Edward Speirs
In Search of Ancient Bali: Exploring Four Bali Aga Villages
Much of Balinese culture today is considered a continuation of the Majapahit Empire who invaded Bali in 1343. With the arrival of these new rulers, the courtly arts flourished on the island – literature, architecture, music, dance and art, these were some of the major imports of the Hindu-Javanese civilisation. From the wayang shadow puppets to
The Simple Charms of Bedugul’s Strawberry Hill Hotel
Timeless, unassuming and full of charm is how best to describe Strawberry Hill Hotel, a cosy boutique accommodation tucked in the highland landscapes of Bedugul. Just minutes from the expansive Lake Beratan, and the even larger still Bali Botanical Gardens, it makes for the perfect home base to explore this verdant region of central Bali.
Jia CURATED Unveils New Beachfront Location for 2026 Edition
After two successful years taking over Bali Festival Park, immersive design expo, Jia CURATED, has announced a brand new location for their 2026 edition. What has become a highly-anticipated annual design event in Bali, Jia CURATED is a long immersive weekend celebrating design, craft, art and culture. Founded by Budiman Ong, Rudi Winata and Yang
The Kuta Comeback: Can Dining Revitalise Bali’s Original Tourist Hotspot?
Outshined by the hype of new regions, these dining venues are helping to bring a fresh face and new flavours to Bali’s original tourist hotspot. Those who’ve spent time in Bali will remember when everything revolved around Kuta. Days unfolded on the wide sweep of Kuta Beach; nights spilled onto Jalan Legian. For better or
Pawiwahan: The Sacred Union
In Bali, life is marked by ceremony. From birth to death, a Balinese Hindu passes through a series of manusa yadnya, rites of passage, that guide the individual through the stages of existence. The first of which are the many rites that take a newborn baby through childhood, ending with a tooth filing ceremony (metatah).
Make Room for Surprises at the Rumari Counter
Chef Gaetan Biesuz invites guests to embrace the unknown through a completely bespoke dining journey at the Rumari Counter. There is some strange satisfaction in having something that others can’t have; it’s what gives value to precious gems or limited edition releases, be it fashion or collectors items. So, imagine experiencing a dish, or an
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
