BALI GUIDE

Balinese culture: religion, gods and Top 6 most important ceremonies

Balinese culture: Religion

The main religion in Balinese culture is Hinduism, but it is quite different from the Indian Hindu religion. In Bali, the religion is closer to what we can call “animism”: the belief in the souls of all things in nature. That is why in Balinese culture, people are very careful and respectful of nature, because everything has a deity that lives in them. The Balinese culture and religion are also very festive: ceremonies, village festivals, pilgrimage, dances, purification rites and also cremation to honour the dead. The festive calendar in Bali is very rich of religious events of all sorts, to honour very different gods and rituals.

Balinese culture: Gods

The 3 primary Gods

Bali is called the “Island of Gods”, and we can easily understand why. There are plenty of different gods in Balinese culture and religion, the three major ones being Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu. Dewa Brahma is the God of all Knowledge, often painted in red in temples in Bali. Dewa Vishnu is the merciful Protector of Life. He opens the cycle of life with his wife the Goddess of Fertility. At the other end of the cycle of life stands Dewa Shiva, God of Death and Destruction. This is not to take exclusively on a negative – Western – point of view. Indeed, in Balinese culture, destruction also means cleaning and coming back to its state of origin. This closing of circle is very important in the religion where karma could be depicted as a wheel that turns and balances according to good or bad deeds.

Some secondary Gods

In Balinese culture, you will also find other popular gods, such as the famous Garuda the eagle – who gave his name to the Indonesian airline company. Bali tourists will recognize him easily with his pointed beak with teeth, large and magnificent wings, and often mounted by Dewa Vishnu. Another face that will soon is be familiar to all Bali tourists in any temple is Bhoma. This God guards the entrance of all the temples in Bali, or even private houses’ front door. Difficult to say if this large face with wide-opened mouth is smiling at Bali tourists or staring at them with a monstruous look. It probably depends on the – hopefully – benevolent intentions that they bear while entering a temple in Bali.

Balinese culture: Offerings

One major way to honour the gods in Balinese culture is to give them offerings. That is why you will find an incredible number of temples in Bali, of all sorts and all sizes. A temple in Bali is not necessarily a large place that can host public, it can also be similar to a small shrine in a private house or garden. The temple in Bali is there to protect its people and to protect the place. Even in a hotel, it is important to please and honour the gods so that guests can enjoy their stay without worrying. So even at places like the Kupu Barong in Ubud, Bali tourists may notice some temples and shrines.

People put offerings in front of a temple in Bali to nourish the gods. An offering is a small palm-leaf basket that serves as a tray – named “Canang sari”, to contain colourful items: fruits, flowers, leaves, nuts. In Balinese culture, each element has of course a symbolic meaning. Bali tourists will find these offerings in many places, either in the streets on the pavement, at the bottom of a small shrine, and of course in every temple in Bali. Read our article to discover our Top 10 temples in Bali.

Balinese culture: the 6 most important ceremonies

As mentioned above, Balinese culture is very rich and the festive calendar is marked with a multitude of ceremonies. Some of them are local-based, attached to a specific temple or to a private family event – such as a wedding, the “tooth-filing” ceremony or a cremation. However, some ceremonies are observed at island-wide level.

Balinese cultural ceremony #1: Nyepi Day

In Balinese culture, Nyepi Day is the “Day of Silence” celebrated in March every year. This day is the equivalent of New Year’s Day for the Balinese lunar calendar and is also a public holiday in Indonesia. During the whole day, all activities and businesses are stopped, lights are off, and by law nobody has the right to go out in the streets. That’s the day of soul purification. The day before, large offerings are placed at every street crossing, and giant papier-mâché “ogoh-ogoh” – demons in Balinese culture – will parade throughout the villages in music and are burnt in the evening to purify Balinese people.

Balinese cultural ceremony #2: Galungan and Kuningan

Twice a year, Balinese culture celebrates a ten-day religious holiday called Galungan. Galungan is the celebration of the creation of the universe, the victory of Good against Evil. In Balinese culture, the spirits of the ancestors will come back to Earth in the temples and their former homes, so that Balinese people make all efforts to welcome them in the best way, through prayers and with offerings. Bali tourists will be able to recognize this festival namely by the tall and decorated bamboo sticks flanked on both sides of the streets which constitutes magnificent offerings. The last day is Kuningan, when the ancestors leave Earth, until the next Galungan.

Balinese cultural ceremony #3: Pagerwesi

Pagerwesi is the day in Balinese culture when people take time for themselves, to strengthen their defence against Evil spirits. It is a self-introspection and reinforcement day, also to pray for the rest of Humanity. The name “Pagerwesi” litterally means “iron fence”, as a symbol of a strong fortification of the mind against malevolent forces. This day is celebrated a few days after Saraswati.

Balinese cultural ceremony #4: Saraswati

Saraswati is the day dedicated to Dewi Saraswati, the Goddess of Knowledge. During this day, the Goddess will give a divine inspiration to Balinese people, and that knowledge and wisdom will enable them to celebrate Pagerwesi, to build a protective fence for the mind and soul.

Balinese cultural ceremony #5: Odalan

Odalan is the celebration of a Bali temple anniversary. Balinese people will celebrate their temple with magnificent offerings to honour their deities as well as prayers and music. And with several thousands of temples in Bali, that is why Bali tourists have great chances to witness a temple celebration during their stay.

Balinese cultural ceremony #6: Tumpek

There are several “Tumpek” festivals during the year in Balinese culture. Each of them will honour specific deities by offering them specific objects. “Tumpek Landep” is the day to celebrate the creator of all metal tools, such as iron, gold or bronze. This blessing is to thank the God for its gift to Humanity. “Tumpek Uduh” – the “Green Festival” – celebrates Sanghyang Sangakkara the God of Plants and Food. Again, Balinese people will show their gratitude and make offerings made of trees, plants, coconut etc to thank the God for good harvests. “Tumpek Kandang” will honour the God of Animals and Pets, Sang Hyang Rare-Angon. During that day, household and farm pets – ducks, pigs, hens, dogs – may be decorated to worship their benefactor.

BALI GUIDE

Top 10 Bali Temples

With thousands of temples on the island, it might seem difficult to choose which one to visit. That’s why we wrote this article to give you details about what could be considered as the 10 most beautiful temples. And before to start, it is important to know some basic rules to respect while visiting a temple.

Clothing rules in a temple in Bali

While visiting a temple in Bali, you will notice that everybody wears a colourful scarf tied at the waist with a piece of fabric. This is called a “sarong”. A sarong is a rectangular piece of fabric, often printed with various patterns and colours. Some common designs are flowers, animals or graphic designs. A very traditional dyeing technique is called “Batik”. Batik could mean “writing dots” as this technique uses wax to make drawings on the fabric that will be dyed. But don’t worry in you don’t have your own sarong when visiting a temple in Bali. You can usually buy or rent one at the entrance of any temple in Bali.

Also note that your body must be covered – especially the legs with the sarong – so that you won’t of course be allowed to visit a temple in Bali with an open shirt. As the climate is usually hot in Bali, don’t worry, you will be allowed to visit a temple in Bali wearing a T-shirts. You can read our article about the climate in Bali.

Be respectful while visiting in a temple in Bali

Of course, basic every-day-rules applies and must be respected even more carefully as you visit a temple in Bali.

• Spitting on the floor is forbidden, as well as having a rude behaviour.
• As mentioned in our article about Balinese religion, you will find many offerings in any temple in Bali.
• Do not step a foot on an offering, as it will be very disrespectful towards the person who made it and towards the gods.
• Avoid throwing trash in a Bali temple.
• Remove your shoes at the entrance while visiting a temple in Bali. However, it is not necessarily mandatory.
• One last thing – that has nothing to do with respect but more with a cultural rule – is that women should not visit a temple in Bali during menstruation.

Now you’re ready to visit the best temples in Bali with our Top 10 selection of the best places to visit!

Bali temple #1: Besakih Temple Karangasem

How to better start a list of the Top 10 temples to visit in Bali than with Besakih Temple? Besakih Temple is the holiest temple in Bali. On Bali maps, you will find Besakih located at 62 km from Denpasar and at 22 km from Klungkung. Before to visit this Bali temple located at bottom of the slopes of the Mount Gunung-Agung, don’t forget to bring a jacket just in case. Indeed, it is at 950 meters above sea level and the temperature could be quite surprising. Don’t hesitate to refuse the guides at the entrance of the temple, if you prefer to visit this Bali temple more freely.

“Pura Besakih” Temple is a holy place in Bali composed of twenty-three temples. This Bali temple is dedicated to the three main gods of Hindu religion: Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Besides these primary gods, you will find other shrines dedicated to secondary deities. While taking the stairs at the entrance of this Bali temple, look on both sides. On the right, you will find the statues of Evil, staring at you with frightening looks. On the left, you will find statues of Good, with calm and benevolent faces. The architecture is very typical from the Bali temples. Each temple has several “merus”. Merus are thatched roofs that are piled up in successive tiers on the pagoda. The number of thatched roofs can go from one for the humblest shrines to eleven for holiest temples in Bali.

Bali temple #2: Tanah Lot Temple

You will find Tanah Lot temple on Bali maps at less and 20 km from Tabanan and about an hour drive from Ubud. This Bali temple is particularly impressive as it is perched on a massive rock on the sea. As a consequence, it is only accessible by foot when the tide is low. Without surprise, “Pura Tanah Lot” is the Bali temple dedicated to the spirits of the Sea. And Bali being an island, it is all the more important for Balinese people to pray and protect their home island from the wrath of the surrounding element. At sunset, this temple bears a mysterious and magical atmosphere, when the waves break on the black rock and the pagodas with multi-tier “merus” stand out against the orange sky. It is said that this Bali temple is guarded by sea snakes. You might find Balinese priests keeping a snake in one of the rocky holes of the cliff, to embody this Balinese myth.

Bali temple #3: Uluwatu Temple – Pura Luhur Uluwatu

On a map of Bali, Uluwatu temple is located 15 km South from Jimbaran, on the West side of the Bukit peninsula. This temple in Bali is very famous for its emblematic panorama at sunset. The temple is perched at the edge of a cliff, 70 meters above the sea. Just as Tanah Lot Temple, Uluwatu temple is dedicated to the sea, to preserve the Balinese people from its power. This Bali temple is also famous for being the home to a multitude of monkeys. Be careful, as many Bali tourists get tricked by them. Stolen sunglasses, cameras or any other items… But don’t worry, some local people are here to help you reclaim your sunglasses by simply offering the monkey some bananas. At sunset, when the scenery is the most beautiful, go the for “Kecak dance”. This show is a very nice cultural activity to do in Bali. This traditional performance with singing and dancing will also please the children. Read our article to discover other activities to do in a Bali family trip. Uluwatu temple is an unmissable visit that is regularly organized by the Kupu Jimbaran hotel for its guests.

Bali temple #4: Tirta Empul Temple Tampaksiring

Tirta Empul Temple can be accesses from Ubud, and is located near the town of Tampaksiring. It is one of the many visits in Bali that can be organized by the Kupu Barong resort in Ubud, or during the shuttle transfer between this resort and the Kupu Jimbaran hotel.

Tirta Empul literally means “holy spring”. Built for the God Indra, this temple in Bali attracts many religious people as well as Bali tourists to bath in its water. You will enter in a temple complex with several courtyards and ponds. The spring is known to be divine and to have healing powers. It can be found in the largest pond, where you can actually notice water surging out of water. Impressive!

Bali temple #5: Taman Saraswati Temple Ubud

Taman Saraswati Temple is located in Ubud, in the very heart of Bali. Build in the 1950s, this Bali temple is dedicated to the Goddess of arts and learning, Dewi Saraswati. It is known as the “Ubud Water Palace”, and you will easily understand why: to enter the temple complex, you will have to go through a path – similar to a flat bridge – across a vast lotus pond. Taman Saraswati Temple is like a palace sitting in front of a real water garden! The entrance is flanked by frangipani trees on both sides, but unfortunately tourists aren’t allowed to enter the main temple. The large decorated wooden door can be seen from outside, with its shimmering gold and red painting. If you want to relax at the place, you may go to the Lotus Café nearby. Or if you prefer watching an impressive “kecak dance”, it’s also possible from 7:30 in the evening.

Bali temple #6: Lempuyang  Temple – Pura  Luhur Lempuyang

On a Bali map, you will find Lempuyang  Temple located in the East region of Bali, in Karangasem regency, at 1,175 meters above sea level. This temple complex is composed of seven temples. The highest temple on Mount Lempuyan requires to climb as many as 1,700 steps through nature. Like in Uluwatu Temple, you will meet some mischievous monkeys on the way, so watch your sunglasses. Climbing at the top therefore requires good physical condition as well as a bottle of water – not to forget before to go. The three stairs of the lowest temple represent “nagas”, giant mythical snakes, while the impressive white-painted gates mark the entrance of the sanctum. This Bali temple offers a panoramic view of the “Gates to Heaven” with the Mount Agung as a backdrop, the highest volcano of Bali.

Bali temple #7: Ulun Danu and Bratan Lake

Ulun Danu Temple is located near Bedugul village on the Bratan Lake, at 1,500 meters above sea level. In this region, the Bratan Lake is the main source of irrigation of the rice fields nearby. This temple in Bali is so emblematic that it has been depicted at the back of every 50,000-rupiah notes. As for the religion, Ulun Danu Temple is dedicated to Dewi Danu, the Water, River and Lake Goddess. As if it was floating on the lake, the pagoda of eleven “merus” – thatched roofs – reflects on the water. More unexpected, the Stupa at the entrance on the left reveals a Buddhist influence near this Hindu temple and also symbolizes religious harmony.

Bali temple #8: Taman Ayun Temple Mengwi

This charming Bali temple in Mengwi has the particularity of being located on a sort of island, surrounded by a river. Well named, “Pura Taman Ayun” means “temple garden on the water”. This major temple in Bali is composed of two courtyards. The first one hosts a large pond with a fountain in the middle. The second courtyard of the temple has several pagoda-styled towers, with multi-tier thatched-roofs – “merus”. The highest and most important having as much as eleven “merus” piled up on each other.

Bali temple #9: Elephant Cave – Goa Gajah

Goa Gajah is located on a Bali map at 4 km from the center of Ubud, in the village of Bedulu. The very large monstruous face carved out the stone wall – in which the mouth is the entrance – wasn’t made to frighten visitors, but rather to repel evil spirits. The face, looking like an elephant, some will say – hence the name – is in fact a “Bhoma”. Bhoma is a very common deity, guarding the entrance of every temple in Bali. Inside the Goa Gajah cave, you will find a Ganesh sculpture – the Elephant God. That Hindu figure may very well have given its name to the Elephant Cave.

Bali temple #10: Bat Cave – Goa Lawah Temple Klungkung

Goa Lawah Temple is located on the East coast of the island of Bali, in the village of Pesinggahan in Klungkung. We can easily understand where the name “Bat Cave” (Goa Lawah) came from: when you enter the cave, you will see and mostly hear the echoes of the multitude of bats hanging upside down to the cave dome. And the gold-inlaid bat sculpture guarding the entrance of this Bali temple stands as a friendly warning: don’t enter if you’re phobic, although these little flying mammals won’t ever touch any visitor. This cave maybe be of interest for children. This temple hosts several ceremonies every year, where Balinese people dressed up in traditional costumes come to pray and burn incense sticks.

BALI GUIDE

6 best cultural activities in Bali for children

Bali is a great place to go for family trips, firstly because it is very safe and secondly because there are a lot of varied activities to do with children. Here we have selected our 6 best cultural activities to do with kids. You can also check our article about all activities to do for a Bali family trip, including sport activities.

Cultural activity for children #1: Bali Zoo

The best cultural activity for children might be the Bali Zoo. On Bali maps, you will find it in Gianyar. It can be easily accessed from Ubud.

Many species and programmes

The zoo is a great way of discovering many animals, most of them being endemic species from Indonesia: the silvery gibbon from Java, the Sulawesi yellow crested cockatoo or the Sumatran elephant. Apart from Indonesian animals, your children will be able to see emblematic species such as the famous Bengal tiger or sun bear. There are several programmes available, from feeding and caring about elephants, a lion safari, or even a petting zoo where kids can learn to interact with domestic and baby animals, such as rabbits, deer or birds. With “Night at the Zoo”, your family will explore wild life after sunset for an incredible experience.

Breakfast with orangutans

One of the most memorable programmes is “breakfast with orangutans” where you can enjoy a great family breakfast – with pancakes, fresh fruits, juices or Balinese nasi goreng – while watching the Bornean orangutan having fun next to you. These majestic apes can be easily recognised by their long orange hair as well as very long arms – longer than their legs. This species is considered as endangered by deforestation, and this zoo contributes to the protection of our orange friends.

Cultural activity for children #2: Bali Bird Park – Ubud

1000 birds

If your child goes wild for animals, you can also take him or her to the Bali Bird Park. Way more specialized in birds than the Bali Zoo, this great place hosts over a thousand birds with about 250 different species. The park is organised in regional areas: local species from Indonesia are of course well represented – Bali, Java, Borneo and Sumatra – but kids can also discover magnificent birds from other continents such as South America, Africa or Australia. The Bali Bird Park also hosts a vast colony of owls. These nocturnal birds live in a typical Toraja house in the middle of the park, with its very long boat-shaped roof.

Various experiences

If you’re looking for something more interactive, take your children to the different feeding animations where they can touch and interact with exotic birds and feed them. Fishes for the pelicans, nectar for the colourful lories, fruits for the Papua rainforest birds…

For a different type of cultural activity to do with children, go for the 4D cinema. Every hour in the morning and half an hour in the afternoon, the air-conditioned cinema plays dynamic bird movies.

If your family is hungry, stop at the Restaurant or the Rainforest Café located in front of the pelican pool. You’ll relax with a snack or fresh juice, while listening to tropical bird chirping all around.

Cultural activity for children #3: Bali Reptile Park – Ubud

If your children are more attracted to Slytherin than Gryffindor, don’t miss the Bali Reptile Park. Located just next to the Bali Bird Park, you can go for a tour to learn everything about these fascinating animals. Watch the giant salt water crocodile eat its breakfast. This crocodile can reach 7 meters long and can be recognised with its dark green and grey colour, usually resting in its watery enclosure. Behind protective windows, you’ll be amazed by the coloured snakes, either terribly venomous or completely harmless. Meet the mamba, this very thin neon green snake, coiled up around a tree branch.

Komodo dragons

Don’t expect this dragon to spit fire… however, this large lizard may nonetheless be the most stunning species at the park! With its 3 meters long and about 70 kg, this lizard is undoubtably the largest in the world. With an ability to run fast, swim, dive, climb trees and track preys with its unbeatable sense smell, this deadly monitor may hunt large mammals such as deer or wild boars on the island of Komodo. Luckily, the dragons present at the park are babies or young lizards, and they are brought back to Komodo island before they become a little too big.

Open-air reptilarium

If your children aren’t afraid of reptiles, they will certainly enjoy the open-air reptilarium. It is a section of the parc where “domestic” and docile reptiles can be touched, carried or fed. Albino python, frilled-neck lizard, water monitors or papaya-eating iguanas, children enjoy having memorable photos with these gentle reptiles in their arms.

Cultural activity for children #4: Monkey forest

If you’re tired about watching animals in parks and zoos, you can choose to see our monkey friends in their natural element. Located in Ubud, the Monkey Forest allows you to visit the remaining of a Hindu temple in a sacred forest. There are also over a thousand Balinese long tail monkeys in the forest, living in 7 separate groups. Beware of the Macaques, as they are very tricky. Although they are not interested in biting a human if we don’t scare them or do them any harm, they might be very interested in your sunglasses, camera or smartphone. Keep all your belongings in your bags, to avoid temptation for the little pickpockets. You may also feed them with bananas, but be very gentle and never take a banana back. Anyway, guards in green uniforms are here to protect Bali tourists.

Cultural activity for children #5: Uluwatu Temple dance show

Another particular monkey is Anuman, the Monkey God in Balinese culture. This funny and mischievous character much liked by children, is one of the Ramayana characters to come alive at the Uluwatu dance show. Uluwatu Temple is one of the most emblematic temples in Bali, located on a cliff overlooking the sea, at the West side of the Bukit peninsula. At sunset, the colourful panorama might very well be the perfect Instagram photo spot, as well as the scene for a traditional “Kecak dance” around a fire. This dance starts at 6 pm, and the trip to Uluwatu can be arranged by the Kupu Jimbaran hotel.

Cultural activity for children #6: Bat Cave – Goa Lawah

If you wish to life a family trip experience mixed with temples and animals, you can also go to Goa Lawah. In this bat cave, your kids won’t unfortunately be able to meet the famous Batman, but rather a multitude of tiny mammals. These flying inhabitants of the cave hang upside down from the ceiling. Don’t worry: even if the little bats keep flying back and forth while echoing their high-pitched cry, they never touch any Bali tourist. You won’t miss either the golden bat statue guarding the entrance of the temple.

Check our article to learn more about the Top 10 Bali temples.

HONEYMOON IN BALI

Imagine yourself, waking up in the villas with all the amazing scenery : warm sunrise and the songs of birds singing that lighten up your day. The Honeymoon in Bali at Kupu Kupu Barong will allow you the richness of Bali’s natural resources.  Discovery of breath-taking scenery. Find Indonesian culture and environment while relaxing in the romantic surrounding is the most rewarding treat that you can give to your loved one.

An amazing view overlooking at Ayung River Valley and lush green paddies field will spontaneously bring your honeymoon getaway to the next level.

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BALI GUIDE

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PURA DALEM BONGKASA

Pura Dalem Karangdalem Bongkasa. Pura is a Balinese word that means temple, specific for Balinese Hindu temple. Pura Dalem, also a Balinese word meaning great temple of death, since the location of Dalem Temple is mostly next to a cemetery.

 TAMAN MUMBUL TEMPLE AND PURIFICATION

While visiting Taman Mumbul, you will find two different sections. On the southern part, there is a fairly large temple. That’s the Ulun Mumbul Temple. At the front of this temple is a fish pond. The atmosphere is increasingly beautiful with a stretch of green grass that grows on the ground around the temple.

Then just enter the purification temple area. It was started from Dewi Gangga’s pancoran, then Dewi Saraswati and so on and ended at Dewa Shiva’s pancoran, eleven of pancorans in total. Pancoran means shower.

MONKEY FOREST

In the middle of the forest of Sangeh, You will see two temples. The smaller temple is called Melanting Temple and the bigger temple is Bukit Sari Temple. The local residents are very sacred the existence of the temple, and the monkeys have their respective territories in each temple.

BALINESE VILLAGE AND GREENERY RICE PADDY

We will visit a rural atmosphere with traditional Balinese houses then the forest and end up with beautiful views of paddy fields that will make you feel relax and calm.

 

 

Start your day off right with a romantic breakfast picnic prepared just for you. Overlooking the Ayung River in Ubud, your picnic lunch is set in the middle of the rice paddy fields that make Ubud so popular.  Take a step back, watch the farmers at work, and enjoy the peaceful, laid back atmosphere as you dine on a beautiful breakfast spread. Book a romantic breakfast picnic in Ubud here.

 

With a luxury spa brand such as L’Occitane providing the resort’s amenities, you can definitely imagine that the Kupu Kupu Barong Villas & Tree Spa are going to be luxuriously comfortable, and of course, the perfect romantic treat. They have a variety of rooms perfect for 2, such as the River Front Pool Villa with a view of the Ayung River Valley, and the River View Pool Villa. Both of which come with a small infinity pool that overlooks the lush green river valley – truly a romantic sight to wake up to!

 

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Twenty nineteen has been an extraordinary year for World Luxury Hotel Awards. The brand has seen steady growth and is now recognized globally as the leading luxury awards company, which in turn is attracting the most prominent hotel brands and privately-owned properties to this renowned company. These hotels are increasingly seeing the benefits of being part of the awards and in particular the Gala Dinner Event, where luxury hotels are recognized for world-class service excellence provided to guests. These awards are presented to luxury hotels on a country, regional, continent and global basis. Winners are selected by public vote, providing true recognition that reflects the hard work and dedication exhibited by the staff of all nominees and winners.

Arctic TreeHouse Hotel is hosting the 2019 World Luxury Hotel Awards event in Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland, on 12th October 2019. This is the first time the gala event will be held in Northern Europe. “We are truly honoured to have been given the opportunity to host this event,” comments Ilkka Länkinen, the CEO of Arctic TreeHouse Hotel. “We look forward to showcasing the uniqueness and beauty of the nature of Lapland, as well as the heartfelt hospitality of the local people.”

Voting for the 2019 World Luxury Hotel Awards took place during the month of July with over 250 thousand votes received collectively for 750 hotels representing 99 countries worldwide, the collective public across the globe including guests, staff, travel agents and industry peers, all had the chance to place their stamp of approval on their establishment of choice. “One of the most favourable ways to award service excellence is by allowing people to have their say, and hearing from the public is a popular manner in which to make a decision on where you will choose your next luxury holiday or business trip. An award of this stature signifies quality, service delivery and much sought after luxury. All of which have made our participants what they are today, winners in the luxury hospitality field.” says Tanique Echardt, Executive Manager of The World Luxury Awards. Arctic TreeHouse Hotel is located on the Arctic Circle, surrounded by the pristine northern nature and the cleanest air in the world. Its concept has been designed around the will to offer guests an authentic nature experience. The hotel’s suite units modelled after the pinecone cow, stand amongst the trees as one with the natural surroundings. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer a spectacular view of the arctic sky and its stunning phenomena: the northern lights and the midnight sun. “We are pleased to be able to share the value and significance of nature with our guests,” says Länkinen. “As nature has always been a big part of our lives, we also do our best to raise awareness for sustainable development and the preservation of our fragile arctic nature.”

The 2019 World Luxury Hotel Awards will be celebrated in SantaPark, a unique venue located right next to Arctic TreeHouse Hotel. SantaPark is the home cavern of Santa Claus descending 50 meters below the Arctic Circle. The menu has been planned according to the sustainable values of Arctic TreeHouse Hotel; the gala experience will include locally produced culinary delights such as reindeer and pike perch and guests will also have the privilege of enjoying true Lappish entertainment throughout the evening. Tuuletar, an accapella band will perform mystic singing stories which will allow guests to experience diverse elements of the Lappish culture, promising to be an experience of a lifetime.

La View Restaurant

Offering jaw-dropping views of a tropical valley, this restaurant at Kupu Kupu Barong Ubud puts a high standard for a luxury Ubud’s lunchbreak. The scenery over the Ayung River Valley is marvellous! This restaurant is a charming split-level setting with outdoor terrace for intimate wining and dining with a menu of gourmet cuisine that transcends South East Asia with a distinct French infusion.

 

After the wedding, here comes the fun part; the Honeymoon!

Known for its uniqueness and greatness in showing much affection, as many people would agree, Bali is a perfect destination for honeymooners with a combination of scenic beauty, culture and adventure. Starting with the wedding, you can create your own wedding style in Bali. Be it traditional, modern, ethnic or the simplest one, Bali has everything for everyone. And the best thing about throwing your wedding party in Bali is you can also get a romantic honeymoon getaway to explore on a romantic journey with your new wife or husband.

If you and your partner are adventurous types of people, there are heaps of activities on this island. If the party is your style, stay on the southern coast and take your partner to the dance floor until the wee hours of the morning. For beach lovers, Bali is heaven! Take your partner for a romantic walk along the pristine beach with the soft velvety sand under your feet, and feel the freshness of the air. Take a shade beneath the huge tropical trees and enjoy sips of tropical drink. Find a non-touristy beach where you can spend hours swimming with your loved one in the sparkling water or lazing around on the sand with hardly anyone else around. It is pretty easy to discover an exclusive spot somewhere on this island to cuddle up and enjoy the sunset or sunrise with your beloved in your arms.

However, if both of you prefer to spend the whole day in a peaceful and quiet surrounding, Ubud is very popular among honeymooning couples, offering tranquillity and relaxation to the core in total privacy, maximising your cosiness during your quality time. Now, the next big question is “Where to stay in Ubud?”

Imagine yourself, waking up in the villas with all the amazing scenery, warm sunrise, and the songs of birds singing that lighten up your day…

Honeymoon Pool Villa
Kupu Kupu Barong Villas & Tree Spa by L’Occitane will allow you to experience the richness of Bali’s natural resources through the exquisiteness of breathtaking scenery. Discovering Indonesian culture and environment while relaxing in the romantic surrounding is definitely the most rewarding treat that you can give to your loved one. The property has a lot to offer, not only for physical and intellectual value but also for the eyes.

As you waltz through the wood door into the matchless oasis of tranquillity, a private plunge pool will greet you, saying “Welcome Home”. At this point, you can straight away imagine yourself taking a dip, lolling under the warm sun on the outdoor chaise lounges and poolside chairs with your lover. The exquisite luminance from the sun and musical instrument of the wild birds are the additional value to make you feel as if God is bestowing the wisdom of life.

A spacious room with Balinese style decorations will amaze you when you step into the villa. An amazing view overlooking at Ayung River Valley and lush green paddies field will spontaneously bring your honeymoon getaway to the next level. This is a real definition of tranquillity! Divided into three levels up, the Honeymoon Pool Villa is designed with masterly artwork in mind. The thatched roofs, redwood walls, teak and coconut shell panelling and sumptuous local fabrics weave a spell of exotic refinement. You will notice the quality of the pieces of furniture made from hardwood with splendid artistic designs. Definitely world class!

Romantic Dinner at the Birdnest
Share a romantic evening with a loved one on a unique floating dining setting under a canopy of stars. Against a natural backdrop of timeless woodland greenery and the enchanting Ayung River Valley, this private niche will be enveloped by flickering candles and scattering of perfumed flower blossoms. The culinary team of the villa will set-up a nice, romantic setting for your unforgettable evening.

Breakfast in Style
Breakfast by the pool is outdated now as you can have your breakfast right inside the pool. The floating breakfast at the Kupu Kupu Barong Ubud will start your day in the most extraordinary way. Enjoy your floating breakfast where you will be served mouth-watering breakfast on a floating tray in your own private plunge pool. The butler will then set sail the three-course gourmet breakfast with the choice of your favourite coffee, tea or juice. This is the ultimate indulgence when you are a honeymooner; celebrating the spirit of love.

Get Pampered
You cannot miss going to the Mango Tree Spa by L’Occitane for a day of relaxation and unwinding. This spa offers a retreat of serenity – the ultimate barefooted sanctuary for Spa and Beauty rituals on this part of the island. An enlightened feeling of lightness encircles as you doze to the sound of the thrashing surf, all the while experiencing a sensual afterglow and the transformation of mind and body. A perfect retreat for the honeymooners, this spa offers over rituals ranging from massage, body scrubs, facials, manicures and pedicures.

Their signature treatment is Shea Nurturing Body Massage. This exclusive massage features all of their signature techniques to best target individual needs: Relaxing light strokes and deep tissue pressures focused especially on the back area release stress and muscular tension while revitalising strokes and hot stones combat tiredness, enhance toxin elimination and boost energy. The nourishing, repairing and protecting properties of Shea butter make this massage a moment of pure escape with extraordinary benefits for your skin. Skin is left soft and deeply nourished. The whole body feels replenished!

When it comes to expressing love, the sky is the limit. Engage with art, connect with culture, pursue pampering, seek enlightenment or simply listen to the rice grow. Let’s create your own honeymoon moment in style at Kupu Kupu Barong Ubud.