Edward Speirs
A Meeting of Design Cultures
What happens when international designers are given an opportunity to meet and be inspired by Bali’s traditional crafts and artisans? Since 2022, CushCush Gallery have been facilitating this exact creative cultural exchange, with some fabulous results. Two curious stools stand in the corner of a showroom. Covered entirely with tightly-wrapped fibres, attached to the top
A Guide to Bali’s Architectural Elements
Bali has a strong visual language, seen across the island through its vernacular architecture and iconography found in temple complexes, traditional homes and other heritage-inspired buildings. Here are some of the most recognisable architectural elements that together build the cohesive aesthetic identity of Bali. Candi Bentar The towering split gateway that marks the entrance to
Craft Beer in Bali: The Best Local Brews and Brands
This island used to be synonymous with a single beer brand. So widespread was this reputation that singlets, hats and all kinds of merchandise flooded the markets – a hegemony that could not be toppled. That is until craft beer made it onto the scene. And not just any craft beer, but Bali-brewed. Homegrown and
‘The Makers Project: Wang Sinawang’ Unveiled at Jia CURATED
Through a shared appreciation and value for craft and artisanship, The Balvenie and multidisciplinary artist Lianggono present an immersive art installation during Bali’s biggest design expo, Jia CURATED 2025. Titled ‘Wang Sinawang’, the piece stands as a cultural bridge between the art of fine whisky making and contemporary Indonesian art, an invitation to taste, experience
Bali’s Tradition Transmission: The Task of Passing Culture Down the Generations
What social mechanisms are in place that ensure the constant regeneration of Balinese culture and tradition through the generations? And what changes and challenges await do these face in Bali’s changing world? It is easy to be in awe of the living culture here in Bali. It is vivid and dynamic, but more than anything
Bringing Back the Light: A Mission to Save Bali’s Fireflies
Science, culture and conservation come together in the depths of Taro Village, where a mission to reignite the light of the fireflies is underway. “When I was young, my parents worked late into the night and so I would have to make my way home in complete darkness. There was no electricity at that time,
MANAMU Storytelling Center: Sumba’s Artisans in the Spotlight
The artistry of Sumba comes alive at MANAMU Storytelling Center, Sanur, where handcrafted jewellery, home decor and exquisite textiles help to preserve fading indigenous traditions of Indonesia’s eastern isles. Many have heard of Sumba’s beautiful ikat textiles, gorgeous, storytelling tapestries that have been recognised as valuable cultural heritage, and now are valued as such. However,
From Bean to Bar: The Art of Chocolate Making at Mason Chocolates
Immerse yourself in the flavours of premium Indonesian chocolate with an insightful workshop hosted by Mason Chocolates. Witness the full ‘bean to bar’ process and make your very own artisanal chocolate creations. Shining, state-of-the-art stainless steel machines aren’t what one expects to see out in the middle of the Bali rice fields, but there they
Bali Market Magic: Exploring the Local ‘Pasar’
Take a peek into Bali’s local food markets, where chaos and colour, intense smells, sights and sounds provide an authentic experience of the food culture. A journey into a Bali market is the best way immerse oneself into everyday life on the island! Markets anywhere in the world are great places to catch a glimpse
The Launch of Paras, The Book: Documenting 100 Years of Hospitality & Hotel Architecture in Bali
It has been a century since the Dutch shipping line ‘Koninklijke Paketvaart- Maatschappij’ (KPM) initiated its weekly steamship route between Bali and major Dutch East Indies cities, setting in motion events that would stamp the island as a ‘tourist destination’. Since 1924, tourism has played an essential role in shaping the Bali of today –economically,
Finding Zen at Koral Restaurant
Since leading the kitchen at Koral, Executive Chef Jean-Baptiste Natali has introduced four new menus to The Apurva Kempinski Bali’s aquarium restaurant. This new culinary concept, a coming together of Indonesian ingredients and French cooking, complements the venue’s tranquil underwater atmosphere, inviting every diner to experience ‘Zen’. Dining at Koral is an experience, from the
Rumari’s Flavourful Sojourn: A Dining Journey Across the Island
Bali’s landscapes aren’t just for sightseeing—they’re for tasting. At Rumari, Chef Gaetan Biesuz distills the island’s essence onto the plate, crafting a series of tasting menus that are part discovery, part indulgence. The name ‘Rumari’ is a portmanteau of three Indonesian words, Rumah, Purnama and Matahari, or the House of the Sun and Moon, reflecting
Bali Road Trip Itinerary: Central-North Bali
Make sure to save our free Curated Google Maps List featuring every destination listed in this East Bali Road Trip Itinerary. There’s nothing quite like travelling north. The journey showcases the island’s diversity, travelling straight through the heart of Bali, past nutmeg forests and mist-shrouded peaks, to dramatic mountain roads that wind their way down to a sparse
