bali Archives - Kzara Visual

Posted on August 25, 2022April 28, 2023 by Chantelle Flores — Leave a comment

Sacred Monkey Forest – Ubud, Bali

Monkeys, Temples & Rain Forests

Ubud, Bali | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com

I recently visited the vervet monkey sanctuary in Limpopo and it reminded me of another place I visited in Bali that had monkeys unique to Southeast Asia. If you are looking for a place to visit that will offer you peace and harmony in a surreal setting then you will just love this Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud, Bali.

Ubud, Bali | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com

The name written on the welcome board is Padangtegal Mandala Wisata Wanara Wana. What a mouthful! – luckily for us, it is more commonly referred to as the Sacred Monkey Forest of Ubud. (Sounds a whole lot better, hey?)

Ubud, Bali | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com

On arrival, you will be greeted by 600+ crab-eating Macaque monkeys, also known as long-tail macaques. The forest serves a mission of Tri Hita Karana – a philosophy of Hinduism offering three ways to reach spiritual and physical well-being. It seeks to make people live harmoniously throughout their lives, thus creating peace and harmony for all its visitors.

Ubud, Bali | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com

The park is 10 hectares and is heavily forested and hilly. A deep ravine runs through the park grounds and at the bottom a rocky stream flows.

Ubud, Bali | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com

Hidden in the lush green rainforest you can find an array of temples, considered by the Balinese as a means of renewing contact with the spiritual world. Religious rituals are common practice here by the locals, and ancestral spirits, tree spirits, and statues are all given offerings and prayers.

Ubud, Bali | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com

Sacred tree spirits

The park consists of 115 tree species. Some trees are considered more holy than others. The Majegan tree is used exclusively for the building of shrines and the Berigin tree leaves are used in cremation ceremonies.

Ubud, Bali | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com

Of special significance is the Pule Bandak, a tree that embodies the spirit of the forest, and is used in the making of powerful masks. These masks are only used inside the temple, and the trees are not killed to make them. An auspicious day is chosen and the Priest asks permission from the tree spirit to cut a small piece of its wood. The spirit will remain embodied in the mask.

Ubud, Bali | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com

Ancient Temples & Balinese Hinduism

One thing that cannot go unnoticed throughout Bali is their daily celebrations of deities. Offerings in the shape of flowers and various decorations are made daily and can be seen in front of people’s houses and outside temples showing their appreciation to deities. Here it is no different and such offerings can be seen at all three temples that are scattered in the forest. These temples are considered to be from the 11 century, having been built in 1350. Balinese Hinduism is very different from Hinduism practiced in other parts of the world and combines aspects of Animism, Ancestor Worship, Buddhism, and Hinduism.

Ubud, Bali | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com

Ancestor worship represents the belief that prosperity is associated with a relationship between the living and the dead. Prosperity is achieved through intense worship and the obtainment of blessings from ancestors. Animism represents the belief that inanimate objects and other elements of the natural landscape can possess souls which help as well as hinder human efforts on earth.

Ubud, Bali | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com

There are 3 temples in the forest.

#1 The Padangtegal Great Temple of Death, also known as the Main Temple is used for worshiping the god Hyang Widhi in the personification of Shiva, the Recycler or Transformer.

Ubud, Bali | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com

#2 The Pura Beji is used for the worship of Hyang Widhi in the personification of the goddess Ganga. A “Holy Spring” bathing temple, it is a place of spiritual and physical cleansing and purification prior to religious ceremonies.

Ubud, Bali | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com

#3 The Pura Prajapati is used to worship Hyang Widhi in the personification of Prajapati. A cemetery adjacent to this temple receives the bodies of the deceased for temporary burial while they await a mass cremation ceremony, held once every five years.

Ubud, Bali | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com

One of the temples can be accessed by walking across a moss-covered stone bridge high across the stream; long banyan vines hang down above you and below. Veer off down a long flight of slippery steps passing by two large Komodo dragon statues.

Ubud, Bali | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com

Some parts of the temples are not open to view by the public. Sacred areas of the temples are closed to everyone except those willing to pray and wear proper Balinese praying attire.

The Monkeys

The monkeys are the star attraction of the forest. Just watching them kept me entertained for hours. There are 5 groups each occupying different territories throughout the park which I find very fascinating. Particularly adorable were the scrawny and hairless black babies that were clinging to their moms and suckling.

Ubud, Bali | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com

Monkeys, in general, are very social and love teasing you by tugging on your belongings or jumping up on you to greet you. There were a few instances when a good few monkeys clambered up on me, which could get pretty overwhelming for those not used to it.

Ubud, Bali | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com

They are well looked after and the park staff feeds the monkeys sweet potato three times a day, providing them with their main source of food. Bananas are for sale if you would like to feed them, but I don’t recommend it.

Ubud, Bali | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com

Whilst these monkeys are used to humans, they are still wild animals. There have been several reported attacks over the years. You cannot afford to get your peace stolen from you if a monkey bites or scratches you. They do after all carry rabies and other diseases!

Ubud, Bali | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com

You should also remove all your jewelry and valuables before visiting – monkeys love things to play with, and this will draw unnecessary attention to you. My visit was really pleasant but for another visitor to the park … not so much. I saw a monkey steal a cell phone, played with it then threw it thus shattering it to pieces.

Ubud, Bali | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com

Images and content by: Chantelle Flores

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Posted on August 25, 2022May 4, 2023 by Chantelle Flores — Leave a comment

16th century Tanah A lot temple – Bali

Bali’s #1 Tourist Attraction

Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com

When researching Bali and planning out my trip, I came across this picturesque rock island in the middle of the sea that was home to an ancient pilgrimage sea temple.

It was the Tanah Lot temple that sold me on Bali as a whole and I couldn’t wait to photograph it. I rented a car with a driver for R500 ($50) back in 2013 per day and drove around the island for a duration of 10 hours. This was my first stop.

The Tanah lot temple (meaning land sea in the Balinese language) is Bali’s most prized tourist attraction. It is located in Tabanan, about 20 kilometers from the main city of Denpasar. It is said that the temple has been in existence since the 16th century and was built by the holy monk – Dang Hyang Nirartha.

Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com

In Bali, it is customary to honor all the gods and spirits, especially those of nature, and you can see the Balinese Hindus doing so when passing by their houses and temples. They considered this rock island as a holy place of worship thus building a shrine to honor the sea gods of Dewa Baruna and Bhatara Segara.

Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com

There are 8 temples along the southwest coastline and each temple was built within the eyesight of the next.

Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com

At the base of the island, it is said that the temple is guarded by venomous sea snakes (Ular Suci) that protect the temple from evil spirits and intruders. It is purportedly known that the cave below the temple is home to a giant holy snake. Purportedly meaning – it is said to be true or real but not definitely true or real.

Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com

A few locals own snakes and are aware of this mythology can be found inside the cave and for a small fee you can have your own holy experience with these snakes. It is claimed that if your hand is on the snake while praying that everything you are praying for will come true.

Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com

In 1980 the temple rock face started to crumble and the Japanese government loaned the Indonesian government money to restore this iconic landmark. Over one-third of the road face is artificial but clearly disguised so you won’t be able to tell the difference.

Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com

This is my favorite part – you can only access the temple at low tide, so carefully plan your visit. I was monitoring the tides and sunset times closely before heading out there.

Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com

During high tide, the rock island vanishes leaving you with a view of the ancient Hindu shrine amidst the constantly crashing waves. It gives you the illusion that the temple is floating in the sea.

Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com

Bali in general is famed for their breathtaking sunsets, but sunsets here are just jaw-dropping during the magic hour. It ranks high on every photographer’s list of landscapes to capture in their lifetimes.

It’s also romantic and a special place to share with a loved one.

Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com

A note to all photographers wanting to visit
The sun sets in the middle of the sky!

Being a photographer who is constantly studying my subject (the environment in this case), I have this inherent ability to notice when things are different. It will annoy me to the point of trying to figure out why.

Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com

One thing that ‘annoyed ‘me (only a little) was where the sun sets. Yes – where! The Bali sunsets in the middle of the sky and not on the horizon line.

The first night I thought I still had time to capture that perfect shot and ended up missing the sunset, instead I was greeted by fast-approaching darkness. I was so bleak but it got me thinking of why this could be. I am used to the sun setting on the horizon line, but why is it so different here? It bugged me so much, I just had to ask the locals why.

Bali is on the equator line and has no twilight. Darkness falls almost instantly after sunset.
At low latitudes, the sun sets perpendicular to the horizon, while at higher latitudes, the sun can set at a more oblique angle, allowing it to remain close to the horizon after sunset for a longer period of time.

Places on the equator experience the quickest rates of sunrise and sunset in the world. Such places also have a theoretical constant of 12 hours of day and night throughout the year.

Interesting hey?

As much as it annoyed me they were the most beautiful sunsets I have ever experienced in all of my travels to over 50 countries.

Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com

Tanah Lot Temple Ceremony

Image Credit: http://www.baliartsgallery.com

The Tanah Lot anniversary ceremony is done over 3 days and is held every 6 months on the Buda Wage Langkir, four days after Kuningan Day.

Before entering the temple, individuals must first pray at Beji Kaler – a sacred spring which is located just below the temple. They then drink the holy water to sanctify their souls before they can enter the main temple.

Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com

Other temples in the area

Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com

Penataran Temple is situated in the north of the Tanah Lot temple and is a place to pray to God for his manifestation of happiness and wellness.

Penyawang Temple is situated on the west side of Penataran Temple and is an alternative place to pray during high tide when people can’t reach Tanah Lot temple.

Jero Kandang Temple is situated around 100 meters on the west side of Penyawang Temple and has been built to pray for the wellness of cattle and crops.

Enjung Galuh Temple is situated close to Jero Kandang Temple and has been built for the goddess of prosperity – Dewi Sri and used for the people to pray for their land’s fertility.

Batu Bolong Temple is situated around 100 meters on the west side of Enjung Galuh Temple. It is used for the Melasti (purifying) ceremony and is considered a sacred spring in Bali. People believe that the holy water from this spring can purify anything bad.

Tri Antaka Monument was built to honor 3 heroic men: I Gusti Ketut Kereg, I Wayan Kamias, and I Nyoman Regug, who had battled and defended the island against the NICA (Netherlands Indies Civil Administration) armed forces on June 1946 in Tanah Lot territory.

Pakendungan Temple is situated on the west side, around 300 meters from Tanah Lot Temple. Pekendungan temple is the place where Dang Hyang Nirartha meditated once before and in this temple, the holy keris was given to Bendesa Beraban Sakti.

Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com

All images on this site are the property of Chantelle Flores unless specified

(www.kzaravisual.com)

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Posted on August 25, 2022April 26, 2023 by Chantelle Flores — Leave a comment

The world’s most breathtaking sunsets and a note to all photographers

We all know that Bali offers some of the best sunsets in the world. With this in mind, I decided to put together a list of some of my favorite spots for landscape photography.

#1 Kuta Beach

| Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com

#2 Tanah Lot Temple

| Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com

A note to all photographers wanting to visit
The sun sets in the middle of the sky!

One thing that ‘annoyed ‘me (only a little) was where the sun sets. Yes – where! The Bali sunsets in the middle of the sky and not on the horizon line.

Places on the equator experience the quickest rates of sunrise and sunset in the world. Such places also have a theoretical constant of 12 hours of day and night throughout the year.

Interesting hey?

As much as it annoyed me they were the most beautiful sunsets I have ever experienced in all of my travels to over 50 countries.

All images on this site are the property of Chantelle Flores unless otherwise specified.

www.kzaravisual.com

Related Images:

Posted on August 25, 2022April 25, 2023 by Chantelle Flores — Leave a comment

The art of growing rice in Bali

THE EVER-SO-PHOTOGENIC RICE TERRACES IN BALI

Learning how to grow rice was not something that I would have ever imagined making it onto my bucket list. I never ever thought of it. But – when visiting the rural areas of Bali I found myself standing in front of very impressive photogenic rice terraces and was forced to ask myself the question – “How is rice grown?”

Rice is the most important crop for the Balinese and has been traditionally viewed as a gift from the gods and needs to be honored as such. It’s impressive to see that the villages surrounding these rice fields have shrines specifically devoted to valuing these crops.

A UNESCO world heritage site

The stepped Balinese Subak system of water irrigation was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition, it is famed for being the most effective way of managing rice crops in the world. Around for at least 2,000 years, these rice terraces were originally carved into the hills by the locals using hand tools.

The allocation of water is the responsibility of priests, and in order for this system to work successfully it is required that members of each community work in partnership. Are you wondering how they are so well maintained? Each member of the community takes responsibility for maintaining the integrity of the system.

The process

I was fortunate enough to meet this gentleman named Tuk Tuk who educated me about the process of planting rice. Before you are able to plant the rice, the soil needs to be weeded and turned. Many farmers in the area also raise ducks in their fields proving to be helpful in fertilizing the land. Rice is then planted between January and February and harvested twice a year. It takes an average of 120 days to harvest between April – May and October – November.

Rice is planted first on a small and protected section of the field. After 15 days, when the rice has grown a few centimeters it is then separated and transplanted linearly in the dry fields. Water is slowly allowed into the rice fields for the next 105 days. When the plants are fully grown, water is let out of the rice field.

At this time, when the rice starts to look golden, the plants are harvested. In the old days, the harvest was done by women with a knife known as an “ani-ani”. I was lucky enough to experience the traditional way of harvesting by stamping the dried rice blades over a block of stone. The grains of rice then fall to a “catch” sheet and are left in the sun for further drying. Eventually, it is taken into a milling process where the husk and bran layer of the rice is removed.

The most famous rice terraces are the picturesque Tegalalang Rice Terrace in Ubad – a favorite amongst tourists. You should pop past there on your next visit.

20 photos that will make you fall in love with the Philippines

Out of 57 countries that Chantelle Flores, international photographer, and travel journalist, has ventured to, the Philippines ranks as her number one – And rightfully so.

Puerto Princesa | Palawan | Image by Chantelle Flores, www.kzaravisual.com

Affordability

Not only is it more affordable than its island counterparts of Bali, Mauritius, and even some parts of overcrowded Thailand, it is a country that boasts the world’s most Instagrammable locations and one of the world’s largest island groups.

The Scenery

Puerto Princesa | Palawan | Image by Chantelle Flores, www.kzaravisual.com

Nothing defines the Philippines more than its postcard-perfect white powdery beaches, turquoise waters, and stunning coral reefs. Heaven on earth could in fact be on one of these incredible islands.

Palawan | Image by Chantelle Flores, www.kzaravisual.com

With more than 7641 islands, each with unique personalities and offerings, it’s the perfect destination to kick back and relax amidst nature’s most serene landscapes.

Coron | Philippines | Image by Chantelle Flores, www.kzaravisual.com

Look past the dream beaches and outstanding diving of Palawan, Boracay, and Cebu and you will find a land of lakes, lush green rice fields, underground rivers, and caves that hold world heritage status and fashionable cities.

Coron | Philippines | Image by Chantelle Flores, www.kzaravisual.com

Maintaining enthusiasts during the climb up the 2,954 meters of Mt.Apo has put the Philippines on the map. Mount Dulang-Dulang and Mt. Pulag are also favorites amongst hiking groups.

You can come up close and personal with the smallest primate – the Tarsier in Bohol. The chocolate hills here will probably be one of the weirdest places that you will ever see. Give your GoPro a run for its money while swimming with whale sharks in Cebu or turtles at Apo Island.

It’s more fun in the Philippines

Salagdoong Beach | Siquijor | Image by Chantelle Flores, www.kzaravisual.com

It’s no surprise why this country’s official tourism tagline is – “It’s more fun in the Philippines”. Nor is it strange to see a Filipino constantly breaking down in a fit of laughter. Their simple lifestyles just make them happy. Their friendliness and hospitality are incomparable to anywhere else in the world.

The People

Coron | Philippines | Image by Chantelle Flores, www.kzaravisual.com

The people are Roman Catholic, travel around in colorful Jeepneys, and are seriously beautiful – Miss Congeniality beautiful. Karaoke here is basically a national sport with Ed Sheeran and Spice Girls on top of their singing list.

They have an incredible sense of humor too. You can see this just by taking a flight with Cebu Pacific. They have entertaining games and quizzes while you’re in mid-air that make for the most interesting flight ever.

There is an abundance of festivals all year round with colorful parades, detailed costumes, and street parties that will only certainly hype up your mood.

Now, get your hands on a cocktail, sit back, and admire the country’s most famed islands through this photo gallery that’s going to entice you to venture here on your next vacation.

Waterfalls of Siquijor | Philippines | Image by Chantelle Flores, www.kzaravisual.com

Lapus Lapus Beach | El Nido | Image by Chantelle Flores, www.kzaravisual.com

Lake Balinsasayao | Negros Oriental | Philippines | Image by Chantelle Flores, www.kzaravisual.com

Cambugahay Falls | Philippines | Image by Chantelle Flores, www.kzaravisual.com

Siquijor | Philippines | Image by Chantelle Flores, www.kzaravisual.com

Cebu | Philippines | Image by Chantelle Flores, www.kzaravisual.com

Cebu | Philippines | Image by Chantelle Flores, www.kzaravisual.com