Edward Speirs
Markets, Feasts and Family this Festive Season at The Westin Ubud
From an exciting Christmas Market to family barbecues by the pool, The Westin Ubud is pulling out all the stops to celebrate both Christmas and the year-end. Here we share the exciting festivities they have planned and their package for a serene stay for those looking to draw 2020 to a close in Bali. The
A Laidback, Beachfront Brunch at Hyatt Regency Bali
Cool, calm and casual… Hyatt Regency Bali continues to maintain the classic charm that Sanur is known for. What’s more, the resort has successfully infused this very same atmosphere into their easy-going Sunday Brunch, held at their beachfront Pizzaria restaurant. Brunch isn’t for everyone. At times they come off as elaborate and showy, a place
Bali Hotels Association Launches New Video Series to Inspire Travel to the Island
On 22 October, the Bali Hotels Association (BHA) announced the launch of ‘Bali, A New Kind of Adventure’, a series of six one-minute videos that showcase what travelling to Bali is like under new conditions and protocols, with a focus on inspiring future travellers. The six videos – which will have a staggered release –
Puppet Masters and the Power of Myth | Episode 15
Myths, folklore and stories in general are powerful forces. They are vessels in which morals and life lessons can be shared to societies, thus guiding them in the ‘right’ way of being. Myths are an important part of Balinese culture, mainly through the medium of the shadow puppet performance or ‘wayang kulit’. It is the
Cascades Sunday Barbecue Brunch Fires Up in Ubud
Cascades restaurant at the Viceroy Bali in Ubud recently reopened its doors again, welcoming diners with ‘”Valley Views and Gourmet Dishes”. Alongside their opening, the restaurant and bar has launched not only a unique Sunday brunch, but also a pool package for those looking to swim, sip and savour. Sunday Barbecue Brunch Cascades becomes a
KEMBALI 2020: A Rebuild Bali Festival
From July onwards, Bali is normally filled to the brim with events. From dazzling summer music festivals, to community fairs and insightful literary gatherings, the island heaves with an action-packed calendar that has something for everyone. Of course, 2020 has been different and all of the major festivals were forced to pull the plug. Two
One Day of Ayurveda: A Revitalising Program by Sukhavati Ayurvedic Retreat
With Bali’s glowing reputation as a centre of wellness, the health and well-being services offered at Sukhavati Ayurvedic Retreat & Spa add to the island’s already rich variety of healing opportunities. The retreat now offers a full-day experience, complete with Ayurvedic treatments, lunch and full enjoyment of their facilities. Nestled in a secluded area of
How the Old Balinese ‘Experience’ Time | Episode 13
The way in which the older Balinese perceive time, and remember previous events, is not done in a measured and quantitative way – like we do in today’s world. In this story by Jean Couteau, ‘A Question of Time’, he illustrates the interesting way in which time is experienced by Bali’s older generations. Does it
Bali’s Next Generation of Artists
It seems as if every Balinese has artistic blood running through their veins, expressed through painting, sculpting or performance. Whether its its origins are nature or nurture – likely the latter – it has resulted in a society that thrives within the creative realm. Yet, art is forever evolving. Even on an island where tradition
Sungai Watch: The Ayung River Gets a Plastic Clean Up
Bali has its fair share of environmental issues, including increasing water scarcity and waste management, but by far reducing plastic pollution has been at the centre of its environmental goals in the last few years. As the island has remained quiet in recent months, one group has sought to take advantage of the lack of
Being a Balinese Christian : A Question of Faith and Culture
When one thinks of Bali – its culture, its identity and its very image – there is little doubt that many will picture stone temples, canang offerings and colourful ceremonies. BUT, this isn’t everyone’s Bali, there are other communities who very much identify with their island, but instead worship at pews and not at shrines,
Tedung : Bali’s Ceremonial Umbrella
Shining in white, yellow, or even at times embellished with the golden prada print, the Balinese umbrella, known as a tedung, is an essential feature in Balinese Hindu worship. As decorative as they are – often used to culturally adorn entrance ways of restaurants and hotels – tedung are most at home when standing tall
4 Rules for Life, Bali-Style
“Rules for Life” have become popular book titles in the last few years, with psychologists, sociologist and even celebrities sharing their two-cents on what it takes to live a good life. With that, this latest podcast episode shares what the Balinese Hindu ‘rules for life’ are, focusing on the Purusa Arta, the four principle ‘objects
