TripCanvas Editorial Team

The thought of a New Year’s celebration brings to mind fireworks, resolutions, and merrymaking in general. However, in Bali, New Year’s celebration is a day of solemnity and silence. Nyepi, also known as ‘day of silence’ is a festival of silence celebrated by Indonesian Hindus. It happens every Isakawarsa of the Indonesian Saka calendar when the island shuts down for 24-hours. The celebration takes place over six days when shops, banks, and streets close early.

Balinese Hindus believe that on Nyepi, evil spirits surround the island. To avoid disturbing these spirits and trick them into thinking that there is no life on the island, the silence remains maintained. Every single day of the festival holds a different significance with unique rituals performed all across Bali. 

Day 1 of Nyepi

3-4 days before Nyepi, the Melasti ritual is performed in Balinese Temples located near the sea to purify sacred objects from temples in the holy waters of the sea. Villagers in Bali form processions carrying idols from shrines, bathing them in the sea and then returning them back to their respective shrines.

Day 2

Performed the day before Nyepi, the sea Ritual denotes to dispel negative energies and create a good balance in the environment. Balinese devotees create ‘ogoh-ogoh’, demonic effigies made of bamboo and paper and parade them around the island. 

Day 3

On Nyepi, the Balinese observe a day of silence, fasting, and prayer. They follow four main restrictions on this day:

• There is no lighting of fires or using electricity
• No one is to work
• There is no entertainment
• No travelling

All Bali Hindus and non-Hindus as well follow these restrictions. If you visit Bali during this time, make sure you abide as well, although you can do what you want within your hotel. Everything remains shut for the day, including the airport, ATMs, and stores. You can only be allowed to travel in the case of an emergency. Your local travel guide from Locaguide will tell you more about this and help you understand how to make most of this day in Bali.

Day 4

A fascinating practice takes place on this day called ‘Omed-Omedan’ (literally translated into pull-pull) or ‘the Kissing Ritual’. Unmarried youths aged 17 to 30 years take part in this festival, where male participants pull in female participants and kiss them, while villagers pour buckets of water on them. 

Day 5

On this day, the locals of Bali visit friends and family in order to ask for forgiveness. With this ritual, they hope they can start the new year afresh and welcome new days for more prosperity.

Day 6

Upon completion of all the Nyepi rituals, they perform a Dharma Shanti ceremony. It implies a closing ceremony after which the festivities end and life goes back to normal in Bali.

Though Bali is a gorgeous place to visit all year round, it occurs spectacularly unique to visit during Nyepi and definitely calls for a visit to experience it first hand.

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If you’ve ever wanted to try the adrenaline-pumping sport of cliff jumping, Bali’s got a special treat for you.

Located close to the Tegal Wangi Beach around the sapphire-blue Jimbaran Bay is a stunning series of cliffs that drop into 5 to 10 metres into the crystal-clear sea.

The short trek down to these cliffs and the sport itself is the perfect way for you and your friends to spend an adventurous afternoon together.

Though the cliffs are not too high, you’ll see many jumpers showing their skills off here. It’s the perfect place for cliff jumping rookies, who are looking for something exciting but not too intimidating. Add to that, the sheer beauty of this spot and you know you’re in for a good time!

How to get there

The Jimbaran Panorama Point might seem a little difficult to find and navigate, especially for a first-timer. The presence of a local guide is advised to take you down the steep mud and rock trail through thickets that leads to the cliffs. You travel guide from Locaguide will take you safely to the cliffs and also show you local favourites like the secluded Jimbaran Beach, also called the Honeymoon Beach. As you will notice, around sunset, the beach gathers a crowd of many locals to enjoy a spectacular sunset. The beach is also not too far away from resorts, so you can always head back to your hotel if you want to.

Another great way to enjoy the Jimbaran Panorama Point is by bringing along a snorkel, so you can experience the underwater life below the cliffs. Before you think of diving into the water though, it’s wise to make sure the tide is high. Also, since there are many sharp rocks at the bottom, consult your guide who can show you the best places to jump from and the best tide pools to explore at the bottom. 7

Along with the raw natural beauty of the islands, Indonesia also holds a complex history and culture. If Indonesian history is what eagers you then the Maimoon palace in Medan is a great place to feed your curiosity.

The magnificent palace exudes the aura of one of Indonesia’s most spectacular architectural specimen and is a treasure trove of stories from the past.

Where is it located ?

Maimoon Palace is located at Jalan Brigadier General Katamso, Sukaraja village in downtown Medan. You can hire a cab and get to the palace. But if you want to get adventurous, you can also experience the local pedicab service.

Built in the 1890s by the Sultan Makmun Al-Rasyid Perkasa Alamsyah, the Maimoon Palace serves as an ‘Istana’ or a royal house for the Sultanate of Deli. Its unique architecture and interior designs are influenced by Mughal, Malay, and Italian styles. This palace is believed to be designed by an unknown Italian architect commissioned by the Sultan. Hence, unlike the other monuments, the Italian attributes, fused with the traditional Mughal and Malay designs, make the monument one of the most incredible places in Indonesia.

Though only the main room of the palace is open for tourists, the lavish inauguration throne and the lush green gardens are definitely worth visiting. Take a look at the amazing collection of the ceremonial kerises (the unique Indonesian daggers) and get to know more about the kingdom through the photo gallery in the main room. A local guide who understands the Indonesian culture and history could explain the importance of everything that is displayed in this palace. If you want, you could even dress up in the traditional Malay costume as a king or a queen and get pictures clicked in those attires.

Since Deli Sultanate continues to be the only kingdom in Medan, the heritage and the aura of the kingdom is priceless. Occasionally, traditional music performances also take place in the palace vicinity. So, a complete guided tour around the palace with Locaguide will give you a good look at the past and present of traditional Indonesian culture.0

Often described as ‘fiercely beautiful’ with its pale wisps of smoke gleaming in the hazy morning light, Mount Batur in Bali is one of the most popular active volcanoes in the world. It is most mesmerizing when viewed at sunrise and sunset. Tourists from all over the world gather at dawn typically at the Kintamani Village to enjoy this spectacular view of the sun rising over the volcano.

But if you’re interested in beating the crowds for an even more enthralling view, we suggest you make your way to the relatively uncrowded Pinggan Village.

Whether you’re a shutterbug, a yoga enthusiast or a nature lover, the Pinggan Village will easily prove to be a more meditative setting for the sunrise and catching a better view of the volcano. A thick fog covers this village in the early hours of the morning, which only adds an element of mysticism to this natural spectacle. Since most tours to Mount Batur don’t even touch the Pinggan Village, the easiest way to explore this part of Bali is with the help of a local guide who would be able to show you around and know the best spots.

This lovely village is just an hour’s drive away from Ubud, so you’ll have to wake up early to be at the village on time for the sunrise. You could get here by road (recommended) or take the more interesting path and hike up to the village or better yet stay at the village. There are a ton of options to enjoy this memorable experience.

This quaint village is better known to locals, so we suggest you tag along with a local tour guide from Locaguide and avoid the herds of tourists at Kintamani to have an experience that will last you a lifetime! 3

The Bali Kite Festival embodies everything the island remains known for – culture, beauty and unadulterated fun. This annual festival takes place between the months of July and August (sometimes in October) during the dry season. This in order to leverage the wind that allows the kites to soar high. It’s rare to see Bali’s bright blue sky free of colourful kites at this time. The air remains filled with Gamelan orchestra music, giving the whole experience a more exciting feel.

Historically celebrated to thank Hindu deities for a bountiful harvest. Today, it is easily one of the most spectacular kite festivals in the world. 

 

History of the kite festival celebration

Kites in Bali come in different symbolical forms, with fish (Bebean), bird (Jaggan), and leaf (Pecukan) shapes being the most popular. These traditional kites are handmade and denote a real joy to watch them in the making. For instance, you can watch the Jaggan kites fitted with a guwungan. Guwungan is a tightly stretched ribbon that vibrates in the breeze to create a soothing humming sound. Create a personalized trip itinerary with help from a local travel guide from Locaguide. This will make you include a behind-the-scenes tour of kite making workshops.

If you want to fly a kite yourself or participate in the kite flying competition, then the eastern coast of the Padang Galak is the best place. The largest event, the International Kite Festival held at the Sanur beach attracts contestants from all over the world. Best to keep in check if any changes occur in the festival dates due to weather conditions. Once the dates remain frozen, connect with Locaguide and request for a local tour guide for an amazing experience in Bali!

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Dolphins, the sunset, and the gentle sound of waves — if you think this sounds like the perfect way to spend a day, you will love Bali’s Lovina Beach.

Located in the North of Bali, this black-volcanic beach is a popular spot to watch wild dolphins.

There’s something peaceful yet ecstatic about watching them swim freely in their natural habitat. This sight is all the more beautiful at sunrise and sunset and hence, many tourists come here at these times to catch a glimpse of these lovely creatures.

How to get to Lovina Beach?

Lovina Beach is located about 10 km away from Singaraja. You can easily drive up to the beach to spend a fun day out. If you want to see the dolphins at sunrise, however, you will have to start around 3:00 am to get here. Meanwhile, you can also choose to stay a night in Lovina and wake up to witness this beautiful event. Tourists gather at 5:30 am to get into little fishing boats that take you to the place where the magic happens. Thus, travelling with the local fishermen is very secure and a safe way to experience this event. The fishermen know exactly where to take you for the best views. Make sure you ask for a life jacket though, just in case. After an exciting session of Dolphin watching, top it up with a sumptuous meal at one of the nearby restaurant.

Swim with the Dolphins!

For a closer look of these gorgeous creatures, ask your guide to set this up for you. Moreover, this gives you the perfect chance to pet, tickle and even kiss dolphins. Get up close with wild dolphins with help from Locaguide‘s trusted tour guide and spend a few memorable hours at Lovina Beach.

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One of the many things that differentiate a traveller or an explorer from a regular tourist is the way they approach the food of the land they travel to. If you’re a traveller on a gastronomical expedition, you shouldn’t miss out on the iconic roasted pork dish of Bali, The Babi Guling. 

Babi Guling, which translates to ‘turning pig,’ is a classic Balinese dishes. It’s truly an unlikely find in a country with the largest Muslim population on the globe.

Traditionally used as offerings to please the Balinese Hindu Gods, with the whole pig served to signify sublimity and perfection.

Know more about Babi Guling

As the name suggests, the entire pig’s stuffing includes a mix of spices including lemongrass, garlic, turmeric and coriander seeds. It is then slow-roasted on an open fire or hand-turning spit roaster  —  giving it a unique texture and taste, unlike any pork dish you find anywhere else in the world. However, the dish is not just about the meat. A good part of your serving would also have fluffy rice and good vegetables like beans and salam leaves.

Bali owns a lot of food joints serving the dish, but the best ones remain in Ubud and adjoining places. Your local guide can help you point to the best places that serve the most authentic Babi Guling. If you happen to visit the northern villages of Bali, like Kubutambahan or Bengkala, you can also witness its preparations. You can also get to dine on an authentic Babi Guling feast.

Order a generous platter of the Babi Guling served with a uniquely-flavoured crispy crackling. With its every bite you can feel it melt in your mouth into literally nothing! If you occur to explore Bali like a local, ask Locaguide for a fully-customisable itinerary and guided tour.

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To explore the natural beauty of Sumatra, the multicultural city of Medan makes a great starting point. You’ll know exactly what we’re talking about when you visit the Sibolangit waterfall ! A visit to this place could be a soothing experience to your soul, as you can, quite literally, taste the fresh air and enjoy the serene beauty of the landscape here.

Also known as Two Colors Waterfalls, the Sibolangit Waterfalls is situated at the core of a dense forest near the Durin Sirugun village at the foot of Mount Sibayak, a few kilometres from Medan.

How to get there 

You can reach the site through land routes across Sibolangit campgrounds, which is just an hour’s drive from Medan city. As you near the waterfalls, the view becomes simply stupefying.

To reach the waterfall, you have to either hike or walk leisurely for a couple of hours. If you’re with a local tour guide, it would be quite easy to find the forest paths. A walk through the unspoiled mountain roads can be a bit challenging, but once you reach the waterfalls, you’ll find yourself lost in the lap of nature. A guide from Locaguide can ensure that you reach the best spots at the right times of the day to make the most out of this experience. Another advantage of having a local guide with you along the trail is that you can listen to local folktales about this mystical place, making your trip even more interesting!

A Photographers dream

The river starts from Mount Sibayak and meanders across a pristine landscape until it falls from a height of 100 meters at Sibolangit. The water, as the name of the falls suggests, appears in two distinct colors — light blue and grayish white. The light blue colour is because of the phosphor content, while the greyish white colour is due to the presence of sulfur in the water. That’s why you’re not supposed to drink water from this particular waterfalls. However, the same bright colours of this waterfalls open a wide scope for photographers and nature lovers to capture the essence of the trip on camera.1

Planning your escapade from the frenetic city life by travelling to the mystic islands of Indonesia? Your Indonesian vacation itinerary without including the best Bintan holiday attractions would be quite incomplete, especially a visit to the stunning Trikora beach.

The long shorelines of Trikora is famous for its incredible white sandy beaches, coconut palm-lined shores, seaside playgrounds, and gazebos with coconut palm-leaf roofs — everything that makes your Bintan Island vacation even more interesting.

How to get there

A 45-minute drive away from the city of Tanjung Pinang in Bintan, Trikora beach is one of the must-visit places if you’re planning a tour to this quaint island. Trikora beach has rows of ‘kelongs’ or fish traps, which are set up along the coastal walkways where you can find the local fishermen and tourists catching Bintan Island’s famous Ikan Bilis or small fry fish. Don’t miss your chance to try your luck at fishing by renting out a kelong yourself. Your local tour guide will be able to help you connect with the local community and engage in these fun activities.

At Trikora beach, you can enjoy your evening carelessly gazing at the sunset or playing your favourite sport at the seaside playground which is open for both locals as well as tourists. There are a bunch of rustic seaside shacks and cottages where you can spend your evenings

In order to best enjoy your trip, hire a local guide from Locaguide, as he can show you around the beach as well as take you to some of the other important places nearby, including the historic island of Penyengat and the city of Tanjung Pinang.

Nature lovers Treat !

This part of Bintan Island is definitely a treat for photographers and nature-lovers alike, with the stunning beach dotted with huge boulders. Try your luck at capturing the splendid sunset in your camera as you enjoy some time off in a cottage while savouring a platter of Ayam Goreng (Fried Chicken).3

If you’re travelling in South East Asia, there are some experiences that you must have at least once during your trip. One such incredible experience is visiting the volcanic lake called Kawah Putih in Indonesia. Kawah Putih lake, which is also known as the White Crater lake, is a splendid lake on a volcanic crater.

Located about 50 km south of Bandung in West Java, Indonesia, Kawah Putih is one of the two craters that make up Mount Patuha — an andesitic stratovolcano.

The most attractive feature of this place is, of course, the unusual colour of its water. The water in this lake is commonly turquoise in colour, but it could also differ at times from bluish green to milky white, depending on the Sulphur content in the lake. So, don’t be under a wrong impression — you can’t play in the water or swim here, as the lake is highly acidic due to the volcanic gases produced underground.

That said, you can perfectly enjoy the splendid views from this amazing spot — it’s literally a photographer’s paradise.

How to get there

It takes almost 2.5 hours to reach Kawah Putih by car from Bandung. Take a local guide from Locaguide along with you to best enjoy your trip. He can take you around this stunning place as well as explain its significance, history, and the myths surrounding it — making your journey more interesting. When you get to the edge of the lake, you will be able to sense the significantly cooler temperature. This is because Kawah Putih is located at an altitude of 2430 meters above the sea level. So, it’s advisable that you carry a light sweater, as it might get a little chilly. Leave for Kawah Putih early in the morning to enjoy the pristine natural beauty at its best.

Bucket List worthy

The landscape at Kawa Putih lake is unlike anything you may have seen elsewhere – tree skeletons set against the impressive backdrop of mountains rising steeply from the crystal blue lake. This experience definitely ranks high on our list of top 10 things to see in Bandung. 0