Alistair G. Speirs
The Importance of Food
I was recently lucky enough to be introduced to a Swedish initiated but worldwide foundation called “EAT” which is dedicated to creating a global sustainable food economy. A huge ambition. This foundation, which is backed by world leaders, academics and top companies, is about to have their first Asian Conference in Jakarta as I write
Bali’s Eco-Warriors Awarded
I was delighted to be invited to two great events last month, by two very different organisations, but both headed by, shall we call them, “Champions of Sustainability”. Bali Adventure Tours’ new amazing complex, featuring the astonishing combination of Jungle Buggies and chocolate factory, just south of the Elephant Safari Park, is an example of
On The Beach in Bali
I tell you, as a young boy (not being sexist, I only have this experience!) there is nothing like the thrill of going to the beach. From the moment you arrive and kick off your shoes, to the minute you leave, being dragged by Dad, kicking and fighting, it is heaven on earth. Boys find
Take Care On Your Holiday
Sadly we start this issue with another tragedy, well more than one actually, with terror attacks in Manchester, Melbourne, Manila, London and Jakarta over recent weeks. And this long list of names gives us pause for thought and a realisation: it can happen anywhere, and it has already happened in the worst possible circumstances in
Sustainability in Bali: For you or for the island?
I am on a “sustainability” rampage at the moment and it seriously worries me why everyone else is not! Perhaps it is the word “sustainability” which puts people off. It certainly has so many meanings and is so misunderstood. At its core is the whole concept of “keeping going” which is pretty obvious but it
Caring: An Overused Word in Bali
It’s a lovely simple word isn’t it? Yet it conveys a great deal. People care for their families both emotionally and physically. We tend to “care” for older and younger people, the disabled, the ill, the needy, but also “care” about issues: politics, global warming, sustainability, traffic. Well at least we argue with people over
Being “Well” on a Holiday in Bali
“Well” come to Bali and our “well” ness issue. But what in heaven’s name is “wellness”? My first thoughts are “it’s not being ill” and I’m probably right. Being “well” is, well, a matter of balance rather than a benchmarked physical test to pass. No-one is perfectly healthy in mind, body and spirit simultaneously and
The Strength of Belief in Bali
What do you believe in? Well the great majority in Asian countries still believe in God, but sadly (for me at least) many Western countries have abandoned traditional religions and tried to replace them with a huge variety of spiritual and non-spiritual beliefs and practices to satisfy the human need to explain our existence (meditation,
Diversity in Indonesia
Indonesia has a great national motto:Bhinneka Tunggal Ika – Unity in Diversity. The Founding Fathers of this vast archipelago state certainly got it right, both with this fantastic statement and their much misinterpreted, but actually equally powerful State Ideology, Pancasila, the five guiding principles: 1. Belief in the One and Only God2. Just and Civilized
My Favourite Meal
This month (March 2017) we celebrate food, glorious food! So, in our main stories you will find a lot of really useful information on the best places to eat on the island – and there are A LOT! This is good news for you but perhaps not quite so good news for those who have invested in restaurants
My View on Views
In most countries in the world there is a very clear principal of town and city planning which allows development in specific areas and restricts in others. In some areas no development is allowed at all. In Indonesia, as in many developing countries, there is a combination of poor planning, very poor enforcement and a
The Uniqueness of Bali…Under Threat
Many years ago a very experienced and erudite editor was working for me on a regional travel magazine based in Singapore. His job was to go to Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Sri Lanka to review hotels and write destination stories. What a great job! One day he came to me and said, “Alistair, I just
What is Today’s Bali?
This month, NOW! Publisher Alistair Speirs looks into the state of Bali today and how it compares to what is said online. Is it all true? A quick search of the internet’s 350 million Bali-related sites reveals that there are sharply contrasting views. From sun-drenched beaches to Bali’s rubbish problems, the range of opinions and
