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Welcome to the blog of Jamahal Private Resort and Spa in Jimbaran. We hope you enjoy your stay.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

The Day of The Iron Fence


Today is Pagerwesi Day, the Day of the Iron Fence. Pagerwesi marks the beginning of a new cycle in the Balinese ceremonial year and also the end of a small cycle of ceremonies that started at Seraswati Day.
The last few days people has been going to the sea to bathe and be purified, fishermen has made offerings to their boats and nets, farmers to their crops and rice barns and lovers of bling to golden jewelry and ancient chinese coins. But today is dedicated to nothing less than the battle against evil.
Many years ago an ancient battle between good and evil was fought on this day and the Balinese use this day to strengthen their own defense against the forces of evil through prayers and meditation. And in cemeteries offerings are made for the dead who has not yet been cremated. The Balinese also show their respect for Shiva in the aspect of teacher, in sanskrit Guru. In Indian Hinduism this day is known as Guru Puja or Guru Purnima.
In South Bali the celebrations are modest. Pagerwesi is an important ceremony but the village streets look like they would on any other day. In North Bali, however, the celebrations are feverish. Countless pigs and chicken loose their lives to end up in traditional Balinese meals, beautifully decorated bamboo poles called penjor line every street, sumptuous feasts are held for visiting relatives and the villages are alive with the sound of chanting and parties.
Happy Iron Fence day.

Friday, September 24, 2010

Saraswati Day

Today is Saraswati Day, the very last day of the Balinese Pawukon calendar, being the Saturday of its last week, Watugunung. Dewi Saraswati is generally referred to as Goddess of 'Science & Knowledge'. Dewi Saraswati is the female counterpart of Dewa Brahma, the manifestation of the Almighty Infinite Spirit as the Creator. Nowadays the Knowledge/Science symbolized by Saraswati is generally interpreted as pure secular, scientific knowledge; at libraries offerings are made for books and other important written materials, such as the lontar palm-leaf manuscripts; books and (written) language are seen as the vessels of secular, scientific knowledge. At the schools and universities the students pray for success with their studies. During Saraswati Day it is not allowed to read, which can be compared with a ‘one minute silence’, in honor of the ‘gift’ of books and language which enables mankind to pass on the scientific knowledge that leads to secular success.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

We won!

It is with great pride and gratitude that we can announce that our little resort has WON a category award at World Luxury Hotel Awards. The exact category we have won will be disclosed at a later date. Thank you all for your support, this means so much to everyone here.



Sunday, September 19, 2010

Beef Rendang






We have introduced new traditional Indonesian dishes to our menus. Here is the Indonesian version of beef curry, Beef Rendang.


200 grams of beef cut in strips

3 cloves of garlic

5 shallots

1 Tablespoon shredded tumeric

1 Tablespoon shredded ginger

3 tablespoons shredded galangal

2 pinches dried chili

Dried coriander (roasted) pulverized and mixed with the spice in blander

2 red chilies, deseeded

1 Teaspoon sugar

¼ Teaspoon salt

2 stalks lemon grass

1 tumeric leaf

5 lime leaves

1 dl coconut milk

1 dl water

Make spice paste by blending garlic, shallots, tumeric, ginger, dreid and fresh chilies, coriander, sugar and salt. Sautee on low heat with lime leaves, lemon grass and tumeric leaves for three minutes.

Sauté beef on a frying pan and put it in the spice paste.

Add water and coconut milk and let it simmer for 30 minutes.

Serve with rice.

Friday, September 10, 2010

Beach Club



The beach club is now up and running - or rather, comfortably lying down. Relax in the tropical breeze on the best beach in Bali, with a butler to bring you refreshments.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

The Jamahal Farm

We recently opened a market garden behind the resort. We grow basil, mint, lettuce, tomatoes etc. for the hotel's kitchen - all organic, and all enjoying the fertile Balinese soil and climate. We have no wish to start competing with Bedugul, Bali's fertile volcanic highlands, where most of the island's vegetables are grown - but this is a fun way to use the land and a way to ensure we get fresh organic vegetables. Guests are welcome to stroll the gardens.


Nominated for Best Luxury Romantic Hotel 2010


We are happy to let you know that our small resort has been nominated for a major tourism award  – ”Best Luxury Romantic Hotel 2010” by the luxury hotel awards association.

We are of course proud to be considered for such an honor, and thankful for the support of our friends, guests and partners for helping us earn this recognition - it really feels like a pat on the shoulder. 



Sunday, September 5, 2010

Welcome to the Jamahal blog

Welcome to the blog for Jamahal Private Resort & Spa in Jimbaran Bay, Bali. This is where we will post small news and stories from Bali and our little private corner of it. We hope you enjoy your stay.