In this pioneering approach to contemporary theatre, elements of fine art and ritual communicate combine to communicate the extensive and intensive role artistic refinement plays in the daily life of the Balinese. Each remarkable performance ends with the audience and artists gathering together on stage, reflecting the age-old generosity of the Balinese who eagerly share their rich culture with Island visitors. Either of both shows are the new “must see” part of any Bali holiday guaranteed to leave audiences with a deeper understanding and appreciation of Bali’s ancient culture.
3. TARO VILLAGE UBUD
Why Taro Village in Ubud is Special and Important to Balinese Society ?
Taro Village in Ubud – The beautiful and tranquil Taro is one of popular countryside destinations located in the famous area of Ubud, Gianyar, one-hour drive away from the inner city of Denpasar. Taro used to be merely a traditional Balinese Desa (village) with profound historical legacy. But today, it has completely transformed into a modern attraction for laid-back tourists who crave for tropical countryside beauty, albeit still retaining its spiritual image.
The Legendary Albino Cattle of Taro Village in Ubud
There is a herd of legendary albino cattle in Taro, sanctified by the surrounding communities and Balinese society in general for its spiritual status: the vehicle of Lord Shiva; the bearer of the truth; and the symbol of the motherland. They also serve as witnesses for the Ngasti ceremony, in which the cattle is driven out from the forest and subsequently guided to circumnavigate the whole ceremony area. In this ceremony, the cattle will engage in Mepada (Maideran/Purwa Daksina) procession, where they start dwelling the area from east in a clockwise manner for as much as three times to finally stop again at the same point. After the procession, the cattle is then given offerings and delivered back to the forest.
These white cattle are believed to have inhabited the area prior to the arrival of Rsi Markandya, a Mahayogi (High Priest) from Eastern Java who came to Bali on a spiritual guidance.
An Establishment Laden With Spiritual Values
The history of Taro began when Rsi Markandya arrived in a dense forest beneath Mount Agung (northeastern Bali) where he tried to open residential and agricultural areas with his 8000-strong followers. However, their efforts were hampered by a deadly disease outbreak, leaving only about a half of his followers survived. Seeing this strange phenomenon, Rsi Markandya then meditated in hope of receiving guidance from The Almighty. He realized that they need to ask for permission first by offering a plowing ceremony of Panca Datu at Besakih Temple.
Afterward, Rsi Markandya and his followers accomplished their targets to build residential areas and agriculture around the mountain. Their expansion then widens to a very fertile region named Sarwa Ada which subsequently became the location of a religious school (Pasraman) named Pasraman Gunung Raung – a bid to satisfy The Almighty.
But somehow, he keeps struggling with plethora of problems and obstacles.
Feeling perplexed, he decided to return to Eastern Java to meditate, asking for more guidance. However, he was tipped that he should return to Bali and perform a meditation at the Pasraman. Assured by the guidance, Rsi Markandya acted accordingly and saw a glowing light came from a tree. He eventually decided to build a temple at the location. The temple was named Pura Gunung Raung and gradually became the center of the Taro village in Ubud as we know it. The name itself is derived from the word “taru” which literally means tree.
And We Built Elephant Safari Park & Lodge Nearby…
It is near this temple that Nigel and Yanie Mason established the Elephant Safari Park. The first development date back to 1996 in pursuit of adding an entirely new dimension to their Bali Adventure Tours service portfolio. The park initially opened with 9 Sumatran Elephants, a subspecies of the Asian Elephant that were rescued directly from their last natural stronghold in Indonesia. However, the Lodge itself was not opened until 2008 after an intense staff training and perfection period.
Now, it is considered as one of the most renowned destinations in Bali and the world for its lush elephant retreat. The Elephant Safari Park Lodge offers a world-exclusive experience to interact, feed, ride, observe, learn, play and stay with 31 (+4 infants) beautiful Sumatran elephants. These are one of the most rare and endangered species of elephants left in the world today.
If you are coming from Europe and take a long flight also cost more money. It is fair to say when you are visiting Bali, will expect something unique and different, perhaps like Uluwatu temple.
Finally, as you can see from the title, it is about the unique and different point of Taro Elephant Safari Park, from another elephant park that you can get in your country. Below is the unique things of Taro Elephant Safari Park Ubud.
- It is Sumatran Elephant.
- Warm tropical environment.
- Natural tropical rain forest.
- Of course friendliness of Balinese people.
Most of us know, kids love to see an animal, Water Park, and fun activities, particularly if children can see a live animal and have a direct contact with animal directly. One of animal that safe to have direct contact with the kids is Elephant.
Kids if only seeing an elephant, without doing nothing will not impress them. However, if children see the elephant talent and on capable deliver an attractive show, this will influence your kid’s knowledge about things that elephant can do.
Bali island has plenty of places to watch a live elephant show, elephant ride experience, and elephant feeding. The best one for elephant safari that you can get in Bali is Elephant Safari Park Ubud. Most people who have visited elephant safari park lodge Bali said. It is one of the best things to do in Ubud for kids and family.
Elephant Safari Park Lodge Bali has 3,5 hectares spaces and gets so many of reward in a matter of elephant safari park.
The site also provides 25 rooms of the lodge in a safari style, offers luxury and comfort. On Taro Elephant Park Ubud you can directly interact with Sumatran elephants, you can feed the elephants, ride the elephant, watch, and play with the elephant.
For your information, Sumatran elephants are one of the endangered species. As a result, it is protected by the Indonesian government.
The elephant park design to suit everybody needs, not just only elephant lovers and very suitable if you are on holiday with family especially for children’s.
While riding an elephant, you also can enjoy the beauty of the natural environment. Plenty of honeymooners also tries elephant safari lodge Ubud. So that they can have a romantic getaway, and many of the couples choose to have their wedding ceremony held in this elephant park.
The Taro Elephant Park also provides a trail for elephant rides, botanical garden, restaurant, and accommodation if you want to stay overnight.
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