Bali traditional culture remains intact at Villa Bali Gita, protected by an agreeable seclusion from even the moderate urbanization of Ubud. The opulence of the villa is for many overshadowed by the warmth of the staff and villagers.
An arriving guests first experience is the sound of a bamboo percussion and wind ensemble borne on the river breezes to the entry. This 4 person group performs for guests throughout their stay and it's members also join the larger brass gamelan to accompany dance performances. The dancers from the local village, led by Miss Komang Waniti of Bali Gita, are in great demand throughout the district for temple ceremonies because of their highly developed skills. A range of perormances are available at the villa from this group. Guests see a great deal of Miss Waniti as she also works at the villa honing another of her talents as a gifted cook.
The surrounding village is also home to several wood carvers who can produce works of considerable quality for quite astonishing prices. A neighbouring village is the ancestral home of the head of a Brahman family who is traditionally Bali's leading Wayang puppeteer and performer. To see and hear a performance by this now quite old man is a truly spiritual experience. His many disciples can often be heard practicing the ancient art as evening descends providing the necessary darkness. Artistic pusuits are pervasive in this vicinity, there is even an excellent silversmith closeby the villa and of course many painters.
Hari Nyepi
The Hindu lunar festival of Nyepi is a lifelong memorable event at Villa Bali Gita for those who occasionaly seek and enjoy solitude and the serenity of silence. The airport is closed for the period, traffic is banned and people remain within their house compounds. No noise is allowed and no light can be shown. The stillness is complete. A riotous festival precedes the silence with large monsters being paraded through the village streets to frighten off bad spirits. Home made cannons, fire crackers, fire-eaters and a booming gamelan accompany the monsters in their parade. The villa of course funds a monster, known as an Uga Uga, and guests join in the revelry through the lantern lit village street. Thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish.
