Edward Speirs
Why is Bali Called the Island of the Gods? An Introduction to Balinese Hinduism
Amongst the estimated 17,000 islands that make up the Indonesian archipelago, one shines brighter than them all. This island has been called many names: The Morning of the World, Island of Peace, Island of Love. The name that resonates the most however, is The Island of the Gods. Sandwiched between the fiery island of Java
The Story of Galungan: When Good Triumphs Over Evil
Galungan is one of the most important ceremonies on the Balinese calendar. The exact dates of this auspicious day are calculated through the 210-day Pawukon calendar, where the Galungan period will last 10 days, starting from Galungan and ending on Kuningan. Available on your preferred Podcast Platform:iTunes • Spotify • Google Podcasts • Pocket Casts • Radio Public You’ll know when Galungan is coming a
Indonesia Bertutur 2024: An Island-Wide Cultural Showcase Unfolds Across Bali
Art, culture, performance and even history converge in an epic 12-day festival here in Bali. Indonesia Bertutur 2024 takes place from 7-18 August 2024, showcasing the works and performances of more than 900 artists across seven venues. Indonesia Bertutur (i.e. ‘Indonesia Speaks’) is an initiative created by Indonesia’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology,
Enter the Mind of the Maestro at The Blanco Renaissance Museum
Whilst many of the art museums in Bali present a collection of legendary artists and their works, only one is dedicated to a singular artist, The Blanco Renaissance Museum. As such, this iconic Ubud destination invites for an exploration that is viscerally personal and allows visitors a peek into the very mind of its eponymous
A Special Temple for Durga, The Goddess of Death
Deep in the regency of Gianyar, a temple stands quietly on the side of the busying main road. An expansive parking lot hides the beautiful mysteries found beyond: a temple dedicated to Durga, ‘The Goddess of Death’, with a statue of the deity enshrined inside. Pura Kahyangan Jagat Bukit Dharma Durga Kutri is a lesser-known temple.
Experiencing Island Living on Nusa Lembongan
Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are still underrated destinations. Diverse environments, outdoor experiences and interesting local life are concentrated on these two tiny little isles, topped with just enough modern conveniences to make them the ultimate island escapes. We often perceive destinations out at sea as hard to reach, the waters separating here and there
‘Repurposing: Paradise’ Exhibition A Social Commentary on the Current State of Bali Through Art
An aptly timed art exhibition is on display at the classic Ubud resort, Amandari. Created in collaboration with NONFRASA Gallery, ‘Repurposing: Paradise’ features curated pieces that question the island’s status as a ‘paradise’, presenting an artistic commentary on this long-held reputation. On display from 4 May to 30 June 2024, the exhibition features works by
Sumba: A Walk on the Wild Side
As one travels further east into the Indonesian archipelago, the lands become more raw, rural and rugged. Sumba is the perfect example of this. Though only an 80-minute flight from Bali, it is vastly different: just that extra step, that slightest seclusion, has left this island perceptibly more primeval. To visit Sumba is to take
Into the Mist in Munduk
Mountain roads balance between the ridges that ascend into Bali’s central highlands, either hugged by sheer, fern-covered cliffs or opening to vast views of lowland scenes, objects shrinking with the distance: a thousand metres above sea level. These are the roads to Munduk, an alpine pocket where dewy rainforests and hidden waterfalls invite outdoor-types to
Piranti Mepandes: Tools of the Tooth Filing
One of the most significant rites of passage for any Balinese Hindu is the tooth filing ceremony, known as metatah, mesangih and for higher castes, mepandes. The ceremony involves the filing down of the top two canines and four incisors, the ‘fang-like’ teeth which are symbolic of the animalistic tendencies, as people enter the adult
Ni Ketut Arini Alit: A Balinese Dance Legend Ensuring a Legacy
Born in 1943, Ni Ketut Arini is a living legend. Considered a maestro in Balinese classical dances, the now 80-year-old dancer continues to teach at her sanggar in Denpasar, ensuring that young generations of Balinese learn the proper techniques and also continue the legacy of age-old classical dances. Ibu Arini comes from good musical stock:
Fena Evans: Empowering Young Women in Bali
Truly embodying the vision of Hari Kartini, Bali WISE (Women of Indonesia Skills Education) has educated over 1750 women since its inception in 2007. Working closely with NGOs, orphanages and local schools, Bali WISE identifies marginalised and at-risk women who need help and will benefit from a life-changing skills education. “We invest in people who
Ibu Robin Lim and the Birth of Bumi Sehat Foundation
Certified Professional Midwife, Ibu Robin Lim, founded Yayasan Bumi Sehat (Healthy Earth Mother Foundation) in 1995, and though starting by providing reproductive healthcare services to local communities, their good work transcends these boundaries with operations in four clinics in Indonesia and two in the Philippines. Their ‘mothership’ in Bali is based in Nyuh Kuning, Ubud,
