Edward Speirs
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,
Make a Scene Bali: Leaf Weaving in New Dimensions
Unlike the textile weaving industry, Bali’s leaf weaving craft needed no help for revival. It persists through the local communities as a daily necessity. In fact, it has become larger than life, transcending its traditional forms and functionality to create works of art, as shown with Make a Scene Bali. Leaf weaving is a common
The Masks of Bali, feat. Prof. Dr. I Made Bandem and Bruce Carpenter | Episode 27
In this episode of The NOW! Bali Podcast, we welcome Prof. Dr. I Made Bandem and Bruce Carpenter, authors of ‘Masks of Bali: Between Heaven and Hell’, an epic 2-volume collection on Bali’s traditional masks – a historical publication set to define this field of art for generations to come. This episode is best watched
Tenganan Village Explained: History, Customs and Guide of an Ancient Community
Found 3km north from the popular coastal town of Candidasa, Desa Adat Tenganan Pegringsingan (Traditional Village of Tenganan Pegringsingan) is the cultural and administrative centre of the Tenganan area. This land, from the floodplains to the dramatic rolling hills of Karangasem, was said to be bestowed upon its residents by Indra, the God of War
Yeh Pulu Temple: Ancient Carvings of the Anonymous Ascetics
A centuries-old relief adorns Yeh Pulu, a humble but historically significant temple hidden in rural obscurity. Deep in an isolated ravine of Gianyar, these ancient stone-cut carvings give us a peek into Bali from centuries ago. Just east of Ubud is the historically rich village of Bedulu, in Blahbatuh District of Gianyar. Best known for
Threads of Life: The Stories on the Tapestries
Cloths have a special place in the cultural heritage of Bali, the use of textiles a living tradition in itself. Imbued with symbolism and meaning, they are more than just an article of clothing. The poleng, the ider-ider and the bebali cloths are required in ritual; and then there is also the appropriate ceremony attire
