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The Bali Journal, Jalan Pantai Kuta, Badung (2025)

08/12/2025

When “Content Creation” Goes Wrong: A Bali Story With a Moral (and a Wink)

Bali never runs out of surprises. One week you get viral yoga gurus, another week you get tourists arguing with monkeys… and then there are days when someone tries to film “adults-only creativity” in a country that very clearly says: “Nope. Not here.”

Recently, a foreign content creator learned this lesson the hard and slightly hilarious way after being detained for allegedly producing explicit material on the island. The situation escalated quickly when authorities discovered a brightly colored vehicle decorated like it was about to start a “tropical VIP tour”… just not the kind you book on TripAdvisor.

Spoiler:
That tour ended in an office with fluorescent lighting, not a sunset beach club.

Why This Became a Big Deal

Indonesia has strict laws around po*******hy, and Bali despite its free-spirited aesthetic is still part of Indonesia.
In short:

Beautiful beaches? Yes.
Street food heaven? Yes.
A place to film explicit content? Definitely not.

The incident quickly went viral, causing equal parts shock, laughter, and collective face-palming among locals.

The Educational Part (We Promise It’s Important)

For anyone visiting Bali:

✔ Respect the culture
✔ Respect the laws
✔ Don’t turn your holiday into a courtroom documentary

Bali is a warm, welcoming place—but it also has deep traditions and strong community values. What may feel “normal” in your home country can be completely inappropriate here.

The Funny Side (Because Humans Cope With Humor)

Let’s be honest…
If you drive around Bali in a brightly labeled van hinting at questionable activities, while carrying cameras and “adult accessories,” you’re basically waving a giant sign that says:

“Hi, please investigate me!”

It’s like trying to hide a durian inside a yoga studio.
People will notice.

So Here’s the Takeaway

Create content yes.
Have fun please.
But remember the basics:

“When in Bali, do Balinese-friendly things.”

The island is magical, but not magical enough to make legal trouble disappear.

Now It’s Your Turn!

What do you think?
• Should tourists be more educated about local laws?
• Is this whole situation hilarious, shocking, or both?
• What would you do if you saw a suspicious “tour van” parked near your villa?

👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments let’s see what Bali Jurnal readers have to say!

23/11/2025

Danau Beratan, Where Mist Meets Sacred Serenity

Hidden in the cool embrace of Bedugul’s highlands, Danau Beratan feels like stepping into a quiet dream. As gentle mist drapes over the lake and softens the surrounding hills, the world slows down, inviting you to breathe deeper and stay a little longer.

At the heart of this tranquil landscape stands Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, gracefully rising from the water as if floating between heaven and earth. In the early morning light, its silhouette mirrored on the glassy lake creates a moment so still, it feels almost sacred a perfect harmony between nature and devotion.

The air here carries the freshness of pine and earth, a refreshing contrast to Bali’s coastal warmth. Visitors can glide across the water by boat, stroll through lush gardens, or simply sit in silence, letting the calm rhythm of the lake soothe the soul. Every corner offers a cinematic view, every breeze a gentle reminder to slow down.

Danau Beratan is not merely a destination; it is an experience a place where beauty whispers, peace lingers, and memories are etched softly into the heart.

17/11/2025

✨ Galungan: Bali’s Version of Christmas (But With Better Offerings and Fewer Santa Hats) ✨

If Christmas is the season of joy, family, and lots of food… then in Bali, Galungan is basically our own version minus the snow, plus way more coconut leaves and holy vibes.

Every 210 days, the entire island transforms. Penjor rise like giant bamboo rainbows along the streets, families gather, kitchens go into “full battle mode,” and the smell of lawar fills the air. It’s festive, meaningful, and yes slightly chaotic in the most beautiful way.

🌼 What Is Galungan, Actually?

In simple terms, Galungan celebrates the triumph of Dharma (good) over Adharma (not-so-good).
It’s a reminder that no matter how busy life gets, goodness should always win.
Even when traffic in Kuta tries to test your patience Dharma still wins. (We hope.)

It is also believed that during Galungan, our ancestors return home to bless their families.
Kind of like when your relatives come home for Christmas… except these ones don’t ask why you’re still single.

🌿 Why the Peninsula of Penjor?

Those tall, elegant bamboo poles you see everywhere? They’re called Penjor.
They symbolize prosperity, gratitude, and the beauty of nature.

Plus, let’s be honest no festival in the world decorates an entire island with 8-meter bamboo art like Bali does. It’s basically our version of Christmas lights… but biodegradable.

🍽️ The Food (AKA Everyone’s Favorite Part)

Just like Christmas dinner, Galungan comes with its own legendary menu:
• Lawar – The salad that isn’t really a salad.
• Babi Guling – Because it’s not Galungan without it.
• Jajan Bali – Sweets that Grandma warns you not to finish before the ceremony.

Families cook together, laugh together, and occasionally debate who makes the best seasoning. (Hint: It’s always the grandmothers. Always.)

🙏 The Spirit of the Day

Galungan is not just a holiday—it’s a feeling.
Temples feel alive, families reconnect, and the island carries a peaceful but cheerful energy.

Think of it as Bali’s spiritual “reset button,” reminding us to stay grounded, grateful, and good-hearted.

😂 A Little Humor for the Timeline

If you’ve ever experienced Galungan, you know:
• Someone in the house always wakes up at 3am to cook.
• There’s at least one uncle who thinks he’s the master of BBQ.
• Every dog in the neighborhood gets excited because… well, leftover satay.
• And after all the ceremonies, you promise to start a healthier diet but only after Kuningan.

🌟 Happy Galungan to Everyone

May this Galungan bring peace, blessings, good vibes, and enough lawar and jajan Bali to last the whole week.

For those celebrating: Enjoy the spiritual glow and the family chaos.
For our friends from abroad: Welcome to Bali’s version of a sacred, joyful “Christmas season” but with Penjor instead of pine trees.

Selamat Hari Raya Galungan & Kuningan!
May Dharma always guide us. 🙏🌿✨

16/11/2025

☔ Rainy Season in Bali Has Begun! Here’s Your Aussie-Friendly Survival Guide 🇦🇺🌴

Yes, mates… rainy season has officially arrived in Bali!
But don’t worry Bali in the wet season is still Bali: warm, fun, and full of surprises.
Just think of it as the same tropical holiday… only with occasional dramatic sky effects and free “showers” from the universe.

Here are some smart (and slightly funny) tips to keep your Bali holiday awesome even when the clouds join the party.

🌧️ 1. Pack Like a Rain Ninja

Bring:
• A light rain jacket
• Quick-dry clothes
• Waterproof bag for your phone
• And for Australians: leave the thongs for sunny days wet tiles are not your friends.

🌧️ 2. Plan Outdoor Activities in the Morning

Bali showers usually hit in the afternoon or evening.
So go beaching, surfing, ATV, or day trips early.

Morning: sunshine & adventures.
Afternoon: cocktails & naps.
A perfect balance, honestly.

🌧️ 3. Choose “Rain-Proof” Fun Too

If the rain says hello, here are safe backups:
• Spa day (massage = happiness)
• Cooking class (learn to say “sambal matah” properly)
• Shopping at Beachwalk / Seminyak Village
• Coffee hopping in Canggu
• Visit museums & art galleries

Perfect excuse to relax without guilt.

🌧️ 4. Traffic Will Be… Let’s Say “Entertaining”

Rain + scooters + Bali roads =
“Welcome to the Wet Season Grand Prix.”

Give yourself extra time when traveling, especially if you’re going to:
• Ubud
• Uluwatu
• Canggu (where traffic has its own personality)

🌧️ 5. Don’t Trust the Weather App

In Bali, weather apps lie more often than your mate who says he’ll have “just one beer.”

If it says rain all day…
It might rain for 20 minutes, then sunshine like nothing happened.
Or it could rain sideways. Who knows? It’s Bali!

🌧️ 6. Keep a Smile Even When It Pours

Locals are used to the rainy chaos:
Slippery roads, sudden floods, thunderstorms that sound like a Marvel movie…

Best attitude?
Laugh, enjoy the moment, and remember you’re still on a tropical island.

Plus, rainy Bali is cooler, greener, and perfect for cozy photos.

🌧️ 7. Sunset Still Happens (Sometimes Even Better!)

Clouds can create crazy beautiful pink-purple sunsets.
Head to:
• Batu Bolong
• Kedungu
• Jimbaran beach
• Uluwatu cliffs

If you’re lucky, you’ll get that dramatic “end of the world but make it tropical” sky.

🌧️ 8. Stay Hydrated Not Just With Bintangs

Rainy doesn’t mean cold.
Humidity is still high, so drink water too, please…
You can’t survive on Bintang and Nasi Goreng alone.
(Well… some Aussies try.)

🌈 Final Thought

Rainy season doesn’t ruin your Bali holiday
it just adds personality.
You get quieter beaches, greener views, cooler air, and fun stories to tell back home.

So pack smart, smile often, and enjoy Bali…
even when it decides to shower you with love. Literally. 🌧️❤️

15/11/2025

Travelling to Bali with Kids? Turns Out… It’s a Breeze

Alright folks, I’m finally back writing again yes, after going missing like that one thong you can never find. Haven’t posted in ages, but this one’s worth it.

If you’re an Aussie family thinking of bringing the little humans to Bali, relax. This island is basically built for people with kids and people recovering from having kids.

Bali might just be one of the easiest places on earth to travel with children. Honestly, half the time the restaurant staff love your kids more than you do after a long flight. Don’t be shocked if someone happily picks up your baby, plays with them, or takes them for a quick walk so you can finally eat something without a small person climbing your face.

And it’s totally normal here. It’s not a special service it’s just Bali being Bali.

Cafés and restaurants have high chairs, kids’ menus, play areas, and staff who can sense parental exhaustion like dolphins sensing sound waves. Even beach clubs now have family zones, so the kids can have fun while you try to remember what relaxing feels like.

Getting around is easy too. Many drivers provide baby seats and are fully used to the “sorry, can we stop again?” rhythm of family life. Need snacks? A toilet? A meltdown recovery session? All good nobody cares. This is Bali, not peak-hour Sydney.

So if you’re planning a family holiday, Bali is honestly one of the smoothest options out there. You eat well, chill out, and you might even get five whole uninterrupted minutes while someone else gently rocks your toddler.

Welcome back to Bali and welcome back to me, finally posting again before I disappear for another six months.

17/09/2025

When I meet my haters in real life

27/07/2025

A Strange Story to Share in a Bali Travel Forum But Please Read On 🙏

(Yes—this post is unusual for a holiday group, but this story matters deeply)

🔍 The Mystery of a Diplomat Found Dead with His Head Taped

On July 8, 2025, Arya Daru Pangayunan, a 39-year-old diplomat from Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was discovered dead in his boarding room in Menteng, Central Jakarta. What stunned many: his face and head were tightly wrapped in yellow duct tape, and under that, covered in plastic, before being bound—the body laid on the bed, covered with a blue blanket .

🧩 Strange and Unsettling Details
• Plastic then tape: His head was first wrapped in plastic, then encased in yellow tape an odd and painful method, according to police .
• Locked room mystery: The boarding room was sealed from the inside, including a manual lock not openable from outside even though entry was forced via the window (not the door) .
• No sign of struggle or theft: Arya’s personal belongings were intact. No violent marks or robbery signs were found .
• Unusual CCTV timeline: He was seen calmly carrying plastic bags and then sudden disappearance of those items after he ascended a rooftop at the Foreign Ministry building about ten hours earlier. CCTV footage also shows possible manipulation of camera angles, raising suspicion about tampered evidence .
• Tape traced to him: The yellow tape matches purchases Arya made in Yogyakarta a month earlier with his wife .

🤔 What Could Have Happened?

Unlikely su***de

Experts say it’s unlikely Arya killed himself:
• The method wrapping one’s own head in plastic and tape is highly unusual and extremely painful.
• His behavior before death appeared normal no obvious warning signs of self-harm .

Possible “clean” targeted killing
• Some suggest the crime was orchestrated to look like su***de, what criminologists call a “non-destructive” or “targeted silent assassination” .
• Prominent activist Bambang Widjojanto described the scene as possibly symbolic—a sinister message using duct tape as a metaphor for enforced silence .

🧾 Summary Table

Aspect Details
Victim Arya Daru Pangayunan, 39, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Found 8 July 2025, Menteng boarding house, head wrapped in plastic and yellow tape
Room condition Locked from inside; entry forced via window
Belongings No theft, no obvious physical violence
CCTV Shows departure to rooftop and possible editing anomalies
Tape origin Purchased by Arya himself in Yogyakarta
Leading theories Su***de (unlikely) vs. orchestrated killing (suspected)
Autopsy Still pending; police wait for expert reports

🧠 An Open Invitation to Reflect and Discuss

This post isn’t about speculation but about asking questions when the facts feel too strange to ignore.
• Does it feel right to rule this as a simple su***de, when evidence shows unusual precautions and sealed rooms?
• What if he intended to reveal connections or risked crossing powerful networks does the method of death suggest silence enforced?
• If you have insights on closed-door investigations, forensic limitations, or press freedom in sensitive cases, your perspective matters.

🌐 Shared Responsibility

No matter where you’re from, this case resonates:
• It speaks to transparency in justice systems.
• It shows how public servants can become silenced in mysterious circumstances.
• And it reminds us that a society expecting clarity deserves to question unresolved cases respectfully.

If you’ve observed similar cases, read investigative journalism, or are versed in forensic or legal practices please comment below. Add sources, raise balanced concerns, and uplift the call for truth.

Let’s join this conversation not for drama, but to honor one life, and demand clarity. Because silence should never be the final word where facts demand answers.

***de

25/07/2025

What’s Really Happening at Bingin Beach? A Paradise Caught Between Development and Destruction

Bingin Beach.
A surfer’s paradise, a sunset lover’s dream, and a peaceful corner of Bali that’s captured the hearts of travelers especially Australians for decades.

But lately, Bingin isn’t just making waves for its swell. It’s caught in the middle of a quiet conflict that’s starting to feel anything but peaceful.

🏝️ Behind the Beauty: A Land Dispute Unfolding

Local families, many of whom have lived and worshipped in this area for generations, are facing evictions and demolitions as large-scale development creeps closer to the shoreline.
Villas are being cleared. Small warungs and cliffside stays once the heart of the Bingin experience are being marked for removal.

The reason?
Complex land rights, overlapping claims, and the pursuit of tourism dollars. But at what cost?

🧭 A Question for Conscious Travelers

If you’ve ever stayed at a locally-owned villa in Bingin, eaten grilled fish from a beach shack, or watched a ceremony with the locals you’ve felt what makes this place special.
It’s not just the view. It’s the soul.

So now the question is:
When the unique identity of Bingin is being stripped for the sake of “development,” do we as guests have a role in what happens next?

🏄‍♂️ Australians & Bingin: More Than Just Tourists

Australians aren’t just visitors here many have built second homes, opened businesses, or returned year after year. Your voice matters.

Do you believe Bingin should evolve into another polished resort town? Or should its authentic character and local community be preserved?

Is there a middle ground where progress and culture can truly coexist?

🗣️ Let’s Talk About It

We’re not pointing fingers. This isn’t about politics or blame. This is about what kind of Bali we want to protect.
• Should tourists support local owned villas over corporate developments?
• Should governments involve the community before approving land projects?
• And as guests in this paradise, what is our responsibility?

📣 Join the Conversation

We’d love to hear from you especially our Australian friends who’ve known Bingin longer than some locals!
Has Bingin changed for better or worse?
How would you feel if your favorite villa or warung was bulldozed for a luxury resort?

Drop your thoughts. Tag a friend who loves Bingin. Let’s talk.

Because sometimes, the best way to protect a place is to start with a conversation.

The Bali Journal

08/12/2025

23/11/2025

17/11/2025

16/11/2025

15/11/2025

17/09/2025

27/07/2025

25/07/2025

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