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.

Is It Safe To Drink The Water in Bali?

There are many thing that you have to be careful of drinking when you are travelling to Bali.  One of them is water.

When l was young kid, l lived in the mountain village named Kintamani. I used to drink water straight from the underground spring.  For me it was no problem.  But today, that under ground spring feeds houses, villas, and hotels, and it has become polluted.

Now I have to boil the water that comes from the spring to my house through my tap.  Boiling the water typically kills all the bacteria.  Then I keep it cold for drinking.

For travelers, it's best to drink bottled water only.  Brush your teeth with bottled water.  Try not to let the water from your bath or shower into your mouth.  Tourists usually don't have the option of boiling their water before consuming, like I do.  So please don't drink the tap water and stick to water you buy in a bottle.

I am an English Speaking, local Balinese driver and guide.  I'd love to help you have a great visit to the Island of the Gods