Bali History

A recently published photography book chronicles the 1952 sketching adventure to Java and Bali by four artists – Chen Wen Hsi, Chen Chong Swee, Cheong Soo Pieng and Liu Kang. Written by Gretchen Liu and published by the National Library Singapore, Bali 1952: Through the Lens if Liu Kang adds a unique visual window into

It was only six years after the invention of photography in the year 1839 that Balinese artefacts like masks and statues were being captured through the lens in Jakarta. And to this day, Bali continues to mesmerise photographers with its timeless beauty. Sake Santema from Indies Gallery shares a few early photographs along with a brief history that offers a glimpse into

Located in the Kedu Valley, in the heart of the island of Java, Indonesia, lies the magnificent Borobudur Temple. This Buddhist temple, dating back to the 9th century, is not only a UNESCO World Heritage site but also the largest Buddhist temple in the world. Borobudur temple’s unique architectural, spiritual and historical significance makes it

“Look, that’s the ship from Lombok unloading its cargo at the dock,” said Bu Kadek, pointing to the vessel slowly approaching Padang Bai Harbour in Karangasem, East Bali. The ship gently reversed into the dock where the unloading process began. Nearby, several other cargo and passenger ships were also moored. The sight of the bustling

Spanning over 17 thousand islands, Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelago, relies heavily on air travel for connectivity. With 683 airports facilitating over 500 thousand domestic flights annually and millions of travellers from abroad, aviation plays a vital role. Astonishingly, it’s just been exactly a century since the first European flight touched down in Indonesia. In

Cockfighting, known locally as tajen or sabung ayam is not merely a pastime in Indonesia; it is a cultural institution deeply intertwined especially with Bali’s spiritual beliefs. Today, it is a familiar image of wicker baskets lining roads around Indonesia, housing roosters as they are toughened up with traffic sounds. In this article, Sake Santema

Sake Santema, from Indies Gallery, showcases a collection of his antique maps featuring early depictions of the Spice Islands. These maps offer unique insight into how, back in the day, spices held a high value even comparable to gold. Spices have been a cornerstone of global commerce for thousands of years, shaping the course of

The bird of paradise, Cendrawasih in Bahasa Indonesia, holds a special place as a symbol of New Guinea and Indonesia, drawing visitors from around the globe to witness these majestic birds in their natural habitat on the second largest island in the world. However, for centuries, these birds remained as mysterious as the prized spices

Each year, millions of globetrotters descend upon the island of Bali seeking a taste of the tropical paradise, from exploring the riches of its pristine beaches to trekking the majestic landscapes, Bali has no limitations when it comes to the plethora of experiences that visitors can discover. However, Bali is first and foremost known for

Today’s travellers may feel envious of those who visited Bali back when it was ‘untouched’, but do not realise the difficulty of not only getting to the island but also the challenges once they arrived. Sake Santema, owner of antiques dealer Indies Gallery, explores early travels to Indonesia and Bali, complemented by prints and images

Celebrated during the 20th-century as an icon in the Bali literature and art spheres, the ultra-talented Mexican Miguel Covarrubias’ witnessed and recorded the distinctions of Bali. His creative endeavours distinguished him from other foreigners. As the door to international tourism reopens, it’s significant to honour his extraordinary contributions and remember Bali’s original allure. Covarrubias’ book,

Indonesia is a nation of 273 million people, 88% of whom are registered as Muslim. Bali is the only region of the country where the majority of the population is Hindu – although Balinese Hindus, make up only 1.7% of the Indonesian population. In Bali, 90% of the population is classified as Hindu, but the