Bali Villas Pristine Collections

(July 20, 2009) The Indonesian government has proposed Bali's subak traditional agricultural system be considered for the World Heritage List, for
exemplifying effective water usage and management, an official said Wednesday.

Hari Untoro, director general for historical cultural preservation at the Culture and Tourism Ministry, said at the opening of a conference by the South and Southeast Asia Association for the Study of Culture and Religion (SSEASR), that subak agricultural systems had been successfully implemented by Balinese farmers for centuries.

"Indonesians are very proud to have such an effective system of water management for the welfare of farmers," Untoro said.

Subak is not only a farming system, it also embraces tradition and religion in its practice. Within the subak system, Balinese farmers regulate their water usage for irrigating their rice paddies and plantations in a fair and effective way. The subak system also incorporates various traditional and religious activities to support the agricultural community of Bali.

However, the rapid development of the tourism industry in Bali has seriously threatened the existence of subak.

Indonesia previously proposed a number of historical and environmental sites in Bali, including Jatiluwih subak rice paddies in Tabanan regency, Taman Ayun Water Temple and Tukan Pakerisan River in Gianyar, as UNESCO world heritage sites.

"UNESCO discovered some shortcomings in our proposal last year, so they named other locations as world heritage sites," he added.

The conference, being held at the Denpasar Institute of Arts (ISI) and the Hindu University (UNHI) from June 3 to 6, features 600 scholars from 63 countries discussing various topics related to culture and religion.

Themed "Waters in South and Southeast Asia: Interaction of Culture and Religion", the forum will highlight the role of water in creating links between various cultures in South and Southeast Asia through river channels, straits and seas.

Research on these issues will be the major topics covered at the conference, which will also discuss religion and science, women in religion, art and religion and culture, and religion along rivers.

In his paper, Bal Ram Singh, director of the Center for Indian Studies at the University of Massachusetts, said major faiths that incorporate ritual washing (purification) include Christianity, Hinduism and Islam.

Water has long been intertwined with power (kinship) and political and social institutions in the region. The majority of ancient civilizations were built along rivers, water channels and coastal areas.

Amarjiva Lochan, president of SSEASR, said South Asian regions were a role model of coexistence. "Our region has the largest number of inhabited zones, which are connected with waters."

 Source: The Jakarta Post

(July 13, 2009) The Lotus Residence is your private home amidst sprawling tropical gardens, paddy fields and lotus ponds on a hectare of prime Balinese fields perched on the Laing River valley. The serenity and freedom unique to Bali, is situated within distance from the sophisticated lifestyle Bali offers.

Accommodation       
The Lotus Residence has six serene:
•  Four double bedrooms
• Two twin bedrooms

Each suite has a semi open private terrace overlooking the tranquil gardens with comfortable sitting area and each of them tastefully furnished with solid wood furniture and Indonesian artifacts.

The suites have a private outdoor shower and bathtub with all amenities, sitting area and separate dressing area. Each bedroom is fully air-conditioned, equipped with IDD telephone line and in room safety box.

The Pavilion      
The Lotus Pavilion is your multi-purpose spacious building uniquely designed to house the living, dining, audio and family areas all under one roof overlooking a large well maintained 8 x 20 m swimming pool.

The Lotus Residence and pavilion is supported by a team of well groomed and highly experienced team of Balinese butlers, chefs and staff who are dedicated to making your experience memorable.

Event       
The Lotus Residence, a unique private residence, suitable for special events such as weddings, birthdays and corporate events.

The Lotus Residence blends harmoniously with tranquil lotus ponds under towering palm trees shaded by whispering coconut trees and complemented by paddy and undulating fields suitable for special events such as weddings, birthdays and corporate events.

Activities       
Bali’s famed Nirwana Golf Course at the Le Meredien Resort is 10 minute drive from the Lotus Residence.

There is a dedicated spa, located along the Laing River designed in typical Balinese fashion which offers bales for your treatments, yoga centre for your lifestyle living, a large jacuzzi, sauna and cool dip pool. Special spa and golf package are available customized for your needs.

The Lotus Residence values your time with the family. A children’s playground rests in a large garden with waterfall, pool and jineng (Balinese for rice barn).

Bali Villas - Pristine Collections