Melukat is just one of Bali’s magical rituals which involves using water as a ritual cleanser. The aim is to cleanse both body and mind, to refresh the spirit and dissolve away any negative influences. It is also believed to cure non medical diseases and sickness of the spirit and whether it does or not, a session bathing in holy waters will certainly make you feel good.Many of these places exist in Bali, with the best known and most visited ones are hidden around the Tirtha Empul area. Yet, Tirtha Sudamala Temple remains surprisingly unvisited, and delightfully pristine. Descending the steep road and carved granite steps, you get the feeling that you are discovering something really special. Something unknown.Early morning is the best time to visit, while the air is cool and fresh. Sometimes Bali’s youngest Perdanda – ( high Priestess) is in attendance, although the day we went, she was busy elsewhere. She is said to arrive around 8am and will stay for some time to give blessings to her devoted followers.In technical terms, Melukat derives from the old Javanese word “lukat” which means to “cleanse” or “purify” while the Indonesian meaning is “to let go” or release something within us. Self purification is sought by many Hindus and in India, the devoted throng to the banks of the holy Ganges River with a similar purpose. It is a ritual that can be performed many times, in fact the more, the merrier as it can only lead to good things.After the ritual bathing is done, it is a steep walk up the hill, but the Balinese, being service oriented, have motorbikes awaiting the lazy. What a great invention! So a quick and painless ride back to the top of the hill brings us to several warungs serving a host of local delights. Coffee, a cold coke, a ketupat concoction with vegetables and steamed rice, and several other culinary treats are there to be enjoyed. You can just choose what you will. A few local people sell fruit from their own gardens as well as sweet potatoes and if you are lucky, the especially delicious Bangle avocados, the best on the island. It is all a really wonderful way to start the day, or the week, or even the rest of your life!   Source : https://www.nowbali.co.id/magical-melukat-purifying-mind-body-soul/

Bali is one of the most evocative and popular tourist islands of the entire Indonesian archipelago. A visit here sparks the senses. The intoxicating fragrance of incense and clove oil hangs in the thick tropical air. Peanuts sizzle at roadside stalls, petal-strewn offerings smolder on busy sidewalks, and traditional gamelan music jangles against the buzz of mopeds.Despite the clamor and chaos of the main tourist areas, the island is rich in natural beauty, with attractions for every kind of traveler. Surfers come for the legendary swells, hikers can trek up jungly volcanic peaks to misty waterfalls, and cyclists can bike through lush landscapes bristling with rice terraces and traditional villages.The island"s rich arts scene is another top draw, and if relaxation is your top priority, the shopping in Bali and spa treatments are fabulous — and affordable. Spirituality adds yet another layer to Bali"s allure, and seeing the magnificent temples and sacred Hindu ceremonies are top things to do in Bali.Since the famous book and film Eat, Pray, Love spotlighted this enchanting island, the tourist throngs have undeniably swelled, but you can still experience old Bali if you stray off the beaten track. Find the best places to visit and some of the island"s hidden gems with our list of the top attractions in Bali.

Who can resist a Bali Holiday? A trip to Bali must be a thrilling moment for first-time travelers. Aside of being so happy to arrive at this beautiful island, many things are still unfamiliar right? To help you make your first Bali vacation remarkable, here are some Travel Tips for visiting Bali for the First Time.Better book in AdvanceComing to Bali between July, September and December, a first-time traveler may need extra patience. It can be rather difficult to find a hotel, the price also skyrocketed due to the peak season. So, instead of being confused about finding accommodation when you arrive in Bali, it's better to book the hotel you want in advance. It also works best in low season; as your accommodation is well-arranged, you have more time to have fun.Check out Bali weather forecast.It’s important for you to know what weather that will welcome you in Bali. Most people visit on July, August, and September when this island have more sun shines. For some others, they take it in other months like November to March when rain often visits.Buy a Sim Card.For your convenient trip, you might need a local sim card or rent 4G LTE Wifi Device to stay connected overseas. It’s not expensive at all and is very easy to find in Bali. Find one in roadside shops or you can even get them at the airport. For a better experience, use Telkomsel. It’s recommended among all!Exchange your moneyAs you are in Bali, you’ll need money in IDR. You’ll find a lot of money changer easily in Bali but better see an authorized money changer like The Central Kuta or Maspintjinra Money Changer. They usually have the most updated and competitive rates. They take no commissions, as well as good service and security.Download Gojek apps and Grab Apps.Great holiday needs good transportation too. So let your wallet not break down by downloading the Gojek Apps or Grab Apps. Aside of cost lower than taxi; this application makes transactions transparent and easy. But, if you plan for a full day tour to other part of Bali (east or north Bali), better take a car rental with driver. It’s much cheaper for sure.Try out Bali’s Iconic Cities.While you are in Bali, why don’t feel different glimpse of Bali through its different cities? Spend a day or two in Kuta to taste the naughty side of Bali. Many bars and nightlife starts when other parts of Bali begin to sleep. Seminyak has those high-end restaurants and hotels for luxury stay. While the cozy Canggu suits your need of an easy outstanding stay. And, if you are looking for luxurious solitude, escape to Ubud! There you’ll get close to the real Bali where culture, luxury and nature get along in harmony.Take a day trip to Nusa Penida Island.Also complete your vacation in Bali's hidden treasure, Nusa Penida Island. You can expect white-sand beaches with crystal blue water, high coastal cliffs drop and less-touched nature. To experience this island at its best, it’s better to spend one or two night there. You can plan for a visit to the famous Broken Beach or even do a Manta Rey snorkeling. Take a temple tourBali trip without a temple tour sounds like making an apple pie without apples! Something’s missing. Bali is named as the island of thousand temples for a reason. So get close to Bali’s culture by visiting one or two beautiful temples on this island! Confused which to visit? Check out our guide of Must See Temples in Bali.Basic Rules in Visiting a temple.We all know that temple is a sacred place for Balinese. There are some unwritten rules you need to follow when you visit one. First, please make sure that you are “clean”; you are not in mourning state or is in monthly period (for women). Wearing proper clothes is also better; wear sarong to cover you lower body and sash on your waist to immerse in Balinese Culture.Eat like a Balinese.Visiting Bali is incomplete without trying to eat like a local. There’re lots of typical Balinese food that’s worth to try; ranging from the famous Suckling Pigs to Balinese Mixed Rice (rice served with various side dishes and sambal) which is easily found in Bali. If you go to a local restaurant, it cost around IDR 25K per portion. Don’t forget to ask for 'tidak pedas' (means not spicy), if you are not used to spicy food! It’ll definitely save you from long visit at the bathroom. Check out our Must try Local Foods that you can’t miss while you are in Bali. Other must visit restaurants, check our recommendations.Chill out at Beach ClubAfter your long days in Bali, get an escape to one of the best beach clubs in Bali. This island brims with many fancy beach clubs that offer luring white sand, tasty cocktails and bites, and some serves you unmatched sunsets. Maybe one of them is on your bucket list? Just try it out! Yet, if you are still confused about which one to visit, try reading our reviews about Best Beach Clubs in Bali.Balinese people are super friendly.It’s not a secret anymore that Balinese are warm and super friendly. Smile is like a politeness language that all Balinese do. So don't hesitate to greet a Balinese, at least you will get a sincere smile in return. And, be aware that there are many Ketut and Wayan as Balinese share common name as an identity. So, explore Bali and get your Balinese friends soon! Source by : https://thebaliguideline.com/blog/bali-first-timer-tips