Tr a v e l
kingdom it remains today. The temple boasts a meditation we had any questions. I worked up my courage. “Would it
place that is reputed to have extremely strong vibrations. be possible to see the meditation place?” His eyes opened
Within the temple is a stalactite which when struck emits wide and for the fi rst time, he smiled warmly. “You know
a powerful sound, a sacred event that occurs only twice a about that? Please follow me.” Slowly he showed us the
year. We sat with Toni long into the night curled on sofas hidden parts of the temple: the place where the holy
in the main open air pavilion. As we gazed at the thousands water was caught in huge drums as it dripped through
of twinkling lights that make up the Longhouse’s night the limestone, the treasured stalactite that was used in
time view, Toni enchanted us with stories and legends of the biannual ceremony of the temple and, lastly, we were
this wonderful island. allowed to peek into the meditation chamber, that ancient
The next morning we rose early. Heppy and Sudani and sacred place.
helped us dress. They wrapped our colourful batik sarongs As we prepared to leave, we thanked him for his
neatly and tied our sashes so elegantly that we felt from a generosity and kindness in showing us the secrets of this
distance we might possibly be mistaken for Balinese. My special monument. Then he stopped. “This temple is now
husband, Robin, joined us in the kejang (car) and Heppy Hindu and I am a Hindu priest, but really anyone can pray
and Sudani jumped in the back with the off erings. The rest here – no matter what the religion, the prayers all go to the
of the staff hopped on their motorbikes for the fi ve minute same place.”
ride to the temple. This is Bali. The Balinese people are the most precious
We gathered outside the small opening to the cave treasure on this enchanted island. They possess a remarkable
as another group fi nished their ceremony. Then it was our and welcoming acceptance of cultural diff erences while
turn. We walked barefoot through the small doorway and staying true to their own strong traditions. Simple rituals
into the dimly lit cave. The priest welcomed us solemnly and ceremonies anchor every moment of their existence.
as our small group arranged ourselves respectfully on the Many thousands of visitors fl ock to Bali from every corner
fl oor. The temple itself was simple and consisted of several of the world and the Balinese warmly receive all comers
chambers. The entry chamber was simple but furnished with genuine smiles and open hearts. The people, coupled
with a long table draped in a golden fabric which served with their island’s wonderful natural beauty, make Bali a
as an altar where the off erings were placed. The priest sat true paradise on earth. It is a magical place that seduces
before us dressed in white. Sudani went to the front so that me every time I’m there.
we could follow her movements. The priest prayed and ___________________________
sprinkled us with holy water as we picked up fl owers, placed
The six bedroom Longhouse is available for rental throughout
them between our fi ngertips and then raised our hands,
the year at a surprisingly reasonable rate. Rental includes
fi nishing by tucking them into our hair. We annointed
a staff of 12, a resident chef, use of all the house facilities
ourselves with rice on our heads and our hearts. Lastly the
such as the infi nity swimming pool, dedicated spa room, home
priest off ered us holy water to drink.
theatre, gym, car and driver. Visit www.thelonghousebali.com
When the ceremony was fi nished, the priest asked if
or contact Linda at Linda@thelonghousebali.com.

ALI
ONGHOUSE B
THE L
Top: Longhouse staff with offerings outside the Temple.
Above: The Longhouse Bali.
26 ex p a T r i a T e
Bali.indd 26 09/06/2009 11:51:03
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60