Edward Speirs
Candi Tebing Tegalinggah: A Forgotten Monument in the Sacred Pakerisan Valley
A hidden archaeological site remains a quiet testament to Bali’s ancient Warmadewa dynasty, deep in the Pakerisan River valley. “Haji lumahing jalu,” reads an inscription at Candi Gunung Kawi, one of Bali’s most prominent archaeological sites dating back to the 11th century. Written in Ancient Javanese script, known as Kawi, the inscription loosely translates to “The
Canggu’s Newest Address Has It All: The Culinary Landscape of Regent Bali Canggu
From leisurely beachfront grazing to intimate Chef’s Table experiences, the culinary landscape of Regent Bali Canggu is enticing the island’s most discerning diners. On the streets of Canggu, restaurants rule. The dining scene has helped build the reputation of what has become Bali’s most lifestyle-centred area. From morning to night, food and drink drives the
The Tiger & the Palm-wine Tapper – The Story of I Papaka
We begin this edition (The Drinks Edition) with a fabulous illustration by the Balinese artist I Ketut Gede, titled ‘Fable of the bull, the tiger and the palm-wine tapper’ (c.1890), displaying an early depiction of a Balinese character harvesting ‘tuak’ from a palm tree. The illustration was commissioned by the Dutch linguist Herman Neubronner van der
Where the Next Generation of Indonesian Chefs Go to Hone Their Craft
Working in a professional kitchen is no walk in the park. Behind the scenes at every top-level restaurant, highly skilled hands busy over countertops in a constant battle against time, in a high-pressure environment where everyone must do their part. The stakes are high, and not everyone has what it takes to earn their spot
The Ultimate Adventure in Bali: Nature, Thrills and the Great Outdoors
For thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts, this island is the ultimate playground. From volcanoes to river valleys, waterfalls to a sprawling national park, the rugged environment beckons with opportunities for exploration and adventure in Bali. Bali sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a hotbed of tectonic activity that has over millennia forged the magnificent landscapes
Food, Bali’s Cultural Ambassador
A local cuisine can tell you a lot about a region, so inextricably connected with the environment, history and culture of a given destination. That is certainly true here in Bali, where food and drink transcend what’s served on the table: dishes are tied to ritual and customs, ingredients are sourced from local farming communities,
Art in Construction: Artist Rostarr’s Monumental Mural Enveloping Potato Head Beach Club
Those visiting Potato Head Beach Club are currently being welcomed by a new face – ‘Evolving Landscapes’, a black and white mural of epic proportions by Korean-American artist, Rostarr. Potato Head Beach Club first opened in 2010, and its initial unveiling captured the imagination with its Colosseum-like façade fashioned by one of Indonesia’s most renowned
Run for Rivers: An Epic Journey from Bali to Java Battling Plastic Pollution
58 days, 1,205 kilometres and 26,000 kilograms of waste later, the founders of environmental organisation Sungai Watch complete their monumental fundraising ‘Run for Rivers’ from Bali to Java to fight plastic pollution in Indonesia. The Bencheghibs are no strangers to drawing attention. Ever since brothers Gary and Sam kayaked down the Citarum River – once
Hunting for History: A Journey Through Bali’s Megalithic and Archaeological Sites
Although Bali is promoted as a cultural destination, in truth the most intriguing sites, experiences and destinations are often hidden from the main tourist trails. But, where should the true history buffs and culture enthusiasts go if they’re looking for something more compelling? Whilst the many temples and shrines, daily offerings and tourist-centred performances of
Discover Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan in Three Days: An Island Hopping Itinerary
Off the southeast coast of mainland Bali, one will find the conjoined island escapes of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, which we still consider to be underrated destinations on the Bali travel trail – even for residents! Only 40-minutes by boat from the Sanur Harbour, what lies on the other side is total coastal relaxation. Yes,
At Fisherman’s Club, Sanur’s Own Fishermen Supply the Seafood
With hundreds of traditional jukung boats lining the shores of Sanur, it makes perfect sense to see what the local fishermen have to offer from their evening catch. By server a taste of something truly local, straight from the Sanur community itself, Fisherman’s Club celebrates its neighbourhood’s longstanding identity. As much of south Bali was
The Lure of Ubud’s Birdsong: Exploring with Bali Bird Walk
I have had a copy of Victor Mason’s ‘Birds of Bali’ book for a few years: a charming, watercolour-illustrated compendium of the island’s fabulous variety of avian inhabitants. “Of the 300 or so species of birds reported to visit or live in Bali, probably rather less than 100 are likely to be encountered by the
Where Earth Meets Light: Inside Bumi Kinar, Ubud
Tucked between the verdant rice fields and the sacred Petanu River, just minutes from the holy Goa Gajah temple, Bumi Kinar is one of Ubud’s most intriguing resorts, a place where the traditional and the contemporary coexist in one space. Bumi Kinar, which takes its name from two Indonesian words, earth (bumi) and light (sinar),
