The Rejang Dance and its Great Hat Parade
One of Bali’s most sacred and ancient dances is the beautiful stately Rejang. Traditionally the dance is performed by village virgins and is performed within the inner sanctums of the temple grounds, re-enacting one of Bali’s great legendary myths of Dewarta Nawasangha about heavenly nymphs and a god’s water supply. And one of the most
Tenganan Turns it On
The residents of Bali’s most famous traditional Bali Aga village like to celebrate and every month of June, they really like to turn it on. During this month the village comes alive as the festival season revs up with dance, ceremony and a host of visual extravaganzas. The month’s celebrations peak, on the 24th and
The Gandrung Dance: A Java-Bali Cultural Connection
When people hear of the Gandrung dance, their first thought are often of Banyuwangi, a coastal town on the eastern tip of East Java. It is the closest town across the Bali Strait when leaving from Gilimanuk, Bali’s most western point. Whilst on the surface Javanese and Balinese cultures look different, deep down many similarities
Banyan Trees and the Cult of Ancestors
Indonesia is home to one of the most fantastic trees in the world, the banyan tree, locally known as waringin, a kind of ficus. Apart from its size and surface, the most extraordinary aspect of the banyan is its resilience. When its vines touch the ground, they grow into new roots and trunks, spreading out
The Sacred Rituals Behind the Barong Dance
The Barong, a character symbolising ‘good’ in Balinese Hindu belief, and therefore a key figure found in certain Balinese dances. The Barong is the central character of the widely watched Barong Dance. There are many types of Barong, all of which will mimic 4-legged animals, such as a lion, pig or cow. As a holy
Bali’s Traditional Sports : Racing Bulls & Flying Kites
In the purest sense, the traditional sports in Bali are reflections of the island’s culture, providing a window into the way of life of the Balinese people. These traditional games don’t only promote sportsmanship, but also provide recreational opportunities for the Balinese. From a bull race to mud wrestling and the island-wide kite competitions, these
The Curious Worlds of Balinese Painter Galung Wiratmaja
Intrigue and mystery are powerful psychological elements when effectively utilised within a painting. The ability to make subtle suggestions in a composition that inspire curiosity and ignite the observer’s imagination reflects a painter who is in full control of his canvas. Colour and form are the potent visual fundamentals of a painting that we respond
Early Islam in Bali: A Local Legend
It may be interesting to the reader to see the way Islam first arrived in Bali. The reality of its arrival is a far cry from the overly dramatic prism through which today’s media tend to present relations between religions. Islam did not arrive in Bali as a religion, or rather, when it arrived, it
Tracing the History of Bali: Religious Tolerance & A King’s Love Affair
I was once enticed by Bali. Suffice to say, her charm has once again ensnared me. It isn’t the picturesque natural beauty and living culture that has brought intrigue to me again, and it’s certainly more than the tourist attracts, restaurants and bars, it’s the history of the island’s religion that has piqued my interest.
Bali Art World Personalities : Meet Ruth Onduko
The 2008 GFC (global financial crisis) spelt disaster for the Bali art world. The Indonesian art market, after a record boom, went to bust with collector’s buying immediately slowing, galleries around the island closed, while others wound down their activities. The woes continued with a decrease in tourism and smaller holiday budgets – luxury items
Genesis Creative Centre: Indonesia’s First ‘Artists Co-Working Space’ Opens in Bali
A brand new take on the ‘co-working’ model now common around the world has just emerged in Bali. Genesis Creative Centre, found in the up-and-coming area of Canggu, elevates the co-working concept and applies this to the creative industries, offering a multi-disciplinary space for those working in the arts. Bali is an island of creatives:
The Royal Politics of Leftover Food in Bali
It would be interesting to make a survey, and hence know for sure, what you readers really know of Balinese cuisine. Excuse my arrogance, but I am pretty sure that many of you, when thinking of Balinese cuisine, have something in mind that did not exist forty years ago. Yes, much of what you find
Boys will be Girls
It’s late at night at the Pura Dalem in Penestanan. The Maestro, AA Gede Bagus Mandera Earawan famous dancer, and choreographer extraordinaire, had invited us to come along and see his troupe of male legong dancers perform their intriguing version of Bali’s most iconic dance. It was a rare treat both for us and for
