JOHAN HENSEN COLUMN

A Cup of Tea with the Royal Family at the Royal Palace of North Bali

Many friends and visitors told me that Bali and its remarkable, friendly people made them feel so good. They feel as if they were treated like King and/or Queen. Of course, I also had that experience and even now today, after living here for more than 12 years, I still feel the same. Well indeed, the Balinese are very friendly, respectful and open. They really do care and like to share and show the beauties of Bali and their way of living. So if in Bali and already feeling like Kings and Queens, why not going one step further and visit a real Royal Family?

Before the independence of Indonesia (1945) Bali had 9 kingdoms. They are still there, although not acting as monarchies any more, since Indonesia is now a republic. But the 9 regencies of Bali still carry the same names as the kingdoms before. They have also roughly the same size as before.
Although not any longer ruling monarchies and active in politics, the Royal Families are still around in society, very much respected by the Balinese community and still wield a lot of influence, especially in economic and socio - cultural matters.
I know that in the west it is not easy to visit royalties. Well, here in Bali it is possible.
One of the kingdoms that I recommend of visiting is the Kingdom of North Bali. This regency/kingdom is called Buleleng and the Royal Palace is located in its capital city Singaraja.
Not only will they warmly welcome you in their palace, but also they are honored to show you around and explain the history, the art & culture, their daily activities and the weaving of Royal Ikat, which they proudly and carefully preserve as they do with the old palm leaf writings (called lontar). During a delicious cup of tea, they are more than willing to give you any information you wish to know and of course you are free to make pictures with them together.
As they are not doing this out of a commercial view, but to share and preserve, and because they also have many other obligations, this Royal Tea time visit is limited every afternoon from 16.00 hrs. till 19.00hrs. Every Saturday they have a special day for its visitors. The Royal Children Gamelan & Dance group “Dwi Mekar” will perform a breathtaking 2 hour show, that touches everyones heart. Truly a must to see, while in Bali
There is no entrance fee (as they are not a commercial enterprise), but a donation would be greatly appreciated. These donations are used for the restoration of the palace buildings, its temples and the preservation of history, books, paintings, Ikat weaving and the palm leaf –Ikat- weaving.
So if you also want to experience royal life at the royal palace and be king amongst kings,
Go see, join and enjoy the Divine Paradise of North Bali.For more information and / or reservation, contact me at: tel: 081558582853 or info@bali-the-inspiration.com.
(*) The writer is a retired hospitality consultant and living in Bali. He invites you to give any comments on this article or just on Bali. He can be reached at: info@bali-the-inspiration.com or johanhensen2004@yahoo.com