Cultural Event: Mekare Kare

There’s an interesting ritual that’s taking place this month in the ancient village of Tenganan in Karangasem, East Bali. Renowned for its unique Bali Aga traditions, the villagers here still honour practices that date back to the 14th century, and one of them is a ritual called Mekare Kare or Perang Pandan in Bahasa Indonesia.

This ceremony is fascinating and is a must-see for visitors to Bali. Using thorny pandan leaves as “weapons”, bare-breasted male villagers will “fight” one another in a ring surrounded by cheering spectators, other villagers and photographers. The “fight” is held to honour the Hindu God of War and Sky, Lord Indra, and has no vicious or cruel intent.

Instead, young, bare-breasted males wearing traditional Balinese kamen or sarong and headgear will enter the ring to collide with one another using their thorny pandan clubs. The purpose of the fight is to draw a little blood from the backs of one another. Once this is achieved, the fighters will separate with no hard feelings and another set of fighters will enter the ring.

The Mekare Kare ritual is held on different dates each year, according to the Balinese calendar. If you’d like to witness this unique coming-of-age ritual while you’re here in Bali, do speak with a member of our team and we’ll do our best to make arrangements for you.

Ubud Food Festival 2023

The Ubud Food Festival 2023 has returned! Guests can make their way to Taman Kuliner between 30 June and 2 July 2023 to participate in one of the very best culinary-themed events in the region.

While there, you can taste all the flavours of the archipelago, see top chefs present their tasty creations at the Culinary Theatre, watch special performances and cooking demonstrations, participate in food tours and special events like workshops and long table lunches and listen in on interesting roundtable discussions featuring the biggest names in culinary.

When the sun sets, there will be live music and performances. What better reason to party all night with delicious food and drinks?! Last year, the festival welcomed approximately over 8,000 attendees and featured 85 food stands, and 100 speakers over three days. It’s a definite must-do, so speak to our Concierge if you’d like to purchase a day pass to the 2023 Ubud Food Festival or click here to find out more!

Movie Night For The Kids at Prime Plaza Suites Sanur

We’re delighted to share that we’re hosting kid-friendly movie nights every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at the new Dining Garden here at our resort. Your little ones will have an exciting night to look forward to with delicious food, juices and soda and of course, the latest animated child-friendly movies playing on the big screen.

While the little ones watch the show and munch on their meals, parents and guardians can relax with their favourite drinks and unwind in the island breeze under the stars. The Movie Night is a complimentary activity exclusively for our in-house guests, so be sure to bring your little ones to Dining Garden for a night of family-friendly fun! Toi enjoy movie night, each perticipant must place an order from the ala carte menu.

Balinese Cooking Class: Learn How To Make Balinese Dishes With Our Chef

Love Balinese food? We’re delighted to announce the return of a much-beloved resort activity, the Balinese Cooking Class with the Chef at the Terrace Restaurant.

Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure as you create tantalizing flavours with fragrant Balinese ingredients and enticing herbs and spices. You’ll get a first-hand look at our Chef’s intricate cooking techniques from preparation to cooking and serving. Watch closely as the Chef shares much-beloved Balinese culinary secrets that have been passed down from generation to generation.

Our Chef will show you how to marry ancient techniques with authentic flavour profiles to create irresistible classic dishes that we all know and love. In this class, you’ll learn how to make Balinese Fish Satay, seafood cooked in traditional Balinese style and the much-beloved Sambal Matah, a staple with every Balinese dish. You’ll also make Balinese desserts – Pulung-Pulung Ubi, a type of market snack and Fried Banana Fritters.

The class is now available to all guests at IDR 290,000+++ per person for a minimum of 2 persons. Children ages 5-12 can participate at half price. You’ll get a Balinese apron, a traditional Balinese hat, a Balinese shawl, a certificate and a digital group photo.

To book your Balinese Cooking Class, simply send an email to reservation@sanur.pphotels.com.