Bali has many unique traditions and one of the most colourful is Melasti, three days before the Balinese New Year, known as Nyepi. On this day, beginning in the morning, Balinese Hindus parade in Balinese dress down to the beaches, major rivers,  holy springs and lakes. One such beach is called Masceti.

Melasti is a religious ritual to cleanse and purify temple objects and recharge the spiritual power within them. So, you see monstrous Barongs and tall Rangda statues, various god like masks and colourful umbrellas. High priests surrounded by worshippers on the ground say prayers, facing the ocean.

The Balinese believe that the ocean’s waters have powerful healing properties and provide protection. Sand protects houses from black magic.

Many years ago people travelled on foot, but now they go by car and motorbike and large trucks carry the sacred objects plus gamelan instruments plus people.

For more photos, which are for sale, go to http://www.jonathaninbali.com

For the book Secrets of Bali, Fresh Light on the Morning of the World – go to https://www.murnis.com/ebooks/secrets-of-bali/

For the slideshow Melasti, Masceti Beach, Bali 2018: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyDobyYch3c

What’s Melasti?

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“One of Ubud’s true hidden gems, this atmospheric cocktail bar is hidden down a few flights of stairs below Murni’s restaurant – one of the first ever to open in the area over 30 years ago. Its magical ambiance harks back to a forgotten era of Bali, and a tried and tested cocktail list ensures you’ll end up staying way longer than you expect.”

The Lounge Bar on Level 2  is just a gorgeously proportioned room decorated with an ever-changing exhibition of tribal art and sculptures – many Balinese masks cover the walls.

The view from the The Lounge Bar on Level 2 is stunning and not to be missed.

It’s the place to have a relaxing, peaceful drink or a small intimate party.

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