A PLACE WHERE ART MEETS DAILY LIFE For Dewa, Gianyar is more than a regency; it is the artistic heart of Bali. “What makes us different from the rest of the island is our art and our offerings made on a daily basis,” he explains. The people of Gianyar, known for their warm ajer, a natural friendliness and readiness to greet even strangers, bring an openness that makes the regency feel immediately inviting. Artistry runs deep here. Gianyar is renowned for paintings, woodcarvings, and intricate gold and silver craftsmanship. Dewa recalls how, as a child, he often painted while his family carried on their woodcarving business. Today, these artistic traditions remain inseparable from Gianyar’s identity, alongside the grandeur of its temple and house ceremonies. FLAVORS THAT INSPIRE From his home, Dewa draws inspiration for his work behind the bar. Local treasures like coffee luwak, wani (white mango), dragon fruit, and lemongrass regularly shape his cocktails, bridging Gianyar’s natural abundance with contemporary mixology. Beyond drinks, Gianyar’s culinary culture is one of bold flavors and cherished rituals. The regency is famed for babi guling (suckling pig), which Balinese say is at its most complex and spicy in Gianyar. For authentic tastes, Dewa recommends Babi Guling Ibu Desak in Tegallalang, or later in the day, Pande Egi in Gianyar or Ibu Oka near Ubud Palace. For adventurous palates, Gianyar offers unique delicacies like lawar serapah or lawar plek, a traditional mix of herbs, spices, pork, and fresh blood. “I only started to enjoy these in recent years,” Dewa admits with a smile. “They may seem extreme, but they’re a very authentic part of our food heritage.” LIFE IN GIANYAR Daily life in Gianyar flows to a rhythm both simple and profound. Mornings begin in the traditional market or with serene walks through rice fields. Offerings are placed with devotion, neighbors are greeted warmly, and time is spent working or, when possible, gathering with family and friends. THE BEST TIME TO EXPERIENCE GIANYAR To truly experience Gianyar’s essence, Dewa recommends visiting between May and March or July to September, when the regency’s weather and festivities reveal it at its liveliest.
A TRADITION OF SPIRIT AND CELEBRATION Among Gianyar’s most memorable traditions for Dewa is Ngerebeg, a ritual held during the Duur Bingin Temple ceremony in Tegallalang. Children, teenagers, and young men transform into temple spirits, once painting their bodies with charcoal, now adorned with colorful paints, leaves, or even recycled materials. The community walks 12 kilometers around the village, chanting and singing joyfully, receiving temple offerings along the way. Ngerebeg is more than spectacle; it is deeply spiritual. “It reminds us to control and release bad traits, to purify both soul and universe, and to preserve our relationship with God, humans, and nature,” Dewa explains. Dressing as spirits is believed to scare away negativity while also expressing gratitude for blessings received. GIANYAR IN EVERY GLASS At Kulkul Beach House, Dewa brings these traditions to life through cocktails crafted with Gianyar’s signature ingredients. Each creation carries not just flavor but also story, whether inspired by the regency’s lush landscapes, sacred rituals, or timeless hospitality. “By using local ingredients and sharing the culture of Gianyar, I hope our guests experience true Balinese warmth, the ajer that defines us,” Dewa reflects. In every sip, he offers more than refreshment: a taste of Gianyar’s soul.
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