(11/16/2009)
Although not widely known, Balinese history tells of how remote Balinese villages populated only by Balinese Christians were established in the early decades of the '1900s to accommodate "outcasts" who had converted from Hinduism. Located in remote jungle areas of Northwest Bali thought to populated by evil spirits, these small enclaves of Christianity not only survived but prospered to become model communities.
As part of an annual holiday tradition from Balidiscovery.com, we offer a unique Christmas morning pilgrimage certain to form part of a life-long memory for visitors wishing to celebrate Christmas among devout Christian families in Bali.
Hidden away on the lush mountain slopes of Bali's westernmost mountains on the very border of the Bali Barat National Park are two picturesque communities - Belimbingsari and its near neighbor Palasari. These communities were established in the late '1930s by Balinese who had converted to Christianity and no longer felt at ease or welcome in the traditional setting of a Balinese banjar. In the intervening years, these two villages have flourished with Belimbingsari becoming home to a large Protestant community, while, just a few kilometers away, Roman Catholic Balinese live in a community built encircling their dramatic and architecturally eclectic church at Palasari.
O Come, O Come Emmanuel
This exclusive Christmas morning offering includes a pre-dawn pick up at any hotel in Bali, the air conditioned transportation and the services of a licensed guide to and from either Belimbingsari or Palasari, morning worship services, a Christmas morning brunch at the magnificent Taman Wana Resort and a scenic drive back to your hotel along Bali's rugged western coast.
While the ride to and from the services takes the better part of two hours each way, distance was never a problem for wise men (and women) seeking to honor the Child whose birthday we will celebrate on Friday, December 25, 2009.
Join members of the Bali Discovery team on what always proves to be a special Balinese celebration of a very special day!
[A Truly Balinese Christmas]
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