Author Archives: merusaka

More Than a Room Why Families Choose the Merusaka Suites

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In Bali, “Family Friendly” often just means a kids’ club. At Merusaka, it means space to breathe.

Finding a hotel  family room di bali (hotel with a family room in Bali) can be a challenge. You are often forced to choose between cramping everyone into one room or paying double for connecting doors.

Merusaka Nusa Dua offers a different standard. We believe that luxury is defined by space.

The Suite Life

Our hotel suites in Bali are designed for the modern tribe. We understand that parents need privacy and children need room to play.

  • Space: Our Family Suites are not just “rooms”; they are sanctuaries. With separate living areas and spacious bedding configurations, we ensure that a family holiday doesn’t feel like a dormitory.

  • Access: Many of our ground-floor suites offer direct pool access, allowing the kids to swim while you supervise from the comfort of your private terrace.

Beyond the Room

While we are rated as one of the best family hotels in Bali, it isn’t just because of the beds. It is because of the freedom. Nusa Dua is the safest neighborhood on the island. The beaches are swimmable (protected by the reef), the sidewalks are wide, and the traffic is minimal. Whether you choose our nusa dua all inclusive resorts package for stress-free dining, or prefer to explore, Merusaka is the ultimate basecamp for your family’s adventure.

 

Give your family the luxury of space. View Our Family Suites

Secret Behind the Balinese Smile: Understanding “Menyama Braya”

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In many luxury hotels around the world, a smile is part of the uniform. In Bali, it is part of the soul.

Guests often ask us: “How is your staff so consistently happy? Is it the training?”

While we pride ourselves on our professional standards at Merusaka Nusa Dua, the warmth you feel here cannot be taught in a manual. You cannot script genuine care.

The reason you feel at home the moment you step into our lobby is found in an ancient Balinese philosophy that every staff member grew up with: Menyama Braya.

“We Are All Brothers”

In the Balinese language, Menyama comes from the word Nyama (Brother/Sibling), and Braya means Community or Kin.  

Put together, Menyama Braya roughly translates to: “Treating others as brothers and sisters.”

This is the social glue of the island. It is the belief that we are not separate individuals fighting for survival, but a collective family. In a Balinese village (Banjar), if a neighbor builds a house, everyone helps. If there is a ceremony, everyone cooks.

From the Village to the Resort

When a Balinese person puts on their Merusaka uniform, they do not leave this philosophy at home. They bring it to work.

This is why the service here feels different. In a Western context, hospitality is often Transactional: You pay me, I serve you. In the Balinese context of Menyama Braya, hospitality is Relational: You are my guest, therefore you are my kin.

When our housekeeper folds your towels or our gardener greets you with a “Swastyastu,” they are not performing a duty for a customer. They are extending the same courtesy they would to a relative visiting their village. The hierarchy dissolves. You are simply Nyama (family).

Tat Twam Asi (I Am You)

Deepening this concept is the Hindu philosophy of Tat Twam Asi, which means “I am you, and you are me.” If I hurt you, I hurt myself. If I make you happy, I make myself happy.

This is the secret source of the Balinese smile. It is not a mask worn to get a tip. It is a genuine reflection of the joy they get from making you happy. Because under the philosophy of Menyama Braya, your happiness and their happiness are connected.

Welcome to the Family

So, the next time you receive a warm greeting at breakfast or a helpful hand with your luggage, know that it is real. You haven’t just booked a room; you have been adopted into a community.

Welcome home, brother. Welcome home, sister. Experience Our Hospitality

Discovering Bali’s Oldest Chinese Temple

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Kuta is known for its surf, its sunsets, and its traffic. But hidden in a quiet side street, just 20 minutes from Nusa Dua, lies a sanctuary that time forgot.

If you are visiting Bali during the Lunar New Year season, there is one pilgrimage you must make. It is not to a beach club, but to Vihara Dharmayana (also known as Kongco Leeng Gwan).  

Dating back over 200 years, this is one of the oldest and most revered Chinese temples in Bali. Stepping through its ornate gates is like stepping into a different realm—a place where the scent of Balinese frangipani mixes with the heavy, sweet smoke of Chinese sandalwood incense.

A Sanctuary in the Chaos

The temple stands as a striking contrast to the island’s usual palette. While Bali is covered in grey volcanic stone and green moss, Vihara Dharmayana is a blaze of Imperial Red and Gold.

Intricate dragons coil around the pillars. Giant red lanterns sway in the ocean breeze. Inside the main hall, statues of deities like the benevolent Tan Hu Cin Jin sit peacefully, illuminated by hundreds of candles. It is a visual feast, and for photographers, the play of light and shadow here is unmatched.  

The Harmony of Two Faiths

What makes this temple truly “Balinese,” however, is the Akulturasi (cultural blend) you will witness inside.

This is not a strictly “Chinese” space. It is a shared space. If you look closely at the altars, you will see Balinese Hindu offerings (Canang Sari) placed respectfully next to Chinese fruit offerings. You will see local Balinese Hindus praying alongside Buddhist devotees.

During the Lunar New Year, this harmony explodes into the streets. The temple becomes the starting point for the Barongsai (Lion Dance) processions, where the Chinese Lion dances alongside the Balinese Barong. It is a loud, vibrant reminder that in Bali, no god is a stranger.  

How to Visit

The temple is an easy morning trip from Merusaka Nusa Dua.

  • Vibe: It is an active place of worship, not a museum. You will see families lighting joss sticks and making wishes for prosperity in the coming year.  
  • Etiquette: As with all temples in Bali, modest dress is required. Take off your shoes before entering the inner sanctum.
  • Moment: Buy a bundle of incense, light it from the main flame, and plant it in the heavy bronze urn. In the rising smoke, send a wish for the New Year. There is a palpable energy here that listens.

Step out of the resort. Step into history. 

Ask Our Concierge for a Temple Map

The Dragon and the Barong: When Two Cultures Dance

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In most parts of the world, Chinese New Year is a distinct festival. In Bali, it is a family reunion.

If you watch a cultural procession in Bali, you might see two towering figures dancing through the village streets. One is a giant with a terrifying black face (the Barong Landung). The other is a graceful figure with a pale white face and slanted eyes.

They are inseparable. They are husband and wife. And they are the living embodiment of the deep, ancient bond between Bali and China.

This Lunar New Year, we invite you to look beyond the red lanterns and understand the love story that shaped the island.

The King and the Merchant’s Daughter

The story dates back to the 12th century, to the reign of the Balinese King Sri Jaya Pangus. Legend tells us he fell deeply in love with Kang Cing Wei, the beautiful daughter of a Chinese merchant. Their marriage was a union of two powerful worlds—the spiritual mysticism of Bali and the ancient wisdom of China.

Though their story ended in tragedy (as all great legends do), their spirits are immortalized in the Barong Landung. They are worshipped not as separate entities, but as a couple representing harmony. To this day, you cannot celebrate a major Balinese temple festival without the presence of this Chinese princess.

The Coin with the Square Hole (Pis Bolong)

The evidence of this union is not just in the statues; it is in the daily offerings. Look closely at the Canang Sari (flower offerings) placed around Merusaka. Inside, you will often see ancient Chinese coins known as Pis Bolong. These coins, with their distinctive square holes, were originally currency brought by Chinese traders. Over centuries, they became sacred. Today, a Balinese ceremony is often considered incomplete without them. They represent the “Essence of Wealth” and the eternal link between our ancestors.

A Feast of Harmony (Akulturasi)

This is why celebrating Lunar New Year at Merusaka feels so different. You are not just attending a themed buffet; you are participating in a living history of Akulturasi (cultural fusion).

When we serve our Lunar New Year dinner, we are honoring the legacy of Kang Cing Wei.

  • The Flavors: Our culinary team blends the spices of the spice islands with the techniques of the wok, creating a menu that tastes like the history of trade itself.
  • The Atmosphere: We celebrate with the Barongsai (Lion Dance) not just as entertainment, but as a ritual to clear negative energy, echoing the protective power of the Balinese Barong.

The Union of Traditions

This February, we invite you to experience a celebration that is centuries in the making. It is a time when the Dragon of the East dances with the Lion of the South. It is a reminder that in Bali, we do not just tolerate differences; we marry them.

Experience the union of traditions. Reserve Your Lunar New Year Table

Understanding Asta Kosala Kosali Why Balinese Suggest You Sleep with Your Head North

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Have you ever noticed that you sleep deeper in Bali? It is not just the thread count of the sheets. It is the alignment of your soul.

If you pay attention to the layout of a traditional Balinese home—or a resort like Merusaka that respects local wisdom—you will notice nothing is random. Every wall, every door, and every bed is placed according to an ancient architectural code known as Asta Kosala Kosali.

Often called “Balinese Feng Shui,” this philosophy dictates how humans should live in harmony with the environment and the spirit world. And the most important rule concerns where you lay your head.

The Sacred Axis: Kaja vs. Kelod

In the West, we navigate by North and South. In Bali, we navigate by the Mountain and the Sea.

  • Kaja (The Mountain): This is the direction of Mount Agung, the holiest volcano and the home of the gods. It represents the “Head,” purity, and positive energy.
  • Kelod (The Sea): This is the direction of the ocean (in South Bali), representing the “Feet,” the underworld, and where impurities are washed away.

This is why, in your room at Merusaka, the bed is positioned so your head points North (towards Mount Agung). The belief is simple: When you sleep, your spirit is vulnerable. By aligning your head toward the holy mountain, you are recharging your soul with divine energy throughout the night. If you were to sleep with your feet toward the mountain, it would be considered deeply disrespectful—like pointing your feet at a temple.

The Aling-Aling: The Wall That Stops Spirits

Have you noticed that when you enter a traditional Balinese compound (or the temple gates within the resort), you often cannot walk in a straight line? You are forced to step left or right around a small barrier wall.

This wall is called the Aling-Aling. According to Balinese mythology, bad spirits and negative energy travel only in straight lines. They are fast, but they cannot turn corners. By placing an Aling-Aling directly behind the gate, the negative energy crashes into the wall and is repelled outside. Humans, however, walk around the wall, entering the space with a curved, gentle path.

Architecture as Protection

This is why a room in Bali feels different. It is not just a box to sleep in; it is a ritually protected space. The layout is designed to filter out the noise and chaos of the outside world (Niskala) and keep the interior safe for your dreaming mind.

So, when you wake up at Merusaka feeling unusually refreshed, do not just thank the coffee. Thank the architecture. You have spent the night aligned with the mountain and protected from the spirits.

Sleep in harmony. Book Your Sanctuary

What to Expect During Nyepi 2026 The Day the Earth Breathes

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The world is noisy. Nusa Dua on March 19, 2026, will be the only place on Earth that truly stops.

For 364 days a year, Bali is a symphony of motorbikes, temple bells, music, and life. But for one period of 24 hours—from 6:00 AM on March 19 to 6:00 AM on March 20—the island hits a hard reset.

This is Nyepi (The Day of Silence).

If you have never experienced it, the concept can sound intimidating. No flights land. No shops open. No one is allowed on the streets. But to think of Nyepi as a day of “being trapped” is to miss the point entirely.

Nyepi is the ultimate luxury. It is the day the earth breathes. Here is what you can expect when the lights go out.

Total Darkness (The Canvas of the Night)

The most striking rule of Nyepi is Amati Geni—no fire or light. At sunset, the streetlights do not turn on. The horizon, usually dotted with fishing boats or plane signals, goes pitch black.

For guests at Merusaka, this creates a rare phenomenon: Zero Light Pollution. If the March skies clear, the result is breathtaking. Without the interference of city glow, the Milky Way becomes visible to the naked eye. You can sit on your balcony in total darkness, feeling the cool ocean breeze, looking up at a sky so crowded with stars it feels heavy. Even if the clouds roll in, the depth of the darkness is profound and peaceful.

Sound of the Ocean

When the traffic stops, the island’s true voice returns. You will realize how much background noise usually filters out nature. During Nyepi, the sound of the waves crashing at Mengiat Beach becomes a roar. The wind in the coconut palms sounds like rain. The chirping of geckos becomes a rhythm. It is a sonic detox. Your ears stop ringing from the frequency of modern life and tune into the frequency of the island.

True Experience of Getaway

Modern life demands that we are always “on”—always productive, always scrolling, always moving. Nyepi removes the option. Because you cannot go out, you are free from the “Fear Of Missing Out” (FOMO). You have total permission to do nothing.

  • Read the book that has been sitting on your nightstand for a year.
  • Sleep until noon without an alarm.
  • Meditate in the expansive gardens of Merusaka, which feel like your own private sanctuary.

A Hard Reset for the Soul

The Balinese believe that on this day, the bad spirits fly over the island. Seeing no lights and hearing no people, they assume the island is deserted and move on. It is a cleansing. And you will feel it, too. When the sun rises on the day after Nyepi (Ngembak Geni), the air feels cleaner. The colors look brighter. You feel lighter.

The only day of the year Bali truly sleeps. Be here for it. Book Your Silent Escape

Understanding Omed-Omedan Ceremony Bali’s Wildest Celebration Happens the Day After Silence

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Bali is an island of contrasts. One day, total silence. The next day, a kissing festival.

If you are visiting Bali in March for Nyepi, you are prepared for the quiet. You know about the empty streets and the starlight. But very few travelers know what happens the moment the silence ends.

On the day after Nyepi, known as Ngembak Geni, the island wakes up with a roar. And in the village of Sesetan (just a short drive north of Nusa Dua), this awakening takes a unique, boisterous form known as Omed-Omedan.

What is Omed-Omedan?

Literally translating to “Pull and Pull,” this is a tradition exclusive to the Banjar Kaja community in Sesetan. It has been practiced for centuries, allegedly starting to satisfy a king who needed entertainment to heal from an illness.

The ritual is simple, chaotic, and full of joy: The village youth are separated into two groups—men and women. At the signal of the Gamelan drums, they rush toward each other in the center of the street. The front pair is pushed together by their friends until they embrace and share a quick kiss, all while the older villagers douse them with buckets of cold water.

It is slippery, loud, and incredibly fun.

Why It Matters

To the outsider, it looks like a matchmaking festival. But to the locals, it is a ceremony of harmony and warding off bad luck. It represents the return of social connection. For 24 hours during Nyepi, the Balinese are isolated in meditation. Omed-Omedan breaks that isolation with the most human act possible: physical connection and laughter.

It is a celebration of fertility, youth, and the washing away of bad energy (represented by the water) to start the new year fresh.

The Beauty of Balance

This is the secret sauce of Bali in March. Nowhere else on earth can you experience such extreme duality in 48 hours.

  • March 19 (Nyepi): The deepest silence you will ever know. A day for the soul.
  • March 20 (Ngembak Geni): The loudest laughter you will ever hear. A day for the community.

You don’t have to go to Sesetan and get soaked to appreciate it (though brave travelers are welcome to watch!). Just knowing it exists adds a flavor to your holiday. It reminds you that you are on an island that celebrates every spectrum of life—from the sacred quiet to the chaotic joy.

Experience the energy of the New Year. Book Your March Getaway 

Why Small Weddings Are the New Luxury in Bali

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For years, a “Luxury Wedding” meant inviting everyone you know. Today, it means inviting only the people who matter.

There is a big shift happening in Nusa Dua. While we still host big grand ballroom events, our most requested package for 2026 is actually the Small Wedding (50 Guests).

This isn’t about saving money. In fact, couples are often spending more per person. It is about changing the vibe. The trend is real, and it is driven by a simple desire: Quality over Crowd.

Here is why the 50-person wedding has become the ultimate status symbol in Bali.

1. The VVIP Experience

The math is simple: The fewer people you invite, the better you can treat them. When you host 300 people, you often have to choose the “Standard Package” to keep costs down. You serve standard chicken. You pour standard wine.

But when you cut the list to 50 people, you unlock a new level of luxury.

  • The Food: Instead of a long buffet line, you can serve a 5-course sit-down dinner featuring fresh, organic ingredients from our Magi Farm partnership.
  • The Drinks: You can afford vintage champagne and top-shelf cocktails for everyone. At Merusaka, we see couples using the small guest list to treat their friends like royalty. It feels less like a “reception” and more like an exclusive fine-dining party.

2. The Perfect Venue Size

Some venues feel empty without a crowd. Merusaka was designed for this exact size. Our Glass Chapel is the heart of this trend. It wasn’t built for thousands of people; it was built to frame the couple. With floor-to-ceiling glass walls, the chapel brings the lush tropical gardens and the sky inside. With 50 guests, the space feels full, warm, and alive. You can see the faces of every person in the room. The architecture holds the energy in, rather than letting it float away in a massive hall.

3. You Actually Have Time

A big wedding is a production. You spend the whole night shaking hands with distant relatives you barely know, managing schedules, and posing for photos. A small wedding is a moment. The reason this is trending for February and March (the “Shoulder Season”) is because couples want to relax. With a smaller group, you actually have time to eat your own wedding cake. You have time to dance. You have time to watch the sunset over Mengiat Beach without rushing.

4. The “Best Hotel” Guarantee

Choosing a small wedding doesn’t mean you are downgrading. You are still getting married at the Best Hotel in Bali 2025 (TTG Travel Awards). You are simply choosing to experience that world-class service in a way that feels personal, private, and special.

Keep it small. Keep it special. View Our 50-Pax Wedding Packages

Why Celebrating Chinese New Year 2026 Feels Different in Bali

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In Singapore or Hong Kong, the Lunar New Year is a roar of energy. In Bali, it is a warm embrace.

As we approach the Year of the Horse in February 2026, many travelers are looking for a place to celebrate that feels meaningful, not just manic.

Bali offers something unique during this season. It is not just a tourist destination putting on a red lantern show; it is an island that has held a deep, spiritual connection with Chinese culture for nearly a thousand years. This creates a specific atmosphere—an Akulturasi (acculturation)—that you cannot find anywhere else in the world.

Here is why ringing in the Lunar New Year in Nusa Dua feels different.

1. A Love Story Carved in History

The connection between Bali and China isn’t just about trade; it is about romance. The island’s folklore is built on the legendary marriage of the Balinese King Sri Jaya Pangus and the Chinese merchant’s daughter, Kang Cing Wei.

This union changed the face of the island. It is why, in many sacred rituals across Bali, you will still see ancient Chinese coins (Pis Bolong) used as symbols of spiritual value. It is why the terrified face of the Barong Landung (the giant puppet protector) is often accompanied by a white-faced female figure representing the Chinese princess.

When you celebrate here, you are walking in the footsteps of this ancient harmony. You are not a stranger; you are a guest in a home that has welcomed your culture for centuries.

Color of Prayer

In most cities, Red is the color of luck. In Bali, Red is the color of Brahma (the Creator). During the Lunar New Year, the aesthetics of the island merge. The Balinese Penjor (bamboo poles) curve gracefully alongside red lanterns. The smell of incense from the temples blends with the aroma of the festive feast. It is visually stunning—a vibrant mix of Balinese Gold and Lunar Red that makes for profound, beautiful photography.

Feast of Togetherness (Kebersamaan)

At Merusaka Nusa Dua, we honor this season by focusing on family. The Lunar New Year is not about the fireworks; it is about the Reunion Dinner. It is the one time of year when generations sit at the same table.

In 2026, our culinary team is preparing a dining experience that honors this spirit. Using fresh ingredients from our local partners (and organic produce from the Magi Farm initiative), we serve a feast that is both traditional and distinctively Balinese. It is a celebration of abundance, held by the ocean, where the breeze carries the promise of a fresh start.

Come for the celebration. Stay for the connection. 

Reserve Your Family Table

Why a February Wedding Holds a Different Magic

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In many parts of the world, rain on your wedding day is considered bad luck. In Bali, it is the ultimate blessing.

The dry season burns hot and bright. It is the season of fire. But February and March are the season of water (Tirta). This is when the island comes alive. The dust is washed away, the air becomes Sejuk (cool and refreshing), and the earth releases a scent of deep gratitude.

For the couple seeking a union deeper than just a “perfect photo,” the shoulder season offers a romance that is quiet, intimate, and profoundly Balinese.

Here is why we invite you to marry when the clouds roll in.

1. Rain is Sedana (Prosperity)

When the skies open over Nusa Dua, the Balinese staff smile and say, “Hujan adalah berkah” (Rain is a blessing). Water is the source of life. To exchange vows during this season is to invite prosperity and fertility into your marriage from the very first moment. There is a sacred feeling when the rain falls—it is as if the universe is washing the path clean for your new journey. It is not an interruption; it is a guest.

2. Embrace of the Earth

In the heat of August, the island can feel tired. But in February, the gardens of Merusaka are vibrating with life. The Frangipani trees drop their blossoms not because they are withering, but because they are heavy with bloom. The grass is a deep, nourishing emerald. When you walk down the aisle in the shoulder season, you are not just walking through a venue; you are walking through a living offering. The nature around you is singing.

3. Intimacy of Shelter

There is a unique warmth found only in the rainy season—the feeling of being tucked away. Imagine standing inside our Glass Chapel, safe and dry, while a tropical shower taps a gentle rhythm against the crystal walls. The world outside blurs into soft greens and greys, leaving only the two of you in clear focus. It creates a “cocoon” of intimacy that the wide-open expanse of the dry season cannot match. It draws you and your guests closer together, physically and emotionally.

4. A Sky Full of Drama

The gods paint with bolder colors in this season. Because of the cloud movements, the sunsets in February are not just orange—they are violet, deep purple, and fiery red. The clouds catch the light in ways a clear blue sky never could. Your wedding photos will not look like a postcard; they will look like a painting.

Let nature bless your union. 

Discover the Romance of the Water Season