‘Is Bali Hindu?’ Part Two: A Collective Identity
The Balinese only began to take steps to define their collective identity (Kebalian) in Singaraja, North Bali during the first decades of the 20th century. The indirect catalyst of this phenomenon was the incorporation of North Bali into the Netherlands East Indies after a series of violent confrontations that took place between 1846 and 1849. Although
Bungkak Nyuh Gading: A Vessel of Purity in Balinese Rituals
Coconuts are ubiquitous across Bali, not just as part of the island’s landscapes, but also in everyday life. Known as the ‘Fruit of Life’, the coconut is cherished for its nourishment and versatility, enjoyed as a drink, or shredded and milked into local dishes; but the coconut also plays an important role in Balinese ceremonies.
Indonesian Fruits Through the Eyes of Early Explorers and Botanists
Indonesia is known for its vibrant markets which boast a rich variety of fruits, or ‘buah’. From luscious mangosteens to spiky durian, fruits play an important part in Indonesian cuisine. While Indonesians have cherished these delights for centuries, it was the first European explorers and botanists who introduced these exotic fruits to the rest of
A Guide to Bali’s Architectural Elements
Bali has a strong visual language, seen across the island through its vernacular architecture and iconography found in temple complexes, traditional homes and other heritage-inspired buildings. Here are some of the most recognisable architectural elements that together build the cohesive aesthetic identity of Bali. Candi Bentar The towering split gateway that marks the entrance to
Bali 1952: Through the Lens of Liu Kang
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
‘The Makers Project: Wang Sinawang’ Unveiled at Jia CURATED
Through a shared appreciation and value for craft and artisanship, The Balvenie and multidisciplinary artist Lianggono present an immersive art installation during Bali’s biggest design expo, Jia CURATED 2025. Titled ‘Wang Sinawang’, the piece stands as a cultural bridge between the art of fine whisky making and contemporary Indonesian art, an invitation to taste, experience
Kaek: The One Who Opens the Threshold
What is it? A seething mass of grotesque, semi-monstrous beings—still clinging to the last fragments of human familiarity. They writhe, jolted by colour, as if ruptured from the womb of non-being. There is no urge to describe, confess, or purge. Instead, one senses a pulsing energy—feral, alien, perhaps malevolent. These entities do not merely intrude.
Pis Bolong: Cultural Ties Between China and Bali
Bali’s relationship with China goes way back; they share long-standing historical ties, which are evident in Bali’s cultural and religious practices. One such example is the use of pis bolong, also known as uang kepeng (flat coins), which are ancient Chinese coins used as a vital component in Balinese ceremonial offerings. These coins have a unique
Is Bali Hindu?
Is Bali Hindu? What an absurd question! As the sole heir of the glorious legacy of the ancient Hindu kingdoms, especially the Majapahit Empire (1293-1520), which ruled supreme for two centuries, why would Bali be anything but Hindu? It is here that the story becomes fuzzy. In this, the first in a series of four
Ubud Art Ground Debuts Inaugural Exhibition Entitled “Parallels: Legacies in Flux”
Bali’s art industry continues to develop as Satya Djaya Raya Foundation officially launches Ubud Art Ground (UAG), a brand-new arts and culture platform in Ubud, designed as a space where traditional roots and contemporary expression can converge. For its inaugural exhibition, UAG presents a cross-cultural exhibition entitled “Parallels: Legacies in Flux”, curated by Farah Wardani
The Childhood Rites of the Balinese Life Cycle
To fully understand the life cycle rites in Bali, one must first recognise the unique character of Balinese religion–a local system rooted in ancestor worship and the veneration of natural forces, onto which a Hindu belief structure has, since independence, been layered in a largely syncretic manner. While formal Hinduism is increasingly visible in ritual
Bali Island in Early Photography
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
Borobudur Temple: A Marvel of Ancient Architecture
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
