In Bali’s westernmost corner, Jembrana remains a quiet gem, home to wild coastlines, rice fields, forest trails, and timeless traditions. For I Gusti Sari Kade Sari Aningsih, Spa Concierge at Lagoon Spa, Jembrana is more than a destination, it’s a feeling. “When I go home to Jembrana, I feel grounded,” Sari says. “The rivers, the rice fields, the sound of the ocean, it’s the kind of peace that stays with you.” Life in Jembrana flows with nature. People still turn to the land for healing, from boreh made with cloves and tree bark to loloh sembung, a herbal drink for inner heat. “We’ve used these for generations,” Sari explains. “Simple remedies, but they work, and they connect us to our roots.” Spiritual cleansing is also part of daily life. Melukat, the Balinese water purification ceremony, is often done at temples or in the family merajan, a private home shrine. “It brings clarity and calm,” Sari reflects. “You feel lighter, like something has been lifted.” Jembrana’s culture is vibrant and alive. The thrilling Mekepung buffalo races and deep bamboo rhythms of Jegog gamelan are unique to the region. “Jegog is something you don’t just hear, you feel it,” she says with a smile. “It’s powerful, deeply tied to the land.” Even modern wellness finds a place in Jembrana, albeit in a uniquely local way. A practice known as ORHIBA- Olah Raga Hidup Baru, or “New Life Exercise”-is gaining popularity among locals. It’s a non-competitive movement practice that focuses on slow, flowing motions designed to create internal energy, or bioelectricity. “ORHIBA isn’t a sport to compete in,” Sari explains. “It’s about moving with purpose, feeling alive, and creating health from the inside out. It teaches you to listen to your body and breathe with the sky above.” Local cuisine, too, holds a mirror to the land and its people. Jembrana’s food is humble, rich in flavor, and deeply tied to tradition. It is made not just to nourish the body, but to gather families and mark sacred moments. “I love Lawar Kelungah, which is made from young coconut mixed with spices and minced meat,” she shares. “It’s spicy and aromatic, a taste of celebration. And Jaje Bendu is my favorite treat, sweet coconut and palm sugar wrapped in banana leaves. It always reminds me of temple offerings and time with family.”
For those wishing to explore the area, Sari recommends a few special places. Medewi Beach is perfect for those who love surfing, while Perancak Beach offers black sands and a peaceful local charm. Nature lovers can head to the West Bali National Park, where mangroves, tropical birds, and quiet trails create a sanctuary. And at Gilimanuk Bay, travelers can catch a glimpse of daily life at the ferry gateway to Java. Pura Rambut Siwi, a seaside temple, is a place of deep peace. “The breeze is gentle, and it feels sacred,” Sari shares. “You can just sit and reflect.” When asked how Jembrana could inspire wellness at The Laguna Bali, her answer is simple: “Use what’s already around us, clove, coconut, vanilla, cocoa. Let nature lead. Let the silence heal.” Jembrana, through Sari’s eyes, is a place where nature, culture, and healing come together. And through her care at Lagoon Spa, she shares a piece of that serenity with every guest.
WELLNESS WISDOM I GUSTI SARI KADE SARI ANINGSIH
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