Sumatera Island

Sumatra Island in Indonesia - Sumatra is a complete tourist destination-sunny beaches, rich flora and fauna, large rivers and great history. Sumatra has the richest wildlife in Indonesia and hence it is known as "Africa of Asia". It is full of tropical rainforests and if you are a wildlife lover then Sumatra is the ideal place for you. Trekking is another option that you can opt for in Sumatra. Sumatra attracts fewer tourists than its neighbors like Java and Bali. So if you are looking for a quiet holiday away from maddening crowds then Sumatra fits the bill perfectly.

History of Sumatra Island
The first large empire to make Sumatra its home was Sri Vijaya Empire- the first Hindu kingdom of Indonesia-in the 7th century. In 10th century the Arabs established their Sultanate of Achin (now Aceh) in a part of Indonesia. By the 14th century, most of the power of Sri Vijaya Kingdom waned and Sumatra came under the direct control of Javanese rulers. Later on, in the 17th century, the Dutch established their control over Sumatra. In 1942, during Second World War, Sumatra came under the control of Japan and remained so for a year. When Indonesia attained independence and became a republic in 1949, Sumatra became a part of Indonesia. But, the Achinese protest against the Indonesian government continued and in 1958 a full-scale rebellion was launched by the army officers. Internal struggles and problems have still not waned and it is advisable to check the current situation before going to Sumatra.

Weather of Sumatra
Sumatra is located on both sides of the equator in equal halves; hence it is divided in two climatic zones. In north of equator October to April is the rainy season, while May to September is the dry season. In south of equator, rainy season is from December to February.

Best Time To Visit Sumatra Island
The best time to visit Sumatra is in September and October. It is the beginning of the rainy season and generally there are no torrential rains during this period. One can travel to inner countryside without much of a problem during this time. 

 

Medan: Medan is the capital of Sumatra and an ideal gateway for those wanting to explore this island. The architecture of the city shows strong Dutch influence. Some of the better-known attractions in the city are Istana Maimoon, Masjid Raya, building of Bank Indonesia, and High Court, Bukit Barisan Military Museum, and the Museum of North Sumatra.

Berastagi: The beautiful town of Berastagi is located in karo highlands about 70km from Medan. The town is dominated by two volcanoes-Gunung Sinabung and Gunung Sibayak. There are plenty of trekking and wildlife options in Berastagi. The town is famous for its fruits, vegetables and flowers.

Lake Toba: Situated at a height of around 1000 metres above the sea level, this picturesque lake is located at a distance of 175 km from Medan. The lake surrounds the densely populated island of Samsoir and its cool upside countryside is covered with tobacco, rubber, and palm oil plantations.

Danau Ranau: The beautiful mountain lake of Danau Ranau is in the Bukit Barisan Mountains of southern Sumatra. It is one of the least spoiled of Sumatra's mountain lakes, and offers cool and quiet atmosphere.

Aceh: Aceh lies is north Sumatra. It is strikingly beautiful but not very popular among visitors as it is infested with insurgency. Islam is the predominant religion in the country and people represent different ethnicity like Chinese, Indonesian, Tamil, and Arab. Some of the popular destinations here include extension of Gunung Leuser National Park, beaches, Orang-utan rehabilitation centre (one of the largest wildlife rehabilitation centres in the world).

Shopping
One of the most popular places for shopping in Medan is Jln Jend A. Yani. The place is full of souvenir and art shops. Some of the souvenirs that you can look for here include paintings, antiques, batik, statues and carvings. Ulos (hand-woven cloths) and accessories made of seashells, boar-tusks and buffalo horns are some other good bargains here.

How To Reach Sumatra
Medan has an airport connected to Jakarta, Penang, and Singapore. Daily flights from Medan to other cities in Sumatra are available as well. Direct flights to other cities of Sumatra from Java and places outside Indonesia are also operational.

Sulawesi Island

Sulawesi Island in Indonesia - Formerly known as Celebes, Sulawesi is shaped like a tropical orchid. It is Indonesia's third-largest island with an area of 172,000 square km. The island of Sulawesi is divided into the provinces of North Sulawesi, South Sulawesi and Southeast Sulawesi. Sulawesi has great topographical variety-spectacular mountains, scenic coastline, lakes, rice and dense jungles-and offer wonderful opportunities for travelers.

History of Sulawesi Island
Much of Sulawesi's early history was written in old texts that can be traced back to the 13th and 14th centuries. When the Portuguese, the first western visitors, reached Sulawesi in 1511, they found Makassar a thriving cosmopolitan entre-port where Chinese, Arabs, Indians, Siamese, Javanese, and Malays came to trade their manufactured metal goods and fine textiles for precious pearls, gold, copper, camphor and, of course, the invaluable spices - nutmeg, cloves and mace which were brought from the interior and from the neighbouring Spice Islands, the present day Moluccas.

By the 16th century, Makassar had become Sulawesi's major port and centre of the powerful Gowa and Tallo sultanates. The arrival of the Dutch in the early 17th century caused an upheavel in Sulawesi. To create their hegemony over the spice trade they captured the fort of Makassar in 1667, which they rebuilt and renamed Fort Rotterdam. From this base they managed to destroy the strongholds of the Sultan of Gowa who was then forced to live on the outskirts of Makassar.

The town again became a collecting point for the produce of eastern Indonesia- the copra, rattan, pearls and sandalwood. Although the Dutch controlled the coast, it was not until the early 20th century that they gained power over the interior through a series of treaties with local rulers. Meanwhile Dutch missionaries converted many of the Toraja people to Christianity. Later on when Indonesia became independent, Sulawesi became a part of it.

Sulawesi Weather
Sulawesi has warm tropical climate with wet and dry seasons lasting approximately six months each. The dry season is from April to October and the wet season is from November to May.

Best Time To Visit Sulawesi
The best time to visit Sulawesi is during dry season from April to October. June to October offers the best chance of witnessing a major Torajanese funeral. 

Manado: It is the capital of North Sulawesi Province. Manado offers a variety of terrain with hills, volcanic mountains and scenic plateaus.

Bunaken Sea Garden: The world famous Bunaken Marine National Park, with an area 75.26 hectares, is located very close to Manado and comprises of 5 islands: Bunaken, Manado Tua, Siladen, Mantehage and Nain. The superb diving and snokelling sites puts the Marine Park in one of the top 10 dive area of the world and is a mecca for seasoned and beginner divers alike.

Manado Tua Island: This island is the main island of the group. There is a hiking path to the top which takes several hours to climb, and offers a spectacular view of all the islands of Manado Bay. The place offers excellent opportunuties for diving and snorkeling.

Kendari: Capital of Southeast Sulawesi. It is the seat of government and tourist center of the province. It lies along the sloping hill and seaside of Kendari Bay.

Moramo Waterfall: The fall is unique in itself. It traverses a 2 km plateau, with 127 separate terraced plumes, with the top of the waterfall some 100 meters above its basin pool. the falls have seven main terraces, each with its own natural bathing pool.

Moramo Bay: This clean, pollution-free bay is only one and one half hours by car or speedboat from Kendari. The white sand beaches of Moramo Bay are host to all sorts of water activities and sports

Shopping in Sulawesi Indonesia
Some of the favorite shopping items in Sulawesi are filigree silverware and ornaments, hand-woven silks and cottons, hand carved wooden panels and pictures, bamboo household ornaments and brassware.

How to Reach Sulawesi
Makassar is the main airport. There are several flights each day from all major cities of Indonesia.

Kalimantan

Kalimantan Indonesia - Formerly known as Borneo, Kalimantan is the world's second largest island. The North and northwestern part of the island are the East Malaysian state of Serawak and Sabah, with the newly independent state of Brunei Darusalam between them. The rest of the island is part of Indonesia, divided into four provinces - East Kalimantan, West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan and South Kalimantan.

Kalimantan is one of the most bio-diverse places on the earth. It has one of the world's largest tropical rainforests and is home to rare flora and fauna.

History of Kalimantan
According to the Sanskrit inscriptions dating back to 400 A.D., Kalimantan came under the early influence of Indian settlers. But by 15th century, Islamic had great impact on Kalimantan and was rapidly embraced by the different kingdoms in the island.

In the early 1600s, the Dutch began to establish trading agreements in Kalimantan and gained monopoly of the spice trade in Banjarmasin and diamond trade in Sambas. They also made contract with Pontianak in 1778. Gradually, they took control of all of what is now Kalimantan.

Kalimantan was occupied by the Japanese forces during the 2nd World War. After the war, the Dutch failed to regain control of the area. Later on Indonesia achieved its independence and Kalimantan became a province and was later divided into four provinces.

Climate of Kalimantan
Kalimantan has tropical climate and very high rainfall throughout the year. Average rainfall is around 3000 mm per annum. The temperature varies between 29º C and 34º C and the humidity is in the range of 95-98%.

Best Time to Visit Kalimantan
The best time to visit this fascinating island is during the months of September and March, when temperatures are much cooler-in the vicinity of 27°C with pleasant sea breezes. 

 

Derawan Island: It is a favorite place for marine tourism. There are many rare animals such as the green turtle, the scarlet turtle, star fruit turtle and sea cow. The place is also home to many rare species of marine plants and coral reef. It s also a good place for scuba diving, pearl diving, fishing, swimming and other water sports.

Bontang: Located in the regency of Kutai with 200.000 ha, Bontang has rare flora and fauna. The Kutai National Park near Bontang is worth visiting to see sceneries, especially those at Bears Bash.

Pontianak: It is the capital of West Kalimantan. Some of the favorite tourist spots include Equator Monument, Caldaria palace in Kampong Dalai, the State Museum, the Kapoks and the Landau Bridges and floating market.

Gunning Palung National Park and Nature Reserve: The Gunung [Mount) Palung national park located in the Ketapang regency is home to rare flora and fauna. The Raya Pasi mountain located in the Singkawang regency is also interesting to visit to see the Rafflesia or the Giant Flower. Singkawang is also a nature reserve. The forest of Sanggau is worth a visit where hot springs, lakes and caves can be found.

Palangkaraya: Palangkaraya is the provincial capital of Central Kalimantan and situated in the upstream region of the Kahayan river. Nowadays, the town has become the center of government, trade and education of the province. The Regional Museum of Palangkaraya contains a collection of historical and cultural interest from all over Central Kalimantan. The Nature Reserve of Tangkiling lies 34 km north of Palangkaraya.

Sampit: Sampit town, on the Sampit river and the capital of Sampit regency, is known as the biggest timber port in Kalimantan as well as in Indonesia. One can find many interesting tourism attractions in Sampit. Pandaran Beach is a park on the seaside at the mouth of the Sampit river. It is quite unique. On the north one can see the river emptying into the sea, while to the south is the wide expanse of the Java Sea. The Orchid Park of Pembuangan Hulu is a natural forest in which a number of rare and beautiful orchid varieties grow. Hunters can engage in their favorite pastime at the Serayan river, which borders on the hunting park of Kotawaringin Barat.

Shopping in Kalimantan
Some of the favorite shopping items in Kalimantan are ceramic household ornaments, hand-woven silks and cottons, rattan furniture and other handicraft items made of bamboo.

How to Reach Kalimantan
There are regular international and domestic flights to Sepinggan Airport in Balikpapan. The airport is well connected to nearby countries such as Malaysia and Singapore and to other domestic destinations such as Jakarta, Denpasar (Bali), Semarang and Makasar.

Lombok Island

Lombok Island in Indonesia - Though less developed than Bali, in recent years Lombok has given Bali a run for its money in the realm of tourism. Lombok has wonderful beaches, volcano and varied landscape. It is an ideal place for those looking for a private holiday away from the hustle and bustle of a normal tourist spot.

History of Lombok
The earliest recorded society on Lombok was the relatively small kingdom of the Sasak. The Sasak people were agriculturalists and animists who practised ancestor and spirit worship. The original Sasak are believed to have come overland from northwestern India or Myanmar (Burma) in waves of migration that predated most Indonesian ethnic groups. Not much is known about Lombok before the 17th century, at which time it was split into four regions; Pagasangan, Pagutan, Mataram and Cakranegara, each ruled by a Sasak king. This disunity was exploited by the neighboring Balinese. Balinese princes ruled Lombok from the mid-18th century until the 1890s, when the Dutch sided with the Sasaks and defeated the Balinese in bloody battles. Under Dutch rule, the eastern islands of Indonesia were grouped together as the Lesser Sunda Islands, administered from Singaraja, Bali. When Sukarno proclaimed Indonesia's independence on 17 August 1945, the Lesser Sunda Islands were formed into the single province of Nusa Tenggara. In 1958, the province was divided into three separate regions - Bali, West Nusa Tenggara and East Nusa Tenggara.

Climate of Lombok
Lombok has tropical climate with average temperature ranging between 28°C and 34°C. There are two main seasons: wet (from October to April) and dry (from May to September). Humidity is high throughout the year.

Best Time to Visit Lombok
The best time to visit Lombok is surprisingly during the rainy season (October - April) when humidity decreases and the landscape is lush and green. The dry season (May-September) can be particularly hot and dusty. 

 Lombok Tourist Attraction

Gili Islands: These small coral-fringed islands are famous for their white sandy beaches and are an ideal place for those interested in sun and sand. The place also offer wonderful opportunities for snorkeling. The absence of automobiles and hawkers add to the pleasure.

Kuta: Kuta is an upcoming beach resort of Lombok. The place offers quiet and laidback atmosphere to the tourists.

Museum Negeri Nusa Tenggara Barat: This modern museum has exhibits on the geology, history and culture of Lombok and Sumbawa, and is worth visiting. If you intend to buy any antiques or handicrafts, have a look at the daggers, silver or gold-threaded cloth, basket ware and masks.

Pura Lingsar: Located 6 km east of Mataram-the capital of Lombok-this large temple complex, built in 1714, is the holiest place on Lombok. The temple combines the Balinese Hindu and Wektu Telu religions in one complex. The Hindu temple in the northern section is higher than the Wektu Telu temple in the southern section. It's an especially fascinating place for those interested in Wektu Telu, Lombok's indigenous religion.

Taman Narmada: Laid out as a miniature replica of the summit of Gunung Rinjani and its crater lake, Taman Narmada derives its name from the sacred Indian river, Narmada. Its temple, Pura Kalasa, is still used and the Balinese Pujawali celebration is held here annually.

Rinjani: Rinjani, the highest mountain in Lombok at 3,726m, is an active volcano. The volcano is a popular destination for hikers and treks to the caldera are common. The hot springs located on the northeastern side of the caldera are thought to have amazing healing powers.

Senggigi: Senggigi is the most developed tourist spot on Lombok. It has beautiful beaches and good snorkeling facilities.

Shopping in Lombok
Intricate palm-leaf wedding trunks and armoires with mother-of-pearl inlays is one of the favorite shopping items in Lombok. Bone, wood, and bamboo are good buys, along with ikat and songket, a fabric with silver and gold thread running through it that was traditionally used for sarongs worn by royalty.

How to Reach Lombok
Mataram is the capital city of Lombok, and is served by an International airport. It is also possible to reach Lombok by ferry from neighbouring Bali.

West Coast

Villa Bunda

 
Villa Bunda is a luxurious and exquisitely designed private home situated within the 100 hectare Nirwana Bali. Enter the villa through traditional Balinese gates where you will find lush tropical gardens accompanied by fish ponds which sit either side of the front entrance allowing each of its guests to experience a peaceful ambience. 

Villa Dukuh
 

Villa Dukuh is a new cliff-top luxury villa with spectacular river views set on one acre in Nyambu, near Canggu. Complete with private tennis court, 15-meter infinity pool, in-house chef, chauffeured transportation, and a variety of spa services, this 4-bedroom villa ensures you have all you need and are spoiled for choice. Villa Dukuh features original Balinese artwork and a variety of antiques from across Indonesia and the region. Interiors are finished in natural stone, aged teak and Borneo hardwood, with high exposed wood and rattan roofs. Exterior features include two authenticstone gateways and an antique teak Bale (thatched gazebo).For rainy days, enjoy the mahogany billiard table or indulge in comprehensive film and literature libraries. Great for families and couples alike, Villa Dukuh is quietly situated in a traditional village boasting miles of open ricefields and yet a short drive to Seminyak and Tanah Lot.

 

 Villa Nirwana

Imagine yourself, after a game of golf on one of Asia's best courses, sitting on the large veranda of Villa Nirwana (the 7th Heaven), sipping on a cold drink watching the sun go down over the large waves pounding the west coast of Bali with spectacular views of the Indian Ocean. All that separates you and the sea is the fantastic 13th hole, regularly featured on Star Sports Asia. It just does not get any better than this

 

  Villa Ocean & Golf

 
Located along the magnificent southwest coast of Bali, 45 minutes from the airport and 25 minutes from Kuta. Villa Ocean & Golf is set within a 100 hectare resort complex which includes the 18 hole par 72, Greg Norman designed, signature golf course. This luxury villa offers breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, golf course and memorable sunsets. Designed in classical Balinese style and the ultimate in luxury with an outdoor living pavilion and private plunge pool, this three bedroom private villa is perfect for families, couples or group vacations who want to escape to peace and tranquility.

 

 Villa Senja

 
Villa Senja is a privately owned luxury villa set within the stunningly beautiful 100 hectare Nirwana Bali Golf and Spa resort. Overlooking the prestigious Greg Norman signature golf course it is suitable for families or couples seeking beauty, tranquility and exceptional service. The villa entrance is through traditional Balinese gates and a palimanan stepping stone path leads you to the villa. The lush tropical landscaped garden, with scented frangipani, swaying palms and fishpond with stone fountain, provides a fragrant and serene environment.

Seminyak

Bali Serene Villas (Seminyak)

Discover the magic of staying at one of our private villas in Seminyak at Bali Serene Villas. These 6 vacation homes incorporate modern contemporary design, combined with open air living, large garden & pool areas create unique environments waiting to be enjoyed. The spacious living and dining area blends naturally into a lush tropical landscaped garden. Ideal for intimate dinners or entertaining with friends. Luxury accommodation with superb service. Make your reservation and booking early. A holiday at Serene Villas will not be forgotten.

 

 Downtown Bali Villas  (Seminyak)

9 modern one, two and three bedroom villas featuring designer furniture, homeware and contemporary art. All villas can be enjoyed fully open or enclosed and air-conditioned. All villas have their own private pools. Enjoy downtown villa's butler service or be left to your privacy. Fully equipped western kitchen and many more modern conveniences. Located just off Legian Street in the heart of Seminyak. Within walking distance of shops, restaurant, bars and beach.

 

The Elysian (Seminyak)

Twenty six private pool villas with full resort facilities in the heart of Seminyak, Bali's most fashionable neighborhood a stones throw from white sand beaches, restaurants, shopping and nightlife. Our aim is to focus on the "experience of staying" whether it's making a reservation, spoiling yourself in the spa, enjoying a sunset drink at the bar, borrowing a pre loaded ipod or simply relaxing in your villa we want the experience to be positive, pleasurable and special

 

The Samaya Bali Villas (Seminyak)

The Samaya Bali’s 24 villas are snuggled intimately on a private white sandy beach of Seminyak, is just a stone's throw from the heart of active Seminyak & Legian. Breathing a day-to-day life of Balinese environment, guests of the resort are in close proximity to the numerous up-market restaurants, lines of antique furniture shops and individual galleries which had strengthened Seminyak's position as the true heart of villa living in Bali. 

Villa Kubu (Seminyak)

Villa Kubu is a collection of 15 very private one-, two- and three-bedroom villas each immaculately and individually styled. The ultimate romantic retreat, the cosy one-bedroom villas are set within a private garden featuring a pool ? the perfect setting for lazy days and magical nights. The two-bedroom villas cater for up to four guests with a pair of suite bedrooms each with heavenly king-size beds, luxurious feather pillows and mosquito nets. The outdoor bathrooms are totally refreshing giving a unique experience of the pleasures of tropical living. For larger groups of up to six adults or families try the palatial three-bedroom villas. For those seeking greater privacy or even larger accommodation there are limited side-by-side villas which connect through lockable garden doors to form two to four-bedroom options.

 

Villa Shinta Dewi (Seminyak)

This luxurious modern 4 bedroom Bali villa consist of tastefully decorated, air-conditioned, ensuite bedrooms, poolside dining room, spacious elevated living pavilion, cozy ground floor lounge, modern fully equipped kitchen, study and gym. Together with the sun bathing areas around the swimming pool and a shaded seating area in the garden, guests can always find a private spot for peace and quiet. Villa Shinta Dewi is located in the Laksmana Villa Complex, in Seminyak within a short walking distance to the beach, the finest dining and night life. A wide range of boutiques, specialist shops and Bali spas are also located nearby.

Ubud

The Samaya Ubud Villas (Ubud)

The Samaya Ubud 19 spacious villas boast a range of accommodation options, including one-bedroom villas, or two- and three-bedroom royal villas coming on stream 2011, the height of luxury and indulgence. Surrounded by a river, picturesque scenery and natural water features The Samaya Ubud is spectacularly located amidst rice fields and the verdant hillsides of Bali's interior. So, when are you coming to spoil yourself and experience unrivaled Balinese hospitality and service with special attention to the finest details.

 

Bali Villa Gita (Ubud) - a mystical experience ...the serenity of your personal Bali villa retreat

The utter self-containment of this serene hideaway ensures a holiday of complete escape. Old world charm pervades 14000 square feet of elegant luxury, pampering the body with the unashamed sensuousness of a tropical spa and delighting the consciousness with acres of lush beauty. Regain serenity, escape to a reverie at this romantic and secluded island retreat. The Villa provides luxury accommodation of a level equivalent to a first class boutique resort and has many of the worlds market leaders as near neighbors. With 5master suites it is Rented to only one party at a time for exclusive usage of all facilities and is available for groups as small as four people. Spa and spiritual Retreat programs are also available.

Pavillions

Pavilions - Private Villas (Sanur)

Set amidst a beautifully landscaped enclave in the heart of Sanur, Pavilions features a collection of 14 private villas of classic post Majapahit-style architecture with Bandungera décor. Each of the one, two and three bedroom villas is richly ornate, with private dining patio, sundeck and private walled gardens. All the self-contained and spacious villas have been thoughtfully fashioned with modern day comforts, including extra large bathrooms with double vanities, showers, sunken baths, personal safes, hairdryers, IDD telephones, satellite TVs and CD & VCD players. Offering personalized butler services in a tranquil, refreshing and rejuvenating environment, it is a distinctively pure Bali experience and for those who want a little more from life's pleasures.

Bali Kemah Tinggi

Bali Kemah Tinggi
Tucked away on a beautiful stretch of Bali's southwestern coast, Kemah Tinggi may be a little out of town but it is wholly to its benefit. Away from the overdeveloped sprawl of Kuta & the slick sophistication of Seminyak, it is set to become a destination in its own right. At once sophisticated & simple, intimate & casual, it loses nothing of its Balinese heart through its contemporary styling. This is cool tropical chic at its best, a lush private home that's a real find.

Bali Villas Accomodation Private Vacation

| Home | Bedugul | Canggu | Jimbaran Bay | Nusa Dua | Sanur | Seminyak | Sukawati | Ubud | Uluwatu | West Coast |

Bali villa accommodation offers so much more than a hotel in Bali and, if you are traveling with friends, family or colleagues you’ll find that the cost of staying in a private villa will prove surprisingly inexpensive overall. So, if you are thinking of traveling to this beautiful island, consider choosing villa accommodation for your stay. Feel free to take a look through our list of recommended villas in Bedugul, Canggu, Nusa Dua, Sanur, Seminyak Kuta, Ubud, Uluwatu Jimbaran and Bali West Coast/Tanah Lot Area.

 Agencies Bali Villas

"THE AGENCIES" has an extensive range of houses & Bali villas that blend the charm of traditional Bali with the conveniences of western living. All homes are closely monitored to ensure a trouble free stay and security

 Amadea Resort and Villas

Amadea Resort and Villas is an oasis in the heart of Seminyak, Located on the fashionable “eat street” with its’ many boutiques and famous restaurants the resort is perfectly located for those who want to be in the heart of the action.The resort consists of 86 rooms, 7 Suites and 7 villas. A choice of six 2 bedroom Villas or one 4 bedroom villa offering a fully equipped facility including their own private pool and garden. A perfect place to celebrate that special occasion with family or friends! All 93 spacious rooms and suites are tastefully furnished with flat screen TV’s, DVD players, in room safes, fridges and most rooms offer views onto one of the lap pools.Amadea is a perfect oasis for couples who want to enjoy a romantic escape or small group of friends and family who want to combine the vibrant side of Seminyak and peaceful lifestyle of Bali.

 Bali Villa Weddings

 
Bali Villa Weddings & Events is dedicated to serving discerning visitors to Bali with villa accommodation needs, wedding, commitment, blessing or vow renewal ceremonies and/or any other type of function or event you might like to organize during your visit to this wonderful island.

Villages Of Bali

 The idea of balance is central to Balinese philosophy and way oflife. Nature and Man meet and complement each other.

 

    The villagesare a study in order. Hidden behind the same mud walls, there will be thesame red tiles of the same family pavilions with, again thirty meters apart,the same thatched puppet houses: the family temples (sanggah/merajan).Then, there will be a big tree, two slit logs hanging from its branches,with a couple of shrines under its shade and a nearby hall: the banjar(neighbourhood) community hall. An atmosphere of calm, order and collectivebelonging prevails.

 

    The basicBalinese territorial unit is desa (village), whose surface covers boththe wet land of the ricefields, and the dry land of the compounds and relatedgardens, temples and roads. To the wet land, correspond the irrigationunits or subak, and to the dry and inhabited land, the community wardsor banjar, each with their temples and organisations.

 

    The Balinesedesa (village) is typically host to a set of three village temples, thekahyangan tiga, each related to a focal aspect of the village's symboliclife: the origin with pura puseh (navel temple) located mountainward, wherethe tutelary gods of the village and its founders are worshipped; the territoryitself with the pura desa, located in the centre of the village, wheremeetings of the village assembly and the rituals of fertility are held;the temple of the ded (pura dalem), located down ward, where the forcesof death and the netherworld are worshipped, and near which burials takeplace. Besides these territorial temples, there is also a temple for eachbanjar (bedogol or pura banjar), a temple for each subak, and the varioustemples of the local sub - clans (pura dadia or pura panti), each of whichwith its own calendar of festivals.

 

    All templesof the kahyangan tiga are of paramount importance in the local rituals.Most ceremonies, at the level of the household or of other local temples,cannot take place before a "notification offering" (pejati) of the kahyangantiga. The most important though, is arguably the pura desa, or villageterritorial temple, as evidenced by the honor shown to its god, the BataraDesa, who is usually given the forefront position during the village processionsof gods. The village community (desa pekraman) corresponds in practiseto the congregation of the pura desa, whatever the other affiliations.It is headed by the bendesa adat.

    Much of theritual work at the village level is shared among the various banjar, forexample, one banjar may look after the pura desa for the upcoming festivaland another banjar for the next one. Each banjar redistributes the workentrusted to it to its vision of the kelian banjar or neighbourhood headman.No ritual activity can normally take place without the latter's involvementand participation.

    The banjaris a grouping of anything between fifty and two hundred individual compounds.The word banjar originally referred to a row of houses, thus to the physicalclustering of compounds into a neighborhood, with a temple and a community.Nowadays, most of these banjars have split, and the banjar community isno more strictly territorial. Two banjars can occupy the same territory,and banjar members sometimes live kilometres away from the core of community.

 

    The banjarmakes up an association called the "banjar suka duka" or "the associationfor the sharing of joy and pain" This refers to the function played bythe group in the performing of specific social services or work the ayahanwithin the larger structure of the village (desa). These bonds are arguablythe most important of all found in the network of village associations.

 

    The basicsocial unit of the banjar is the couple (pekurenan). Only married couplesare full banjar members and subjected to the banjar rights and obligations.The decisions are taken by the assembly (sangkep) of the banjar's malemembers, the krama banjar, which usually takes place every 35 days. Thedecisions are taken on the basis of unanimity, The banjar is now, since1979, the lowest administrative structure of the national administration,directly under the authority of the perbekel / lurah (supra - village head)and beyond the traditional village headman (bendesa adat). There are alsotwo types of kelian banjar, the kelian dinas, who is in charge of the administrativeaspects of the banjar life, and the kelian adat, who looks after the customaryaspects in collaboration with the bendesa adat. They usually work handin hand, unless the two roles are assumed by the same person.

Middle East

IRAN

210, Ghaemagham Farahani Ave.
P.O. Box 11365/4564
Tehran, IRAN
Tel. : (98.21) 871-6865, 871-7251, 886-5864
Fax  : (98.21) 871-8822

IRAQ

Hayil Wahda, Section No. 906
Street No. 2, House No. 77
P.O. Box. 420
BAGHDAD, IRAQ
Tel. : (964-1) 719-8677, 719-0260, 719-8679, 719-8680
Fax.  : (964-1) 719-8680, 717-0416

JORDAN

South Um-Uthaina, 6th Circle
AMMAN, JORDAN
P.O. Box. 811784 Amman
Tel. : (962-6) 553-8911, 552-8912, 552-1648, 551-3232
Fax.  : (962-6) 552-8380

KUWAIT, QATAR AND BAHRAIN

Kaifan, Block 5, Al. Shebani Street
House No. 21
P.O. Box. 21560
13076 Safat, KUWAIT
Tel. : (00-965) 483-9927, 483-9953
Fax.  : (00-965) 481-9250

LEBANON

1 stFL, Al Mubarak Bld. Sector 8, Rue 69
Bir Hassan, Beirut, Lebanon
P.O. Box. 136612 Shouran
Tel. : 01-840.700
Fax.  : 01-840.700

SAUDI ARABIA, OMAN

Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter 
P.O. Box 94343 Riyadh 11693
KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA
Tel. : (00966.1) 488-2800, 488-2282, 488-2472
Fax.  : (00966.1) 488-2966

SYRIA, CYRUS

Assalam Str 17 Bld No. 10 Mazzeh
Eastern Villa, Damascus, Syria
Tel. : (00963-11) 6119630, 6119631, 6117939
Fax.  : (00963-11) 6119632

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Zone 2 Sector 79 Villa No. 474, W-25, Plot No. 5
Sultan Bin Zayed Street (Str. No.32)
Al Bateen Area 
P.O. Box 7256
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UEA)
Tel. : (971-2) 454-448
Fax.  : (971-2) 455-453