Edward Speirs
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,
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
The Masks of Bali, feat. Prof. Dr. I Made Bandem and Bruce Carpenter | Episode 27
In this episode of The NOW! Bali Podcast, we welcome Prof. Dr. I Made Bandem and Bruce Carpenter, authors of ‘Masks of Bali: Between Heaven and Hell’, an epic 2-volume collection on Bali’s traditional masks – a historical publication set to define this field of art for generations to come. This episode is best watched
Pride and Preservation in Desa Tenganan Pegringsingan Traditional Village
Found 3km north from the popular coastal town of Candidasa, Desa Adat Tenganan Pegringsingan (Traditional Village of Tenganan Pegringsingan) is the cultural and administrative centre of the Tenganan area. This land, from the floodplains to the dramatic rolling hills of Karangasem, was said to be bestowed upon its residents by Indra, the God of War
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
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
Ubud Open Studios 2023: A Two-Day Event Granting Access into Bali’s Renowned Creative Industries
Having debuted with great success in 2022, Ubud Open Studios makes it much-anticipated return this year from 28-29 April 2023, with two days of their uniquely crafted experience that grants exclusive access into Bali’s renowned creative industries. This one-of-a-kind experience is being produced by Elami and Co, an organisation best known for putting together the
