Edward Speirs
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
Is Bali Safe? Practical Thoughts for Domestic Travellers
In the last two to three weeks, Bali has enjoyed an increase in domestic tourism. This has been a mixture of post-Idul Fitri escapes, school holidays and perhaps some credit should be given to the Work from Bali campaign too. With this increased interest, I have had friends living in Jakarta (and other parts of
French Graffiti Artist Cyril Kongo Opens Studio Atop The Apurva Kempinski Bali
It seems that Bali’s allure continues to attract artists from around the world. From the time of Walter Spies (arrived 1927) to Antonio Blanco (arrived 1952) and onwards, the island has continued to be a hive for foreign artists and creatives alike. This has been brought to a new level at The Apurva Kempinski Bali,
Taman Werdhi Budaya Art Centre : Denpasar’s Cultural Hub
In the midst of Denpasar’s busying streets, amongst the bustle of markets and the whiz of local commerce, Taman Werdhi Budaya Art Centre — often referred to as Bali Art Centre or Taman Budaya Bali— stands as a beacon of heritage. This impressive space is home to an art museum, several theatres or amphitheatres and
Work from Bali : It’s Not Just for Digital Nomads
Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Pandjaitan, is pushing the Indonesian Government’s Work from Bali campaign once again, encouraging not only personal or private sector to work from Bali, but ministries as well. He stated that because ‘working from home’ was already a norm now, then why not work from Bali to
