Edward Speirs
Spirit of Bali: The Rise of Arak
Arak. It is the drink of both celebration and ceremony here in Bali, used at social as well as religious gatherings. Needless to say, it has its role and part to play in everyday life on the island — it is, quite literally, the spirit of Bali. However, its initial introduction into ‘modern life’ was
13,600 Runners Set to Compete in Maybank Marathon 2023
At 4.30 am on Sunday, 27 August 2023, the starting gun for Maybank Marathon 2023 will fire, officially marking the beginning of the 12th annual running competition that has, for many, become reason alone to visit the island. Taking place in Gianyar, around the Bali Safari & Marine Park, the Maybank Marathon is the first
Bali’s Family Folklore: The Life Lessons of Men Brayut
Folk stories are told all around the world and are part of the cultural fabric of different societies. Passed down through the generations, they are more than just bedtime stories, they are often imbued with morals and messages that reflect the values of each time and place, hoping to instil the next generation with the
Museum Gedong Arca: Clues from Prehistoric Bali
For the history buffs out there, Museum Gedong Arca in Blahbatuh, Gianyar, is a lesser-visited museum that houses ancient artefacts dating back to Bali’s palaeolithic era, including the largest collection of ancient sarcophagi. Most people’s perception of Balinese history is dominated by events of the last millennium. If we rewind the clock, we will see
Darkness Is White: A Multimedia Exhibition of Balinese Maestro I Gusti Nyoman Lempad
On display from 15 July to 9 August 2023, ‘Darkness is White’ is an immersive multimedia exhibition that celebrates the life and work of the great I Gusti Nyoman Lempad. Held at the newly launched c | artspace (previously the AB•BC Building) in Bali Collection, Nusa Dua, the exhibition is an opportunity to see a
Pura Samuan Tiga and the Evolution of Bali’s Temple Philosophy
The structure, philosophy and positioning of a Balinese temple is no accident. It is well thought out, imbued with symbolism and the result of history. Pura Samuan Tiga is part of that history: a temple where wise men gathered centuries ago to unite Bali’s religious sects and redefine temple planning across the island. Located in
Talasi Estate: Discovering Bali’s Bounty on the Foothills of Batukaru
Situated on the slopes of Mt.Batukaru is a unique destination that invites visitors to not only explore the lush surroundings of the mountain, but to taste natural products at their origin. Talasi is a social enterprise founded by Alisjahbana Haliman. It is centred on the creation of premium quality natural products at their origin, with
Mekare-Kare: The Pandan Wars of Tenganan Pegringsingan
One of the yearly highlights at Desa Adat Tenganan Pegringsingan (Traditional Village of Tenganan Pegringsingan) is Mekare-kare, the vibrant pandan wars that mark the ‘climax’ of their ritual calendar. Found 3km north from the popular coastal town of Candidasa, Tenganan Pegringsingan is a Bali Aga village, whose way of life and customs differ greatly from
The Bali Restaurant and Café Association: Making Bali an International Dining Destination
With so many reasons to come to Bali, the local food and beverage industry believes that they should certainly be high on that list. Does the now thriving restaurant scene have what it takes to attract visitors to the island in its own right? The recently formed Bali Restaurant and Café Association believes that it
Kamasan Painters in the Modern Age: New Canvases, New Opportunities
Bali’s oldest painting tradition is found in Klungkung, in the village of Kamasan. These paintings, also known as a wayang style, depict tales of the Hindu epics, namely the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. They present dense, detailed scenes, visualising religious stories and their lessons. The main patrons of the Kamasan painters was the royalty of
Empu Keris: Master Forgers of the Sacred Dagger
The keris is an ancient weapon, a sacred dagger dating back to at least the age of the Majapahit Kingdom, though some say further. To make a sacred weapon takes more than just skill, it requires an infusion of spirituality that gives each dagger its power: this is the gift of the empu keris. “We
‘Tasting Journeys of a Sommelier’, a Newly Published Wine Drinkers Companion
Like art, like music, like history, wine is something that gets better the more you understand it. Understanding and appreciating wine is precisely the goal of this newly published wine booklet, ‘Tasting Journeys of a Sommelier’, written by Ni Nyoman Kerta Widyawati – or simply, Widya. This special little publication is a handbook for the
Honey & Smoke: Modern Australian Dining Gets an ‘Asian Flare’
For fans of Will Meyrick, Honey & Smoke will be a welcome surprise, as the Australian chef and restaurateur ventures away from his renowned Southeast Asian cuisine and presents a superbly original menu at this new wood-fired bistro. Honey & Smoke sits on Ubud’s central Monkey Forest Road, now bustling with life again. This cosy,
