18 Nov Komang Putra
Hi there! My name is Komang Putra, though I am 100% Balinese, I have spent most of my life away from the island. Now, I am back in Bali, hoping to reconnect with my roots. It has been very exciting to see firsthand about the Balinese culture and traditions at a deeper level. I currently live in Denpasar, home to an abundance of coffee shops and malls. While it is pretty convenient to stay in the area, I prefer to explore places outside Denpasar with friends in my leisure time.
I got my bachelor’s from the University of California, San Diego, where I studied International Business. After years of studying abroad, Bali still holds a special place in my heart. I want to share this connection with others and be able to show them that this island is truly one of a kind.
What is your favorite food?
It’s hard for me to pick just one (I love food) but among them are Babi Guling, which is arguably Bali’s signature dish and also Rendang, a delicious caramelized beef dish cooked slowly over many hours in an aromatic mix of Indonesian spices.
What is your favorite Balinese holiday?
Tumpek Landep, it is a holiday where we show appreciation, give blessings and thanks to the tools that we use for our everyday living. Traditionally it is meant for sharp objects such as knives that help us on a daily basis but now it has extended to things like our cars and motorcycles that we rely on daily to get around. On this day, the roads of Bali are typically filled with vehicles that have offerings attached to it, which I think is quite special.
The best piece of advice you want to give to someone traveling to Bali?
Bali has a very rich culture in addition to our beautiful beaches. I would advise to set aside some time to explore Bali beyond the touristy places, and engage with the locals!
What is your favorite word in Balinese, that has no direct translation to English?
Om Awighnam astu namo sidham, which roughly translates to the hope for there to be no obstacles in the activity we are about to do and that we are accompanied with peace along the way.