When the Island Dances of Culture Lives Behind the Smiles at Homm Saranam Baturiti

In Bali, culture is not something you simply watch from a distance, it is something you live, breathe and feel in every corner of the island. From the misty highlands of Baturiti to the bustling temples by the sea, the rhythm of Balinese traditions moves through the daily lives of the people. At Homm Saranam Baturiti, this rhythm is not only celebrated through ceremonies and community but also through the stories of our own Hommates, whose talents carry the essence of Bali culture far beyond the resort.

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Among the many forms of Balinese dance, one that holds a particularly sacred place is Tari Baris Gede, a ceremonial performance showcased during grand temple festivals in Bali. It is usually presented by groups of young men and adults who move with solemn precision, carrying spears or shields as symbols of devotion. The dance is not entertainment but an offering, performed only for the gods during major rituals. In the Baturiti area, Baris Gede is sometimes staged at temples such as Pura Puncak Kembar, where the dance becomes a living prayer, embodying courage, discipline, and respect for ancestral spirits.

This sacred art is more than just heritage for one of our own team members, I Kadek Sugiarsana or Sugi as he is known among friends. By day, he is our Digital Marcom Executive, handling campaigns and creative work for Homm Saranam Baturiti. But beyond the office, Sugi has stood among fellow dancers in full costume, taking part in Baris Gede during sacred ceremonies. For him, the experience is unforgettable, not a performance for tourists but a spiritual duty to his community and a gift to the gods.

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Culture in Bali is not only expressed through movement but also through words and melodies. In Baturiti, traditions of Balinese oral literature such as geguritan and santi continue to thrive. These art forms blend poetry with rhythm and voice, carrying values and philosophy through lyrical recitations. Many Balinese first encounter them at school as extracurricular lessons and for some, like our Hommate Ni Made Mita Sintya Dewi or Mita, the practice becomes a lifelong passion. From her school days until now, she has been involved in performing geguritan and santi, keeping alive a tradition that is both delicate and profound.

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For Sugi and Mita, their cultural journeys are not just hobbies, they are expressions of love for their heritage. They spend their free hours preparing, rehearsing and performing, not because they must but because it is part of who they are. And at Homm Saranam Baturiti, we believe these personal stories are as much a part of the guest experience as the views from our villas or the flavours at our Samiya restaurants. Behind every smile you meet at the resort is a life enriched by history, ritual and talent.

For travellers seeking a deeper cultural experience in Bali, exploring the traditions of dance, literature and ceremony in the Baturiti and Bedugul highlands is one of the most enriching things to do in Bali. Here, you not only witness Bali cultural tourism at its finest but also connect with the heart of the island through its people.

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This is why staying at Homm Saranam Baturiti is never only about comfort. It is about connection to the land, the people and the culture that makes Bali truly special. Because at Homm Saranam Baturiti, beyond the warm hospitality, beyond the details of design and service, there is always a deeper layer waiting to be felt. Homm is a feeling and in Baturiti, that feeling is culture, alive.