Bali Mandala News 1/2023

Dear guests, dear friends,

finally: after a long time of reports on regulations and entry possibilities we are delighted to inform you that vaccinations are no longer required for visiting Bali. Therefore, we are very happy to send you a newsletter with good news and impressions from the island of Gods.

We give insights into the village of Bondalem, where the Bali Mandala is located, and share some intriguing pictures and a short film – starring our restaurant and Rainer in the supporting role ;)

With kind regards from the Bali Mandala,

Rainer, Maggie and all staff members

Finally carefree entry again

Other than in Europe, it has taken a very long time for normal life to return in Bali. A life without masks and especially without mandatory vaccinations, complicated entry regulations and other restrictions which made traveling more complicated.

Since June 9th of this year no vaccinations are required for entering Bali / Indonesia anymore. The simple entry procedure prior to the Covid pandemic applies again: You will receive a visa on arrival for 30 days regardless of your vaccination status.

We are very happy about this news and can now welcome everyone at our resort again.

Bondalem – the village where we live

Source: Thomas Brinkhoff: City Population

Bondalem is not only the village where Bali Mandala is located, but also the home village to many of our staff members. According to the last census in 2010, around 8400 people live in Bondalem.

Like many other Balinese villages, Bondalem is divided into so called “banjar’s” (we would perhaps say “districts“). The Bali Mandala is located in the “fishermen’s district” – or the fishermen’s banjar.

The main religion in Bondalem is Bali-Hindu and in contrast to other villages of northern Bali, people belonging to Indonesia’s main religion Islam have not moved to Bondalem. There are various stories about why this is the case, some are credible and others rather far-fetched.

We recommend not only an afternoon stroll through Bondalem, but also an early morning walk amongst our kitchen women to the central market. During the early morning hours, it is still quite cool and – unlike in the touristy south of Bali – you can still experience an authentic Bali. Same applies to the temple ceremonies here.

Short film and impressions from the Bali Mandala

In this YouTube clip you can spot Rainer as the camera zooms in from the sea towards the restaurant, where he “acts“ as the owner of a resort ;)

People & impressions

Putri during the daily offering, where rice, flowers and other small offerings are placed at all entrances and exits.

Sunset at the Bali Mandala.

Morning view from the meditation hall.

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