Edward Speirs
East Indies Gin Debuts as Indonesia’s First Authentic Distilled Craft Gin, Made in Bali
Indonesia is about to welcome its first small-batched, craft gin called East Indies Archipelago Dry Gin, made right here in Bali. Launching at the end of 2021, this distilled gin is made by distilling pure grain alcohol with juniper and rich spices of the Indonesian archipelago. Your Negronis and G&T’s are about to get an
Ijen at Potato Head: Keeping Seafood Simple (and Sustainable)
It seems the Potato Head Family is on a hot streak. Having reopened its Bali ‘complex’, better known as the Desa (or village), encompassing the Beach Club, Potato Head Studios and everything that happens in-between, the lifestyle destination has been active reinvigorating the local art, music and food scenes. Riding the momentum, the group has
The Bali Elephants Need Your Help — A Fundraiser
After a year and half of looking after 30 critically-endangered Sumatran elephants, the Mason Elephant Park has created a dedicated non-profit, Save Bali Elephants, in hopes that people in Bali and around the world can help to support their continued efforts. The Mason Elephant Park has been a favourite destination for Bali visitors since it
Bali’s Made Janur Yasa, Founder of Plastic Exchange, Nominated as Top 10 CNN Hero of 2021
Inspirational and positive news has come for Bali at the end of October 2021, with CNN announcing that I Made Janur Yasa, the Balinese founder of Plastic Exchange, has been nominated as one of the Top 10 CNN Heroes of 2021. In the year and a half the pandemic has persisted, Bali’s almost decimated tourist
Trilingual, Balinese Superhero Book ‘Luh Ayu Manik Mas’ Launches its 7th Edition
“My name is Buta Krimi. I am the carrier of disease!” Screams the giant worm through its huge mouth full of teeth. “I suck in human energy through my spit. The dirtier the human environment, the greater my power!” This is an excerpt from the latest edition of Luh Ayu Manik Mas, a superhero book
Music, Environment and Activism in Bali feat. Ewa Wojkowska & Robi Navicula | Episode 19
In this episode, host Eddy Speirs is joined by two special guests, Ewa Wojkowska & Robi Navicula. Together they discuss a range of topics, including plastic pollution, Bali’s environmental crisis, beliefs surrounding nature, the future of Bali’s agricultural communities and also the island’s vibrant music scene. The video interview version of this episode is also
The Astungkara Trail: A 10-Day Pilgrimage of Discovery Across Bali
Two years ago, Tim Fijal woke up in a fever with the words ‘Astungkara Trail’ bouncing through his mind. This wasn’t some divine vision, but rather the result of a calling unfulfilled; an idea that had been gestating in the deep recesses of his mind, finally forming in his consciousness. Two years later, Tim’s dream
‘How Would You Improve Policies for Handling the Pandemic?’ Balinese Millennials Share Their Thoughts
Part of their on-going efforts to encourage the continued use of the Balinese language, the foundation BASABali organises regular writing contests inviting Balinese to freely and honestly express themselves across a range of topics. In the latest campaign, they invited Balinese millennials to share their thoughts on the issue currently most affecting their lives: how
Sungai Watch Installs Momentous 100th Trash Barrier Protecting Bali’s Rivers
Whilst the island has been heavily preoccupied with the pandemic, Gary Bencheghib has remained focused on the thing that matters to him the most: protecting Bali from plastic pollution. In under a year, Gary and his organisation ‘Sungai Watch’ (river watch) have successfully installed 100 trash barriers on rivers all over Bali, helping to prevent
Continued Community Action in Amed, A Forgotten Corner of Bali
With a struggling island economy, there are many people, communities and organisations currently in need. However, as more hands are raised in the developed areas, the calls for help from Bali’s rural fringes, like Amed, are being heard less and less. One of the most difficult parts of donating to charitable causes, especially now with
Pushing Through the Pandemic: How Infused Arak is Helping a Group of Balinese to Persevere
A story of perseverance in the pandemic. I Nyoman Sudiasa’s pursuit to find new means of income has taken him on an interesting journey, where he now concocts his own brand of infused arak and helps his friends along the way. The pandemic has thrown many people in Bali into uncertain and uncomfortable circumstances. At
Explaining Bali’s Subak System (and Why Rice Fields are Cultural Landscapes)
In this episode of the NOW! Bali Podcast we help to unpack the complex subak irrigation system found in Bali. This system is far more than just an agricultural feature, it is a socio-cultural organisation that not only helps to ensure fertility of Bali’s rice fields but creates a connection between God, people and nature.
Klungkung and Its Craftsmen: The Influence of an Empire
Wedged between the more popular Gianyar and Karangasem regencies, Bali’s smallest regency has long been just a thoroughfare for travellers, many simply passing through without knowing the treasures to be found here. This is Klungkung, whose size and status today do not do this regency’s history justice. Klungkung was in fact the heart of Bali’s
