Make A Trip to See the Aga People in Tenganan

While staying at your Ubud villa you can take some time to visit the village of Tenganan. You will find this unique traditional village 3 km west from Candidasa on the slopes of the surrounding mountains, ricefields and forest. A visit offers a unique glimpse into the lives of the first Balinese people (aboriginal people). The people here are referred to as the Bali Aga, the original Balinese people.The villagers have continued their way of life without being affected by the so-called “outer world”.   They now have electricity but continue to uphold their traditions.

 When you visit it is important to be respectful and quietly observe their way of life. Upon arrival you will pass a symbolic ticket counter and you are not obliged to pay but any payment you might wish to make will be considered a donation.As you walk through the village you will find old meeting houses, traditional residences and the locals engaged in their crafts and going about their day.

An important part of Bali Aga culture is the complex technique used to make Bali’s traditional gringsing (a traditional textile created by the double ikat method). Bali’s Tenganan village is the only village that today still produces this weaving process. The handmade fabric is expensive because of its process. The palette of gringsing is typically red, neutral, or black andis regarded as a sacred cloth.

Also you will find beautiful woven treasures such as baskets and purses made from Ata grass reed.  The grass is split and woven, then boiled to tighten the weave, dried, then smoked over coconut wood/husks to give it the glossy golden finish.  A Ladies purse seems to be the item of choice.

 

Balinese calligraphy is practiced here and the perfect place to purchase calendars with the script inscribed onto strips of Lontar (a special palm species).

Parts of Bali may be radically transformed by tourism and change, but Tenganan village is kind of remaining an island unto itself.  This walled village is not a destination for someone looking for a luxurious visit, but for the adventure traveler looking for mind-expanding experience.

While staying in Ubud villas like Villa Amrita you can arrange a tour to this isolated mountain village in East Bali. The ride takes about one hour and ten minutes. There are even treks and hiking that starts from the village. When done sightseeing you may take a car about 20 minutes to the sleepy, seaside resort of Candidasa. Stop in at one of the many nice restaurants for a delightful lunch of fresh fish and check out the beautiful view across the Lombok strait to Nusa Lembongan.

There is no Ubud accommodation that can beat Villa Amrita in terms of location, price, service, convenience, quality and beauty. Visit to-: www.villaamrita.com for getting more info about this exciting service……