Mangening Temple

When we think of Bali, the island often conjures images of pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and numerous temples steeped in history and tradition. Among these sacred sites is Mangening Temple, located in the tranquil village of Saraseda, Tampaksiring, in Gianyar Regency. This temple is not just a spiritual landmark but also a cultural heritage site that offers visitors a peaceful retreat and a glimpse into Bali’s rich religious and architectural history.

Mangening Temple is nestled in a serene environment surrounded by cool air and natural beauty, providing a calm and quiet atmosphere for those who seek a more tranquil experience in Bali. Officially recognized as a cultural heritage site under Bali Provincial Law No. 05/1985, Mangening Temple has become a key destination for both spiritual pilgrims and tourists alike. As visitors approach the temple, they are required to descend a series of steps to reach the outer courtyard. This area is home to crystal-clear pools of water, which are fed by natural springs that flow from the roots of towering trees and surrounding cliffs. The purity and tranquility of these pools offer a peaceful introduction to the sacred space ahead.

To reach the main temple, visitors need to climb another set of stairs, as the Utama Mandala (the most sacred area) is located at a higher elevation. Inside the temple, one of the prominent structures is the three-tiered Meru, a multi-roofed shrine, which was once the site where a lingga-yoni statue was discovered. The lingga-yoni represents the harmonious union of male and female energies, a central symbol in Balinese Hinduism. The temple's architectural layout follows the traditional Balinese concept of Tri Mandala, which divides the temple into three distinct zones: Nista Mandala (the outermost zone), Madya Mandala (the middle zone), and Utama Mandala (the innermost and most sacred zone).

In the Nista Mandala, visitors can enjoy the sight of a lush garden adorned with five fountains, creating a serene and meditative environment. Moving deeper into the Madya Mandala, several traditional Balinese structures can be found, such as the Bale Gong (a pavilion for musical performances), Bale Kulkul (which houses a wooden drum used for communication), Bale Pegambahan, and Bale Pegat. The Utama Mandala, the most sacred part of the temple, contains important shrines, including the three-tiered Meru, Gedong, Bale Paselang, Bale Pecanangan, Bale Saka Ulu, and Bale Penganteb. Each of these structures plays a significant role in Balinese spiritual practices.

While there is no precise historical record of Mangening Temple's origins, inscriptions and artifacts found at the site suggest that it dates back to the Masula-Masuli period in Pejeng, which points to its ancient and long-standing cultural significance. This connection to Bali’s past makes it a meaningful site for those interested in the island’s religious heritage.

The local community around the temple primarily relies on agriculture for their livelihood, although many also work as traders or employees in other sectors. In recent years, with the temple’s growing popularity as a tourist destination, several facilities have been established to accommodate visitors. These include food and drink stalls, temple guides, and ample parking space.

If you're planning a visit to Mangening Temple, it is about a 90-minute drive from Denpasar, covering a distance of roughly 37 kilometers. The journey offers a scenic route through Bali’s countryside, and once you arrive, the temple’s cool air, natural beauty, and serene atmosphere provide a refreshing and peaceful escape.

Mangening Temple is not only a place for spiritual reflection but also a destination where visitors can appreciate the harmonious blend of nature and Balinese architecture, making it a must-see for anyone exploring the cultural treasures of Bali.

The Nyepi Rituals

NYEPI (Day of Silence)

IS NOT JUST A RITUAL MEMORIAL

Nyepi is a Balinese "Day of Silence" that is commemorated every Isakawarsa (Saka new year) according to Bali's calendar (in 2014, it will be on March 31). It is a day of silence, fasting, and meditation. The day following Nyepi is also celebrated as New Year

Observed from 6 a.m. until 6 a.m. the next morning, Nyepi is a day reserved for self-reflection and as such, anything that might interfere with that purpose is restricted. The main restrictions are: no lighting fires; no working; no entertainment or pleasure; no traveling; and for some, no talking or eating at all. The effect of these prohibitions is that Bali’s usually bustling streets and roads are empty, there is little or no noise from TV’s and radio’s, and few signs of activity are seen even inside homes. The only people to be seen outdoors are the Pecalang, traditional security men who patrol the streets to ensure the prohibitions are being followed.

Although Nyepi is primarily a Hindu holiday, non-Hindu residents of Bali observe the day of silence as well, out of respect for their fellow citizens. Even tourists are not exempt; although free to do as they wish inside their hotels, no one is allowed onto the beaches or streets, and the only airport in Bali remains closed for the entire day. The only exceptions granted are for emergency vehicles carrying those with life-threatening conditions and women about to give birth.

On the day after Nyepi, known as Ngembak Geni, social activity picks up again quickly, as families and friends gather to ask forgiveness from one another, and to perform certain religious rituals together.

Rituals

• First, The Melasti Ritual is performed at the 3-4 previous day. It is dedicated to Sanghyang Widhi Wasa and is performed at the beach to respect them as the owner of The Land and Sea. The ritual performed in Pura (Balinese temple) near the sea (Pura Segara) and meant to purify Arca, Pratima, and Pralingga (sacred objects) belongs to several temples, also to acquire sacred water from the sea. For area that are located far from the sea,the ritual was carried out on the lake or river that is The Melasti Ritual is a symbol of respect for the water which serves to purify the body and mind as well as to providing welfare to all beings

The Melasti Ritual

• Second, The Bhuta Yajna Ritual is performed in order to vanquish the negative elements and create balance with God, Mankind, and Nature. The ritual also meant to appease Batara Kala by Pecaruan offering. Devout Hindu Balinese villages usually make ogoh-ogoh, demonic statues made of bamboo and paper symbolizing negative elements or malevolent spirits. After the ogoh-ogoh have been paraded around the village, the Ngrupuk ritual takes place, which involves burning the ogoh-ogoh. Bhuta is a sysbol of strength of the two characters that are good and bad t the same time, a ritual to remind people that there is a force to be selected and used as needed, bed power should be kept away even eredicated from the human, specially on the ave of Nyepi day, the form of this ritual is ogoh-ogoh parade aroud the village, which ended with the burning of those ogoh-ogoh on the beach.

The Bhuta Yajna Ritual

Ogoh-ogoh

• Third, The Nyepi Rituals is performed with the following conditions:
• Amati Geni: No fire/light, including no electricity
• Amati Karya: No working
• Amati Lelungaan: No travelling
• Amati Lelanguan: Fasting and no revelry/self-entertainment

The Nyepi Rituals

A day after the Bhuta Yadnya ritual, it is believed that the evel spirit have been far away from the human, which left only the noble qualities, so at the time of Nyepi the body and the mind are appeased by yoga meditation, providing opportunities for godlikes qualities to ties of body and mind are free, free to unite with pure power of universe.

• Fourth, The Yoga/Brata Ritual starts at 6:00 AM and continues to 6:00 AM the next day. The goal of spiritual achievement is awareness, awareness is the third elements among the element of body and soul. Body consist of several elements that mattually bind themselves to each other where necessary the axistence of two opposite caracters of positive and negative, and element of the soul also has such two caracters of devinity and the evil.Spiritual activities can be started by learning body awareness , followed by learning of mind awareness that will ultimately transformed into soul and permanent awareness at the end, and the Nyepi Day is dedicated for universe awareness activities.
• Fifth, The Ngembak Agni/Labuh Brata Ritual is performed for all Hindus to forgive each other and to welcome the new days to come. On this day, Hindu community in Bali is usually held an impromptu market where people meet with relatives and neighbors to forgive each other with joy.
• Sixth and finally, The Dharma Shanti Rituals is performed after the Nyepi Day or "Day of Silence.". Community groups or componies often invite religious speaker to provide spiritual enlightenment to equalize the differences between their perceptions that  occur in the last year, as well as to talk about the significance of religious and moral teachings and how its implementation in the global life and career.

Keraton Jimbaran Beach Resort

Keraton Jimbaran Beach Resort is an elegant beachfront property that honours Bali’s cultural and artistic legacy with a collection of 102 guest rooms and private villas. The property is set within a mature tropical garden and has direct access to the pristine white sands of Jimbaran Bay.
It is a place where travellers can truly unwind in an exotic setting that is considerably removed from the trappings of mainstream tourism. Keraton Jimbaran Beach Resort  celebrates living life to the fullest and taking each new day simply as it comes.
More information click here

Exceptional Dining Experience

Joglo Restaurant, the restaurant at Keraton Jimbaran Resort & Spa gives culinary experience that takes you on a full flavoured journey.
Choose from our signature dishes to satiate your appetite with range of specialities from local delights to International cuisine. Our menus are driven by the freshest ingredients and seasonal products to create dishes that will entice you coming back for more.


Celebrations of The Heart

With its native Balinese gardens and pristine stretch of white sand beach, Keraton Jimbaran Resort & Spa provides an idyllic venue for your destination wedding. It is a place to celebrate in style before your dearest friends and loved ones. Exchanging your vows beneath the tropical blue skies of Bali will make for an unforgettable day to treasure always.

Facilities and Actifities
An elegant, boutique style resort hosting 102 elegant rooms with 3 suites and 6 villas.
All rooms have private bathroom and balconies, individually controlled air conditioning and television with parabola, direct dial telephone with I.D.D, safety box, fridge, hair dryer and room service.

Beach Activities

The exclusive location of the Keraton Jimbaran Resort & Spa on Jimbaran Bay offers complete seclusion on one of the best white sand beaches in Bali, where evenings bring spectacular sunsets. Very tastefully designed resort, and swimming in its swimming pool has to be experienced to be believed. Even if you are staying at another Resort this time, we recommend to visit the Resort and its pool, it makes a nice day trip, and you probably ending up wanting to stay there next time. If you like walks on the beach at sunset time this is the place for you, within walking distance there are many inexpensive but excellent grilled seafood restaurants.

Guest Activities
You will never get bored while staying with us. We have arranged many activities for our in-house guests and you also may have experience of shopping in traditional market.
Recreational Facilities

•    Beach Volley Ball
•    Rental Cars
•    Swimming Pool
•    Chess

Meeting Facilities
Book business conference Venues at Keraton Jimbaran Resort & Spa. Your every need will be taken care of during the events by a dedicated team who are well versed in the art of Balinese hospitality. All of our personalized services will ensure that your events with us at Keraton Jimbaran Resort & Spa is successfully plan.
Meeting Facilities:

•    Flip chart
•    Laser Pointer
•    LCD Projector & Screen
•    Meeting Room
•    Microphones, 2 wireless & 2 cable
•    Note pad and Pen
•    Registration Table
•    Sound System
•    Water and Mints
•    Wi-Fi Internet in the meeting room

Art Centre

Werdhi Budaya Park (Art Center), located on Nusa Indah Street, Denpasar, Bali, is one of the largest and most comprehensive cultural performance centers in Bali. This venue hosts the Bali Arts Festival, held annually for a full month, starting on the first Saturday night in June. The cultural park was designed by renowned Balinese architect Ida Bagus Tugur, with architecture inspired by Balinese temples and royal palaces.

The Art Center is divided into four main areas:

1. Sacred Complex, which includes: Taman Beji Temple, Selonding Pavilion, Pepaosan Pavilion, and others.
2. Quiet Complex, which includes the Widya Kusuma Library.
3. Semi-Public Complex, including the Mahudara Exhibition Hall, Craft Building, Sculpture Studio, Guesthouse for Artists, and Wantilan Hall.
4. Bustling Complex, which includes the open stage Ardha Chandra and the covered stage Ksirarnawa, both located south of the river.

Bali Museum

Museum Bali 

Museum Bali is one of the ancient buildings that has remained well-preserved until today. It is located in the center of Denpasar city, precisely to the east of Puputan Badung Square, adjacent to the Jagatnatha Temple. The museum building stretches from north to south and is divided into two parts. The northern section is a complex of ancient buildings that were planned and built in 1910.

Museum Bali houses various legacies of the past, focusing on human history and ethnography. Its collection consists of ethnographic objects such as tools and equipment for daily life, artworks, religious artifacts, and manuscripts that reflect the life and cultural development of Bali.

The museum holds a total of 10,506 recorded collections, including manuscripts and copies. These collections were acquired through purchases from the community, art shops, as well as gifts and donations. Some collections currently being inventoried include stupas with hundreds of components, 8.5 kg of kepeng coins, ceramics from Europe and China, and porcelain from Japan, China, and Siam.

The Bali Museum building follows the Tri Mandala concept, which consists of the Nista Mandala (outer area), Madya Mandala (middle area), and Utama Mandala (main area).

In the Utama Mandala, there are three main buildings:

1. Tabanan Building, a pavilion with typical architecture from Tabanan Regency, housing antiquities such as artworks, accessories, household items, ceremonial tools, and a variety of traditional weapons.
2. Buleleng Building, a structure with North Bali-style architecture, containing household tools, craft equipment, agricultural and fishing tools, entertainment devices, and primitive sculptures made from clay, stone, and other materials.
3. Karangasem Building, a building with East Bali-style architecture, storing prehistoric objects, archaeological artifacts, ethnographic items, as well as some modern paintings.

Open: Sunday to Thursday from 8:00 to 15:00 and Friday from 08:00 to 12:30

Brahmavihara Arama

Brahmavihara Arama

Brahmavihara-Arama, better known by the name of Buddha banjar monastery which is the biggest Buddha monastery in Bali. It is in a hilly area in the village tegeha banjar, banjar district, 22 km west Singaraja and 11 km from the tourist area of Lovina. With a quiet and calm atmosphere. We can look directly to the beach lovina, atmosphere of this makes the monastery Buddha this become strong appeal for tourists, both foreign tourists and domestic. Outline the monastery complex consists of 5 important, namely:

Uposatha Gara

Located on the west summit, a comfortable and quiet room. On the walls were carved panels birth of the Buddha, and in the middle there is a statue of the Buddha in a state of achieving nirvana. This room functions for the inauguration of the Bhiku samanera (candidates Bhiku), an early stage for the next training session.

Dharmasala

Sort of lecture halls located on the east. In this place the Bhiku conduct worship services, giving sermons, and this place is also used as a place to do all spiritual activity.

Stupa

A building that resembles a giant bell located in the Northwest corner, which all sides are made of concrete with a very impressive relief.

Tree Body

In the southwest corner of the building there is a large tree called the tree body, which is around the tree decorated with reliefs. This place is a symbol of the victory of the Buddha at the time he reached the Buddha sammia (the eternal perfection).

Kuti

Kuti is the residence of the Bhiku and students who are studying and this place is also sometimes used as a practice site of the Bhiku.

In the monastery complex there are some Buddha statues that adorn every corner of the garden or room. There are two very interesting Buddha statue is a statue of the Buddha statue parinirwana and are achieving the Sama or moksha in Hindu religious terms.

Explore the Wonders of Bedugul

Bedugul is a stunning tourist destination nestled at an elevation of approximately 1,240 meters above sea level in the Baturiti Subdistrict of Tabanan Regency, Bali. Known for its cool mountain air and breathtaking landscapes, Bedugul is a favorite getaway for both local and international visitors seeking tranquility and natural beauty.

The area is home to two iconic attractions: the Bedugul Botanical Gardens and Lake Beratan. The Bedugul Botanical Gardens showcase an impressive collection of flora from around the world, while the serene Lake Beratan, with its famous Ulun Danu Temple, offers visitors a picture-perfect setting amidst the backdrop of lush mountains.

Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a family-friendly outing, Bedugul promises an unforgettable experience of Bali’s natural splendor from a unique, elevated perspective.

Bedugul botanical garden

Bedugul Botanical Garden 

The Bedugul Botanical Garden is a delightful tourist destination, known for its cool climate with temperatures averaging around 18°C at night and 24°C during the day. The garden is home to a wide variety of protected plant species, most of which are native to Indonesia, while some species from other countries are also preserved here. Due to its vast area and the availability of recreational activities, the garden is frequently used as a family outing spot and a venue for corporate events by companies in Bali.

Beratan Lake

Lake Beratan

To the north of the Bedugul Botanical Garden lies Lake Beratan, the second largest lake on the island of Bali. In the middle of the lake stands a temple, and when the water level rises, the temple becomes partially submerged, with only a few walls remaining above the surface. Surrounding the temple, visitors can enjoy recreational activities and various wildlife attractions managed by local residents. You can take photos with pythons, parrots, monkeys, and other wildlife species. There is also a boat rental service at the lakefront, allowing visitors to explore the lake. For those interested in a traditional boating experience, local fishermen offer affordable rides around the lake in traditional boats.