Talia Vashti - Things to Do: Cultural Attractions

Glorious Romantic Sunsets

Maybe ask the staff to prepare a fresh sea-food BBQ while you take in the sunset

All Rooms with Ocean Views

All 3 bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms and spectacular views out to the sea

Fully Equipped and Furnished

Villa Talia Vashti has all you need, including for the kids

Perfect for Relaxing

Floor to ceiling windows open up completely to let the sun shine in

Beautiful White Sand Beach

Just a few steps in front of the villa and great for kids.

Enjoy East Bali's Spectacular Sights

The awesome Agung volcano, Besakih temple and some of the best diving in Bali are all close by

Cultural Attractions

Villa Talia Vashti is situated a few minutes walk from the traditional village of Mendira, and there are regular ceremonies and festivals in the village, as well as in the other traditional villages in the surrounding countryside. Just check with Ketut the Villa manager what is going on, and he will make all arrangements for you to attend.

There are a myriad of ceremonies in every village in Bali, but there are also major ceremonies that are celebrated by the whole island such as Galungan and Nyepi, and in particular at the two most important temple complexes in Bali which are Besakih and Goa Lawah, both of which are close to Villa Talia Vashti. Also watch out for the spectacularly beautiful funeral ceremonies (Ngaben) that occur throughout the year, but are most common in the dry season.

Religion and tradition are living breathing activities in Bali, and happen as a part of day to day life, so are not put on for tourists. Although guests are almost always welcome, obviously respecting local traditions when you visit is important, so make sure you wear a sarong and sash (again Villa Talia Vashti manager can arrange this for you) and do not sit higher than the priest and the offerings.

5 March 2011

Nyepi, is a Hindu Day of Silence or the Hindu New Year in the Balinese Saka calendar. On New Year's Eve,villages are cleaned, food is cooked for 2 days and in the evening as much noise is made as possible to scare away the devils. On the following day, Balinese do not leave their homes, cook or engage in any activity. Streets are deserted, and tourists are not allowed to leave hotel complexes. No arrival nor departure flights at Ngurah Rai Airport in Denpasar - Bali. No tours activities, no swimming, no lights in the evening..enjoy the peace!

23 April 2011

Saraswati, This day is devoted to God's Manifestation as Dewi Saraswati, the beautiful Goddess of Knowledge, Art and Literature. On this day, books of knowledge, manuscripts and the Wedas are blessed and special offerings are made for them.

6 July 2011

Galungan, One of Bali's major festivals, celebrates the return of Balinese gods and deified ancestors to Bali. For ten days, Balinese families entertain and welcome with prayers and offerings, along with ceremonies to cleanse and balance the inner and outer energy on the island. Galungan lasts for 10 days and features, among other things, barongs dancing from temple to temple in each village. The origins of Galungan are still a mystery, but essentially this is when the gods and ancestors descend to earth…and good triumphs over evil.

16 July 2011

Kuningan, This festival is held ten days after the Galungan Festival, signifying the closing of the new year holiday. On this day, special offerings made of yellow rice and special dishes are offered, while every family compound and temple looks amazing with ornaments. Believed to be the ascendent day of ancestral holy spirits and Deities back to heaven.

19 November 2011

23 November 2011

Pagerwesi, The name literally means 'iron fence', on which day ceremonies and prayers are held for strong mental and spiritual defense in welcoming the Galungan holiday.

Besakih - The Mother Temple of Bali

Beautiful temple in spectacular location high on the slopes of Gunung Agung. A scenic drive which takes approximately 1 hour from Villa Talia Vashti. The temple has now taken action against the touts and enforced guiding that used to be a problem, and is now a much more pleasant place to visit.

Tirtha Gangga

One of three Water Palaces built by the last Raja. Cool springs feed bathing pools and ornamental lily ponds full of massive Koi carp. On the way you will pass spectacular rice paddy scenery and great views of Gunung Agung (the biggest volcano in Bali). Tirtha Gangga is just over 20 minutes from Villa Talia Vashti on the way to Tulumben.

Tenganan Village

Home of the "Bali Aga", an original community, surviving from the pre-Hindu time, which strictly adheres to a traditional life of ritual and ceremony. Famous for sacred hand woven Geringsing-double ikat cloth and for crafting music instruments such as Genggong, a bamboo harp and Gamelan Slunding an iron met allophone orchestra. Only 3km from Villa Talia Vashti and Candi Dasa. The most famous of these ceremonies is the Perang Pandan, a unique & colourful Bali Aga ritual held in Tenganan Gerinsing, usually around June/July.

Ubud

Small inland town pleasantly set amongst some beautiful rice paddies with regular festivals and ceremonies and a strong claim to be the cultural heart of Bali. Despite the increasing numbers of tourists, Ubud still retains its charm. Ubud is an attractive hour's drive through the hills and rice paddies from Candi Dasa.

Ubud is an attractive hour's drive through the hills and rice paddies from Candi Dasa, or alternatively why not also stay part of your trip in Villa Kalisha, our sister villa which is only a short drive from the centre of Ubud.