Penang, Malaysia is renowned for its vibrant street art scene. The island’s capital, George Town, is home to numerous captivating murals and installations that have become a major tourist attraction1. The street art history in Penang began in 2012 when Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic created a series of interactive murals for the George Town Festival2. Since then, other artists have contributed to the city’s street art landscape. To explore Penang’s street art, you can embark on a self-guided walking tour in George Town.
The Old Man and the Dragons Part of my road trip in December 2023, in the districts of Trang and Songkhla, took me to this beautiful and quite spectacular “Dragon Garden” in some 48hectres of land there is a minimum of some 88 Dragons. In this slideshow you will see a good selection of what I saw on the day.
The sign in the center of the sculpture park reads “Pay respect to the Earth” in Thai. Others scattered along walking paths offer words of wisdom in two languages, including “Be powerful like a dragon.” I’m didn’t feel so powerful in this tropical heat, just five minutes in the sun turning my shirt into a sweaty mess.
Holding court in a shaded pavilion was the man behind all this, Mr. Jaroon Keawla-eiad. (“That’s probably not a perfect spelling,” my guide explained. “Some Thai words don’t translate very well into English letters.”) He is a retired local schoolteacher that took over this land of theptaro trees many decades ago and made a dragon from the curvy tree’s roots. Then he made another, and one after that, then kept going. There are now 88 of them on the property.
Whilst in Ubud, I had planned beforehand to visit the Masks and Puppets Museum, always being fascinated by puppets as a child and into my adulthood, you can image the thrill and pleasure I got from this visit!
EXHIBITIONS SPACES
The collections of the House of Masks and Puppets are housed in four different traditional Javanese antique houses or commonly known as Joglo. These unique Joglos are mostly originated from East and Middle Java. They are made out of good quality teak wood and have been put up to help keep their preservation.
All the exhibits are displayed and curated in English as well as Balinese.
The collection of the House of Masks and Puppets currently consists of approximately 7000 items, of which 1300 are masks from Indonesia, Africa, and Japan; whilst the other 5700 are puppets from Indonesia, China, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia. Although the House of Masks and Puppets has several objects from other countries, the collection mostly consists of items from various regions in Indonesia. The acquisition of various masks and puppets from other countries is intended for additional learning, appreciation, and understanding of other cultures.
I have split the collection as in their displays in four houses. From full human sized costumes and masks, to face only masks, to shadow and screen puppets and finally wooden puppets!
I hope you enjoy the collection.
Whilst in Ubud, I had planned beforehand to visit the Masks and Puppets Museum, always being fascinated by puppets as a child and into my adulthood, you can image the thrill and pleasure I got from this visit!
EXHIBITIONS SPACES
The collections of the House of Masks and Puppets are housed in four different traditional Javanese antique houses or commonly known as Joglo. These unique Joglos are mostly originated from East and Middle Java. They are made out of good quality teak wood and have been put up to help keep their preservation.
All the exhibits are displayed and curated in English as well as Balinese.
The collection of the House of Masks and Puppets currently consists of approximately 7000 items, of which 1300 are masks from Indonesia, Africa, and Japan; whilst the other 5700 are puppets from Indonesia, China, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia. Although the House of Masks and Puppets has several objects from other countries, the collection mostly consists of items from various regions in Indonesia. The acquisition of various masks and puppets from other countries is intended for additional learning, appreciation, and understanding of other cultures.
I have split the collection as in their displays in four houses. From full human sized costumes and masks, to face only masks, to shadow and screen puppets and finally wooden puppets!
I hope you enjoy the collection.
Whilst in Ubud, I had planned beforehand to visit the Masks and Puppets Museum, always being fascinated by puppets as a child and into my adulthood, you can image the thrill and pleasure I got from this visit!
EXHIBITIONS SPACES
The collections of the House of Masks and Puppets are housed in four different traditional Javanese antique houses or commonly known as Joglo. These unique Joglos are mostly originated from East and Middle Java. They are made out of good quality teak wood and have been put up to help keep their preservation.
All the exhibits are displayed and curated in English as well as Balinese.
The collection of the House of Masks and Puppets currently consists of approximately 7000 items, of which 1300 are masks from Indonesia, Africa, and Japan; whilst the other 5700 are puppets from Indonesia, China, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia. Although the House of Masks and Puppets has several objects from other countries, the collection mostly consists of items from various regions in Indonesia. The acquisition of various masks and puppets from other countries is intended for additional learning, appreciation, and understanding of other cultures.
I have split the collection as in their displays in four houses. From full human sized costumes and masks, to face only masks, to shadow and screen puppets and finally wooden puppets!
I hope you enjoy the collection.
Whilst in Ubud, I had planned beforehand to visit the Masks and Puppets Museum, always being fascinated by puppets as a child and into my adulthood, you can image the thrill and pleasure I got from this visit!
EXHIBITIONS SPACES
The collections of the House of Masks and Puppets are housed in four different traditional Javanese antique houses or commonly known as Joglo. These unique Joglos are mostly originated from East and Middle Java. They are made out of good quality teak wood and have been put up to help keep their preservation.
All the exhibits are displayed and curated in English as well as Balinese.
The collection of the House of Masks and Puppets currently consists of approximately 7000 items, of which 1300 are masks from Indonesia, Africa, and Japan; whilst the other 5700 are puppets from Indonesia, China, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia. Although the House of Masks and Puppets has several objects from other countries, the collection mostly consists of items from various regions in Indonesia. The acquisition of various masks and puppets from other countries is intended for additional learning, appreciation, and understanding of other cultures.
I have split the collection as in their displays in four houses. From full human sized costumes and masks, to face only masks, to shadow and screen puppets and finally wooden puppets!
I hope you enjoy the collection.
Whilst at the GWK Park I was able to attend a performance of Balinese dance. In three main chapters, this is no.3 of the three. I considered them to long to put together for YouTube purposes. I hope you enjoy.
Below is some information about Balinese dancing;
Balinese dance is a variety of dances originating from the island of Bali.
Balinese dance does not always depend on the storyline. The main goal of Balinese dancers is to dance each stage of movement and sequence with full expression. The beauty of Balinese dance can be seen in the abstract and beautiful movements. The most famous Balinese dances include Pendet, Gambuh, Baris, Sanghyang and Legong.
Balinese dances are mostly religious in meaning. Since the 1950s, with the rapid development of tourism, several dances have been performed at activities outside of religious events with some modifications.
Balinese dance is one of the attractions of tourists to come to this island of the gods. In this video, the Balinese dance in GWK shows a dance that we took pictures of at a tourist spot known as Garuda Wisnu Kencana or GWK.
Whilst at the GWK Park I was able to attend a performance of Balinese dance. In three main chapters, this is no.2 of the three. I considered them to long to put together for YouTube purposes. I hope you enjoy.
Below is some information about Balinese dancing;
Balinese dance is a variety of dances originating from the island of Bali.
Balinese dance does not always depend on the storyline. The main goal of Balinese dancers is to dance each stage of movement and sequence with full expression. The beauty of Balinese dance can be seen in the abstract and beautiful movements. The most famous Balinese dances include Pendet, Gambuh, Baris, Sanghyang and Legong.
Balinese dances are mostly religious in meaning. Since the 1950s, with the rapid development of tourism, several dances have been performed at activities outside of religious events with some modifications.
Balinese dance is one of the attractions of tourists to come to this island of the gods. In this video, the Balinese dance in GWK shows a dance that we took pictures of at a tourist spot known as Garuda Wisnu Kencana or GWK.
Whilst at the GWK Park I was able to attend a performance of Balinese dance. In three main chapters, this is no.1 of the three. I considered them to long to put together for YouTube purposes. I hope you enjoy.
Below is some information about Balinese dancing;
Balinese dance is a variety of dances originating from the island of Bali.
Balinese dance does not always depend on the storyline. The main goal of Balinese dancers is to dance each stage of movement and sequence with full expression. The beauty of Balinese dance can be seen in the abstract and beautiful movements. The most famous Balinese dances include Pendet, Gambuh, Baris, Sanghyang and Legong.
Balinese dances are mostly religious in meaning. Since the 1950s, with the rapid development of tourism, several dances have been performed at activities outside of religious events with some modifications.
Balinese dance is one of the attractions of tourists to come to this island of the gods. In this video, the Balinese dance in GWK shows a dance that we took pictures of at a tourist spot known as Garuda Wisnu Kencana or GWK.
During my stay in Ubud, I took the morning to walk along the Camphuan Ridge walk. A walk along a ridge that lifts you up above the rice fields and surrounding valley.
The length of the Campuhan Ridge Walk is ~2km (~1.2 miles) from start to end. It follows a palm-tree lined paved walkway up over the hillside and will take ~30 minutes one way (if you don’t stop to take in the view and snap some photos, which of course I did!).
There is no option to make this walk into a loop walk, and you will need to double back on the same path used on the way. The Campuhan Ridge Walk is an easy-moderate walk, with some gentle inclines up over the hilltop. Although paved, it can be a little uneven as not all of the paving is level, Otherwise I was pleasantly surprised at the ease of the path.
We stopped at the end where there are a few cafe’s. And took in a fresh coconut drink before returning to Ubud town.
Certainly, was a lovely walk and quite popular with expats and Balinese.
Please be aware that this video was taken during the performance, by hand without tripod. Taken during my visit to Ubud -Bali in July 2023
I am not a videographer, but a photographer who occasionally takes video.
You will see four set pieces by the Chandra Mati Ladies Orchestra and Dance Troupe.
These dancers are starting training from the age of 3 years old. Learning the complex hand and eye movements in tandem with their body and feet.
It was a fantastic experience of Balinese dancing that I had to share with anyone who is interested.
Instrumentalia “Kebyar Ding Sempale”
is an expression of heartfelt joy communicated in the form of melody and rhythm and extremely dynamic performance. This musical calls upon and is supported by the glorious sounds of the Gamelan Gong Kebyar with chorus. This piece was composed for Chandra Wati Group.
Puspa Wresti Welcome Dance
This dance derives from the ritual dance: Pendet dance. Symbolizing of gratitude, respect and joy when welcoming the presence of gods who descend from khayangan (realm of gods) . a number of young girls in this Panyembrama represent member of the dance and music troupe to welcome the audience with deep appreciation and peace.
Cendrawasih Dance
Cendrawasih is the beautiful bird from Papua island. It is also known as a bird of paradise. This choreography is about them having mate ritual.
Rabbit Dance
This is the new dance choreography that portrays of the behaviour of the rabbit. This is performed by younger dancers.
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During my very recent visit to Bali, I visited Ulawatu Temple. Whilst there we managed to get tickets for the famous Fire Show.
After having waiting for several hours, and in the pouring rain, we were seated in the amphitheatre at Ulawatu to watch the performance of the kecak fire dance.
For me the sound of a 50 strong male choir, creating a “cak” in different tones and keys was a new experience. This performance did not disappoint on any level, from the costumes to the fine but deliberate dance movements narrating the story from the Ramayana. Not only a challenge to photograph, but to try and watch and immerse oneself in the whole experience.
The Story and Elements of the Kecak Dance;
The Kecak dance is performed by more than a dozen dancers; in fact, it might contain the most dancers on stage at any one time of all of Bali’s famous dances. The choir group consists of 50 or more male dancers who perform very basic routines. The main dancers, who play the most significant roles and perform countless dance routines, typically include around 10 to 15 dancers.
Credit to :Bali life on the Island Now for the above piece.
Journeys From A Small Room 