Kecak and Fire Dance Performance Bali

Kecak and Fire Dance Performance Bali

Kecak and Fire Dance Performance, Not known exactly where Kecak dance originated and which was first developed, but there are some kind of agreement on the Balinese Kecak was first developed into a performing arts in the village of Bona, Gianyar, as additional knowledge Kecak was originally a song or music that is resultant from a combination sounds that make up melodies that are usually used to accompany the sacred dance Sanghyang. And can only be staged in the temple. Then in the early 1930s by artists from the village of Bona, Gianyar trying to develop a Kecak dance by taking the story of Ramayana who danced as a substitute for Sanghyang Dance so this dance could eventually be displayed in public as a performance art. Part of the Ramayana story in which the first is taken as Goddess Sita was abducted by King Ravana.

The development of Bali Kecak and Fire Dance in Bali

Kecak Dance in Bali continues to change and progress since the 1970's. Developments can be seen is in terms of story and staging. In terms of the story for staging not only sticking to one part of the Ramayana, but also other parts of the story of the Ramayana. Then in terms of staging also began to experience growth not only found in one place likes the Village Bona, Gianyar, but also other villages in Bali began to develop Kecak dance so all regions in Bali there are dozens of Kecak groups whose members are usually members of the Banjar. Activities such as Kecak dance festival is often held in Bali well by government or by a school of art in Bali. As well as from the amount of much dancers who ever performed in the Kecak dance was recorded in 1979 which involved 500 dancers. At that time kecak performed by taking the story from the Mahabharata. But this record was broken by Tabanan regency government that organizes colossal Kecak dance with 5000 dancers on September 29, 2006, at Tanah Lot, Tabanan, Bali.

Pattern of Bali Kecak and Fire Dance

As a Kecak dance performance is supported by some very important factor, and in the Kecak dance performance presents the dance as an introduction to the story, of course, vital music to accompany the dancers movements. But in the Kecak Dance, the music generated from a combination sounds of members "cak" which were about 50-70 people all of them will make music in akapela. A person will act as a leader who gives the tone early, someone else acting as a suppressor in charge of pressure high or low tone, someone else acting as a solo singer, and someone else will act as the mastermind behind that to deliver the story. the dancers in the Kecak dance motion should not follow the movement of dance accompanied with gamelan. So in the Kecak dancethis gestures of the dancer is more relaxed because the main priority is the storyline and the sound mix.

Kecak and Fire Dance Performance Story

What makes the Kecak special is that the accompanying music is provided by the human voice, the gamelan suara, a choir of a hundred men or more sitting in concentric circles, swaying, standing up, lying prone as the story develops.Amongst the swaying masses the voices of the storytellers can be heard telling the unfolding tale.
The story is a fragment from the Ramayana, the Hindu epic which finds its expression in many forms, not only in dance, but also in painting and carving. Prince Rama, heir to the throne of the kingdom of Ayodya, and his wife Sita have been banished from the kingdom by King Dasarata as a result of trickery by Rama's stepmother. The story begins with the arrival of Rama and Sita accompanied by Rama's brother Laksmana in the forest of Dandaka.
The trio have been observed by the demon Rahwana, King of Alengka, who lusts after the beautiful Sita. Rahwana sends his prime minister Marica to try and isolate Sita so that Rahwana can kidnap her. Marica's magical powers turn him into a golden deer and he enters the forest and when the Sita sees the golden deer she is so enchanted by it that she asks Rama to capture it for her. Rama chases after the deer leaving his brother Laksamana behind with strict instuction to protec Sita. When Sita thinks she hears a cry for help from Rama she forces Laksamana to go after Rama by accusing him of cowardice and he goes off to help Rama with great reluctance after drawing a magic circle on the ground and telling Sita the she should not under any circumstance step out side the circle.
Sita, left alone in the forest becomes an easy prey to the trickery of Rahwana who has disguised himself has an old periest and bags Sita for some food as he is cold and hungry. Sita falls for for his trick, she steps outside the circle to give the old priest some food and rahwana grabs her and takes her to his palace.Once back in his palace in Alengka, Rahwana tries everything he can to seduce Sita without any luck.
In the palace of Alengka, Sita pours out her heart about her cruel fate to Rahwana's niece Trijata, when Hanoman appears telling her that hi is Rama's envoy and proving it by showing her Rama's ring. Sita gives Hanoman a hairpin to show she is still alive and sand him back to Rama with a massage to come to her rescue.
In the meantime Rama and Laksamana accompanied by Tualen are wandering in the forest looking for Sita when Meganada, Rahwana's son, appeares and engages Rama and Laksamana in Battle. Meganada uses his magic powers and shoots of an arrow which magically turns in to a dragon which overpowers Rama and Laksamana and they are trussed up in ropes.
The bird Garuda, King of all the bird, a good friend of King Dasarata, has observed trouble Rama is in from high up in the sky and comes to the rescue freeing the brothers from the ropes. Rama and Laksamana continue on their way to rescue Sita and are joined by Sugriwa, king of the monkeyes, and his monkeys army.
This fragmen of the Ramayana come to an end with the bittle between Sugriwa and his Monkeys Army and Meganada and his Demon Army which ends with the defeat of Meganada.

Padang Padang Beach Bali

Padang Padang Beach Bali

Padang Padang Beach Bali

Bali Padang Padang beach is located at Jalan Labuan Sait, in the village of Pecatu, Bali. Located not too far from the tourist area of Uluwatu Temple. Arriving near the entrance of Uluwatu Travel, we take the road turn right. Follow the directions, to see that underneath the bridge looks the beach. Upon entering the area of Padang-Padang beach, we passed a temple. Interestingly, to get to this beach, we had to descend the stairs are made in the cliffs. After a few yards down the stairs we are greeted by the sun. It turns a dark alley behind the beach there is incredible beauty. The waves that roll, rock-breaking waves, and the sky is captivating. Towards dusk, we could see a beautiful sunset view, as if the sun is swallowed by the ocean.

Bali Padang Padang Beach is one of the best beaches in Bali in addition to dreamland, Kuta and Nusa Dua. White sandy beach stretching ahead of you, clear blue water and flat, perfect for swimming. Sand white color contrasts with the black rocks and blue sea exotic. The beach was clean, quiet atmosphere and crystal clear waters will make us feel at home after a long time to swim and sunbathe here. The more the light rays of the sun adds to the more exotic blue waters are shown. A bright blue sky and white clouds forming harmonization beautiful scenery. Visible in the distance the boulder clusters, this is so beautiful. Large boulders are scattered along the coast.

Padang Padang Beach

Around the stretch of sand beach, you can find some tents that sell food and drinks, and renting surfboards. The extent of Kuta beach area is not, but this is what makes this beach so special. If you enjoy the sunset at the beach with a few other visitors around you it will feel like a private beach. The scenery was almost similar to the views of the beaches in Thailand. Although the standard has a secluded beach for a shore facility from the shower, toilet, as well as lifeguard or lifeguards.

Padang Padang beach is popular starting around 1996's from the music group Michael Learns To Rock took this beach as one of the set of their video clips. Not long ago, actress Julia Roberts is also shooting at the beach for his new movie Eat, Pray and Love that has been released in 2010.

what to do : 
beach hopping, surfing, snorkeling, sunbathing, massage, yoga, topless

Bali Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK)

Bali Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK)

 Bali is located in the southern Badung area about 20 minutes from Kuta. That's very easy to access it from the Ngurah Rai Airport and hotels in Nusa Dua. Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Bali cultural park is located in the hills of limestone and rock, exactly over the hill of Nusa Dua Pecatu-Badung regency that about 40 kilometers south of Denpasar City Bali, it was approximately 30 minutes drive from Ngurah Rai when using a motor vehicle.

Landscapes Garuda Wisnu Kencana

Bali Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park is an area with 240 hectares of land. There are Supporting facilities that you can enjoy like Lotus Pond, Festival Park, Amphitheater, Street Theater, Exhibition Hall, and Jendela Bali The Panoramic Resto and souvenir shop as well. There are many cultural performances every day at GWK. Barong Dance Performance is the most popular show in there and also performances of traditional Balinese music.
Various uniqueness and beauty of Bali are well in view of the history, traditions, cultural customs, arts and panorama attraction. Of many attractions in Bali one of them is Garuda Wisnu Kencana that abbreviated. Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Bali cultural park is the window of island arts and culture against the backdrop of nature and an amazing panorama, making one of the main objectives for a variety of performing arts, exhibitions, conferences or religious visits.

Story of Garuda Wisnu Kencana

Here is the story of Garuda Wisnu Kencana which follow the birth and deeds of the mythical bird Garudaas quoted from Wikipedia. You can find this story carved into stone relief, placed in GWK Street Theater.

The story of Garuda birth and deeds is told in the first book of the great epic Mahabharata. According to the epic, when Garuda first burst forth from his egg, he appeared as a raging inferno equal to the cosmic conflagration that consumes the world at the end of every age. Frightened, the gods begged him for mercy. Garuda, hearing their plea, reduced himself in size and energy.
Garuda’s father was the creator-rishi Kasyapa. His mother was Vinata, whose sister was Kadru, the mother of serpents. One day, Vinata entered into and lost a foolish bet, as a result of which she became enslaved to her sister.
Mahabharata mentions about a bet between sisters and wives of Kashyapa, Vinata and Kadru, about the colour of Uchchaihshravas‘s tail. While Vinata, the mother of Garuda and Aruna, said it was white, Kadru said it was black. The loser would have to serve as a servant of the winner. Kadru told her sons, Naga (“serpent”), to cover the tail of the horse and thus make it appear as black in colour and thus, Kadru won.
Resolving to release his mother from this state of bondage, Garuda approached the serpents and asked them what it would take to purchase her freedom. Their reply was that Garuda would have to bring them the elixir of immortality, also called amrita. It was a tall order. The amrita at that time found itself in the possession of the gods, who guarded it jealously, since it was the source of their immortality. They had ringed the elixir with a massive fire that covered the sky. They had blocked the way to the elixir with a fierce mechanical contraption of sharp rotating blades. And finally, they had stationed two gigantic poisonous snakes next to the elixir as deadly guardians.
Undaunted, Garuda hastened toward the abode of the gods intent on robbing them of their treasure. Knowing of his design, the gods met him in full battle-array. Garuda, however, defeated the entire host and scattered them in all directions. Taking the water of many rivers into his mouth, he extinguished the protective fire the gods had thrown up. Reducing his size, he crept past the rotating blades of their murderous machine. And finally, he mangled the two gigantic serpents they had posted as guards. Taking the elixir into his mouth without swallowing it, he launched again into the air and headed toward the eagerly waiting serpents.
En route, he encountered Vishnu. Rather than fight, the two exchanged promises. Vishnu promised Garuda the gift of immortality even without drinking from the elixir, and Garuda promised to become Vishnu’s mount.
Flying onward, he met Indra the god of the sky. Another exchange of promises occurred. Garuda promised that once he had delivered the elixir, thus fulfilling the request of the serpents, he would make it possible for Indra to regain possession of the elixir and to take it back to the gods. Indra in turn promised Garuda the serpents as food.
At long last, Garuda alighted in front of the waiting serpents. Placing the elixir on the grass, and thereby liberating his mother Vinata from her servitude, he urged the serpents to perform their religious ablutions before consuming it. As they hurried off to do so, Indra swooped in to make off with the elixir.
From that day onward, Garuda was the ally of the gods and the trusty mount of Vishnu, as well as the implacable enemy of snakes, upon whom he preyed at every opportunity.

This area is the first real rock and steep sloping then transformed into the beautiful and amazing with charming architecture. Implementation of the process by means Bukit cut into giant pillars like building in Egypt but still with the feel of Bali. From the Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Bali, we can see how beautiful Kuta Beach, Jimbaran, Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport and the Port of Benoa.

The area of Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Bali Cultural Park planned to be established a landmark or Bali mascot, in the form of a giant statue, that is a statue of Lord Vishnu riding a Garuda bird. This statue was projected to tie layout with visibility up to 20 km so that it can be seen from Kuta and Nusa Dua.

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Statue is a symbol of the mission of saving the environment and the world. The statue was made from a mixture of copper and steel weighing 4,000 tons with a height of 75 meters and a width of 60 meters, which was created by sculptor Bali, I Nyoman Nuarta, if manufacturing is complete, can match the Statue of Liberty in United States.

Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Bali Facilities :

• Lotus Pond surrounded by stone pillars and rock background Garuda bird statue's head with a capacity of 7500 people made ​​the area is ideal for a variety of grand performances, both national / international.
• Plaza Wisnu art shop selling various Balinese handicrafts.
• Exhibition Hall space to hold exhibitions.
• Amphitheatre with a capacity of 800 seats and first-class acoustic arrangement is performance art.
• Street Theatre is an outdoor stage for music concerts, fashion shows and other performances.
• "Jendela Bali" Restaurant with panoramic of  Jimbaran Beach.

When entering Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Bali  area you will be encountered several pieces of natural rock pillars wich high 25 feet are standing firm. Not far from Lord Vishnu statue, there is a sacred spring called Parahyangan Somaka Giri, why say sacred, because the water is coming out of the barren limestone hills. The water is believed to cure various diseases, also used as requirements to summon rain.

Bali Goa Gajah Temple or Elephant Cave Temple

Bali Goa Gajah Temple or Elephant Cave Temple

Goa Gajah Temple

Welcome to Bali Goa Gajah Temple or Elephant Cave Temple which is located in west side of countryside, Blah Batuh Sub district and Gianyar Regency. It is about 27 km from Denpasar town. This cave is built at crevasse edge from the federation of 2 rills that is called Pangkung River , where the irrigation is mixed with Petanu River flow. The federation area of two rivers is called Campuhan/Mixture. It owns the magical energy on the basis of Rwabineda Concept/two different matters on this basic concept hence Goa Gajah Temple or Elephant Cave Temple is intentionally built among two rivers. 

The word of Goa Gajah is anticipated coming from the word of Lwa Gajah, the name of Buddhist Temple or hermitage for Buddhist monk. The Goa Gajah's name is written on Negara Kertagama papyrus which is compiled by Mpu Prapanca on 1365 M. Lwa or Lwah/Loh mean the river and it reflect to the meaning that the hermitage is located at Gajah River or in Air Gajah. In the year inscription 944 Saka, it is mentioned with the name of ‘ser ring Air Gajah' that is meaning the Subak leader in Air Gajah. The word has mentioned that the hermitage of Lwa Gajah is located in Subak Air Gajah. Among the local residents, the Goa Gajah Temple is better known as Cave Temple, located in the west of Bedahulu Village, Blahbatuh Subdistrict, Gianyar Regency. It is about 27 km east of Denpasar. A visit to this temple can be done easily because it is only a few feet below the highway toward the village of Tampaksiring Indeed this temple was built at the valley of Petanu River having beautiful natural panorama.

Goa Gajah Temple Geographically

• In the northern part of the temple, lies a carved Cave of Nature in the shape of  the letter ”T”. Inside this cave there is a Ganesha statue considered as the god of sciences. Additionally, at the location can also be encountered some fragments of statues and a Trilangga surrounded by eight small phallus.
• In the cave wall, there are niches of the hermitage and the face of Cave is decorated with carvings depicting a jungle with its contents. Similarly, there is a short inscription which reads ”Kumon” and ”Sahywangsa”, which according to the type of letters it is alleged to originate in the eleventh  century AD .
  Meanwhile in the west of the cave, there is a building retaining a squating statue inside, and the Ganesha as well as Men Brayut statue. The latter in Buddhist mythology is known as Hariti, the savior of children.
• In front of the cave, except for the guard statues, there are also fragments of building whose origin was unknown such as the building fragments that now being gathered in the temple’s courtyard located in the west of bathing pond. Fountain statues that have worked again in the holy bathing pond are divided into three parts and in terms of its style, they are probably derived from the eleventh century AD. Unfortunately, the statue fountain located in the middle of the pond, has not been found until now.
  Goa Gajah Temple occur two Buddha statues, one of them is without head while another is still good enough with the style of Central Java. The north side of this statue seemingly stay to stick on the cliffs, where the foot of the cliff temple has long fallen into the creek. On the side of this small can be found three-pronged relief of stupa and the ruins of the cliff temple having beautiful carvings.

Based on archeological findings as mentioned above, it can be known the Goa Gajah Temple is derived from the ninth to eleventh centuries AD. In the past, it served as a monastery of Buddhist monk and Shivite priest. This conservatism also shows the unification of Buddhism and Shiva went well. For tourists who would like to visit to Goa Gajah Temple are required to wear a scarf  or sarong because other than functioning as archaeological attractions, this temple also poses a sacred place or sanctum. Sarongs and scarves are available at the location.