temple Etiquette
When visiting Balinese temples, there are a few important rules that must be observed by all visitors. It is crucial that you dress appropriately for temple visits, which means wearing a sarong and sash.
If you don’t have a sarong, wear long pants for men and women a dress that covers knees and shoulders for women (or a skirt with a blouse, etc). If you are unsure, it is always best to ask someone at the entrance to the temple.
At most temples there is a donation box at the entrance, along with a book to sign yourself in. You should always put a donation in the box (a couple of dollars in rupiah is sufficient) and enter your details as required.
By ancient law, menstruating women are banned from the temples, due to general sanction against blood in holy area same prohibition applies to people with an open wound.
Key rules to observe:
Don’t climb into the temple building or walls
Don’t stand or sit higher than a priest or remain standing when others are praying.
Don’t stand directly in front of the priest, or walk in front of the kneeling congregation.
Avoid putting yourself between worshippers and the direction in which they are praying.
Use cameras with discretion. Don’t use flash when devotees are praying or better not at all.
Local Holidays
Bali has an astounding number of Holidays due to need to accommodate all 5 religions praised in Bali plus secular public holidays. Holidays can be divided into 4 types; religion, national, International and commemorative.
The most famous Balinese holiday is Nyepi, the day of silence, generally in April. Even all flights are cancelled and you can’t leave the villa. Please limite electricity use and do not play music. This is a wonderful chance for quite reflection, reading, meditation and relaxation!
Less inconvenient holiday may mean the shops are closed, the banks are closed or staff to operate businesses has gone home (which mean to their villages).
Just look at an Indonesian or Balinese calendar for “red” days then ask what they are or what they mean. Some holidays it is not necessary to close but without most staff shopping can be difficult. Often locals have no idea what the holidays mean beyond their own.