Traveling on the Roads in Bali

There are so many interesting things about traveling in Bali, including the daily traffic on the roads.  Travelers often find it interesting, even amazing, that everyone works together so well in what seems to be a crowded scene of busy ants.  Especially during the rush hour, when it looks like there are no rules on the road.

If you're visiting Bali, you should take good care navigating the traffic, especially when you want to cross the road to the other side.  Why?  Because traffic will not stop for you, like it might in other countries.  When you cross the road, the safest way is to carefully look out around you in all directions and wait until there is no traffic, and then cross.  Of course, it is always safer to cross on the zebra striped pedestrian crossings.

Safer still, is to hire a local guide or driver, like me, to take you where you want to go, and help you make it through the difficult traffic.

I would love to help you make your Bali visit a wonderful and safe thing to remember.

Regards,

Made Suba

Balinese Wedding Culture, Past and Present

The island of Bali is well known as The Island of God, The Island of a Thousand Temples, and The Island of Offerings and Ceremonies.  One of the important ceremonies of Bali is Manusa Yadnya, also known as the Human ceremony, a tradition that honors different stages of human development, such as marriage.

In the past, during the Kingdom Era of Bali, there were three ways to get married: marriage by kidnapping, marriage by arrangement, and marriage by love.  Today, marriage is celebrated for three days after the formal ceremony.  The celebration takes place at the groom’s home.  Before the celebration, husband and wife are forbidden to leave their family compounds.  During the celebration, families come together to make many kinds of offerings, such as pebaya kaonan (an offering made of palm leaf and specific ingredients designed to keep evil spirits away from the celebration.)  Three seeds from the broom plant are offered (symbolizing the couple’s ability to overcome all manner of life’s obstacles,) and three cooking pots are provided (to express a wish of harmony for the couple.)

I am an English speaking, local Balinese driver, and guide.  I would love to share the Kingdom of a Thousand Islands with you.  Contact me if you would like guide or driver services on your visit to Bali.

Bali, Nusa Dua's Fantastic, Fun Outdoor Activities

Nusa Dua is one of the well-known tourist areas in Bali with five stars hotels and also the exciting sea activities, fun with a great challenge for everyone who joins this sport.

Nusa Dua offers you many fantastic activities: jet skiing, banana boat, fly fishing, snorkeling, parasailing, diving, fishing, glass bottom boat, and the amazing Turtle Island tour.

If you would like to know more about any of these activities, I would be happy to help you.

I'm an English speaking, local Balinese, driver, and guide, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Balinese Water Palace, Fit for a King with English Speaking Guide and Driver

Taman Ujung, known also as Ujung Water Palace was created by the King of Karangasem in 1919 to be the resting place for the royal family.  It was also used as a place to welcome and entertain visitors and state guests.

The design is magnificent, showing a blend of Balinese and European architecture.  The building shown in this photo is of the King's bedroom, family room, and visiting room.

Near the blue ocean water of eastern Bali, this amazing tourist site allows visitors to see mount Agung while enjoying a restive and awe inspiring experience in the royal setting.

I'd love to show you around Bali.  Contact me for more information about sites all visitors should definitely see while here.

Bali's Best Waterfall: Gitgit, a Must See for Tourists

This is a photo of the waterfall I think is the best in Bali.  It is called Gitgit after the village by the same name in Singaraja regency.

Gitgit's water is crystal clear and surrounded by stunning rainforest.  Along the path to the waterfall from the main road, tourists can see tropical plantations up close with clove trees, coffee bushes, and banana palms.

The lush growth makes the walk along the trail very pleasant, cool, and enjoyable.

I'd love to be your private guide to Gitgit.

Bali, the Islands of Blessings and Offerings

Bali is an island of blessings.  The name Bali is related to the word "Wali" which means offering, and offerings are the heart of the local Hindu faith.

The Heart of Hindu Culture

The majority of the population on Bali practices Hinduism.  Temple ceremonies are an important part of the Balinese Hindu culture and every temple ceremony includes blessings and offerings.  They are colorful, beautiful, and spiritually significant.  I would love to show you the wonderful spirituality of our culture and serve as your guide and driver around Bali.

Decorated for Blessings

Temple ceremonies are scheduled based on the Balinese lunar calendar, recurring every six months or 210 days.  During temple ceremonies, the shrines and the buildings are decorated, and the people visiting the temple dress in traditional clothing.  Visitors are welcomed, and are expected to observe appropriate temple dress.  I can help you have a meaningful visit.

This photo shows a temple ceremony in progress at one of Bali's largest temples, Besakih Temple.

You may also be interested in reading about Bali's famous Monkey Forest in Ubud

White Water Rafting In Bali, English Speaking Guide and Driver

White Water Rafting wherever it takes place in the world is exciting, challenging, and enjoyable.

Ayung River, Central Bali

That's no exception in Bali where one of our most beautiful rivers, Ayung river, cascades through a deep ravine, providing an excellent water adventure for tourists.

The stunning natural scenery is part of the experience, and the river provides excitement and some challenging rapids.

All in all, white water rafting in Bali will provide an unforgettable experience, photographic opportunity, and memory from your vacation in Bali.

Blast From The Past

Sorting through my archives, I found this blast from the past, although the photo is older now, you can see how it captures the fun and enjoyment of rafting in Central Bali.  

English Speaking Guide

Let me assist you in setting up your white water rafting experience in Bali.  I'm an English speaking, experienced guide and driver, and I know my way around this amazing Island. I'd like to make your holiday be unforgettable.

Ubud's Monkey Forest: Balinese Guide and Driver Services

The tropical Balinese rainforest provides a perfectly cool environment for monkeys to live in comfortably. Here a group of Macaca fascicularis enjoys relaxation time by grooming each other in the famous Ubud Monkey Forest.

More than 200 long tailed monkeys live in the forest. But they are divided into three strictly separate groups. Each group has its area and schedule. Outsider monkeys are not tolerated, and if a monkey from one group shows up at the wrong time and in the wrong place, you can be sure that a fight will follow.

No trip to Ubud is complete without a visit to the Monkey Forest, to see its monkeys and the beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.


I would love to be your guide and show you the wonders of Bali’s famous Monkey Forest.
Contact me using the form on this blog, or by clicking "About Made Suba" in the menu above.

You can also find me on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/SubaBaliTours

Uluwatu Temple - Bali Driver and Guide Services

This photo shows one of Bali's most beautiful temples which is perched on the top of a cliff,  Uluwatu Temple.

The cliff is about 97 meters high, making it an awesome place to enjoy a Balinese sunset, and take in the a breathtaking panoramic view.

The temple was discover by the Hidhu priest, Dang Hyang Nirartha around 1546 AD. After completing a spiritual pilgrimage abound the island of Bali, the priest returned to the site of the temple and it is said that there is where he attained self-realization, or moksha.  Soon after his experience, the temple was named Luhur Uluwatu.

Pura Luhur Uluwatu is definitely one of the top spots in Bali for beauty, culture, dance, and enjoyment.  Whether traveling alone or with friends, I would like to help you have an amazing experience of Bali.

Contact me so we can discuss how to make your Balinese holiday magnificent.

English speaking Balinese Guide

Made Suba

Please check out my testimonials for what other customers are saying.

Ulun Danu Beratan - Balinese Temple - Guide and Driver Services

This is Ulun Danu Beratan temple. An amazing experience for anyone visiting Bali.  But here is the thing, it's located about 1300 meters above sea level which makes it cool, even cold sometimes.

I'd love to drive you to Ulun Danu Beratan and help make your visit to Bali extraordinary.  

Ulun Danu Beratan is dedicated to the God Tri Murti, or the trinity of Bali's Brahma, Wisnu, and Shiva, with special emphasis to Shiva and Uma, and Wisnu and Sri Dewi Danu.

Sri Dewi Danu is considered to bring fertility and to watch over our agriculture, which makes this a very quite important to us Balinese.

Contact me if so I can help you with guide and driver services in Bali.  Whether you are traveling alone or with friends, I can help you have a wonderful experience in Bali.

You may also be interested in reading Rice Harvesting in Bali

Rice Harvesting In Bali - Tour Guide Services and Driver

There are generally two times of rice harvesting in Bali.  The growing season last four months followed by harvest.  This photos shows preparation for the new rice plantation.  

I would love to guide you through Bali and show you the best rice terrace views.  Whether you have a large group or are traveling alone, I can help your experience of Bali be friendly, inspiring, and enjoyable.

Contact me, Made (pronounced Mah-day) using the contact form on right or by telephone.

 

Balinese Dance - Guide Services

No visit to Bali is complete without experiencing Balinese Dance. 

 

I would love to help you experience Balinese culture and art.  Contact me for a soulful guide experience through Bali. 

Your Soulful Guide to the Islands of the Gods. Let me help you discover the Spirit of Bali. English speaking, honest tour guide and driver.   Made Suba

Balinese Culture - Guide Services

From local markets, to spiritual ceremonies, to spectacular subsets, I can help you have a satisfying and delightful experience of Bali. 

 

I would love to provide guide services for your visit to Bali.   Your Soulful Guide to the Islands of the Gods. Let me help you discover the Spirit of Bali. English speaking, honest tour guide and driver.

Made Suba

Sacred Mountains - Bali Guide Services

There are four main sacred mountains in Bali, Agung, Batur, Batukao and Abang.

Mt. Batur and Lake Batur are holy to Dewi Danu, the Goddess of the Lake.

I'd love to help you visit and explore our sacred sites.  Your Soulful Guide to the Islands of the Gods. Let me help you discover the Spirit of Bali. English speaking, honest tour guide and driver.

Made Suba

Goa Gaja - Bali Guide Services

A visit to Goa Gaja is easy and delightful for visitors staying in Ubud.  A short drive to the nearby archaeological site is rewarding with beauty, spirituality, and inspiration.

 

Recently renovated, this spectacular site takes the visitor back in time, suggesting many previous inhabitants.

I'd love to accompany you to Goa Gaja and tell you more about this amazing place.  Your Soulful Guide to the Islands of the Gods. Let me help you discover the Spirit of Bali. English speaking, honest tour guide and driver.