Cultural Observer

A great Indian chef once remarked to me that in India, the flavour of curry blends changes every 50 km. To me, this applies not only to India, but also to Indonesia and other parts of the world. It seems to me that the closer a region is to the equator, the more spices are

The Balinese Pawukon calendar is one of two calendar systems used on the island, but by far the Pawukon calendar dictates much of ritual life on Bali. The pawukon cycle consists of 210 days (30 seven-day weeks), whilst the Saka Calendar follows 12 cycles of the moon (roughly 355 days) The Pawukon calendar is incredibly

The Balinese have a very special relationship with the gods and the unseen world. To truly understand it, put aside for a while all the fantasies you have heard about the One and Only, and be ready for other fantasies—fantasies that, for the Balinese, have the allure of reality. The Hindu Gods In their “system”—which,

What has been Bali’s secret to upholding its culture? How have traditions remained relevant in the modern era? Whilst some may credit strict customary laws and guidelines, it may in fact be thanks to the opposite: an inherent adaptability and tolerance to change that has helped the culture to gradually evolve and ultimately thrive.  As

For most ordinary people, which is in the world out there, it goes without saying that there are 24 hours a day and sixty minutes in an hour. To them, thus, time is a tool, repetitive and familiar. However, that is a far cry from how traditional Balinese circles perceive the same period of time.

Westerners and modern people have a bad habit when it comes to making money: they have a rational approach to economics. You work, save and invest, and then you will earn X% or more, if lucky, in one or five years. There is little pleasure to be had, and no fear. Many people think that

Once upon a time, there lived in the village of Kamasan, just on the outskirts of Klungkung, a talented painter by the name of Lobangkara. Painting was his whole life, and so he spent all his time at it, heedless of what people said and of the way the world went around him. The world

On 11 October 2024, Merusaka Nusa Dua proudly presents the 2nd edition of Wastra Wonderland from 12 PM-9PM, coinciding with Batik Day on 2 October. This event aims to explore Indonesia’s heritage through fashion, food, and cultural experiences, celebrating and supporting our local designers and small enterprises. “Wastra” is defined by traditional Indonesian textiles or fabrics,

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

From June to September, cool winds from the Australian winter blow across the island’s south coast, and the combination of warm sunshine and beach breeze make for a most delightful climate. Whilst visitors relish in the perfect sunbathing weather, the Balinese capitalise on this auspicious meteorology to engage in the island-favourite pastime: flying kites! •

Once upon a time there lived a man by the name of Kama Jaya in the village of Kelam, by the beach of Bali Dwipa, now better known as the island of the gods. Nature endowed him generously with wide, well-built shoulders and a good, strong chest. He sported a luxurious moustache and his seemingly

The following is an excerpt from the book, “Bali, 50 Years of Changes” by author Eric Buvelot together with socio-ethnologist and renowned Bali expert Jean Couteau. The book is the result of 20 hours of discussion about changes that have happened in Bali since the 70’s. The conversation was structured and segmented according to many