Headline, October07, 2013

''' ^^^ EASTERN BALI : ALMIGHTY

 GOD'S KNOCKOUT BEAUTY ^^^ !!!

There are few destinations in the world where the word paradise cuts deeper. Bali's eastern highlands and on its eastern seaboard.

The knockout natural beauty that this Indonesian province has been renowned for remains largely intact.

The deep religiosity of the Balinese -Hinduism blended with Buddhism, ancestor worship and a sprinkle of white magic  -continues to thrive in the east too. Between Aug 29 to Sept.7.

The islanders travel en masse to their ancestral village for Galungan, a major festival for the Balinese Hindus.

Marking the period when deities are believe to return to the island created as a shrine in their honor, Galungan comprises 10 days of temple visits.

 Family gatherings and quirky animist rituals to exorcise demons and pay tributes to the gods. 

The feast of Kuningan takes place at the end of Galungan. Gatherings are generally restricted to family and close friends, though restaurants in the east rise to the occasion by spicing up menus with holiday foods like jaja.

Colored cakes made of glutinous rice dough and lawar babi a coconut dish. Coupled with the colorful festivities.

These tantalizing morsels help locals and visitors alike reconnect with the Island of Gods. The other east coast highlights include:

Amed: A string of fishing villages lining Bali's easternmost peninsula. The beach oscillates in color from gray to jet black, a remnant of the violent volcanic explosions that formed the gently meandering coast,

The sand is fronted by coral gardens teeming with tropical fish and rated among the Island's most idyllic snorkeling spots.

The USAT Liberty Wreck: Just North of Amed, Tulamben is the jewel in the crown eastern Bali's dive industry. It's the site of the wreck of the USAT Liberty, an American supply boat torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in 1943.

Sidemen: A dreamlike village hidden within the velvet green rice terraces of the Sidemen Valley. Sideman is a haven for peace and introspection.

The German painter Walter Spies relocated in the village in the late 1930s to escape the commotion of the Ubud in central Bali  -a move that New Age travelers have been emulating for a few years.

They spend their time hiking, meditating, practicing yoga and attending Balinese language, painting and cooking classes, or simply immersing themselves in the rhythms of village life.

Mount Agung: At 3,142 m, Mount Aguing is the highest most active volcano in Bali. When it last erupted in 1963, rivers of lave came within meters Basikh, the island's largest temple complex. 

Balinese flock to Besakh during Galungan to pray for the victory of Dharma (good) over addharma (evil) and leave flowers, yellow rice and other traditional offerings

Pantai Pasir Putih : The beautiful Pantai Pasir Putih (White sand beach) stands in contrast to the black volcanic beaches that typify Bali's coasts.

An angel among demons. Bookended by dramatic limestone cliffs, it is a coconut lined half-moon bay and the stuff tropical-island postcards are made of.

To sum, the Indonesian isle's unspoiled side remains Creator's truly splendid exhibition.

With respectful dedications to the Students, Professors and Teachers of Indonesia.

With greater and loving dedication to all the Girl !***Students***! Thank you for the Heroism.

See Ya all on the World Students Society Computers-Internet-Wireless :

''' ^^^ !WOW! : Add As Family !!! '''

Good Night & God Bless!

SAM Daily Times - the Voice of the Voiceless