The Viceroy Bali

Viceroy Bali is family owned and operated, a rare affair for 5 star hotels in Bali. Situated only a 5 minute drive from the bustling Ubud shops, however your private, heated infinity villa pool overlooks a spectacular jungle ravine known as Valley of the Kings.

Every detail of this tropical sanctuary has been meticulously designed to provide an extraordinary expression of Balinese authenticity whilst also being world-class. Viceroy is the only Bali luxury resort to have won the Condé Nast Traveller accolade of #1 Resort in the World (2018).

A secluded haven for romantics, adventurers, and the mindful; Viceroy Bali luxury resort offers the ultimate private retreat. A place where time slows down, connecting you with vibrant mother nature and offering rejuvenation.

The new, state-of-the-art wellness center Lembah Spa has an extensive menu of holistic treatments and fitness center with a squash court. What sets Viceroy Bali apart from other 5 star hotels in Bali is the level of service and attention to detail.

With over 170 staff for just 40 pool villas, we can anticipate your needs and personalize each stay, whilst maintaining privacy. Book today your vacation in one of the best bali luxury resorts.

Unlike many upscale Ubud hotels, the intimate and friendly ambience is felt through out the resort as all villas are built just a stroll from the supporting facilities like Cascades Restaurant, Aperitif Restaurant & Bar, The Lembah Spa, Viceroy Bar and resort pool, and the meeting and conference facilities.

Viceroy Bali is owned and managed by an Australian family with vast worldwide travelling experience who have bestowed the resort with their love of culture and fashion. Guests can expect to experience graceful and caring personal service from the owners and their dedicated professional staff.

All Viceroy Bali guests are treated to individual personal service from all staff, with discretion, privacy, and security, being the priority. Viceroy Bali guarantees all guests absolute privacy and discretion so that the guest’s stay at the hotel remains their own experience, and is not public knowledge.

LUXURY VILLA
Our villas are more than a ‘room with a view’ – they provide the ultimate luxury experience from the moment you step through the hand carved timber doors. Step into the premium luxury villas in Bali, some designed perfectly for couples and others for families. Unique to Viceroy Bali villas, all 40 rooms have heated pools to ensure ultimate relaxation any time of day.

Harmoniously aligned, our traditional Bali luxury villa design incorporates modern comforts and amenities, transforming the space into a home away from home while providing you with a completely new, pampered experience. Each Viceroy Bali luxury villa offers lounge and dining areas, heated pool, terrace area and 30cm rain shower.

VICEROY VILLA
The crowning jewel of the Viceroy collection, the Viceroy Villa is one of the top family villas in Bali. This 2-bedroom expansive villa has two master bedrooms with lavish marble ensuites, separated by a common semi-outdoor living and dining area adorned by a double tiered thatched roof. Both bedrooms look out to the 15-meter heated pool and grass gardens; with the lush valley as a perfect backdrop.

Bali family villas are often sparing on luxury, however the Viceroy Villa provides top quality amenities and design, such as the master bath with waterfall feature wall, whilst still being family-friendly. The substantial entertaining area allows for private barbecue or chef events to be organized.

ELEPHANT VILLA
The Elephant Villa is the best Ubud Villa with view at the valley, providing the most picturesque scenery of any luxury villa in Ubud. The traditional Balinese indoor and outdoor living areas are perfect for couples looking for an exclusive honeymoon in Ubud.

The Balinese architecture is perfectly combined with modern amenities. The open plan marble bathroom steps with carved elephant detail, steps out to the covered outdoor deck that has the calm sound of the rolling river rising from the valley floor below. This Viceroy Bali’s luxury villa Ubud is a unique offering with only one room like this in the collection.

POOL SUITE
A private pool villa in Bali in the middle of a tropical surrounding. Experience Ubud from its most beautiful side. These suites provide an intimate feeling, with their spectacularly spacious interior, heated plunge pool and semi-outdoor bathroom beautifully blending indoor and outdoor living spaces.

Luxury hotels in Bali rarely see a starting room as elegant as ours. This private pool villa in Bali with a stunning jungle view will not disappoint you! Elegant yet discreet, the modern open-plan design is ideal for couples wanting their own luxurious space.

The semi-outdoor marble bathroom allows you to effortlessly step to your heated undercover plunge pool, due to the beautiful blending of indoor and outdoor living spaces in these Balinese private pool villas.

The daybed and covered deck provide ample comfort and space to soak in the spectacular jungle views whilst being protected from the elements. Inside the bedroom and lounge, expect a generous space to relax.

DINING
One of Bali’s pre-eminent dining destinations, Viceroy Bali is celebrated as much for its exceptional Bali Restaurant food and drink as its beautiful private pool villas.

From the vibrant, all-day dining restaurant and bar of Cascades, which overlooks the lush jungle valley; to Bali’s fine dining at its best with the grand Apéritif restaurant and bar, which transports you back to a bygone era through its art-deco design.

In 2020, Apéritif Restaurant & Bar was awarded Indonesia’s Best Restaurant at the World Culinary Awards. For late night treats or an early morning breakfast, an extensive 24 hours in-villa dining menu is also available.

APÉRITIF RESTAURANT & BAR
Set amid Ubud’s lush jungle valley setting and yet only 5 minutes from Ubud centre, Apéritif offers unique fine dining Bali, a must-do experience for foodies and architecture enthusiasts alike.

Housed in an elegant, spacious standalone building overlooking the verdant jungle landscape, the 1920s-inspired restaurant and bar offers sophisticated degustation menu that is representative of the culinary team —led by Belgian Chef Nic Vanderbeeken— and their respect for quality ingredients.

The menu explores the world by way of the Indonesian archipelago; a Bali fine dining journey but of global gastronomy with influences of the old Spice Islands. It couples high-grade produce sourced globally, locally and from the Apéritif greenhouse with the finesse of Modern European culinary techniques.

This luxurious haven is also home to Apéritif Bar, where guests are encouraged to enjoy exotic cocktails or top shelf spirits in an atmosphere that is reminiscent of the Roaring Twenties.

CASCADES BALI RESTAURANT
Cascades restaurant provides the perfect lunch or dinner alternative to fine dining in Bali. The Indonesian and European menus produce bold and unique gourmet dishes that are perfect for a long lunch or a nice dinner. With spectacularly lush jungle views during the day, you feel like you are sitting on the edge of the world, the perfect spot for a long afternoon luncheon.

The evenings are transformed with an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, individual romantic table settings underneath the architecturally stunning grass and bamboo thatched 10 metre high roof (Alang-alang).

WELLNESS EXPERIENCES
Perched magnificently atop a gorgeous valley with spectacular views overlooking the Petanu River gorge, Lembah Spa is considered one of Bali’s most tranquil settings, the perfect location for the pursuit of health and well being.

Treatments have been meticulously developed combining Western knowledge with traditional, time-honored Balinese wellness techniques handed down over centuries. In fact, the name Ubud for where Viceroy Bali is located, originates from the Balinese word “obat” which literally means “herb” or “medicine”.

If this highland region is the centre of healing then Lembah is at its heart with unique traditions in health and healing that have given Ubud a reputation amongst spa practitioners worldwide.

Bali has also been a crossroads for spa practices with a variety of techniques from Asia and Europe. Considered the finest Ubud spa, Lembah’s local therapists as an example have been professionally trained over the years by accredited Swiss therapists.

Bali has also been a crossroads for spa practices with a variety of techniques from Asia and Europe. Considered the finest Ubud spa, Lembah’s local therapists as an example have been professionally trained over the years by accredited Swiss therapists.

Magnificently atop the valley with spectacular views overlooking the tropical jungle, Lembah Spa is considered one of Bali’s most tranquil settings, the perfect location for a health and wellness transformation.

LEMBAH SPA
Perched magnificently atop a gorgeous valley with spectacular views overlooking the Petanu River gorge, Lembah Spa at Voceroy Bali is considered one of Bali’s most tranquil settings, the perfect location for the pursuit of health and well being.

FITNESS 
Yoga has been used for thousands of years to restore physical, mental and emotional well being. The Viceroy has a yoga master on standby for private sessions with our guests, being held in any of the garden locations around the resort or in guest villas.

WEDDINGS IN BALI
Viceroy Bali wedding packages offer breathtaking boutique weddings in an idyllic setting. Customize your special moment with elegant optional extras that are sure to make your day unique, but start with our basic Bali wedding package. Our team will correspond prior to your arrival and make last minute arrangements once at Viceroy Bali, so that your special day is effortlessly magical.

BALI LUXURY PACKAGE
Enjoy a uniquely crafted experience that imbues the timeless culture of traditional Bali in a luxury package. Explore with two half-day tours, tailor made to discover the Balinese culture and countryside you want to see.

Visit Tirta Empul water temple to participate in a cleansing ritual or discover other ancient temples to expand your understanding of the spirituality that is embedded in the daily lives of the Balinese.

Walk through the thousand year old terraced rice paddy subak systems or have fun watching the monkey’s at the sacred forest. This Viceroy Bali luxury package allows you to see the elements of Bali you’ve been dying to see at a special rate.

HONEYMOON IN UBUD 
Viceroy Bali is a sublime lovers’ retreat that will transport you to a world of beautiful tranquility for your Ubud honeymoon. From the moment you step into Viceroy Bali, the luxurious Balinese detail and stunning jungle vistas fill you with a sense that you have just ticked off one of your bucket list dreams.

With all the time in the world to relax in your infinity pool or indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments, time will all but stand still in this luscious green paradise. To perfect your Ubud honeymoon, Apéritif restaurant will not disappoint with a degustation menu that incorporates local flavours with European finesse.

YOGA
Yoga has been used for thousands of years to restore physical, mental and emotional well being. The Viceroy has a yoga master on standby for private sessions with our guests, being held in any of the garden locations around the resort or in guest villas.

COOKING CLASS
Learn to cook traditional Indonesian dishes with the assistance of our professional cooking teachers. These cooking classes allow you to experience Indonesia’s unique food culture first-hand, making them one-of-a-kind Bali activities that everyone can enjoy. Courses start with a morning visit to a traditional market to let you discover fresh vegetables, fish, meat, herbs & spices.

The chef will then take you step-by-step through the process of creating seven traditional Indonesian dishes using the ingredients you bought at the morning market. A certificate of completion is included.

BALINESE MASSAGE
Lembah Spa offers spectacular views of the Petanu River Valley to complement the therapeutic international and local treatments offered at this professional day spa.

Traditional Balinese massage, the most popular treatment, is characterized as a firm finger and palm massage and is the village technique that has been practiced for centuries by members of the community to help relieve muscle pain caused by working long and hard hours in the rice fields. This endearing massage relaxes weary muscles and is ideal for stiff backs after long-haul flights.

ROMANTIC CANDLELIT DINNER
Enjoy a five-course degustation dinner at CasCades Restaurant in a spectacular setting with valley views and your own personal romantic decorations. The menu is European inspired with an Asian twist that brings exotic flavours and highest quality produce together. At Apéritif Restaurant & Bar you will indulge in an eight-course degustation menu at your romantic candlelit table, in a more intimate part of the restaurant.

CYCLING
Take a leisurely bicycle tour around the Villages to see the culture and diversity that Bali’s heartland has to offer! Your English-speaking guide will entertain you with mythical stories and various facts to enhance your experience.

The bike tour travels through traditional villages, Petulu Heron Village and stops at numerous temples. We also visit Tegallalang, the world famous rice terraces.
Recommend early morning or late afternoon due to the midday heat. Please book the day before at our reception.

RICE PADDY TREK
It starts from the hotel by the car then you will be dropped off to Tegellalang Rice Terrace which is located 15 minutes drive. With an English Speaking Guide, this trek goes to the vista sprawls down and away to the rice terraces on the slopes across the valley so you will see closely the farmer about what He does in the rice fields.

This is where you really get an understanding of the Balinese daily life. Recommend early morning or late afternoon due to the midday heat. Please book the day before at our reception.

SUN RISE TREKKING
Hike Batur volcano at sunrise, the only private trekking tour that combines eco-tourism and culture in one of the most unforgettable Bali activities. This once in a lifetime experience is ideal for those who don’t mind early rises and the payoff is witnessing Mount Batur and Mount Agung, the latter being Bali’s most revered and its highest, at sunrise.

BALINESE ‘OFFERING’ LESSON
Learn how to make many kinds of traditional designs in the coconut white leafs to be the offerings for The Viceroy Bali. After this, you can put on your sarong and make your offerings to the Gods at our family temple. For you who like to learn something new, this Bali activities is perfect for you.

BALINESE DANCE LESSON
Imagine yourself in the traditional Balinese costume, dancing alongside your instructor while gamelan music plays in the background. Make your dreams come true by trying our Balinese dancing class! Please book through reception the day before. Materials and sarong are supplied.

TRADITIONAL KITE MAKING LESSONS
Discover the source of fun and leisure among Balinese of all ages and join in on a kite making class! During these kite making Bali activities you will hand craft your personal kite and then test its abilities in the rice fields while mingling among fellow Balinese kite fliers.

PETULU VILLAGE TOUR
With an English speaking guide visit thousands of white Heron birds returning to their nests along the road of the Petulu village. Visit the White Herons by either car, bicycle, or trekking. Starts at 05.00 pm. Allow 1 hour.

BALI BIRD PARK
Here you’ll find the largest and finest collection of Indonesian birds in the world along with birds from Africa and South America. Encompassing two hectares of botanical landscape, the park provides sanctuary to almost 1000 birds of 250 different species accommodating a rich display of flora with more than 2000 tropical plants including 50 varieties of palms attracting numerous butterflies.

COFFEE PLANTATION
The coffee plantation and tour combines a Kintamani and Mount Batur volcano tour. Arabica coffee and robusta coffee are mostly found in the central highlands of Bali. Balinese families who live in the countryside typically grow coffee in small plantations or merely in their backyards and process beans traditionally with a unique powder the result of their labour.

BALI SAFARI AND MARINE PARK
Bali Safari and Marine Park, built on 40 hectares of land, presents an authentic experience in a natural habitat. Home to over a thousand amazing animals – Bali Safari Park is your destination for an adventurous, fun, educational experience. Price depends on the packages; call our receptionist for more information.

WHITE WATER RAFTING
SOBEK pioneered white water rafting in the 1980’s and 16 years on are known widely for their safety and quality of product. If you are thinking of a decent degree of adventure, fun and a good exciting laugh in nature with friends, consider this operator your first choice.

DIVING
Diving Bali’s numerous reefs and atolls is an adventure that will capture your imagination. The coastal fringe and islands around Bali are replete of fish and colour too numerous to mention.

For beginner snorkelers or advanced divers, the experience will amaze you. Discover great dive locations led by excellent operators and some of the last watery frontiers on earth to explore.

HORSE RIDING
Enjoy horseback adventures along a beach before passing through bamboo and alang-alang plantations where wild banana and pineapple grow in abundance.

Heaps of wild scenery at every glance along with special temples dedicated to the annual rice harvest. Head back onto the beach and ride amongst resplendent traditional fishing boats called ‘jukung’. (No experience necessary!)

BATUR MOUNTAIN CYCLING
Escape from the tourist centres to the cooler climes of Bali’s mountainous region. Expect top of the line mountain bikes and safety equipment for downhill trail blasting from Mount Batur through sleepy traditional villages.

HARLEY DAVIDSON TOURS OR RENTAL
With a reputation for providing only the best quality American motorcycles, our affiliated tour operator, Dewata Harley-Davidson, offers guided motorcycle tours by professionals who know their bikes and who know the island and its most memorable ribbons of asphalt.

GOLFING DAYS
Golfers refer to the lush heartland course of Bali as “Absolutely Green.” At an altitude of 1.142 meters surrounded by rolling mountains, crater lakes and ancient forest, the course is designed to blend fairways and nature creating dramatic backdrops for tea shots and approaches.

PURI SAREN AGUNG, THE ROYAL PALACE
Currently home to descendants of Ubud’s last king, Puri Saren Agung was the seat for the village’s ruler from the late 1800s to the mid-1940s. Parts of the grounds are open to visitors for a glimpse of what the royal abode holds: well-preserved pavilions with intricate carvings furnished with colonial-era European pieces, and hand-carved stone reliefs dotting the premises.

A traditional Balinese dance is held in the evenings – good weather permitting – at the courtyard, which forms a dramatic backdrop for these entertaining performances.

PASAR SENI, THE ART MARKET
The Pasar Seni is a treasure trove of local handicrafts, home wares and quaint souvenirs for anyone looking to bring home a made-in-Bali product, spread over two floors.

Fresh produce such as fruit, vegetables, poultry and local snacks can be purchased from the wet market located at the basement of the building. To snag the best bargains, arrive early in the morning and do not be afraid to haggle with the shop owners – it is a way of life here, and they enjoy the exchange.

PURA SARASWATI, WATER PALACE
This temple and water garden was built at the end of the 19th century, by commission of the royal family, and named after the Hindu goddess of art and learning. The “padmasana” or, main shrine, features fine carvings. Traditional Balinese dances are performed to a gamelan orchestra at the outer courtyard, next to the lotus pond twice a week.

MUSEUM PURI LUKISAN
Follow the evolution of art in Bali through the collection of paintings and sculptures at the Museum Puri Lukisan, which was founded in 1956 by a prince of Ubud and a Dutch artist. The museum was recently renovated and its gate is a fine example of traditional Balinese architecture. There is also a space committed to a revolving showcase of up-and-coming local artists.

PADANGTEGAL MONKEY FOREST
Commonly known as Ubud Monkey Forest, the Wenara Wana is home to Padangtegal’s Pura Dalem or temple of the dead. It is also home to a group of mischievous long-tailed macaque who will entertain you with their antics. Do keep shiny objects out of their sight, as they have been known to kidnap such items for ransom of a sweet or treat.

KINTAMANI VOLCANO SKY TOUR
From the air is the only way to see the spectacular Kintamani Volcano and Caldera lake, renowned as Bali’s most famous landmark. With a bus transfer from your hotel to our own private Helipad at Taro Elephant Safari park where your Helicopter awaits you. Upon departure we head North East over the surrounding villages of Taro, deep river valleys and beautiful picturesque rice fields.

The rim of the Kintamani caldera looms ahead in the distance until we are over the top to view the breathtaking volcanic crater lake of Mt. Batur, the remains of a huge explosion that occurred thousands of years ago. Lake Batur, Bali’s largest lake, is situated within this crater, next to a younger active volcano.

The small volcano is constantly recreating itself in periodic eruptions of ash and rock. We circle the smaller young active crater situated within. After plenty of photo opportunities we then head South back to the Elephant Safari Park at Taro where you will be welcomed by our attentive Ground Crew where the bus transfer to your hotel awaits.

BEDUGUL LAKE SKY TOUR
With a bus transfer from your hotel to our own private Helipad at Taro Elephant Safari park where your Helicopter awaits you. Upon departure we head North West over the surrounding villages of Taro, deep river valleys and beautiful picturesque rice fields of Baturiti.

We first rise up over the caldera rim of Lake Beratan, which is 1200 meters above sea level, with it’s famous water temple and nearby botanical gardens. Flying over the lake we then see the the Bali Handara Golf course and its famous mountain lake resort.

We then head to Lake Buyan followed by Lake Tamblingan. On our return to Taro you will get another opportunity to see all the lakes and their attractions before landing safely back at the Elephant Safari Park where the bus transfer to your hotel awaits.

ULUWATU COASTLINE SKY TOUR
Get ready for an adrenalin filled 30 minute Joyflight around Bali’s southern peninsula. With a bus transfer from your hotel to our private Helipad at Bali Adventure Head Office near Benoa, upon departure we first fly over Seranggan Island, or Turtle Island as the Balinese affectionally call it.

We then head across the flight path of Ngurah Rai Airport and around Bali’s iconic Bukit area with the Garuda Wisnu Monument in the distance. We head to the Western tip of the Uluwatu peninsula over famous five star hotels and world renowned surfing beaches.

Flying low over Bali’s beautiful southern peninsula coastline, we witness seaweed farms, and Bali’s famous Dreamland and Padang Padang surfing beaches. The highlight of the flight is seeing the spectacular Uluwatu Hindu temple perched high on its towering white limestone cliff.

Heading back to base we fly over Tanjung Benoa, famous for it’s watersports before crossing the airport flight path once again to touch down safely at Bali Adventure Head Office where the bus transfer to your hotel awaits.

KUTA BEACH & TANAH LOT SKY TOUR
The best way to see this famous bali landmark is from the air! With a bus transfer from your hotel to our own private Helipad at Bali Adventure Head Office near Benoa, upon departure we fly west over Kuta to the long white sandy Kuta beach, an iconic world surfing landmark.

We continue heading north west along the entire length of Kuta beach and Seminyak until we reach the amazing Hindu Temple of Tanah Lot, meaning ‘Land in the Sea’, is Bali’s most popular tourist and cultural icon for photography and general exoticism.

We circle this iconic temple for some photo opportunities before heading back along the coastline over Kuta and back to Bali Adventure Head Office Helipad where the bus transfer to your hotel awaits.

NUSA LEMBONGAN & NUSA PENIDA COSTAL SKY TOUR
These islands feature stunning white cliffs and deserted white beaches. Crystal bay, famous for its shimmering swathes of sand and aquamarine waters.

GILI ISLAND SKY TOUR
The Gili Islands are perfect for a tropical island experience with their clear white coral beaches and turquoise waters offering some of the best dive sites in Asia.

ULTIMATE INDONESIAN YACHTS
The Ultimate Indonesian Yachts team is passionate about exploring south east Asia’s most compelling coastlines, believing that chartering a private yacht is the perfect way to experience the secrets of our blue planet.

The handpicked collection of luxury and expedition charter yachts offers an unrivalled means of experiencing both land and sea from the comfort of boutique accommodation on the waves.

The yachts offered by Ultimate Indonesian Yachts combine tradition, elegance, and modern conveniences, and each of comes with a skilled crew including an expert captain, cruise host and private chef. With our exclusive relationship with the Ultimate Indonesian Yachts team, you can create a luxury land and sea package at ease as our teams will help you plan each step of the journey.

UBUD
Ubud is a highland town on the Indonesian island of Bali, located amongst rice paddies and steep ravines in the central foothills of the Gianyar regency. One of Bali’s major arts and culture centres. Ubud Indonesia, has developed a vibrant tourism industry with its copious shops, artisans and galleries.

Ubud Bali ArchitectureUbud, Indonesia has a population of approximately 8,000 people, though these days the burgeoning town is becoming difficult to distinguish from the growing patchwork of villages that surround it.

The main street is Jalan Raya Ubud (Jalan Raya means main road), which runs east-west through the center of town. Two long roads, Jalan Monkey Forest and Jalan Hanoman, extend south from Jalan Raya Ubud. Puri Saren Agung is a large palace located at the intersection of Monkey Forest and Jalan Raya Ubud roads.

MOnkey Forest UbudThe home of Tjokorda Gede Agung Sukawati (1910-1978), the last “king” of Ubud Indonesia, is now occupied by his descendants and dance performances held in its courtyard. The home was also one of Ubud’s first hotels, dating back to the 1930s.

The Ubud Monkey Forest is a sacred nature reserve located near the southern end of Jalan Monkey Forest. The habitat houses a temple and approximately 340 crab-eating Macaque (Macaca fascicularis) monkeys.

Ubud tourism focuses on art, culture, yoga and nature. In contrast to the main tourist area in southern Bali, the Ubud Indonesia area boasts forests, rivers, cooler temperatures and less congestion although traffic has increased dramatically in the past decade.

The Moon of Pejeng, in nearby Pejeng, is the largest single-cast bronze kettledrum in the world, dating from circa 300BC. It is a popular destination for tourists interested in local culture, as is the 11th century Goa Gajah, or ‘Elephant Cave’, temple complex.

BALI
The Bali holiday destination is renowned for its diverse and sophisticated art forms, such as painting, sculpture, woodcarving, handcrafts, and performing arts. Balinese percussion orchestra music, known as gamelan, is highly developed and varied.

Balinese performing arts often portray stories from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana but with heavy Balinese influence. Famous Balinese dances include pendet, legong, baris, topeng, barong, gong keybar, and kecak (the monkey dance).

The Bali holiday destination prides itself with one of the most diverse and innovative performing arts cultures in the world, with paid performances at thousands of temple festivals, private ceremonies, or public shows.

destination Bali danceThe Hindu New Year, Nyepi, is celebrated in the spring by a day of silence. On this day everyone stays at home Celebrations are held for many occasions such as a tooth-filing (coming-of-age ritual), cremation or odalan (temple festival).

One of the most important concepts that Balinese ceremonies have in common is that of désa kala patra, which refers to how ritual performances must be appropriate in both the specific and general social context. Many of the ceremonial art forms such as wayang kulit and topeng are highly improvisatory, providing flexibility for the performer to adapt the performance to the current situation.

Many celebrations call for a loud, boisterous atmosphere with lots of activity and the resulting aesthetic, ramé, is distinctively Balinese. Oftentimes two or more gamelan ensembles will be performing well within earshot, and sometimes compete with each other in order to be heard.

Likewise, the audience members of the Bali holiday destination talk amongst themselves, get up and walk around, or even cheer on the performance, which adds to the many layers of activity and the liveliness typical of ramé.and tourists must remain in their hotels.

But the day before the large, colourful sculptures of ogoh-ogoh monsters are paraded and finally burned in the evening to drive away evil spirits. Other festivals throughout the year are specified by the Balinese pawukon calendrical system.

Kaja and kelod are the Balinese equivalents of North and South, which refer to ones orientation between the island’s largest mountain Gunung Agung (kaja), and the sea (kelod). In addition to spatial orientation, kaja and kelod have the connotation of good and evil; gods and ancestors are believed to live on the mountain whereas demons live in the sea.

Buildings such as temples and residential homes are spatially oriented by having the most sacred spaces closest to the mountain and the unclean places nearest to the sea.

Most temples have an inner courtyard and an outer courtyard which are arranged with the inner courtyard furthest kaja. These spaces serve as performance venues since most Balinese rituals are accompanied by any combination of music, dance and drama.

The performances that take place in the inner courtyard are classified as wali, the most sacred rituals which are offerings exclusively for the gods, while the outer courtyard is where bebali ceremonies are held, which are intended for gods and people. Lastly, performances meant solely for the entertainment of humans take place outside the walls of the temple and are called bali-balihan.

This three-tiered system of classification was standardized in 1971 by a committee of Balinese officials and artists in order to better protect the sanctity of the oldest and most sacred Balinese rituals from being performed for a paying audience. ourism, Bali’s chief industry, has provided the island with a foreign audience that is eager to pay for entertainment, thus creating new performance opportunities and more demand for performers.

The impact of tourism is controversial since before it became integrated into the economy, the Balinese performing arts did not exist as a capitalist venture, and were not performed for entertainment outside of their respective ritual context. Since the 1930s sacred rituals such as the barong dance have been performed both in their original context, as well as exclusively for paying tourists.

This has led to new versions of many of these performances which have developed according to the preferences of foreign audiences; some villages have a barong mask specifically for non-ritual performances as well as an older mask which is only used for sacred performances.

The Balinese eat with their right hand, as the left is impure, a common belief throughout Indonesia. The Balinese do not hand or receive things with their left hand and would not wave at anyone with their left hand.

Rooms: 25

Price: from 298 EUR per night

Source: www.viceroybali.com