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Mekare-Kare: The Pandan Wars of Tenganan Pegringsingan

One of the yearly highlights at Desa Adat Tenganan Pegringsingan (Traditional Village of Tenganan Pegringsingan) is Mekare-kare, the vibrant pandan wars that mark the ‘climax’ of their ritual calendar. Found 3km north from the popular coastal town of Candidasa, Tenganan Pegringsingan is a Bali Aga village, whose way of life and customs differ greatly from

Keeping the Craft Alive: New Canvases, New Opportunities

How do some traditions remain whilst others die out? Why can some knowledge be passed down to the next generation whilst others are lost forever in time? On an island where culture is truly alive it is easy to assume that traditions will always remain, but that is not the case. To remain they must

Empu Keris: Master Forgers of the Sacred Dagger

The keris is an ancient weapon, a sacred dagger dating back to at least the age of the Majapahit Kingdom, though some say further. To make a sacred weapon takes more than just skill, it requires an infusion of spirituality that gives each dagger its power: this is the gift of the empu keris. “We

‘Tasting Journeys of a Sommelier’, a Newly Published Wine Drinkers Companion

Like art, like music, like history, wine is something that gets better the more you understand it. Understanding and appreciating wine is precisely the goal of this newly published wine booklet, ‘Tasting Journeys of a Sommelier’, written by Ni Nyoman Kerta Widyawati – or simply, Widya. This special little publication is a handbook for the

Honey & Smoke: Modern Australian Dining Gets an ‘Asian Flare’

For fans of Will Meyrick, Honey & Smoke will be a welcome surprise, as the Australian chef and restaurateur ventures away from his renowned Southeast Asian cuisine and presents a superbly original menu at this new wood-fired bistro. Honey & Smoke sits on Ubud’s central Monkey Forest Road, now bustling with life again. This cosy,

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Keeping the Craft Alive: Leaf Weaving in New Dimensions

How do some traditions remain whilst others die out? Why can some knowledge be passed down to the next generation whilst others are lost forever in time? On an island where culture is truly alive it is easy to assume that traditions will always remain, but that is not the case. To remain they must

Yeh Pulu Temple: Ancient Carvings of the Anonymous Ascetics 

A centuries-old relief adorns Yeh Pulu, a humble but historically significant temple hidden in rural obscurity. Deep in an isolated ravine of Gianyar, these ancient stone-cut carvings give us a peek into Bali from centuries ago.  Just east of Ubud is the historically rich village of Bedulu, in Blahbatuh District of Gianyar. Best known for

Keeping the Craft Alive: The Stories on the Tapestries

How do some traditions remain whilst others die out? Why can some knowledge be passed down to the next generation whilst others are lost forever in time? On an island where culture is truly alive it is easy to assume that traditions will always remain, but that is not the case. To remain they must

Kadaut, A Solo Exhibition by Ngurah Paramartha

Currently on display at Santrian Art Gallery, Sanur, is ‘Kadaut’, the latest exhibition by seasoned Balinese artist, AA Ngurah Paramartha. Opened on 7 April, the exhibition features 13 paintings on canvas and the 3 installations, which will be on display until 31 May 2023. ‘Kadaut’ is the Balinese word for ‘captivated’ — a condition of

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The Culture of Balinese Cuisine 

Balinese food is often over-simplified. In fact, most foods are. Reduced to the singular dish that is brought to our table. As we smell, bite and chew, our taste buds absorb the flavours and yes, “Delicious!” registers our brain, “Have another bite.” What each scrumptious bite doesn’t tell us, however, is that every herb and

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