With Aksara Learning Experience at Amanjiwo and Aman Bali Properties
Celebrating the local culture that surrounds each of its destinations, Aman believes in the ideals of sustainable development – leaving a better world to future generations – an ethos which has remained at the forefront of the brand since its inception. Aman properties around the world are an integral part of the communities in which they are set, providing unique insights into the needs of each community, with indigenous traditions, craftsmanship and rehabilitation of forgotten customs at the heart of the Aman experience, supporting local artisans and encouraging guests to preserve cultural heritage.
At Amanjiwo,this ethos is incorporated through a series of activities that allow guests to create unforgettable memories while also enriching their souls with warm, community spirit. In conjunction with the International Mother Language Day, Aman is excited to present the Aksara Jawa Experience at Amanjiwo as well as the Aksara Bali Experience at Aman’s three properties in Bali, designed not only to showcase the beauty of the language but also the cultural meaning behind each.
Aksara Jawa at Amanjiwo
Often referred to as Hanacaraka, Aksara Jawa (Javanese Script) holds a philosophy that can be used for pitutur luhur (verbal wisdom) and guidance to address various phenomena that occur in the future. It has a long, rich history, having been used by court scribes in Surakarta and Yogyakarta, as well as farther afield among various courts of Java and the Lesser Sunda Isl ands.
Manuscripts and printed documents from the ancient centuries, both on palm leaves and later on paper, show a flowing line that is both clear and ornate. It has been used to write babad (historical accounts), serat (stories), kakawin (ancient verses) and primbon (divination guides) since the 15th century.
At Amanjiwo, guests are invited to join archaeologist, Goenawan Sambodo, and deepen their Javanese culture knowledge by learning the beautiful Aksara Jawa. Learn how to read and write the Javanese script at the serene setting of Amanjiwo, overlooking the Borobudur temple while indulging in a cup of tea served with delicious traditional snacks.
In a contemporary world when the ubiquity of words seems to be decreasing, learning Aksara Jawa offers a strong and appealing contrast, celebrating the sacred written word. This new activity is available from February onwards for all guests staying at Amanjiwo.
Aksara Bali at Aman’s Bali Properties
The Balinese script, natively known as Aksara Bali is an abugida used on the island of Bali, most- commonly for writing the Austronesian Balinese language and the liturgical language Sanskrit. The script is a descendant of the Brahmi script and has many similarities with the modern script of South and Southeast Asia. Aksara Bali, along with Aksara Jawa, is considered the most elaborate and ornate of all the Brahmic scripts of Southeast Asia.
This script has a significant prevalence in many of the island’s traditional ceremonies and is strongly associated with the Hindu religion. Today it is mainly used for copying lontar or palm leaf manuscripts containing religious texts.
Together with the team of young experts from Basa Bali, guests can take part in preserving this heritage at Amandari, as well as at Aman Villas Nusa Dua and Amankila.
Presided over by a sacred stone tiger, Amandari was designed after a traditional Balinese village on the verdant lip of the Ayung River Gorge while Amankila claims a breath-taking stretch of coastline on the Lombok Strait, sitting on a lush hillside beneath sacred Mount Agung.
On Bali’s southernmost peninsula that is famed for its golden beaches, rests Aman Villas at Nusa Dua, an Eden-like retreat surrounded by a lush tropical garden. Each of Aman’s properties in Bali offers a perfect place to learn Aksara Bali while immersing in the natural environment, complete with a relaxing tea and traditional Balinese light bites to indulge in.
Experience Aksara Bali while staying at Amandari, Aman Villas at Nusa Dua or Amankila from February onwards. Advance booking is required for the experience at Amankila.
