Uluwatu Temple

Hello, This time I Will tell you About Uluwatu.

Pura Luhur Uluwatu adalah salah satu pura di Bali dengan lokasinya yang sangat indah. Daya tarik utama bagi para wisatawan dari pura ini adalah panoramanya yang spektakuler. Uluwatu, yang terletak di ujung selatan pulau Bali dan mengarah ke samudra Hindia, merupakan tempat wisata yang menawan.

Apa yang menarik untuk dilihat di sini adalah pura yang berdiri kokoh di atas batu karang 

yang menjorok ke arah laut dengan ketinggian 

sekitar 50 meter. Di sore harinya sambil menikmati indahnya sunset, anda dapat menyaksikan pementasan tari bali yang terkenal hingga ke manca negara, tari Kecak. 

          Tidak hanya itu, bagi anda yang senang belajar sejarah, pura yang satu ini sarat akan nilai sejarahnya. Sejarahnya akan diuraikan sebagai berikut :

Dalam beberapa sumber disebutkan, sekitar tahun 1489 Masehi datanglah ke Pulau Bali seorang purohita, sastrawan dan rohaniwan bernama Danghyang Dwijendra. Danghyang Dwijendra adalah seorang pendeta Hindu, kelahiran Kediri, Jawa Timur.

Danghyang Dwijendra pada waktu walaka bernama Danghyang Nirartha. Beliau menikahi seorang putri di Daha, Jawa Timur. Di tempat itu pula beliau berguru dan di-diksa oleh mertuanya. Danghyang Nirartha dianugerahi bhiseka kawikon dengan nama Danghyang Dwijendra.

Setelah di-diksa, Danghyang Dwijendra diberi tugas melaksanakan dharmayatra sebagai salah satu syarat kawikon. Dharmayatra ini harus dilaksanakan di Pulau Bali, dengan tambahan tugas yang sangat berat dari mertuanya yaitu menata kehidupan adat dan agama khususnya di Pulau Bali. Bila dianggap perlu dharmayatra itu dapat diteruskan ke Pulau Sasak dan Sumbawa.

Danghyang Dwijendra datang ke Pulau Bali, pertama kali menginjakkan kakinya di pinggiran pantai barat daya daerah Jembrana untuk sejenak beristirahat sebelum melanjutkan perjalanan dharmayatra. Di tempat inilah Danghyang Dwijendra meninggalkan pemutik (ada juga menyebut pengutik) dengan tangkai (pati) kayu ancak. Pati kayu ancak itu ternyata hidup dan tumbuh subur menjadi pohon ancak. Sampai sekarang daun kayu ancak dipergunakan sebagai kelengkapan banten di Bali. Sebagai peringatan dan penghormatan terhadap beliau, dibangunlah sebuah pura yang diberi nama Purancak.

Setelah mengadakan dharmayatra ke Pulau Sasak dan Sumbawa, Danghyang Dwijendra menuju barat daya ujung selatan Pulau Bali, yaitu pada daerah gersang, penuh batu yang disebut daerah bebukitan.

Setelah beberapa saat tinggal di sana, beliau merasa mendapat panggilan dari Hyang Pencipta untuk segera kembali amoring acintia parama moksha. Di tempat inilah Ida Pedanda Sakti Wawu Rauh teringat (icang eling) dengan samaya (janji) dirinya untuk kembali ke asal-Nya. Itulah sebabnya tempat kejadian ini disebut Cangeling dan lambat laun menjadi Cengiling sampai sekarang.

Oleh karena itulah, Ida Pedanda Sakti Wawu Rauh ngulati (mencari) tempat yang dianggap aman dan tepat untuk melakukan parama moksha. Oleh karena dianggap tidak memenuhi syarat, beliau berpindah lagi ke lokasi lain. Di tempat ini, kemudian dibangun sebuah pura yang diberi nama Pura Kulat. Nama itu berasal dari kata ngulati. Pura itu berlokasi di Desa Pecatu.

Sambil berjalan untuk mendapatkan lokasi baru yang dianggap memenuhi syarat untuk parama moksha, Ida Pedanda Sakti Wawu Rauh sangat sedih dan menangis dalam batinnya. Mengapa? Oleh karena beliau merasa belum rela untuk meninggalkan dunia sekala ini karena swadharmanya belum dirasakan tuntas, yaitu menata kehidupan agama Hindu di daerah Sasak dan Sumbawa. Di tempat beliau mengangis ini, lalu didirikan sebuah pura yang diberi nama Pura Ngis (asal dari kata tangis). Pura Ngis ini berlokasi di Banjar Tengah Desa Adat Pecatu.

Ida Pedanda Sakti Wawu Rauh belum juga menemukan tempat yang dianggap tepat untuk parama moksha. Beliau kemudian tiba di sebuah tempat yang penuh batu-batu besar. Beliau merasa hanya sendirian. Di tempat ini, lalu didirikan sebuah pura yang diberi nama Pura Batu Diyi. Juga di tempat ini Danghyang Dwijendra merasa kurang aman untuk parama moksha. Dengan perjalanan yang cukup melelahkan menahan lapar dan dahaga, akhirnya beliau tiba di daerah bebukitan yang selalu mendapat sinar matahari terik. Untuk memayungi diri, beliau mengambil sebidang daun kumbang dan berusaha mendapatkan sumber air minum. Setelah berkeliling tidak menemukan sumber air minum, akhirnya Danghyang Dwijendra menancapkan tongkatnya. Maka keluarlah air amertha. Di tempat ini lalu didirikan sebuah pura yang disebut Pura Payung dengan sumber mata air yang dipergunakan sarana tirtha sampai sekarang.

Ida Pedanda Sakti Wawu Rauh kemudian beranjak lagi ke lokasi lain, untuk menghibur diri sebelum melaksanakan detik-detik kembali ke asal. Di tempat ini lalu didirikan sebuah pura bernama Pura Selonding yang berlokasi di Banjar Kangin Desa Adat Pecatu. Setelah puas menghibur diri, Danghyang Dwijendra merasa lelah. Maka beliau mencari tempat untuk istirahat. Saking lelahnya sampai-sampai beliau sirep (ketiduran). Di tempat ini lalu didirikan sebuah pura yang diberi nama Pura Parerepan (parerepan artinya pasirepan, tempat penginapan) yang berlokasi di Desa Pecatu.

Mendekati detik-detik akhir untuk parama moksha, Danghyang Dwijendra menyucikan diri dan mulat sarira terlebih dahulu. Di tempat ini sampai sekarang berdirilah sebuah pura yang disebut Pura Pangleburan yang berlokasi di Banjar Kauh Desa Adat Pecatu. Setelah menyucikan diri, beliau melanjutkan perjalanannya menuju lokasi ujung barat daya Pulau Bali. Tempat ini terdiri atas batu-batu tebing. Apabila diperhatikan dari bawah permukaan laut, kelihatan saling bertindih, berbentuk kepala bertengger di atas batu-batu tebing itu, dengan ketinggian antara 50-100 meter dari permukaan laut. Dengan demikian disebut Uluwatu. Ulu artinya kepala dan watu berarti batu.

Sebelum Danghyang Dwijendra parama moksha, beliau memanggil juragan perahu yang pernah membawanya dari Sumbawa ke Pulau Bali. Juragan perahu itu bernama Ki Pacek Nambangan Perahu. Sang Pandita minta tolong agar juragan perahu membawa pakaian dan tongkatnya kepada istri beliau yang keempat di Pasraman Griya Sakti Mas di Banjar Pule, Desa Mas, Ubud, Gianyar. Pakaian itu berupa jubah sutra berwarna hijau muda serta tongkat kayu. Setelah Ki Pacek Nambangan Perahu berangkat menuju Pasraman Danghyang Dwijendra di Mas, Ida Pedanda Sakti Wawu Rauh segera menuju sebuah batu besar di sebelah timur onggokan batu-batu bekas candi peninggalan Kerajaan Sri Wira Dalem Kesari. Di atas batu itulah, Ida Pedanda Sakti Wawu Rauh beryoga mengranasika, laksana keris lepas saking urangka, hilang tanpa bekas, amoring acintia parama moksha.

Selain itu kawasan pantai di Uluwatu dengan ombaknya yang cukup besar sangat menantang untuk pencinta olahraga surfing. Tiap tahun event berlevel internasional selalu diadakan di pantai seputaran Uluwatu ini.

Untuk bisa masuk kedalam pura ini pengunjung harus mengenakan sarung dan selempang yang bisa disewa ditempat itu. Waktu terbaik untuk mengunjungi pura Uluwatu adalah sore hari pada saat matahari terbenam sehingga bisa menyaksikan pemandangan spektakulernya.

Tembahan informasi, disekitar komplek pura terdapat segerombolan monyet. Para monyet ini biasanya suka usil dengan mengambil berbagai macam barang yang dibawa pengunjung. Barang yang sering menjadi incaran mereka adalah kacamata, tas, dompetatau apa saja yang gampang direbut. Jadi hati-hati dengan mereka apabila sedang berkunjung di komplek pura Uluwatu Bali.

From : Bali Webby & e-Kuta

Sanur Beach

Hai, It Almost Summer Holiday. the Picture was Sanur Beach. Beautifull Beach at Bali Island. Have Fun!!

Sanur is the original Bali seaside resort that has developed naturally over the years due to its physical and cultural characteristics and beauty. Located just 25 minutes from the international airport, 15 minutes from the Kuta area, 10 minutes to Denpasar and with excellent by pass access to the rest of the island Sanur is a very well positioned venue. The locals of Sanur have been interested in Balinese spirituality and magic for generations and as with the rest of east Bali are particularly friendly, welcoming and accommodating. With this said it is surprising how un-crowded and peaceful Sanur is, there are many activities to try on the beach as well as beach resorts and bars and restaurants but this is all spread along a long coastline creating a secluded feel where the action goes unnoticed to the sunbathers and loungers upon unspoiled beaches that maintain the traditional Balinese feel.

Sanur beach is a long stretch of beautiful white sands lined with palms that shade dreamy footpaths market stalls and relaxed beach cafes. Along the beach are a number of traditional groins complete with traditional Balinese Bale (raised shaded day sleeping and relaxing areas). Most are no longer used although a few are sometimes occupied by the odd fisherman who fish from these waters. The waters of Sanur are protected by a long string of offshore reefs creating large, warm shallow, safe lagoons that are perfectly clear and excellent for swimming, snorkeling and a whole array of water sports. Surfers will be pleased to know that the reefs around Sanur produce some of the best waves in the world in the right conditions although they can be very shallow and dangerous at low tides. There are also plenty of more consistent spots around the area for surfing.

Other activities in Sanur are include sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing and cycling although the most popular activity by far is relaxing in the amazing beach resort’s beach access, pools and at cafes and on the sun loungers and sands. Accommodation in Sanur is of a mid to high range standard offering many dazzling beach resorts, international hotels and villas. There are some budget places but not in the abundance of Kuta, for budget accommodation look slightly outside Sanur in neighboring towns. This is due to Sanur being more of a family or couples holiday area, there are no big clubs and loud youths in Sanur, instead there are more classy relaxed bars and pub style bars that can be hard to find in Bali, food and drink is generally very good here and prices are not at all extortionate.

from: inbalihotels.com 

Raja Ampat Island

Today I Will Tell You About Raja Ampat, the Most Famous Island in Indonesian.

Located off the northwest tip of Bird's Head Peninsula on the island of New Guinea, in Indonesian's West Papua Province, Raja Ampat, or the Four Kings, is an archipelago comprising over 1,500 small islands, cays, and shoals surrounding the four main islands of Misool, Salawati, Batanta, and Waigo, and the smaller island of Koviau.

Raja Ampat Regency is a new regency which separated from Sorong Regency in 2004.It encompasses more than 40,000 km² of land and sea, which also contains Cendrawasih Bay, the largest marine national park in Indonesia. It is a part of the newly named West Papua (Province) of Indonesian which was formerly Irian Jaya. Some of the islands are the most northern pieces of land in the Australian Continent.

The name of Raja Ampat comes from local mythology that tells about a woman who finds seven Eggs. Four of the seven eggs hatch and become Kings that occupy four of Raja Ampat biggest islands whilst the other three become a ghost, a women, and a Stone

History shows that Raja Ampat was once a part of Tidore Kingdom, an influential kingdom from Maluku. Yet, after Holland invaded Maluku, it was shortly claimed as a part of the kingdom of Holland. The main occupation for people around this area is fishing since the area is dominated by the sea. They live in a small colony of tribes that spreads around the area. Although traditional culture still strongly exists, they are very welcoming to visitors. Their religion is dominantly Christian.

Underwater enthusiasts flock to this region because it offers the world’s best marine sights. Two days earlier, some of these travelers had been at a deafening corner of a tourist trap in Bali. Once they took their flight to the bird head of the island of Papua everything changed as they embarked on a diving tour of a lifetime. In the Raja Ampat islands, divers can explore vertical underwater walls. The thrill of drift diving is another great challenge. These are the awesome experiences you will find in Raja Ampat. 

Meanwhile, on this tour several divers were well equipped and looked advanced. The territory within the islands of the Four Kings is enormous, covering 9.8 million acres of land and sea, home to 540 types of corals, more than 1,000 types of coral fish and 700 types of mollusks. This makes it the most diverse living library for world’s coral reef and underwater biota. According to a report developed by The Nature Conservancy and Conservation International, around 75% of the world’s species live here. When divers first arrive here their excitement is palpable. It’s common to hear people praise God as they take in the remarkable scenery. Others prefer to remain in silence taking in the overwhelming sight of so many islands with crystal clear water that softly brushes over the white sandy beaches. 

“Disini bagus!”, says the friendly local guide who had been appointed by the tour operator who runs an eco-lodge in Raja Ampat, indicating that they have arrived at one of the most fantastic diving sites. On other days, this guide is just a simple fisherman. The local fishermen here are accustomed to foreigners and are friendly, especially when offered pinang  (betel nuts) or some sweet candies. These are very popular and offering these sweets is considered polite and a good way to win an instant smile. The fishermen usually eat this snack during Para-para Pinang, or social chatting and exchanging funny stories while chewing Pinang. In many respects, like nature, culture, and history, these fishermen are closer to the Moluccas. 

"No doubt about it, Raja Ampat is definitely the richest place for fish that I have ever been." -
-Dr G.R. Allen

"I was like a five-year-old, seeing a reef for the very first time. I was awestruck, held by the incredible power of this richest reef. We must, with all available resources, preserve the beauty of Raja Ampat. This may be the last frontier." --Michael Aw

"I love the people, I love the diving, it's super! I've never been for a second time to the same dive destination but now I'm thinking about going back for the third time! Should I say more?" --Peter van Dalen 

(These testimonials are taken from www.iriandiving.com)

While the landscape may look like a dream, this is not an illusion. As you embark on your dive, the phrase  ‘Attention to detail’ takes on new meaning as pigmy seahorses swim around your fingers. Manta Rays and wobbegongs will glide right by you. Tuna fish, giant trevallies, snappers, and even barracudas are there to complete your underwater ‘meeting list’. Not to mention the friendly assistant of the dugong, and a busy colleague, the turtle.  Natural and untouched beauty is the main attraction here. With no unnecessary adages, the sky, the lush islands, the sea, and everything above and under it is genuinely saying ‘Welcome to Raja Ampat Islands; your personal Disneyland of diving sites’.

More facts about the Raja Ampat Conservation Area:*

This area is home to 1,511 species of reef fish in the Bird’s Head Seascape;
1,320 species of reef fish in Raja Ampat;
75% of all known coral species in the world;
10 times the number of hard coral species found in the entire Caribbean;
In the Birds Head Seascape there 600 species of hard coral recorded;
5 species of endangered sea turtles;
57 species of Mantis Shrimp;
13 species of Marine Mammals;
And 27 species of endemic reef fish found only in that area

from : Wikipedia and Wonderful Indonesia

Rangda "The Enemy Of Barong"

After I Tell You About Barong, Now i will tell you about Rangda the strongest enemy of Barong...

Rangda is the demon queen of the Leyaks in Bali, according to traditional Balinese Mythtology. Terrifying to behold, the child-eating Rangda leads an army of evil witches against the leader of the forces of good —Barong. The battle between Barong and Rangda is featured in a Barong dance which represents the eternal battle between good and evil.Rangda is a term in old Javanese that means: "widow"

Rangda is important in Balinese culture, and performances depicting her struggles with Barong or with Airlangga in that tale are popular Tourist Attraction as well as tradition. She is depicted as a mostly nude old woman, with long and unkempt hair, pendulous breasts, and claws. Her face is traditionally a horrifying fanged and goggle-eyed mask, with a long, protruding tongue.

Bali is a Hindu island, and it is suggested that Rangda may also be closely associated with Durga. She has also been identified with the Hindu mother warrior goddess, and Kali, the black mother goddess of destruction, transformation and protection in Hinduism.

While Rangda is seen as fearsome and by many as the personification of evil, she is also nevertheless considered a protective force in certain parts of Bali, much like Kali is seen as a benevolent mother goddess in the Indian states of West Bengal, Assam and Kerala. The colors associated with her — white, black and red — are identical with those associated with Kali. Her iconography is similar to that of both Kali and Chamunda, who are closely related.

Rangda was linked to the legend of Calon Arang and also the legend of divorced and exiled Javan queen Mahendrada.

from : Wikipedia