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
