Namhar Hernanto
March 2019’s Temple Anniversary Calendar
Bali has been dubbed the ‘Island of the Gods’, but could just as easily be referred to as the ‘Island of a Thousand Temples’. These temples, being sacred sites for the Balinese Hindus as worshipping places, are also important features on the island’s calendar of events and festivities. Bali’s unique calendar system, known as pawukon,
Jatiluwih : The Brilliant Greens of Tabanan
The enchanting natural beauty that awaits you at Jatiluwih certainly justifies the long drive. The area is still relatively quiet, and to avoid getting lost, bring a map and familiarise yourself ahead of time with two or three of the towns you will encounter along the route. Rice fields such as those in Tabanan regency
Gecko the Home God
Gecko may be small, but he had a giant-sized problem; at least according to an interesting Balinese folktale about this lizard. Every night he was awakened by the fireflies outside his window. And when Gecko didn’t get his rest, he got a little grumpy. So he went to Elephant as the head of the village
February 2019’s Temple Anniversary Calendar
Bali has been dubbed the ‘Island of the Gods’, but could just as easily be referred to as the ‘Island of a Thousand Temples’. These temples, being sacred sites for the Balinese Hindus as worshipping places, are also important features on the island’s calendar of events and festivities. Bali’s unique calendar system, known as pawukon,
Klenteng : Bali’s Chinese Temples Paint the Island Red
Apart from being a time to feast and reunite with family, Chinese New Year is a festivity accompanied by a large array of customs and rituals. This significant holiday is also the time when the Chinese temples, or Klenteng, across Bali celebrate by painting the island red. Among the highlights during Chinese New Year festivities to
The Magic of Finding Love in Bali
Out of the many rites of passage a Balinese person undergoes in life, getting married is probably one of the most important ones. With that being said, what if love seems impossible to achieve? Well, there are ways around that in Bali. The most romantic of all celebrations, Valentine’s Day, is pretty common nowadays. Yes,
Tasty Genji : A Japanese Experience
Eating out in this dining venue is as much about the experience as the food; and you can tell from the moment the kimono-wearing hosts welcome you into the restaurant. I’m not from Japan, but Japanese food somehow speaks to my heart. For this month’s issue, and with Japan on my mind, I thought I’d
The Myth About Balinese Dreadlocks
Please don’t get fooled by the title, for this is no article on upbeat fashion and style. Rather, this is a story about how one’s path in life – a Balinese man in this case – is determined by his hair. We are talking about dreadlocks, the kind of hairstyle celebrated by the Rastafarians. In
Suteja Neka : Founder of Neka Museum
“A museum means a lot more than just a tourist object. it is a place where culture is preserved, art is admired, history is appreciated, and local wisdom is promoted. It acts as a teacher, a learning space, a world of information, and an inspiration.” Pande Wayan Suteja Neka (founder of NEKA Art Museum) The
January 2019’s Temple Anniversary Calendar
Bali has been dubbed the ‘Island of the Gods’, but could just as easily be referred to as the ‘Island of a Thousand Temples’. These temples, being sacred sites for the Balinese Hindus as worshipping places, are also important features on the island’s calendar of events and festivities. Bali’s unique calendar system, known as pawukon,
Untouched: Discovering West Sumba
Bali is the past. Labuan Bajo is the present. And this land, Sumba , home to ancient villages, is on its way to be the future of tourism in the Indonesian archipelago. There’s no doubt that Bali is the most popular island destination in Indonesia, but those venturing a bit further east to the
Into the Hills of Pupuan, Untouched Bali
This beautifully landscaped area is just where to go if you long for tranquility and relaxation, and if you would like to experience Bali in its own special and traditional nature. Despite its natural breathtaking beauty, Pupuan still hasn’t made it to many travellers’ bucket list of places to visit in Bali – I’m guessing
Holy Night in a Land of Spirits
Christmas may come as a ‘quiet’ day here in Bali as a predominantly Hindu island. Yet, tucked away in the Jembrana regency side of the almost 20,000-hectare West Bali National Park, one could find a little Christmas surprise package. Yes, the western Bali villages of Palasari and Blimbingsari, areas known as the dwelling place of
