In Reply to: Krambitan Palace posted by Ben on Monday, 5. April 1999 at 01:32 Bali Time:
Puri Anyar, in the village of Krambitan, has not changed much since you heard about it in 1991. It was built in the XVII century, by a prince from the Tabanan kingdom (Although'Puri Anyar means New Palace, in Balinese.) His direct descendents, the Twin Princes, Agung Rai and Agung Oka, are living at the Palace. (Dr.) Agung Rai Girigunadhi accommodates guests in some 6 or 7 bungalows, inside the private quarters of the Puri. His brother runs the "Palace Nights" for tourists, which are quite spectacular. Krambintan is noted for its "Tektekan" group from nearby Panarukan, and performances of the calonarang trance play are presented during these palace Nights. This is probably the only place where a casual tourist can see dancers in real trance (Not like the Barong in Batubulan for example) And sometime, durig a performance, the atmosphere can become very charged! The place has lot of character, and I recommend it highly.
Of course, the guests staying with Agung Rai, in general cannot attend the Palace Nights, which are private affairs. However, sometime, depending on the group, Rai's few guests may be admitted to the performance. Tell Agung Rai Daniel sent you: he is a good and old friend of mine.