Exploring History and Traditions at Pura Petilan Pengerobongan: From Majestic Penjor to Ngurek Dance

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Have you ever been curious when seeing viral videos of large and beautiful penjor (decorative bamboo poles) displayed together? If you’re wondering where this location is, we inform you that it is in Kesiman, specifically at Pura Petilan Pengerobongan. This temple is located in Kesiman village, East Denpasar. The installation of these beautiful, large penjors is just one of the activities at this temple.

Pura Petilan, situated on the northern side of Jalan WR. Supratman, Denpasar, has historical significance and a unique tradition known as Ngerebong, celebrated every Redite Pon Medangsia. In addition to being famous for its large penjors, one of the interesting cultural aspects of this temple is the Tari Ngurek or Ngunying, which is a dance performed in a half-trance state using a kris (traditional dagger) at certain times.

Pura Petilan, also known as Pura Pangrebongan, is one of the temples in Denpasar closely related to the history of Puri Kesiman. The son of the Badung king, who later became the king of Kesiman with the title Cokorda Kesiman or Batara Inggas, established a new palace to the west of Puri Kedaton or Puri Kesiman Baru. To strengthen the support from the people of Kesiman, the worship sites in the area were also improved.

To the east of Pura Petilan, worship places for the Pasek community, Warga Gaduh, and Warga Dangka were built. Similarly, worship sites connected to Pura Petilan were restored by the king. These included Pura Kedaton, Pura Urasana, Pura Kesiman, and Pura Tojan. The ceremonies at Pura Petilan continued, with the king participating in worship alongside the people. The statue of the additional king was also brought and installed at Gedung Agung along with the statue of Dalem Kesiman.

At Pura Petilan Kesiman, there is a gedong agung (main shrine) located in the center, with a bedawang nala base to place the statues. Next to the gedong agung, there is another gedong to accommodate the manca pengerob temple and all the pecanangan or pratima from all the temples in the Kesiman area during the Pengerebongan ceremony at Pura Petilan.

Pura Petilan is very interesting as it unites the people, in this case, the residents of Kesiman with various communities or citizens from different professions. They are united by the strength of their religious beliefs, as the temple not only serves as a medium for worshiping God and the sacred spirits of ancestors but also reaches out to social and cultural aspects.

Bali Mangrove Forest or Ngurah Rai Forest Park: A Nature Tourism Destination that Combines History, Beauty, and Conservation

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One of the natural attractions in the city of Denpasar that you should never miss is the Bali Mangrove Forest, or Ngurah Rai Forest Park (Tahura). This destination has historical significance as it was once the site where heads of state from G-20 countries, including U.S. President Joe Biden, gathered, took photos together, and planted mangroves. It is located on Jalan By Pass Ngurah Rai, Km 21, Suwung Kauh, Pemogan Village, Kuta, Denpasar. When entering this location, look for the large sign indicating G-20.

There are various activities to enjoy in this 1,373-hectare mangrove park, which features a 1.5-kilometer-long mangrove track. Here, you can walk along the wooden track above the mangrove forest, where visitors can observe and identify a variety of mangrove plants on either side. This mangrove track offers a view of the Bali Mandara Toll Road.

Visitors can also take a moment to relax and breathe in the fresh air from a special tower in the middle of the forest. This tower is also Instagram-worthy, making it a popular backdrop for photos. From the top of the tower, visitors can enjoy the beauty of the mangrove forest from above. Another activity you can try here is renting a jukung (traditional fishing boat) owned by local fishermen. The mangrove forest is home to boats from the Segara Guna Batu Lumbang Fishermen Group, which has around 40 members.

Tourists are invited to explore the mangrove forest for 25-30 minutes, even passing beneath the Bali Mandara Toll Road. The Guna Batu Lumbang Fishermen Group also manages a mangrove nursery, where they replant dead or damaged mangroves. Replanting efforts extend into the deeper parts of the forest using boats or canoes.

There are at least 16 species of mangrove vegetation in the Bali Mangrove Forest, predominantly Rhizophora, Bruguiera, and Xylocarpus. These mangroves provide shelter for various aquatic and terrestrial wildlife in the area. The Ngurah Rai Forest Park Technical Implementation Unit has recorded approximately 61 bird species, four reptiles, 30 species of crustaceans, and eight fish species living within it.

Isn’t it interesting to explore activities in the Denpasar Mangrove Forest? Who says tourism in Denpasar is only about culture and beaches? The mangrove forest is also worth visiting.

 

Unveiling the Charm of Sindu Market Sanur: A Favorite Culinary Spot for Foreign and Local Tourists

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Forget any dirty or unpleasant impressions you might have when hearing about Pasar Sindu Sanur. All those impressions can be dismissed; instead, you will be left with a remarkable experience. At Pasar Sindu Sanur, visitors are often amazed by the large number of international tourists mingling with locals. It’s no wonder this market is nicknamed the “Bule Senggol Market.”

Pasar Sindu Sanur is located at Jalan Danau Toba No. 17, Sanur, Bali. The market spans an area of 51 are and accommodates 361 traders, most of whom are local residents. In the morning, the market sells various daily necessities, while at night, the market transforms into a vibrant night market. It was inaugurated by Indonesia’s Minister of Trade, Marie Elka Pangestu, in 2010, with the aim of making Pasar Sindu a friendly and fresh market.

Far from the typical impressions of traditional markets, Pasar Sindu stands out for its cleanliness. It is not only known for being friendly and fresh but also as a market appealing to tourists, especially when it opens at night. In the evening, the market offers a variety of traditional culinary delights from street vendors at affordable prices.

Some of the standout dishes at Pasar Malam Sindu include chicken noodles, fried rice, meatballs, satay, goat curry, and fruit ice. Its location in Sanur, a major destination in Bali, makes Pasar Sindu a popular shopping spot for international tourists. They blend in with locals and domestic tourists to enjoy local culinary offerings. The cleanliness and organization of the vendors create a comfortable atmosphere, dispelling any notions of messiness and disorder.

Don’t be surprised if you find yourself sitting close to international tourists while enjoying the culinary offerings at Pasar Sindu. If you don’t believe it, you can check it out for yourself!

The Tomb of Queen Ayu Siti Khodijah: A Story of Multiculturalism and Legend in Denpasar

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The tomb of Ratu Ayu Siti Khodijah serves as evidence that multiculturalism has long existed in the city of Denpasar. This tomb is located to the north of Setra Agung Badung, in the Pekraman village of Denpasar, precisely to the east of Pura Dalem Kahyangan Denpasar.

Ratu Ayu Siti Khodijah Pemecutan is the tomb of one of the daughters of the Raja Pemecutan named Gusti Ayu Made Rai, also known as Raden Ayu Pemecutan. However, it is unclear which Raja Pemecutan she descended from. She married Raden Sosroningrat, the son of the Raja of Bangkalan, and after their marriage, Dewi Ayu moved to Madura, converted to Islam, and changed her name to Siti Khotijah.

The story of Raden Ayu Pemecutan resembles the legends of princesses from royal courts throughout the archipelago. The princess was renowned for her beauty and beloved, becoming the flower of the kingdom. Many nobles in Bali wished to propose to her. However, misfortune struck when the princess contracted jaundice. Raja Pemecutan attempted to heal his beloved daughter, but was unsuccessful. In desperation, he held a contest: whoever could cure her would be rewarded, marrying the princess if male, or being adopted as a royal child if female.

Kabar tentang sayembara ini terdengar oleh seorang ulama di Yogyakarta dan mempunyai seorang anak didik yang jadi raja di Madura yaitu Pangeran Cakraningrat IV. Ulama yang dalam buku Sejarah keramat Raden Ayu Pemecutan disebut Syech ini memanggil Pangeran Cakraningrat IV ke Yogyakarta untuk mengikuti sayembara tersebut. Raja Madura ini berangkat ke Bali, hasilnya dapat ditebak Raden Ayu Pemecutan dapat disembuhkan oleh Pangeran Cakraningrat IV.

Setelah sang putri sembuh, lalu Raden Ayu Pemecutan dan Pangeran Cakraningrat IV dikawinkan. Tentunya dalam perkawinan muslim, keduanya harus beragama Islam, Raden Ayu Pemecutan pun jadi mualaf dan bergelar Raden Ayu Siti Khotijah. Sang putri lalu di boyong ke Madura oleh Pangeran Cakraningrat IV.

Suatu ketika Raden Ayu pulang ke Bali beserta 40 orang pegiring dan pengawal. Pangeran Cakraningrat IV memberikan bekal berupa guci, keris dan sebuah pusaka berbentuk tusuk konde yang diselipkan di rambut sang putri. Sesampainya di kerajaan Pamecutan, Siti Khotijah disambut dengan riang gembira. Namun, kala itu tidak ada yang mengetahui bahwa sang putri telah memeluk agama Islam. Suatu hari ketika ada suatu upacara Meligia atau Nyekah yaitu upacara Atma Wedana yang dilanjutkan dengan Ngelingihan (Menyetanakan) Betara Hyang di Pemerajan (tempat suci keluarga) Puri Pemecutan, Raden Ayu Pemecutan berkunjung ke Puri tempat kelahirannya. Pada suatu hari saat sandikala (menjelang petang) di Puri, Raden Ayu Pemecutan alias Raden Ayu Siti Kotijah menjalankan persembahyangan (ibadah sholat maghrib) di Merajan Puri dengan menggunakan Mukena (Krudung). Ketika itu salah seorang Patih di Puri melihat hal tersebut. Para patih dan pengawal kerajaan tidak menyadari bahwa Puri telah memeluk islam dan sedang melakukan ibadah sholat. Menurut kepercayaan di Bali, hal tersebut dianggap aneh dan dikatakan sebagai penganut aliran ilmu hitam.

Due to the guards’ ignorance, the “strangeness” witnessed in the palace courtyard led them to report it to the king. The king became furious and ordered the execution of Raden Ayu Siti Khotijah. She was taken to a large burial area, and upon arriving at Pura Kepuh Kembar, Raden Ayu expressed her premonition regarding this situation.

Raden Ayu requested not to be killed with a sharp weapon, but rather with a hairpin tied with betel leaves and wrapped with three colored threads. She reminded them that if the scent was foul, they should bury her; but if it was fragrant, they should build a sacred place called kramat.

After Raden Ayu's death, it was confirmed that fragrant smoke emerged from her body, astonishing the patihs and her attendants. The king deeply regretted his decision. Raden Ayu's body was buried at that location, and as per her request, a sacred place called kramat was constructed, which was managed by Gede Sedahan Gelogor, who served as the palace chief at Puri Pemecutan.

Diving into the History and Traditions of Pura Tambang Badung: From Pura Taman to Pura Penambangan Badung

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Pura Tambang Badung is located in Banjar Pemedilan Kerandan, Desa Pemecutan, Denpasar, specifically on Jalan Gunung Batukaru, just west of Pura Pasah Pemedilan. This temple is one of the ancient temples in Bali.

Originally named Pura Taman, it later became Pura Ayu Panesteran Panembahan Badung before finally being known as Pura Penambang Badung. Pura Tambang Badung hosts several traditions, including the Baris Tangklong dance performed during Penampahan Galungan and the Siyat Sampian tradition celebrated during Manis Kuningan. These traditions aim to purify and instill a sense of chivalry among the community.

Pura Penambangan Badung serves as a royal temple for the Badung Kingdom. According to traditional sources, this temple was established during the early days of the Badung Kingdom by Kiyai Jambe Pule, who was honored with the title Kiyai Anglurah Pemecutan I.

The name Pura Penambangan is closely linked to the blessings received by Kiyai Jambe Pule at Mount Batukaru, symbolized by a whip (cemeti) and a rope (tambang). The temple represents the bond that ties the families and residents of Pemecutan together. Within the temple, various palinggih (sacred structures) stand, including the paibon (family ties) of all the individuals who contributed to the establishment of the Badung Kingdom.

There are a total of 52 palinggih, 18 of which are palinggih paibon, while the rest are dedicated to various important temples in Bali. This temple is maintained by the residents of Puri Pemecutan. The pujawali ceremony (the anniversary of the temple’s founding) is held every Purnama Kadasa (the full moon in the tenth month of the Balinese calendar, around March).

Pura Dalem Kedewatan

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Pura Dalem Kadewatan located at Sanur Village was one of the cultural heritage of Denpasar in Sanur. This Pura was built in XV-XX Masehi and before moved to Sanur, this Pura was located in Tangtu, at the edge of Ayung River.

When Tangtu was heavily flooded by the river, all the ceremony was postponed. That’s the moment when the locals decided to moved this Pura to the south, to Tegal Asah, where the land countour has stages and they found a higher place and shine. The place inspired the name Sanur, it came from the word Sa = means one single and Nur = means holy light.

The rituals held in this Pura is using the spiritual timing on Tilem day to triwara kajeng, often named as Tilem Kajeng. Tilem was a prabhawa from Sang Hyang Siva that also had a form as Sang Hyang Yamadipati (The God of the dead) who had the vanishing power.

The dances of Sang Hyang will be performed on the piodalan day.  One of the dance is Sang Hyang Jaran. This dance is very sacred and stopped performed in 1938 and then finally resume on 2016.

 

This dance showed a horse played and showered with fire with two Pratima in red and white. This sacred dance will feel scary when the dancer as Sang Hyang Jaran playing with a real fire in the middle of the pura and all the songs played in sacred way.

 

One day after piodalan Tilem Kajeng, the people will do the gebogan offerings along the village. This gebogan will be carried by the womens wearing white and yellow kebaya to praise God for all the blessings. This ceremony called Mepeed.

Pura Dalem Penataran

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PURA DALEM PENATARAN

PURA DALEM PENATARAN

Pura Dalem Penataran located close to Pura Siwa Dampati. This Pura was built around XVIII-XIX. In Its Gedong Dalem there are sculpture mentioned the year 1793 or 1871 Masehi. Most part of this building which is Gedong Dalem, Palinggih Sumur Suci, Palinggih Hyang Api (Lebuh Geni), Paduraksa Candi Kurung (Kori Agung) and other statues was made from red bricks and rockstone.

Dampati Shiva Temple

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PURA SIWA DAMPATI

DAMPATI SHIVA TEMPLE

Experts predicted that Pura Siwa Dampati was made within XVIII-XIX century. This pura still in good shape with red bricks and related to Pura Dalem Penataran.

Dampati means The Meeting. In Regweda writings, Dampati also refer to a unity between a man and a woman that cannot be separated. This meanings was believed as a manifests of the unity of Siwa and Sakti, the Durga Goddes in Pura Dalem Penataran.

This complex consists of

Gedong Siwa Dampati, Paduraksa Candi Kurung (Kori Agung), dwarapala statue, and a priest statue (Brahmana).

Segara Temple

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PURA SEGARA

SEGARA TEMPLE

PURA SEGARA

SEGARA TEMPLE

Experts predicted that Pura Siwa Dampati was made within XVIII-XIX century. This pura still in good shape with red bricks and related to Pura Dalem Penataran.

Dampati means The Meeting. In Regweda writings, Dampati also refer to a unity between a man and a woman that cannot be separated. This meanings was believed as a manifests of the unity of Siwa and Sakti, the Durga Goddes in Pura Dalem Penataran.

This complex consists of

Gedong Siwa Dampati, Paduraksa Candi Kurung (Kori Agung), dwarapala statue, and a priest statue (Brahmana).

Dalem Jumeneng Temple

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PURA DALEM JUMENENG

DALEM JUMENENG TEMPLE

PURA DALEM JUMENENG

DALEM JUMENENG TEMPLE

Still within the beachside of Segara Ayu, there is Pura Segara Ayu. Since there is no authentic history about this Pura, but the structure is very similar with Pura Dalem Jumeneng with layers of Gamping stones. Therefore the experts made an assumption that this Pura was built in Megaliticum age.

The fishermen and all the village people surround that area use this Pura to give offerings, celebrations, and praying. Mostly, they use it to ask a blessing for fishing.

In Balinese, Segara means the beach or seaside, and also known as the territory of Wisnu, the Hindu God. They celebrate piodalan (the birthdays of the pura) on Purnama Kedasa (Purnamaning Sasih Kedasa)

There are 3 spot to place offerings; Palinggih Gunung Agung, Palinggih Gunung Batur, and Palinggih Dalem Segara. All the offerings send for the goodness of the nature, and the mountain. Later in the days, the people surround the area made 3 statues to completed the architectural design; dragon, turtle, and elephant fish statues.

Palinggih Bathara Bayu

is the place to praise Bayu, the God of the wind for Hindu Bali

Penyawangan Ratu Mas Melanting

Queen Melanting and Queen Jilih Lambih was the goddess for fertility, life goodness, and prosperity.

Linggih Ratu Manik Kembar

Made from gamping stone layers with three throne chambers. The thrones are made from stones and believed as the place for the Gods to sit and heard prayers.

Tahta Batu          

A throne with a big seat back. Was made from a single gamping stone with a very minimalist sculptures.

Sumur                  

An ancient dwell that brings water. The people used the water from this dwell only for special prayers and made a wall surround it also with gamping stones.

Menhir                 

It’s a very solid vertical stone used to be a tombstone and also  believed there are spirits inside this.

Kedok Muka        

These masks was made very simple, the simple lines made a siluet of eyes, noses, and mouths.