Tag Archives: bali respect

Bali Yoga Retreat Activities

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On our retreats we include way more than just yoga! These are transformational life-coaching experiences. And part of the fun is exploring new ways to expand your range. While in Bali we have many excursions included but there are more you might consider.

skewersbaliTraditional Balinese Cooking Class:
Learn how to use some of the over 1000 spices used in Balinese cuisine to create an authentic and delicious meal. This cooking class includes a trip to the local market where you will learn about the ingredients that go into each dish. Back at the retreat you will have hands on experience with the chef on cooking such local favorites as Soto Ayam (traditional chicken soup), Rendang Sapi (braised beef in coconut milk) and Dadar Gulung (Balinese pancake filled with coconut and palm sugar). This half day experience begins at 6am (early risers get the best produce at the traditional local market!) and ends at 1pm. Booking required at least one day in advance.
$65USD per person

Ubud Tour and Kecak Dinner:
This combination trip begins in Ubud and includes Monkey Forest, the Royal Palace and the traditional local market. The tour also makes stops in Mas, Batuan and Celuk villages to see local artisans working on traditional Balinese wood carvings, art and jewelery. In Batubulan experience the impressive traditional Bali Kecak and fire dance inspired by the epic of Ramayana. Learn about the history and culture of the island from the locals and end the tour with dinner in Sanur or Ubud. This trip begins at 3pm and lasts approximately 5 hours. The trip cost excludes entrance fees.
$50USD per person

Kintamani Tour:
This cultural and sightseeing full day tour visits the artisan centers of Mas and Celuk as well as religious sites and volcanic viewpoints.

The tour begins at 9am and it is straight off to Batu Bulan to experience the local Barong dance. Trips into the Ubud local Mas village and Celuk artist centers afford a chance to watch local craftsmen at work. Goa Gajah, or Elephant Cave, was an 11th century cave used by monks and was named for the statue of Ganesh found inside. A few minutes drive from Goa Gajah is Tampak Siring, a holy spring temple known as Pura Tirta Empul. An hour drive through the terraced fields and mountains brings the tour to Kintamani and spectacular views of Mount Abang, Mount Agung and Batur Lake. The tour lasts approximately 8 hours and excludes entrance fees.
$70USD per person

Bedugul Mountain Tour:
Visit Taman Ayun Temple and Monkey Forest where you can spot bats sleeping in the trees and feed the monkeys. Experience the local handiwork, fresh fruits, botanical garden and sights of Pacung, Bedugul and Lake Bratan. A highlight of this trip is a visit to Ulun Danu Temple, one of the most picturesque and most photographed temples in Bali. The temple was built in 1633 by the King of Mengwi and dedicated to the lake goddess Dewi Danu. This trip begins at 9am and lasts approximately 8 hours and excludes entrance fees.
$70USD per person

Balinese Wood Carving Class:
Wood carvings are omnipresent in Bali and tourist options run the gamut from traditionally carved to mass produced. Take home your own wood carved masterpiece and some basic carving skills from a class taught by a local artisan. Whether working in wood, stone, bone, horn or gnarled tree roots, these craftsmen can create art out of anything. Sit with an expert at the beginning of your week and whittle away at your craft until you leave.
$15USD per person

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Balinese Etiquette and Respect

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Dear Fellow Travelers and Kindred Spirits,

We often hear talk about eco-sustainability but we want to propose that before you think about the earth you first consider human sustainability, the people part of the earth. We define an eco-conscious commitment to green travel as promoting the culture of the areas to which we travel and never leaving having made things worse.

Indonesia has easy to follow etiquette to help us all avoid being disrespectful travelers. We are going into their home and as such should respect their culture and customs. Together we can be model peaceful travelers! Thank you for your consideration and politeness.

With lovingkindness,
Alchemy Tours

Daily Etiquette
1. Body language: it is rude to point with the index finger. Use, instead, your thumb and always your right hand (left is seen as impure). The head is seen as sacred, so avoid patting children’s heads, and refrain from displaying the bottoms of your feet (also seen as impure). Talking with your hands on your hips is a sign of contempt, anger or aggression.
2. Hospitality: handshaking is customary for greetings (again, use only the right hand). A common method when greeting in passing is to press your palm to your friend’s palm in front of your chests, fingers point upwards.
3. Visitors: always welcome with refreshments, but refrain from eating or drinking until host says ‘silakan’ (please begin). When eating with hands, first wash hands, then use right hand only. Sandals and shoes may be left outside the entrance the home.
orangedoormonkeys4. What to Wear: When visiting rural villages, skimpy attire is not considered appropriate.
5. Public affection: touching between members of the same sex is seen as friendship affection, but affection between members of the opposite sex is seldom seen in public.
6. Bargaining: in a Balinese market, haggling over price is not considered impolite, but be pleasant. Bali is not one of those places where making an agitated display of negotiations is considered part of the process. Smile, and insist on the price you want to pay, and if they refuse your price, smile, say ‘thank you’ (terima kasi) and walk away.

Temple Etiquette
1. For both men and women, when entering a temple, wear a sarong around the waist.
2. Please ask permission before taking pictures.
3. Please avoid pointing the soles of the feet towards the shrines if sitting on the ground.
4. And when in doubt just in case you find yourself not knowing the etiquette learn how to say ‘ma’af sekali’ (very sorry).
5. Women on their cycle are not allowed in the temple, nor are women who have recently given birth

Names
Basically, the Balinese only have four first names:
First child: Wayan or Putu
Second child: Made or Kadek
Third child: Nyoman or Koman
Fourth child: Ketut
Fifth child: Start over with Wayan or Putu, and so on….
So don’t get confused if you feel like everyone you meet has the same name!

Balinese Social Structure
Balinese follow the caste system, and there are four castes in Balinese society. Intermarriage between castes is prohibited. Balinese live in villages, and the family is the basic unit of the Balinese society. A society of families who live in a neighborhood village is called a ‘banjar.’

Castes
BRAHMANA – priests, scholars
KSATRYA – warriors, nobility
WEISYA – merchants
SUDRA – farmers, laborers (primary population)
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