Pack It Up! Maximise your luggage space and master the art of travelling light with these smart packing tips.
1) Weather check
Look up the weather forecast for your destination a few days before departure, and take note of any special events or occasions. Pack only what you’ll need and skip the “just in case” extras.
2) Do your homework
Reach out to your hotel to check what in-room amenities are available—such as towels, hair dryers, shampoo, and toothbrushes—so you can leave non-essentials at home.
3) Downsize toiletries
Pick up travel-size versions of your favorite products. If you can’t find them on travel packs, get small plastic bottles and decant from larger ones.
4) Leak-Proof Your Liquids
Prevent spills by storing toiletries in ziplock bags. For added protection, squeeze out excess air from bottles to avoid pressure-related leaks mid-flight.
5) Pre-Pack by Outfit
Organise clothes by day or activity and pack each set in clear plastic bags. This saves time and space—no more digging through your luggage to find a single item.
6) Bring a Reusable Tote Tote bags come in handy for carrying loose items like magazines, neck pillows or umbrellas—and double as eco-friendly shopping bags during your trip.
7) Roll-it up
Rolling clothes helps save space and reduces wrinkles. It’s a tried-and-true trick that seasoned travellers swear by.
8) Wear Your Bulkiest Items
Save suitcase space by wearing heavier items—like jackets or sneakers—while you travel.
9) Protect the Rest from Your Shoes
If you want to make sure everything else in your bag stays clean and odor free, place the shoes inside old socks and then inside airtight plastic bags.
10) Make a list and check it TWICE
Write down everything you need before you pack. It’s the simplest way to stay organised and avoid forgetting essentials.
11) Keeping the details safe
Store soft copies of important documents—like your passport and itinerary—in your email or cloud storage. It’s a lifesaver in case of loss or theft.
Bali is one-of-a-kind location with stunning scenery, the island has unique cultural experiences, comfortable weather, and world-class facilities for MICE. While the beautiful island attracts visitors from all over the world, it also provides attendees a numerous opportunities to blend business and pleasure in a single trip.
While planning for conference in Bali, accommodation selection is important because you need to find a resort with a convenient location (close to local attractions, malls, and eateries), as well as can provide fun team-building activities, and has good meeting facilities. Hard Rock Hotel Bali – Asia’s first Hard Rock Hotel is a good pick for your next MICE event.
LOCATION
Situated on the iconic Kuta Beach – the hub of Bali’s entertainment and shopping district – you will be spoilt for choices for dining and shopping. The resort is located approximately 15 minutes or two miles from Ngurah Rai International Airport.
STAY LIKE A ROCK STAR
Music brings everyone together. Hard Rock Hotel Bali is well-known for its unique and upbeat concept that combines the beauty of legendary music with contemporary hospitality services.
All 418 guestrooms are well-designed: modern, stylish, and with beautiful touches of Balinese details. The stunning mosaicked patterns of rock icons that adorn the walls of the rooms, make the perfect backdrop for an Instagram selfie. The rooms are equipped with espresso coffee machine and BOSE Bluetooth speakers that can connect to your mobile devices so you can enjoy your playlists.
Rooms featuring either one king or two queen beds, fitted with pillow-top mattresses and Sleep Like a Rock® bedding that is designed for guests to relax and recharge.
Of course, no Hard Rock experience is complete without music. For that, you can enjoy the hotel’s signature The Sound of Your Stay® programme, which consists of “TRACKS®”, “PICKS®”, and “WAX®”. “TRACKS®” lets you download songs from the iTunes store to create a personalised soundtrack for an unforgettable holiday.
“PICKS®” helps you live out your rock star dreams by letting you check out a Fender guitar, amplifier and earphones to jam in the room. If you do not know how to play the guitar, you can even learn by watching TV programmes that are available on the hotel channel.
PLAY LIKE A ROCK STAR
Splashing Good Time
Take a dip in the biggest free-form swimming pool in Bali! Not to miss the unique sand island – it is a sunbathing paradise that also function as the stage for outdoor performances and volleyball matches.
There is no shortage of pool activities, as the team of rock agent organise a variety of activities and games, from water volleyball to balloon races. This will keep your group entertained while building strong teamwork.
Memorabilia Tour
More than 500 pieces of memorabilia from both local and international artists adorn the hotel’s walls and spaces, showcasing incredible pieces of music history and setting the stage for an unforgettable experience. Don’t forget to join the complimentary tour during your stay!
Centerstage
The Centerstage is a multi-purpose lobby bar located in the heart of the hotel. With live band performing nightly on a raised stage above the bar, the energy here is tremendous and you will feel like you’re in a live concert.
MEET LIKE A ROCK STAR
The Hard Rock Hotel Bali’s expansive indoor/outdoor meeting and event space is infused with unique, contemporary, music-inspired design and cutting-edge technology.
The team at Hard Rock Hotel Bali gives an amplified service and amazing experiences for any occasion, from intimate private meetings to spectacular events!
Your group will be treated like rock stars! Imagine this – welcome live band performance upon arrival, rockin’ team activities, group photo at guitar monument, Hard Rock’s merchandise as a welcome amenity, Centerstage VIP access, poolside private lunch or dinner events on Sand Island! You will be spoilt for choices.
Rock ‘N’ Roll Team Building
There are numerous music-themed activities and interactive entertainment options at Hard Rock Hotel Bali that are suited for any conference, event, or group size. Your team will feel like rock stars while bonding over their favourite music. They can form a rock band, learn to play instruments, and then record their own music track in the Boom Box Recording Studio.
Balinese Cooking Class
Interested in knowing more about local cuisine? You can organize cooking classes for your group. In just a few hours, you will learn about Balinese spices and what goes into the heart and soul of Balinese cooking.
Indeed, Bali is an excellent location for your next meeting or business retreat! If you’re planning future corporate retreats, get in touch with Hard Rock Hotel Bal to find out more.
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Holidays in Bali have so much to offer. From their famed beaches and surf to highland trekking, to learning about the Balinese culture, it suffices to say that there’s something for everyone. If you’re thinking about some fun-filled water adventures that don’t involve going to the beach, we’ve got you covered!
Bali Wake Park & Aqualand
Bali Wake Park first opened its doors in 2015 and brought wakeboarding boat-free – a first in Bali – to adrenaline junkies. Built around a 5-hectare lake, this cable wake park operates state-of-the-art full-size cable systems and lets you choose to wakeboard, kneeboard, waterski, or skurf. Beginners can get their taste of riding, while the pros can hone their tricks on a series of slides and obstacles spread across the lake.
📷: @robin2hood / Instagram
Aqualand was added in 2018, making them one of the largest aqua parks in Asia. Within the perimeter of the wake park, inflatables over 8 metres high lets you run, jump, slide and splash your way at this mega playground on water. Challenge your friends on the obstacles, or simply bring out the child in you. Kids will have a blast bouncing on and off too!
📷: @chou_rman / Instagram
You can easily spend an entire day there and recharge your batteries at the Cable Café or chill in their infinity pool and unwind at the Pool Bar with your favourite cocktail, as you watch others having fun.
White Water Rafting
For some serious adrenaline rush, take the entire family down the rapids with a white water rafting adventure down Ayung River! While the littlest kids might not be suitable, your child as young as five can join the tour with Mason Adventures. Known for being Bali’s longest raft tour (12 km of river rapids), they are known for their professional services and for taking great care of all their guests young and old (65 years old!) down class 2 and 3 rapids. Go on a wet and wild ride and don’t forget to look around and soak in the scenic views as you go along!
📷 : Mason Adventures
Largest Free-form Swimming Pool in Bali
Spend the day at Hard Rock Hotel Bali, at Bali’s largest free-form swimming pool! Not staying at the hotel? Grab yourselves a Day Pass to chill with loved ones. Kids will enjoy their time at the Kids Waterpark going down the slide over and over again. Adults can do that too at the bigger slides at the main pool! Rent yourselves a cabana by the pool and take breaks from the sun.
Hard Rock Hotel Bali’s Kids Waterpark
📷 : @bali_nyamuk / Instagram
The price for the Day Pass can be fully redeemed for food & beverages at Splash Bistro, their poolside eatery that serves up wood-fired pizzas, burgers, pasta, and a kid-friendly menu, to fuel you up for the day.
Call up in advance as there may be blackout dates.
Odyssey Submarine Cruise
Thinking about water-fun adventures without actually getting wet? Go on a Bali Submarine Cruise with Odyssey Submarine! Without the need to be a swimmer or diver, you can now explore the beauty of the underwater world in a safe and comfortable environment. The submarine dive takes place in the eastern part of Bali at Amuk Bay Karangasem as the bay is known to have a deep-sea trench with the underwater scenery kept natural and untouched.
📷 : @_dheaaprillia_ / Instagram
📷 : @umidwipayani / Instagram
The submarines are battery-powered to reduce any external stresses to the marine environment and each trip carries 36 passengers in an air-conditioned cabin, bringing you down to 30 metres – as deep as where divers go – so you can enjoy the sights of reefs and marine creatures like a diver does but kept dry. For families with younger kids, this is definitely an activity in Bali to consider that will bring the wonders of marine life right before your child. The tour includes hotel transfer (it takes about 1 hour 40 minutes to drive from Kuta), a 45-minute dive, and lunch, so definitely cater at least half a day for it!
Public Holidays are a nice break for a short recharge, but nothing beats spending a workday away from the office and work. Taking an additional one or two days off coinciding with public holidays is a great way for us to enjoy that long public holiday weekend and the well-deserved break.
We’ve lined up some ideas for quick getaways be it alone, with your partner, friends, or family!
Langkawi, Malaysia
Beach getaways are aplenty in Southeast Asia and Langkawi is one that is easily accessible in the region. Indulge in a relaxing weekend chilling by the beach and take it slow. For calm waters and soft white sand, Pantai Cenang is the choice beach to be with restaurants and bars aplenty for a quick bite. Stay right at the heart of it all at beachfront boutique hotel Casa del Mar Langkawi, wake up, take no more than 50 steps and you’re on the beach. For a slightly quieter alternative, opt for Tanjung Rhu and immerse yourself in picturesque limestone crags.
If chilling all day is not for the active person in you, get close to nature and explore its stunning geological features with a visit to the mangrove wetlands or into the woods at Darulaman Sanctuary. You may also want to go on a snorkelling trip out to one of the 99 islands that make up Langkawi or partake in adrenaline-pumping activities like the SkyTrex adventure obstacle course or water sports like parasailing.
Bali is a popular destination for many but this island offers so much more than its beaches. A popular tourist destination known for its beaches and surfing spots, you can simply spend the long weekend chilling away, catch a surf break or learn to surf!
Catch the waves at one of Bali’s famous beaches.
This island is deep-set in its Balinese culture, there is more to explore where tradition meets modernity. Spend your time discovering the best traditional crafts and food, visit its many majestic temples and scenic lakes, and perhaps partake in a Melukat – a purification experience to neutralise any negative energies within you.
Traditional craftsmen like this silversmith are a gem to find. Make your own jewellery as you learn this basic craftsmanship from the best.
For a more adventurous getaway, explore the wild, open side of North Bali and spend your time catching the sunrise at the many treks you can take up the island’s central mountains. Bali makes a nice quick getaway but you can end up spending weeks on end here and still find new places to explore.
Hike up to views like this at Mount Catur, North of Bali. Image: @sarah__travels__ / Instagram
Cameron Highlands has long been known to be a chill respite from the equatorial heat and humidity. Home to ancient forests, lush valleys, rolling hills of tea plantations, and many organic farms, this hillside retreat situated in the state of Pahang makes a great getaway for you if you’re looking to reconnect with nature.
Rolling hills of tea plantation all around Cameron Highlands.
Spend a day in the beautiful and lush nature of Cameron Highlands making visits to a tea plantation, farms, and gardens like the Cameron Flora Park and Sheep Sanctuary. If you’re looking for a more active way to be one with nature, take one of the 14 hiking routes in Tanah Rata and Brinchang of varying levels of difficulty and explore its forests. One popular trek is to the top of Gunung Jasar, where you can walk through tea plantations as a nice end to your hike.
Walk through pretty flowers at the Cameron Highlands Flora Park. Credit: @ch_flora_park / Instagram
Enjoy breathtaking views from the top of Gunung Jasar. Credit: @maria_outandabout / Instagram
Complete your full Cameron Highlands experience with a stay in a Tudor-style country house at The Lakehouse Cameron Highlands. Chill in this charming 19-room hotel overlooks the Ringlet Lake flanked by lush woodlands in its backyard.
Enjoy a glass of wine by the fireplace (a working one that’s lighted up every evening!) at The Lakehouse as you wind down the evening.
Probably one of the more popular getaway destinations in Southeast Asia, Phuket’s got it all for you. From beaches to spend a day soaking in the sun, island hopping, to adrenaline-pumping activities and food haunts to satisfy the foodie in you, you’ll be able to experience it all in Phuket.
Fulfill all your thrills with outdoor activities that will bring out the adventure in you. Go rafting down rapids, or bungy down 15 storeys. Bring out your best “George of the Jungle” self as you zipline through the forest and abseil down high elements. During the low seasons of Phuket, you may want to consider visiting during long weekends to learn to surf and ride the waves.
Ride the waves from April to October and catch the annual surfing competition in action at Kata Beach.
If the food lover in you cannot go without enjoying your meals, Phuket will make your heart skip a beat with its variety (think beyond Thai food). It has to live up to its name as a City of Gastronomy – the first Asian city to be named by UNESCO – after all. For a start, you can eat your way through Phuket Town. You definitely don’t want to miss knowing what the local dishes to try either are.
Boon Rat Dim Sum in Phuket Town serves up a huge variety of dim sum daily.
Drive 2 hours from Bangkok and you arrive at a beachside town of Pattaya, away from the hustle and bustle of the capital city. Pattaya has its own charm, as this beach resort town transforms itself from day to night.
There are plenty of things to do in Pattaya. Soak in beautiful views from Khao Laem Pu Chao Viewpoint, learn about winemaking, or explore these family-friendly activities that kids will enjoy. If you don’t want to steer too far away from where everything happens, keep close to Pattaya Beach Road and there are plenty of things to do too.
Hunt down different wall art found along Pattaya Beach Road.
Pattaya has numerous beaches are pockets of tranquillity waiting to be uncovered, with many island day trips that you can take, to enjoy pristine sandy beaches and clear waters. The nearest island Koh Larn, is only 15 minutes away by speedboat and you can just chill on one of the six white-sand beaches on the island. You can opt for an island hopping tour to visit other smaller islands near Koh Larn for some snorkelling.
Take a day trip to Koh Larn for some sun, sand and sea.
Sandy beaches, rice paddies, ancient temples, and magnificent mountains – these are just some teasers that hint at the beauty of Bali, best known as the Island of Gods.
Not familiar to many, Bali is a paradise to outdoor endeavors for hiking and trekking. East to west, the island is approximately 153 km (95 mi) wide and spans approximately 112 km (70 mi) north to south.
Bali’s central mountains include several peaks over 2,000 metres (6,600 feet) in elevation and active volcanoes such as Mount Batur. The highest mountain is Mount Agung (3,031 m, 9,944 ft), known as the “mother mountain”, which is an active volcano.
Mount Batur
Located north of Ubud, in the Kintamani area, Mount Batur is an active volcano with an altitude of 1717 metres above sea level. Mount Batur Geopark is listed as UNESCO Global Geopark due to its unique geology. The volcano with its caldera is one of the best spots to catch the sunrise in Bali.
Tips: Although this is a beginner-friendly trek, it is good to hire a private guide to know more about the history of the volcano, its significance in Balinese culture, and the surrounding flora. After the hike, there are some hot springs nearby Lake Batur, perfect for relaxing the tired muscles.
Mount Abang
Mount Abang, located opposite Mount Batur, is the third highest peak in Bali; with a height of 2152 metres above sea level, hiking to the summit takes up about 2 – 3 hours. Once there, you will be surrounded by lush tropical rainforest and breezy fresh air.
📷@xjimbarun / Instagram
The summit of Mount Abang offers an impressive view of the sunrise, and you can see Batur Lake and Mount Batur in the distance.
📷: @mountabang_2151.2mdpl / Instagram
Tip: Most of the private tours include a visit to Luwak coffee plantation. If you are not interested, please make enquiry with respective tours prior to sign-up.
Mount Agung
Unlike the previous mountains mentioned earlier, Mount Agung is the most challenging mountain, as it is the highest mountain in Bali, this active volcano stands at 3031 meters above sea level.
According to a local myth, Mount Agung is believed as the home of God and has a huge spiritual significance to the Balinese. It is also where Pura Besakih (Bali’s Hindu mother temple) is located.
📷@pura_agung_besakih / Instagram
The hike to Mount Agung is far from easy, as it requires a much higher level of fitness and mental discipline. To reach the summit, you need to walk on a narrow and steep ridge that has dangerous drop-offs on both sides. On average, the hike takes about 5 – 7 hours, depending on the location of departure points. (4 – 5 hours from Pura Pasar Agung, 6 – 7 hours from Besakih).
📷@reinardusbayu / Instagram
Once you reach the top of the mountain, you will be rewarded with stunning sunrise, one of the most picturesque views in Bali.
📷 @diiahmakecee / Instagram
Tip: This hiking trek is a strenuous, tough climb and hikers start the journey near midnight in order to catch the sunrise, thus it is important to put on walking shoes with good grip, bring a flashlight, and hiking stick. The temperatures can get quite chilly up there, so make sure to pack warm clothes (including gloves).
Check out the video here from the team at Hard Rock Hotel Bali, as they take you on a virtual adventure to these amazing mountains.
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Holidays are chock-full of fun but it doesn’t always need to be all play. You can always look at planning some activities for your kids that involve a learning aspect – whether it’s learning about a new culture, or learning a new skill. We’ve got some places in Bali where you and your kids will have a fun time while on a holiday!
Learn something from the Balinese tradition at Pondok Pekak Library
Pondok Pekak Library is an eclectic library that offers more than books. As a small local library and community centre, it offers a range of classes centred on Balinese tradition, from Balinese dance, Gamelan, wood, or fruit carving to silver jewellery making. Just a 5-minute walk from the Ubud market, parents can drop their kids off for a class and head off for a coffee, or opt to join them for a lesson themselves. It is definitely a part of their holiday they will remember, where kids can have a fun time learning to make something special to bring home (perhaps not the fruit carving) while expanding their knowledge about the Balinese culture.
📷: Little Steps Asia
Art Classes at Berawa Art House
This light-filled art studio overlooks the rice field and is an amazing place to spend the day with your kids. If they are into art, then you definitely can’t miss going to Berawa Art House. With a wide range of classes catered for different age groups ranging from watercolours, graphite drawings, acrylics class, and collage, their classes take no more than 8 students each so that the kids can have a more intimate learning session. If you’re looking to take a slow day while on vacation, consider taking a one-off workshop at Berawa Art House.
*Prior booking required.
📷 Berawa Art House Facebook📷 Berawa Art House Facebook
Learn about Turtle Conservation
Visit the Kuta Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Centre and engage your kids in an environmental educational experience where they are able to learn more about the work done to protect these marine creatures. With increased tourism and overcrowding of the beaches where the turtle eggs are laid, the eggs laid are transported to a protected hatchery to increase hatching and release rates. During the hatching season between April and October, take part in the release of baby turtles into the sea in the late afternoon – it’s a memorable activity that the kids will remember!
Be immersed in the culture of Indonesia watching the Devdan Show [Temporarily closed]
The Devdan Show is a performance à la Cirque du Soleil and the rich culture of Indonesia told through dance with an injection of modernity and contemporary elements. Be mesmerised by the intricate dance performed by dancers, coupled with world-class stage effects like flame bursts and torrential rain, and beautifully choreographed acrobatic aerial acts, that will keep you immersed in the stories told. This 90-minute show is great for all ages and will bring you on a journey through Bali, Sumatra, Java, Borneo, and Papua, giving you a short visual treat on the different regions of Indonesia.
📷: The Devdan Show Official Website📷: The Devdan Show Official Website
Develop a sense of sustainable living at Green Camp
Living the city life and wanting to expose yourselves and your kid to develop a stronger sense of how to live a more sustainable life? Then you should consider enrolling for the Green Camp. An extension of The Green School Bali, they offer immersive adventures in nature to bring your kid outside their daily lives and into nature in their experiential programs that will challenge them in fun ways to live in a more sustainable way. Whether a day came or a week-long programme for older kids, their camps will leave your kids wanting to go back for more.
📷: The Green Camp / Flickr📷: The Green Camp / Flickr
Holidaying in Bali as a family with kids in tow? There are plenty of kid-friendly restaurants to be explored on this island, and we’re sharing a few unique ones that will definitely make dining a fun activity for everyone in the family while dad and mom get some undisturbed meal time.
Dinner, fun, and carnival games at Shooters Bali
Decked out in a blue, red, and white décor, Shooters Bali gives off carnival vibes and is every kids’ (and adults’) dream come true! This park-style café serves up typical carnival food like hotdogs, popcorn, and cotton candy, as well as mains like pasta, pizzas, and burgers.
📷: @livelifeandroam / Instagram
While adults chug down an ice-cold Bintang, the kids can have their time of fun with over 10 different games like a giant Jenga and Connect 4, arcade basketball, foosball, Nintendo games, and even a Photobooth to capture your fun moments. You should not miss their main attraction – the Mini Golf while you’re there!
📷: @littlevantrip / Instagram
Parklife – a restaurant, a playground, a community space
This playground and restaurant combo located in Canggu is a kid’s dream come true. Set up with an enormous expanse of outdoor greenery, there is plenty of space for the kids to run about, and even water features and a mini beach.
📷: @parklife_bali / Instagram
Even if the weather’s not great, they will go crazy indoors at the Mad House they can bring out their inner monkeys at the huge climbing structure and the bouncing zone with inflatables. There’s also a sensory playroom for the little ones, or if the adult would like some alone time, you can opt for supervised childcare services. Beyond a restaurant and playground for families, Parklife was set up as a community space for families to gather, eat, play and enjoy.
📷: @marisa_tumbuan / Instagram
Imagine life as a pirate for a day at Pirate Bay [Temporarily Closed]
Experience the fun of being a pirate for a day where kids can take part in various activities like pirate games, treasure hunt, or explore, climb treehouses and navigate fun obstacles, swings, and ropes. This oceanfront playground and restaurant sits beachfront at Nusa Dua, complete with a replica of a pirate ship, small paddleboats, and a lookout house, completing its unique pirate theme.
📷: @oneworldjustgo / Instagram
You’ll find a mix of Asian, Western, and Local cuisine on Pirate Bay’s menu, but more importantly, the adults will be able to indulge in a peaceful meal while the little ones fulfill their pirate dreams for the day.
The Cashew Tree – a chilled out space owned by a family with little ones
For a chill hangout, head to The Cashew Tree located at Bingin Beach where you’ll find a family-friendly atmosphere. Be nourished by a menu full of organic, locally sourced, fresh, and healthy warung-style food. Kids will have an absolute time running on the huge grass lawn, with a kid’s area filled with toys, books, craft materials, and even a pink-coloured old fishing boat for them to climb.
📷: The Cashew Tree Facebook Page
Come in the morning and join in their yoga classes on the lawn, or simply enjoy an uninterrupted meal, or head out for a surf while the kids are kept occupied.
Start the day having breakfast with Orangutans at the Bali Zoo
If you and your kids are huge animal lovers, you will not miss out on a trip to the Bali Zoo and greet endemic Indonesian animals like the orangutan, sun bear, and Sumatran tiger. Start your day with a unique experience that you and your kids will remember from this holiday with “Breakfast with Orangutans”. Fill up your bellies with fresh fruit, pastries, pancakes, cereals, and other seasonal dishes as you get to watch these gentle apes up close, and have a chance to take some pictures with them.
📷: @chelseastewart__ / Instagram
If you’re looking for a day for yourselves, deposit your kids at the Hard Rock Hotel Bali Kid’s Club while you pamper yourself with some other activities kids-free! Subscribe to their e-news for exclusive perks!
Sop Ikan is a traditional Balinese dish – a tart and flavourful soup that goes well with a bowl of rice. This dish is made with base be pasih, a basic spice paste that is commonly used.
Season seafood with salt and pepper, then add spice paste and lime juice. Mix well.
Heat oil in a heavy saucepan. Add seafood and sauté quickly until the colour changes on both sides of prawns and fish.
Add stock, salam leaves, kaffir lime leaves, and blimbing. Bring to boil, then braise over very low heat.
Add tomato wedges and simmer until seafood is tender and tomatoes are warmed through.
Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Serve with a bowl of rice.
* Salam leaves are a cousin to bay leaves in Indonesian cooking. Dried Salam leaves are practically odourless. Flavours are released during the long cooking time often required for stews and other simmered dishes.
** Blimbing is a sour, yellow-green fruit with a thin, soft skin and crunchy, juicy flesh. The fruit resembles smooth-skinned gherkins. Bilimbing fruit are also referred to as Tree Cucumbers and are known for their tart-tangy flesh.
Bali is one of Indonesia’s most famous tourist destinations. In addition to its many beautiful beaches, mesmerizing rice fields and spectacular waterfalls, Bali is also home to numerous religious sites because this island has many interesting ancient temples boasting centuries-old architecture.
Not known to many travelers, they can also neutralize negative energies at some of these temples through a ritual known as Melukat.
Melukat
Melukat (perform self-cleaning with holy water) derived from the word “Sulukat” where “Su” refers to great while “Lukat” refers to purification. This ritual aims to cleanse the human body – both spiritually and physically in order to prevent bad lucks, sickness and banish bad spirits.
The Melukat rituals can be performed many times, according to the situation, goals, and needs. But for the local Hindus, they perform this ritual on every Banyu Pinaruh (a day after Saraswati’s Day or Knowledge’s Day), and when Full Moon.
Most of the Melukat rituals are held at Tirta Empul Temple. Located near the town of Tampaksiring, this temple is about 55km from Bali Airport and about a 30-minute drive to the north of Ubud.
Tirta Empul means Holy Spring in Balinese. The temple was founded in 962 A.D. and it is dedicated to Vishnu, who is the Hindu god of water. The temple compound consists of 3 main sections: Jaba Pura (Front Courtyard), Jaba Tengah (Central Courtyard), and Jeroan (Inner Courtyard). The Jaba Tengah is the most popular courtyard as it contains two purification pools and 30 showers.
Check out the video here from the team at Hard Rock Hotel Bali, as they take you on a virtual tour to the beautiful and natural scenery of Tirta Empul and Mengening Temple.
Mengening- Local Temple
There is another local temple known as Mengening which is located in the same area of Tirta Empul Temple. This temple is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery and visitors can perform the Melukat rituals.
In addition, Mengening is also a place for the Hindus to request Tirta (holy water ceremonies). This local temple allows a more thoughtful and engaging experience as it is less crowded. This Mengening is divided into two pools, one for women and the other for men.
Pro Tip:
Bring a local guide to who understands the process, bring offerings and dress appropriately.
Address:
Jl. Tirta, Manukaya, Tampaksiring, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80552, Indonesia
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Executive Chef Dean Fisher fell in love with Asian cuisine when he first came to Bali on a surfing trip. Several years later, he put his keen interest in Asian spices to good use – in 2011, he teamed up with Chef Consultant Luidi Gerosa to head the kitchen at Dean’s Bali Cooking School.
Here, you can try your hand at some traditional Balinese cooking, and learn how to whip up mouth-watering dishes that are typically spicy with hints of sweet and sour. The Balinese cooking class begins with a visit to the local market for some grocery shopping, and covers dishes such as Balinese seafood soup, roast duck in banana leaf, and even the popular babi guling, or roast sucking pig in traditional spices, upon special request.
Learn to make base be pasih (spice paste for seafood). This is a basic spice paste that is commonly used in a variety of seafood dishes.
INGREDIENTS:
450g large red chilli, seeded and sliced
50g garlic, peeled and sliced
225g shallots, peeled and sliced
175g turmeric, peeled and sliced
200g medium-sized tomato, peeled, halved and seeded
100g ginger, peeled and sliced
125g candlenuts, crushed
2tbsp coriander seeds, crushed
150ml vegetable oil
2-3 tbsp tamarind pulp
250ml water
¾ tbsp. salt
3 salam leaves*
2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
METHOD:
Combined all ingredients (except tamarind pulp, salam leaves, lemongrass, oil and water) in food processor or stone mortar and grind coarsely.
Place ground ingredients in a heavy saucepan, add remaining ingredients and simmer over medium heat for approximately 60 minutes or until water is evaporated and marinate changes to golden colour.
* Salam leaves are a cousin to bay leaves in Indonesian cooking. Dried Salam leaves are practically odourless. Flavours are released during the long cooking time often required for stews and other simmered dishes.
