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My Tarot Card Reading in Ubud, Bali

My Tarot Card Reading in Ubud, Bali

20 April 2015
By Paula McInerney, Contented Traveller.

I had not seen Eat. Pray. Love. when I had this interesting experience, though I did know the basic premise of the story. It was when we decided to stay at Murni’s, an institution in Ubud, that I was asked whether I wanted a number of things; one of these being a tarot card reading. I guess with all of the hype of the book and the movie and the fact that many people in Ubud seem to be into this spiritual stuff, so tarot cards are trendy.

I had to think about it because I have never actually done anything like this before. I agreed because I thought it would make a good story, to be honest, and also because the lady is a published author, and that is always interesting. Her name is Novi.

I was a little nervous about such an experience but being a born skeptic thought that I might just be able to have some fun and meet an interesting lady. I brought Gordon with me to sit quietly and take a picture or 2 with Novi’s permission. I have no secrets from him. He had decided not to have a tarot card reading.

She asked me my full name and then thought about it. She then asked me my date of birth. She then appeared to go into a trance and I was freaked. Then she said she would shuffle the cards, and then I would shuffle them and give them back to her, which I did. Remember I would not know what one tarot card looked like from another anyhow…and besides, I had heard enough. She then spread them over the table and asked me to select 10.

My Tarot Card Reading in Ubud, Bali

 

She then turned 3 over to start with … and then it started. She had me nailed totally. She knew me so well, and it would have been impossible for her to know the things that she did. She then started turning the rest of the cards over, and her knowledge of me was unbelievable. She asked if I had any questions, but I didn’t know of any to ask. I think I was in a state of shock. She had come so highly recommended and I can see why.

Gordon was also in a state of shock having nearly nodded his head off the whole way through, agreeing with her. He then had his tarot cards read by Novi, and again pinpoint accuracy right down to a specific event at a specific time in his life. OMG.

My Tarot Card Reading in Ubud, Bali

 

Novi was originally from Java but now lives in Ubud, Bali.

So what was the analysis of me? I am not telling all – but, in a nutshell, I am a very hard worker, (control freak) with the kindest heart ever. Works for me.

Thanks to Flipkey for sponsoring us at Murni’s, otherwise we would not have had this confronting experience – and I am saying that in a good way.

 

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Balinese Painting Classes

Balinese Painting Classes

Balinese Painting Classes

Traditional Balinese painting classes are available at Murni’s Houses & Spa for artists and budding artists for guests staying at Murni’s Houses.

No experience is necessary.

Balinese Painting Classes

Dewa, our talented local artist, who has been painting (and selling) from the age of 13, and has had exhibitions in Bali, will happily come to Murni’s Houses and teach you one-to-one. He will bring the canvas, brushes and paints and help you create a beautiful painting.

His English is good and his patience is limitless. Together you can decide the style and where you would like to paint – the garden, the lobby or the privacy of your own veranda.

He will help you draw the outline, if you need help, and give you ideas. He will guide you through to the finished product, which you can put in your suitcase and carry home.

Balinese Painting Classes

He is full of ideas and has even created a way of painting with coffee. He’s willing to teach this unusual technique too – it’s quick and not difficult.

Balinese Painting Classes

And if you like, he’ll also teach you how to paint wooden eggs like a pro!

Classes are charged by the hour. Materials are included.

Most people can paint a lovely picture in 2 or 3 hours.

Best times are between 10 am and 6 pm any day, subject to Dewa’s availability.

Book as much in advance as possible. Please tell us how long you would like to book.  

We will call the artist.

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Balinese Painting Classes

Helicopter Sky Tours

Helicopter Sky Tours

Helicopter Sky ToursMurni’s Houses guests can now enjoy an incredible helicopter experience flying over Bali with Helicopter Sky Tours. Perfect for an unforgettable wedding proposal! The Kintamani Volcano and Bedugul Lakes Sky Tours are stunning and a ‘must do’ while in Bali.

Prices are per flight (not per person).

It will just be for your group.

From 1 to 5 adult passengers. A child can be an extra 6th passenger. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Let us know the time you would like within the Flight Time Availability. It will be subject to flying conditions.

Minimum of 1 day’s notice.

7 HELICOPTER SKY TOURS OPTIONS

KINTAMANI VOLCANO SKY TOUR – ST1

(no landing – round trip)

From the air is the only way to see the spectacular Kintamani Volcano and Caldera lake, renowned as Bali’s most famous landmark.

Flight Time Availability:            7am to midday

Approximate Flight Time:         About 25 minutes

ULUWATU TEMPLE & COASTAL SKY TOUR – ST2

(no landing – round trip)

Flying low over Bali’s beautiful southern coastline, highlighting Dreamland beach and Uluwatu’s spectacular temple perched high on its towering white limestone cliff.

Flight Time Availability:            9am to 6 pm

Approximate Flight Time:         About 60 minutes

BEDUGUL LAKES SKY TOUR – ST3

(no landing – round trip)

Bedugul is famous for its three crater lakes, water temple and nearby botanical gardens.

Flight Time Availability:            9am to 6 pm

Approximate Flight Time:         About 35 minutes

KUTA BEACH SKY TOUR – ST4

(no landing – round trip)

Fly over the long white sandy beach of Kuta, an iconic world surfing landmark.

Flight Time Availability:            9am to 6 pm

Approximate Flight Time:         About 40 minutes

TANAH LOT TEMPLE – ST5

(no landing – round trip)

Flying South to the Hindu Temple of Tanah Lot, Bali’s most popular tourist and cultural icon for photography and general exoticism.

Flight Time Availability:            9am to 6 pm

Approximate Flight Time:         About 35 minutes

NUSA LEMBONGAN & NUSA PENIDA COASTAL SKY TOUR – ST6

(no landing – round trip)

These islands feature stunning white cliffs and deserted white beaches. Crystal bay, famous for its shimmering swathes of sand and aquamarine waters.

Flight Time Availability:            9am to 6 pm

Approximate Flight Time:         About 60 minutes

GILI ISLANDS SKY TOUR – ST7

(no landing – round trip).

The Gili Islands are perfect for a tropical island experience with their clear white coral beaches and turquoise waters offering some of the best dive sites in Asia.

Flight Time Availability:            9am to 6 pm

Approximate Flight Time:         About 86 minutes

Optional landing plus 2 hours waiting time: Rp.8,000,000  (price includes landing fee and waiting time only).

Book as much in advance as possible – we’ll call the company and arrange for you to be picked up at Murni’s Houses and dropped back.

Email: murni (at) murnis.com or tell Reception.

We need the tour, the time you would like to fly and for all passengers:

  • full name
  • weight, and
  • passport number.

You pay them direct.

Pick up is usually about an hour before the flight. Pay them direct on the day before the flight. They accept rupiahs and credit cards.

Check the current rates at time of booking.

Pick up times are subject to traffic conditions.

If the payload of passengers and luggage exceeds the payload limitation or exceeds the maximum number of passengers per flight (maximum 6 pax/flight and not more than a payload
 allocation of 550 kgs), the flight will not operate.

The company reserves the right to refuse any passenger whose condition presents an actual or potential safety hazard or risk (including impairment and intoxication from alcohol and drugs) to passengers, crew, staff or property.

You can inspect the company’s flight liability passenger insurance, which is provided in accordance with standard aviation regulations.

No smoking or consumption of alcohol is allowed on board the helicopter.

Damage done to property by a passenger will be charged to the passenger.

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Helicopter Sky Tours

 

Learn Indonesian or Balinese at Murni’s Houses

murni's class indonesian language lesson

The locals love it when you try and speak Indonesian and for sure you’ll get better prices in the shops as well as having a lot of fun!

Bahasa Indonesia is not as difficult as many other languages. There are no tenses. Verbs aren’t conjugated. Plurals are often just repeating the same word twice. Same alphabet as in English and it’s pretty much spoken as it’s written. There are no tones. You can get by nicely on less than 500 words.

Balinese is a bit more difficult!

We are lucky to have a very experienced and patient teacher, Nyoman, who will happily give guests staying at Murni’s Houses classes right here at Murni’s Houses.

She’s been teaching expats and visitors since 1992 and can teach any level. She will concentrate on anything you wish.

90 minute class.

No minimum number of students.

Book as much in advance as possible. She is quite a busy lady.

Email: murni (at) murnis.com or tell Reception.

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Murni’s Warung – Guide Naturale de Bali

Murni’s Warung – Guide Naturale de Bali

Murni's Warung, Guide Naturale de Bali“Face à la gorge à Murni’s Warung: En 1974, Ni Wayan Murni ouvrait le premier restaurant d’Ubud, où elle servait un mélange de recettes occidentales et balinaises. Depuis, des generations de touristes ont savouré la qualité de sa cuisine. Face aux rochers coverts de mousse de la gorge entroite de Campuhan, les quatres étages en terrasses semblent hors de ce monde. Les petits déjeuners sont extraordinaires, et à toute heure vous apprécierez les spécialités locales, les plats végétariens, les yaourts maison, les jus de fruits et les gâteaux inoubliables.”

Guide Naturale de Bali – 2005

Murni’s Warung – Guide Naturale de Bali

Merian Live! Bali Reisen mit Erlebnis-Garantie

Merian Live! Bali Reisen mit Erlebnis-Garantie“Murni’s Warung: Das bekannteste und schönste Restaurant Ubuds findet sich am Ortsausgang (Campuan) an einer alten Hängebrücke (parallel verläuft die neue Strassenbrücke nach Kedewatan). Das Restaurant ist in den Abhang einer Sclucht gebaut und bietet Sitzmöglichkeiten auf drei Etagen. Die seit langem etablierte Gaststätte hat sich dem westlichen Essensgeschmack angepasst: Auf der Karte stehen neben indonesischen Speisen auch joghurt und Sago-Pudding, Guacamole und Lasagne, ebenso eine grosse Auswahl von hausgemachten Torten und Kuchen.”

Merian Live! Bali Reisen mit Erlebnis-Garantie – 2002

 

Le Guide du Routard – Indonésie

Le Guide du Routard – Indonésie“Murni’s Warung: Sur Jalan Raya Ubud juste avant le pont. Tel: 975233. Bien indiquée de la route. Pleusieurs niveaux, une boutique, un bar-salon… terasse dominant la rivière et l’épaisse vegetation. Superbe addresse où curries, poisson, viande et desserts sont realisés avec brio. Également cuisses de grenouilles, gaspacho et d’autres choses originales et raffinées.”

 

Le Guide du Routard – Indonésie – 2002 – 3

 

Fodor’s Indonesia

Fodor’s Indonesia“Murni’s Warung: Beside a small ravine just outside Ubud, this multi-level restaurant is spacious yet intimate. The street level dining room has terrific views (particularly of a nearby waterfall), as does the downstairs bar. Throughout the shadowy wood interior is complemented by simple bamboo furniture and Indonesian art, creating a rustic and very Balinese feel. Both Indonesian and Western dishes are served, and special buffets are available on Western holidays. The Balinese duck – stuffed with spices and baked so thoroughly that the meat falls off the bones – is tried and true. The friendly, cheerful staff are ready to offer advice on local activities or simply rock babies while parents eat. A shop on the upper floor is a veritable gallery of Balinese items. Murni’s also has some accommodation, including two rooms, a bungalow and a house – all moderately priced.”

Fodor’s Indonesia – 1999

 

Cadogan Guides – Bali

Cadogan Guides – Bali“Murni’s Warung down by the Campuhan Bridge is one of just a few places which have been catering for travellers since they began to come to Ubud in the 1960s. The warung is actually a restaurant with an excellent menu of traditional and Western-style food, including mouth-watering delicacies such as frozen banana cheesecake.”

 

Cadogan Guides – Bali

 

Insider’s Guide to Ubud

Insider’s Guide to Ubud
Where to Eat: Murni’s Warung
Insider’s Guide to Ubud
Delicious, voted the World’s best food magazine, March 2005

“This three-level restaurant is an Ubud institution. The freshly baked breads are delicious, especially in a chilli club sandwich, and you can sit on the top terrace for curries, burgers, hot dogs, steaks and more. For dessert, you’ll want to stay for the cakes and the homemade yoghurt and ice cream.”

Insider’s Guide to Ubud

Lonely Planet Guide, Bali

Lonely Planet Guide,

Bali

“Since 1977 Murni’s Warung has been an Ubud favourite. The setting is beautiful and a four level dining room overlooks the lush river valley. Indonesian dishes, curries and Western options are available. There’s a cosy bar on the second level down. One quibble: the gift shop gets bigger every year!”

[Note from Murni: Actually, it’s since 1974]

Lonely Planet Guide, Bali 2005

The Natural Guide to Bali

The Natural Guide to Bali
Eat in the Gorge at Murni’s

“In 1974, Ni Wayan Murni opened Ubud’s first restaurant, where she served a mix of Western and Balnese food. Since then, generations of travellers have enjoyed the quality of her cuisine. Despite increasing road traffic, the four open-air levels facing the splendid river gorge offer absolute tranquility in a totally out-of-this-world atmosphere. It’s a most pleasant place for a great healthy breakfast (Rp 45,000) or dinner (Rp 75,000). Vegetarian meals, home-made yoghurts, fantastic fruit juices, cakes, and pies are also on the MSG-free menu.”

The Natural Guide to Bali, 2005

 

Balinese Dancing Classes

Balinese Dancing Classes

Traditional Balinese Dancing classes are available for guests staying at Murni’s Houses. Classes are in the afternoon.

No experience is necessary. The Balinese Dancing lessons are tailor-made to your experience and interests.

Sriyani was born in Payangan and began dancing at the age of 8 and gained experience at many temple ceremonies in Bali. She graduated from STSI University in Denpasar. She performs at Ubud Palace and is very active teaching dance.

She has a very patient teaching manner and teaches males and females. You will learn good technique and posture.

  • Beginners Balinese Dancing Classes: a welcome dance such as Gabor, Pendet or Puspajali.
  • Dancers with experience: Legong or Baris.

If you have a particular dance in mind, please ask.

Book as much in advance as possible. Email: murni at murnis.com or tell Reception.

We will call the dancer. If you want to hire a dance costume, please let us know. The cost is different for each costume. It’s great for exercise and photos.

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Balinese Dancing Classes

Batik Painting

Batik PaintingBatik painting is very Indonesian. The batik course may be from 1 to 5 days, in the mornings, from about 10 am to 2 pm. If you wish you can use your optional activities to go on more than one course. You can learn the art of batik from a very basic level to a more advanced stage as desired!

1 and 2 days covers:

  • Brief introduction to the “story” of batik
  • The materials and tools used
  • The techniques for painting with canting and brush
  • Hand colour & dip dyeing in 3 to 4 colours
  • Dyeing sequence
  • Wax removal
  • Finishing touches for final product

3 and 4 days covers:

  • As above, but with the addition of :
  • Expanded knowledge of types of wax and effects that can be created (eg. wax and cracking)
  • More variation of colour through hand painting
  • and dip dyeing
  • Wider use of tools (large, small spout cantings)
  • Working on 2 pieces of work to utilise a variety of
  • techniques

5 days course covers:

  • Includes both of the above
  • but allows the student to experiment more independently using the knowledge gained in the first three – four days to bemore creative – yet still under guidance of the teacher

Book as much in advance as possible.

We will call and reserve the places.

Materials are included.

 

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Learn how to make Balinese Offerings

Learn how to make Balinese OfferingsLearn how to make Balinese Offerings.
Offerings are called banten in Balinese, a word that may come from the Sanskrit word ‘bali’, which means ‘tribute’, ‘obligation’ or ‘gift’. This may even be the origin of the name of the island. You see them everywhere in Bali.

An offering is something that is offered for a religious purpose. It can be anything. Dances, music, cockfights and readings from the scriptures in the temple are all offerings.

More common, however, are offerings made of natural, perishable materials, like food, fruit and flowers. There is a chapter on them in our book Secrets of Bali.

We will show you how to make a beautiful offering called a canang and you will see how easy – or difficult – it is.

Book as much in advance as possible.

We will provide the materials, palm leaves and flowers.

We will call and reserve the places.

 

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Casa Luna Cooking Classes

Casa Luna Cooking ClassesDiscover the secrets of Balinese food with Janet De Neefe and her team. Explore cooking techniques and the fascinating kitchen myths of this unique culture followed by a lavish Balinese feast and complete recipes.

 

 

Mondays Focus on Fish

9.30 am – 1.00 pm

Spiced fish in banana leaves
Asian spinach in tomato sambal
Black rice pudding
Fragrant fish curry
Carrot & cucumber salad

Tuesdays Market Tour

8.00 am – 1.00 pm

Mie goreng
Roasted white eggplant
Green coconut crepes
Tempe curry
Fern salad

Wednesdays Ceremonial

9.30 am – 1.00 pm

Balinese chicken satay
Lawar
Gado-Gado
Beans in coconut milk
Corn fritters
Fragrant yellow rice

Rp 450,000 per person

Thursdays Market Tour

8.00 am – 1.00 pm

Chicken curry
Coconut and anchovy sambal
Wok-fried eggplant
Bean-coconut salad
Sago pudding

Rp 450,000 per person

Fridays Beginners Class

9.30 am – 12.00 pm

Nasi goreng
Krupuk
Fruit in coconut milk

Chicken satay
Peanut sauce

Rp 400,000 per person

Thursday Night Market Tour

5.15 pm – 8.30 pm

Visit the bustling Gianyar night market at dusk and experience the ambiance of a Balinese pasar. Learn as you stroll through the markets about the local snacks and traditional market food. This is followed by an open-air dinner of home-cooked specialties, from braised chicken to marinated satay, spicy greens and suckling pig. Refreshments included. Meet at Honeymoon Kitchen at the Honeymoon Guesthouse at 5.15pm. CLASS NOT INCLUDED

Rp 400,000 per person

Friday Night Market Tour

5.15 pm – 8.30 pm

Visit the bustling Gianyar night market at dusk and experience the ambiance of a Balinese pasar. Learn as you stroll through the markets about the local snacks and traditional market food. This is followed by an open-air dinner of home-cooked specialties, from braised chicken to marinated satay, spicy greens and suckling pig. Refreshments included. Meet at Honeymoon Kitchen at the Honeymoon Guesthouse at 5.15pm. CLASS NOT INCLUDED

Rp 400,000 per person

Saturday Food as Medicine Vegan Class

9.30 am – 1.00 pm 

Discover the extraordinary healing properties of spices and their colourful history. Enjoy pumpkin curry, tempe with fresh lemon basil, roasted coconut banana flower salad, seasonal greens and red rice followed by non-dairy coconut ice cream. Recipes included.

Rp 450,000 per person

Sunday Twilight Smoked Duck Class

5.30 pm – 9.00 pm

Learn the secrets in making one of Bali’s most celebrated dishes. The lavish smoked duck feast includes lawar, yellow rice & coconut ice-cream . Served with rice wine.

Rp 500,000 per person

NOTE:

All classes require advance registration. This is to ensure that there are enough ingredients for everyone.

Booked on a first come basis.

No refunds, returns, or exchanges will be given for cancellations made less than 2 days (48 hours) prior to the class date.

There are a minimum number of students required in order for a class to occur. Casa Luna Cooking School reserves the right to cancel a class due to unforeseen circumstances.

Closed toe shoes are recommended for all hands-on classes. 

Dangling or excessive jewelry as well as loose hanging clothing is not recommended.

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Book as much in advance as possible.

We will call for you and book it.

Email: murni at murnis.com or tell Reception.

Market & Gourmet tours depart from Casa Luna.

All other classes meet at Second Honeymoon Guesthouse, Jalan Bisma Ubud.

All bookings must be paid in full prior to the event.

Booking Activities and Classes

Murni's Houses Activities white water rafting activity

 

To contact us:
Please fill in the form or, if you wish, email us at: murni (at) murnis.com
We always reply within 24 hours, usually more quickly.
If you don’t get a reply using the form, something has gone wrong, so please email us.
Murni

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    Buffalo Racing, Dancing and Photography in West BaliOur Favourite Instagrammable SpotsHelicopter TourBatik Painting ClassTarot ReadingCasa Luna Cooking ClassBali Herbal WalkBumbu Bali Cooking ClassBalinese Dancing ClassBalinese Flute LessonsBalinese Gamelan LessonsLearn to Play the RindikLearn Indonesian or BalineseWhite Water RaftingElephant Safari ParkUbud Cycling TourDownhill Mountain Cycling TourUbud Ricefields Walking Tour2 Hour Rice Paddy TrekMurni’s Bali ToursBalinese Painting ClassBalinese Offerings ClassMason Chocolate Experience TourMason Chocolate Maker ClassTrekking and TouringJungle TrekMount Batur Volcano Sunrise TrekBali SwingJungle BuggiesTamarind Spa at Murni’s HousesUbud Afternoon Dance TourPhotography Tour Full DayPhotography Tour Half DayMurni’s Bali ToursBali Hai Day Cruises: Lembongan and Nusa Penida IslandsMason Chocolate Maker Class

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