Friday, January 11, 2013

Day 1: Getting to Know the Balinese Culture

Photobucket

After a day in Jakarta, we flew to Bali, a leading tourist destination known for its beauty and rich culture. Filled with excitement, we thought about island hopping but the one island that we wanted to visit is too distant and would take much of our time. We also thought about going to Ketut, the fortune teller in the movie "Eat, Pray, Love" but we had to give up that destination since it's too far from the place we stayed. Despite that, we had the most of our vacation and I'll tell you, there's a lot to marvel in Bali.
  Photobucket

If there's one thing that made me love Bali a few minutes after we set foot on the island, it's their Chicken Satay! The succulent dish is quite spicy yet  too delicious especially when dipped in peanut sauce. I'm really fond of spicy food so even though most Balinese dishes are new to us, I find them really appetizing.
 Photobucket

Babi Guling, also known as suckling pig is a roasted pig stuffed with spices. Ubud, Bali is famous for it and most tourists would not leave the island without trying this specialty.

Photobucket
20-meter  tall copper statue of Wisnu
Photobucket
Lotus Pond
We headed first to Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park which is a few minutes drive from the airport. The tourist attraction didn't only leave us mesmerized of its vast expanse and towering statues but it also showed how the Balinese are able to preserve and cultivate their heritage.

Photobucket
Statue of Wisnu
The statue of Wisnu is an illustration of their God. Known as the source of wisdom, they also believe that He is their creator and caretaker.

Photobucket
Statue of Garuda
Garuda is a giant bird that serves as Wisnu's companion and transportation. It symbolizes freedom  and selfless devotion.

Photobucket

We savored our time looking at these huge dramatic rocks. Very picturesque.

Photobucket

Photobucket
Gotta emote a little
BeFunky_548920_4766528919865_1842105348_n
With Adly
Photobucket
With Den
Photobucket
Gamelan, Indonesian traditional musical instruments

Before finally leaving the place, we were able to watch their cultural show. It's a series of traditional dances, showcasing the rich culture and strong religion of the Balinese.
 
Photobucket

After the show, we had a chance to take photos with the performers and try their instruments.
  PhotobucketPhotobucket Photobucket

When I first saw this creature, i thought it's similar to the Chinese dragon but it's actually a half dog, half lion. The mystical creature named Barong, is said to be the Lord of the forest and protector of the Balinese villages.
Photobucket
Barong Dance
Photobucket

Photobucket

These two ladies performed the Legong dance which is characterized by facial expressions and intricate finger movements. These finger movements or dancing fingers later became a technique in massaging, another thing Bali is famous for. I'll be blogging a separate detailed post about the cultural dance and the story behind it.

That's the part one of our first day in Bali. I hope you had fun! I have more to share so just keep in touch. :)

Follow my blog with Bloglovin


16 comments:

  1. one of the best place in Asia... looks like you had so much fun! :) Have a great day!

    It’s a GIRL Thing

    ReplyDelete
  2. This place seems so interesting and unique! Thanks for sharing!
    It is so nice to get to know new places, culture and people!

    Kisses

    ReplyDelete
  3. Ooo Bali, I want to go there next year, and these pictures really motivated me! I love the last one of you guys with the traditionally dressed girls- and you sure looked stylish throughout the trip :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! If you're planning to take your vacation in Bali, I would really encourage you. There's a lot of good things to see and experience. I got more to share about our vacation so just keep in touch. :)

      www.gianbydesign.blogspot.com

      Delete
  4. Hi gorgeous! I loved your blog, and these photos are amazing:)
    I'm following you via GFC now, would you like to follow me back?
    here's my blog:
    http://styleglaze.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. I so envy you about the tropical weather, but you know everybody wants what they couldn't have.
    Thanks for visit my blog XO

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. you have a point! Thanks for visiting too. :)

      Delete
  6. Gorgeous Photos !!!

    my parents went to bali !

    wanna follow each other on GFC and Facebook ?

    Kisses
    Hannah
    Elegantesque Blog

    ReplyDelete
  7. Great pics! Looks like a very exciting trip!
    xoxo

    novelstyle.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, it was! Hope we could go back there again. :)

      Delete
  8. I would love to go to Bali some day too. I heard it is gorgeous. You look so cute. Love your hair! Thank you for your lovely comment and following me. I am following you back :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Yes it is gorgeous! You should go there during holidays! Thanks and keep in touch! :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Lovely pictures and such a nice outfit!
    I am following on gfc and bloglovin!
    http://catswalldrobe.blogspot.gr/
    bisous

    ReplyDelete
  11. wow! love the print on your skirt!
    mary2be.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. Very well written,I am glad you enjoyed the cuisine!
    http://sepatuholig.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for commenting! Much appreciated. Please let me know if you follow so I can check out your blog too :)