The Balinese cosmos is orderly and full of meaning. Everything has its place and value, each with its own ideal location. All must be correctly aligned to achieve balance and harmony with the universe. Thus, rules are made for the common good. This applies even to Balinese architecture.

Bali architecture has its own principles regarding the layout, size, location and alignment of every building in the courtyard. One of the buildings that is part of this old tradition is the paon, or kitchen.

The sacred rules of traditional Balinese architecture require that the paon be located in the southern part of the house courtyard. This is the domain of Brahma, the god of fire and creativity. The paon may not be higher than the buildings in the north nor can it be placed further east than the family temple (in the northeast). Most Balinese believe that to break these rules would be to let disharmony or disease into the household.

At Komaneka at Tanggayuda, we create harmony through strong architecture, following Balinese principles. Here you can find a number of buildings named from Balinese architecture, such as Bale Daja, Bale Dangin, and Bale Banjar. There is even a special Paon Bali overlooking the lawn of our central coconut grove. This is a traditional Balinese kitchen purposely built for Balinese cooking classes—a great experience in a very special resort.