Category Archives: Activity

Merdeka! A Visitor’s Guide to Indonesian Independence Day in Bali (August 17th)

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Experiencing Indonesian Independence Day in Bali on August 17th offers a wonderful and joyful glimpse into the nation’s patriotic spirit and deep love for community fun. As August arrives, you will see the island transform. Streets, homes, and businesses become a sea of red and white, proudly flying the national flag and creating a vibrant, festive atmosphere that is impossible to miss.

This is Indonesia’s most important national holiday, and witnessing the celebrations is a fantastic opportunity to connect with the local culture. It’s a day filled with history, pride, and most of all, a lot of laughter. As your friendly hosts at Merusaka Nusa Dua, we’d love to guide you through the festivities and invite you to a very special celebration of our own.

The Spirit of Merdeka: Understanding the Day

To truly appreciate the celebrations, it’s lovely to know the story behind them.

  • The Historical Significance: August 17th, known as Hari Kemerdekaan, celebrates the day in 1945 when Indonesia proclaimed its independence. It is a day of immense national pride, commemorating the country’s sovereignty. The spirit of this day is captured in one powerful word: Merdeka, which means “Freedom.”
  • The Red and White Flag: You will see the Indonesian flag, the Bendera Merah Putih, flying everywhere. Its symbolism is simple yet profound: the red stripe represents courage, while the white stripe represents purity.

The Fun & Games: The Joyful Community Lomba

While the morning is marked by formal flag-raising ceremonies, the afternoon explodes with fun, laughter, and a wonderful sense of community! The highlight for most people are the traditional, and often hilarious, competitions known as lomba, held in villages and neighborhoods across the island.

Look out for some of these classic games:

  • Panjat Pinang (Pole Climbing): Perhaps the most entertaining spectacle, where teams of young men work together to climb a slippery, greased pole to reach prizes at the top. It’s a hilarious display of teamwork!
  • Lomba Makan Kerupuk (Cracker-Eating Contest): A game beloved by children and adults, where participants must eat a dangling cracker (kerupuk) with their hands tied behind their backs.
  • Balap Karung (Sack Race): The classic hopping race in a large rice sack, always a source of great fun and friendly competition.

A Taste of Freedom: Celebrating at Merusaka Nusa Dua

While the community games are a wonderful daytime spectacle, the celebrations continue into the evening. For those looking for the thrills and excitement of Indonesia’s Independence Day, we are hosting our own special event at Merusaka to honor the day with a journey through the nation’s incredible flavors.

  • The Event: Nusantara Festival Journey We invite you to join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating “Merdeka di setiap rasa” – Freedom in every taste!
  • The Experience: Embark on a culinary journey from Sabang to Merauke as we present 8 unique regional dishes that showcase the diversity of Indonesian cuisine. The evening will be set in our beautiful Lobby Garden, complete with cultural décor, traditional drinks, and captivating live Balinese & fire dance performances.
  • The Details:
    • Date: August 17th, 2025
    • Time: 18:30 – 21:30
    • Price: IDR 475,000 net per person
    • (For guests on our All-Inclusive Package, a surcharge of IDR 250,000 net applies)

This is a wonderful way for our guests to experience the spirit of Independence Day in a beautiful, delicious, and culturally rich setting. Seats are limited, so we encourage you to reserve your spot for a night of taste, culture, and celebration! 

A Visitor’s Guide to Enjoying the Day

  • What to Expect: August 17th is a public holiday, so banks and government offices will be closed. However, most restaurants, shops, and attractions in tourist areas like Nusa Dua will remain open and ready to welcome you.
  • Be a Great Spectator: If you come across a local lomba, feel free to watch, smile, and cheer! The atmosphere is friendly and joyful. As always, be respectful when taking photos, especially of people [link to Etiquette post].

Conclusion

Being in Bali for Indonesian Independence Day is a unique opportunity to witness the nation’s incredible community spirit and joyful patriotism firsthand. From the fun of the afternoon games to the flavors of the evening feast, it’s a day you won’t soon forget.

We hope you have a wonderful time enjoying the festive red and white atmosphere, and we look forward to celebrating with you at our Nusantara Festival Journey!

Contact Us!

Freedom in Every Taste: Celebrate Indonesian Independence Day with Our Nusantara Festival Journey!

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This August 17th, the red and white flags will fly proudly across the island. As a result, we invite you to celebrate the spirit of Merdeka (Freedom) with a truly special culinary and cultural experience right here at MERUSAKA Nusa Dua.

Join us for our Nusantara Festival Journey, an unforgettable evening. It is dedicated to the rich diversity and vibrant flavors of the Indonesian archipelago.

“Merdeka di setiap rasa” – Freedom in every taste!

Embark on a delicious journey from Sabang to Merauke. You don’t even have to leave our serene Lobby Garden. Our talented culinary team has crafted a spectacular dining experience. Therefore, they are presenting 8 unique regional dishes that showcase the incredible breadth of Indonesia’s heritage cuisine.

The Experience:

First, immerse yourself in a festive atmosphere with beautiful cultural décor and traditional drinks. As you savor the authentic tastes of the archipelago, you will also be captivated by spectacular live performances. For example, we have enchanting Balinese dances and a dramatic fire dance that will light up the night.

This is more than just a dinner; it’s a celebration of Indonesia’s rich culture and diverse flavors. It also honors its unified spirit. Consequently, it is the perfect way to celebrate this special day in a beautiful and memorable setting.

Join Our Celebration:

  • What: Nusantara Festival Journey: A Culinary & Cultural Celebration
  • When: Saturday, August 17th, 2025 | 18:30 – 21:30
  • Where: Lobby Garden, MERUSAKA Nusa Dua
  • Price: IDR 475,000 net per person (For guests on our All-Inclusive Package, a surcharge of IDR 250,000 net applies)

Spaces for this special event are limited. We invite you to reserve your table and create an unforgettable Independence Day memory with us.

Reservations and inquiries.

 

 

Why a Balinese Cooking Class is a Must-Do Experience: A Taste of Tradition

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A Balinese cooking class is a truly special way to connect with the heart of the island. It’s a joyful, hands-on adventure for all your senses. You’ll go far beyond simply tasting the food to understanding the soul behind it. This experience invites you into a local kitchen to discover the secrets of Bali’s aromatic and flavorful cuisine.

Eating at a restaurant is wonderful, of course. However, learning to grind fresh spices and prepare a meal yourself is unforgettable. It’s a chance to learn a new skill and connect with the local culture. Therefore, you get to take the most valuable souvenir of all home with you: the taste of Bali.

As your friendly hosts at MERUSAKA Nusa Dua, we believe this is a must-do experience for any food lover. Here is what to expect from this fun-filled culinary journey.

More Than a Meal: It’s a Cultural Journey

Before you even start cooking, you’ll find out that a cooking class in Bali is about much more than just recipes.

A Connection with Locals: This is an incredible opportunity to learn from a passionate local chef. Many of the best classes are held in beautiful, open-air kitchens. These are often set within a traditional family home or an organic garden. Therefore, they offer a glimpse into the authentic Balinese way of life.

Understanding the Philosophy: You will learn that Balinese cooking is deeply rooted in a philosophy of balance. For instance, it’s about using fresh, natural ingredients from the island. They are combined in a way that is not only delicious but also harmonious.

The Anatomy of a Balinese Cooking Class: What to Expect

Every cooking school has its own charm. Still, most follow a wonderful and engaging structure. This takes you on a complete journey from the market to the table. Here’s what your delicious day will likely look like.

Basa Gede (The Base Spice Paste): Learning this is like learning the secret handshake of Balinese cooking.

Part 1: The Vibrant Morning Market Tour Your adventure often begins in the early morning at a bustling local market. Guided by your chef, you’ll navigate the vibrant aisles. Your senses will be filled with the sights and smells of Bali. This is where you will see incredible local produce up close. For example, you’ll find exotic fruits and mountains of fragrant spices.

Part 2: An Introduction to the ‘Secret’ Spices Back at the kitchen, you’ll gather for an introduction to the key ingredients. Your chef will show you the “spice family” of galangal, turmeric, and ginger. Subsequently, you’ll learn how to create Basa Gede, the iconic base spice paste. It is truly the soul of countless Balinese dishes.

Sate Lilit (Minced Meat Satay): One of Bali’s most famous and fun-to-make dishes.

Part 3: The Fun, Hands-On Cooking Session Now, it’s time to get your hands dirty! You’ll get your own cooking station. Under the expert guidance of your chef, you will begin to cook. This is the fun part! You will probably use a traditional stone mortar and pestle to grind your own paste. Then you’ll learn the unique technique of wrapping Sate Lilit around a lemongrass stalk. Finally, you will prepare other classic dishes from scratch.

Part 4: The Grand Finale – A Well-Deserved Feast! This is the ultimate reward for your hard work. After the cooking is done, you and your fellow students will sit down together. You’ll enjoy the magnificent, multi-course Balinese feast that you all just prepared. It’s a proud and social moment, sharing the delicious results of your collective effort.

What Delicious Dishes Might You Learn to Make?

The menu changes between schools, but you can expect to prepare a full, balanced Balinese meal. Some popular classics often include:

  • Basa Gede (The Base Spice Paste): Learning this is like learning the secret handshake of Balinese cooking.
  • Gado-Gado (Vegetable Salad with Peanut Sauce): A fresh and flavorful start to the meal.
  • Sate Lilit (Minced Meat Satay): One of Bali’s most famous and fun-to-make dishes.
  • Pepes Ikan (Fish Steamed in Banana Leaves): A classic technique that seals in moisture and flavor.
  • Dadar Gulung (Pandan Crepes): A delicious sweet treat to finish, filled with grated coconut and palm sugar.

How to Book Your Culinary Adventure

Bali has many excellent cooking schools. A large number are located in and around the Ubud area. This area is known for its lush, natural settings.

Booking in Advance: It’s always a good idea to book your class a few days ahead. This is especially true during the peak season, as the best schools can fill up quickly.

Let Us Help You Arrange It: For a seamless experience, our MERUSAKA Concierge team would be delighted to help you. We can recommend and book a high-quality cooking class. We can also arrange comfortable, private transportation for your day trip. This ensures a stress-free and memorable adventure from start to finish.

Take the Taste of Bali Home with You

A Balinese cooking class is an unforgettable, hands-on experience. It is consistently rated as a highlight of any trip to the island. It’s a chance to laugh, learn, and create something truly delicious. Ultimately, this experience allows you to take the authentic flavors and warm spirit of Bali right back into your own kitchen.