HAVING entered the year 2050, Bali is not only a haven for intergalactic surfers and civet coffee lovers. The island is also a center for interdimensional spiritual detoxification. Travelers from various planets come to experience the benefits of Melukat enhanced by cosmic resonance technology, read fates with quantum palm scanners, and enjoy the freshness of herbal butterfly pea flower drinks enriched with antioxidant nanoparticles.
Today, in a hybrid-tech wantilan (meeting hall) combining traditional Balinese architecture with holographic solar panels, an eccentric tour guide named Jero Mangku Data (actually a former data scientist turned digital educator) welcomes a group of tourists from the Andromeda Constellation. They are Kryll (a crystal creature that emits soft light), Floopy (a purple gas entity that communicates through telepathy), and Unit 734 (a multi-purpose robot with metaphysical analysis capabilities).
“Welcome to Bali, the center of universal energy alignment!” greeted Jero Mangku Data with a big smile, wearing traditional Balinese attire and a flashing smart bracelet. “I am Jero Mangku Data, and I will guide you on a spiritual and culinary journey that will open your chakras to the 12th dimension!”
Kryll, his light growing brighter, asked, “Melukat? We heard this is a very ancient self-cleansing ceremony. How does it work in this intergalactic era?”
“Oh, our Melukat is now upgraded!” replied Jero Mangku Data excitedly. “We use holy water having been ionized with prana energy from Mount Agung, combined with cosmic frequency resonance transmitted by a special satellite. Guaranteed, your negative aura will be immediately bounced back to the wormhole from which it came!”
They were then taken to a pancoran solas (sacred bath with 12 fountains) equipped with automatic sensors that adjust the water pressure according to each participant’s energy field. Floopy seemed to enjoy the water spray that felt like a gentle massage all over his gas body. Unit 734 conducted a spectral analysis of the water and reported, “Very high negative ion content. Aura cleansing effect detected at 98.7 percent.”
After the Melukat procession, Jero Mangku Data took them to a bale (traditional house) where a futuristic palm scanner in the form of a floating crystal ball was located.
“Now, let’s take a peek at your destiny in this galaxy,” said Jero Mangku Data as he invited Kryll to place one of his crystal ‘hands’ on the scanner.
The crystal ball emitted colorful lights and displayed a holographic projection of Kryll’s palm lines along with their interpretation in a universal language.
“Wow, your destiny line shows great potential in interstellar energy trade!” exclaimed Jero Mangku Data. “But be careful with investments in planets whose currencies are volatile like nebula fog!”
It was Floopy’s turn. Since he did not have physical hands, Floopy projected his energy patterns into the crystal ball. The device analyzed the patterns and displayed the interpretation in the form of complex geometric symbols.
“Hmm, your destiny is a bit abstract,” Jero Mangku Data said, scratching his head. “It seems like you’re destined to be… a muse for multidimensional artists? Or maybe you just need to cut down on your cosmic methane consumption?”
Finally, Unit 734 scanned one of its robotic arms. The results came back in the form of complicated graphs and algorithms.
“According to the analysis, you have an 87.3 percent chance of undergoing a major software ‘upgrade’ in the next cycle,” Jero Mangku Data explained. “And there’s a strong indication that you’ll meet another robot who shares your interest in collecting ancient space stamps.”
After a laugh-filled fate reading session, Jero Mangku Data invited them to sample a Balinese specialty that’s currently popular among intergalactic travelers: butterfly pea flower tea.
“Here it is, Blue Galaxy Elixir!” he exclaimed, serving the sparkling purplish-blue drink. “Made from organic butterfly pea flowers grown in a garden with meteorite fertilizer, it’s rich in antioxidants that will protect your body’s cells from cosmic radiation and also… make your skin glow like a star!”
Kryll took a sip of his drink and his glow seemed to grow brighter. “It tastes refreshing and a little sweet. The antioxidant effects are immediate! I feel like I just recharged my cosmic battery.”
Floopy let out a few small, lavender-scented bubbles, apparently a sign of approval. Unit 734 did a quick chemical analysis. “Very high in anthocyanins. Effective in fighting free radicals and improving cognitive function.”
While enjoying the drink refreshing, Jero Mangku Data serves a variety of Balinese wet cakes. There are sumping (rice cake made from sticky rice flour wrapped in banana leaves and filled with coconut), klepon (sticky rice balls filled with liquid brown sugar sprinkled with grated coconut), wajik (sweet sticky rice cake cooked with brown sugar and coconut milk), and many more.
“This is an authentic Balinese taste having been passed down from generation to generation,” said Jero Mangku Data. “Every bite is an explosion of flavors that will make your tongue dance like a legong dancer!”
Kryll carefully tried the sumping. Its soft texture and savory sweetness immediately impressed him. “This is very unique! I have never tasted a combination of flavors like this before.”
Floopy tried the klepon. When the sticky rice balls burst inside its ‘body,’ the liquid brown sugar spread and created a pleasant warm sensation. Unit 734 carefully chewed the wajik. “The chewy texture and caramel sweetness are very satisfying. It is an interesting flavor profile.”
While enjoying the delicious pastries, Jero Mangku Data explained the philosophy behind each food and ceremony in Bali. “Everything we do here is based on the balance and harmony between humans, nature, and spirituality. We want to share this wisdom with the entire universe.”
At the end of the visit, as he said goodbye, Kryll radiated a light of gratitude. Floopy sent out telepathic waves of joy. Unit 734 even showed a little emotion, which for a robot is a great achievement.
“Thank you for the wonderful experience, Jero Mangku Data,” said Kryll. “We will bring back stories of this magical Bali to our planet.”
“And we will definitely come back to try more of your pastries!” added Floopy telepathically.
“Make sure you bring your friends too!” exclaimed Jero Mangku Data as he waved goodbye.””Bali is always open to all beings from any galaxy who seek peace, refreshment, and of course… delicious klepon!”
And so, Bali’s tourism promotion continues to grow in space, spreading the charm of Melukat, quantum palmistry, the freshness of butterfly pea flower tea, and the deliciousness of traditional fresh cakes to the farthest corners of the universe. (*)
