Edward Speirs
Sebatu’s Spiritual Waters
A guided journey to experience a melukat cleansing ritual in one of Bali’s more secluded purification sites. Ida Bagus Ketut Dharma meets us in the parking area, a broad courtyard space shaded under the sprawling branches of a towering pule tree. Om Swastyastu, he greets us, welcome to Sebatu Village. Only a handful of visitors
Glamping, Reimagined: Inside The Wapa Lux Tent, Sidemen
Tucked deep within Sidemen’s rolling hills, backdropped by the majestic Mount Agung, The Wapa Lux Tent introduces a new way to experience this emerald corner of East Bali. This latest extension of Wapa di Ume Sidemen brings guests one step closer to nature through a refined glamping-style experience. Sidemen isn’t your usual Bali landscape, the
A Beginner’s Guide to Balinese Dance
What is the role of dance in ceremony? What are the different categories of Balinese dance? The most foundational stances? Having an understanding of some of these fundamental questions is a great first step to appreciating what is an unimaginably rich and varied art form. Ubiquitous across the island, proudly performed on stage for the
The Puputan Badung: Artist Marmar Herayukti Reimagines a Heroes Monument
Multidisciplinary Balinese artist, Marmar Herayukti, recently revealed his latest artistic work with the unveiling of ‘The Puputan Badung’ diorama in Denpasar. This new display has reimagined an existing iconic statue, Monumen Puputan Badung, made in remembrance of one of Bali’s most significant historical moments. Bali’s ‘puputan’, or mass ritual suicides, committed during Bali’s war against
Juna Ubud’s South Asian Flavours Entice Diners to Ubud’s Hidden Corners
Found at the very end of Jalan Arjuna’s winding alleyways, Juna Ubud has managed to preserve a little pocket of verdant hillside right in the centre of Ubud town. The intimate, al-fresco restaurant invites guests to savour a unique fusion of Thai and Indian flavours, whilst taking in the views of a seemingly private rice
Ganesha ek Sanskriti: A Proper Introduction to the Flavours of India
We’ve all enjoyed the comforts of a hearty Indian meal, where steamy, creamy curries pair perfectly with toasty naans, shared generously around the table. No one can deny the comforting, satiating nature of the cuisine. However, it was only after the rare opportunity of dining alongside the owner of Ganesha ek Sanskriti – Southeast Asia’s
A Sustainable Feast by the Sea: Wonderful Indonesia Gourmet at Sundara Bali
As part of the newly launched Wonderful Indonesia Gourmet (WIG) programme – an initiative by the Ministry of Tourism to position Indonesia as a global dining destination, a series of curated experiences have been taking place across Jakarta and Bali. Designed to spotlight the country’s finest culinary voices, these events connect Indonesia’s rich flavours and
A Meeting of Design Cultures
What happens when international designers are given an opportunity to meet and be inspired by Bali’s traditional crafts and artisans? Since 2022, CushCush Gallery have been facilitating this exact creative cultural exchange, with some fabulous results. Two curious stools stand in the corner of a showroom. Covered entirely with tightly-wrapped fibres, attached to the top
A Guide to Bali’s Architectural Elements
Bali has a strong visual language, seen across the island through its vernacular architecture and iconography found in temple complexes, traditional homes and other heritage-inspired buildings. Here are some of the most recognisable architectural elements that together build the cohesive aesthetic identity of Bali. Candi Bentar The towering split gateway that marks the entrance to
Craft Beer in Bali: The Best Local Brews and Brands
This island used to be synonymous with a single beer brand. So widespread was this reputation that singlets, hats and all kinds of merchandise flooded the markets – a hegemony that could not be toppled. That is until craft beer made it onto the scene. And not just any craft beer, but Bali-brewed. Homegrown and
‘The Makers Project: Wang Sinawang’ Unveiled at Jia CURATED
Through a shared appreciation and value for craft and artisanship, The Balvenie and multidisciplinary artist Lianggono present an immersive art installation during Bali’s biggest design expo, Jia CURATED 2025. Titled ‘Wang Sinawang’, the piece stands as a cultural bridge between the art of fine whisky making and contemporary Indonesian art, an invitation to taste, experience
Bali’s Tradition Transmission: The Task of Passing Culture Down the Generations
What social mechanisms are in place that ensure the constant regeneration of Balinese culture and tradition through the generations? And what changes and challenges await do these face in Bali’s changing world? It is easy to be in awe of the living culture here in Bali. It is vivid and dynamic, but more than anything
Bringing Back the Light: A Mission to Save Bali’s Fireflies
Science, culture and conservation come together in the depths of Taro Village, where a mission to reignite the light of the fireflies is underway. “When I was young, my parents worked late into the night and so I would have to make my way home in complete darkness. There was no electricity at that time,
