| Welcome to Cyber Stone |
| Nusa Penida Island |
| Rabu, 01 Oktober 2008 |
All kinds of appalling myths have always been attached to Nusa Penida, due to its gloomy atmosphere and unrewarding conditions. Black magic is said to flourish here, and Balinese from the mainland are very careful about what they say to Nusa people so as not to offend them. All evil affecting Bali especialiy floods and diseases during the dry season is said to come from Nusa, brought by the giant demon king, Jero Gede Mecaling.
In the Badung and Gianyar regencies, the giant and his troops, who are said to cross the straits and land at Lebih, are met and expelled by means of exorcistic sanghyang dedari trance dances. Formerly, the islands were part of the Klungkung kingdom, which used Nusa as a place of banishment. Therefore, most inhabitants are commoners and only a few bear the noble titles Dewa or Sri.
Nusa Penida is the ideal place to get off the beaten track, and to seek quietude and authenticity. The inhabitants here speak Baliiiese, with a local accent and vocabulary influenced by Sasak, but for them Bali is another world to which they go only from time to time.
The form of ceremonies, such as weddings and cremations is similar to those in Bali, but in other ways these islands remind one of Lombok or Sumbawa.
In Nusa Penida, there is almost no tourism, yet it is wonderful to walk, ride on ojek two wheeled taxis, or drive through the Villages in the highlands and along the shore to experience the island’s rough beauty. It is also a rare experience to spend the night in a local home, as people are very friendly.
Several sights are worth visiting, such as Karang Sari Cave, the spring at Sakti and Sebuluh Waterfall near Batu Madeg. The most interesting temple is Ratu Gede Mecaling Pura Peed, 3 km east of Toya Pakeh. In the smaller sanctuary here, a strange tree composed of three entangled ones grows, and from the trunk a stone mouth of Mecaling’s minister protrudes.
The temple odalan falls on Buda Cemeng Kelawu. Every three years on the fourth full moon (Purnama Kapat), a great festival (usaba) is also held, during which pilgrims from all over Bali come to pray at Pura Peed.
Nusa L.embongan is a small island covered with coconut trees, mangrove forests, small farms, and is surrounded by coral reefs. The island is split between two villages, Jungut Batu and Lembongan. About 75 percent of its population is involved with seaweed farming.
The relaxed atmosphere on the island is synchronized with the cycles of the tides. Villagers are seen planting, replanting, and drying the seaweed. Much of this activity takes place on the beach so it is difficult to find an isolated beach for sunbathing. |
posted by Cyber-Stone @ 03.15  |
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