Tale of Two Kingdoms
Many social observers (expat experts and such) falsely believe that the Age of Rajas is over in Bali. The truth is, the feudal nature of Bali and the pre-eminence of the nobility in civic government is still strong. In the mid-14th century, the prime minister of the Hindu-Javanese Majapahit Empire sent a young prince, Sri
Saddle Up: Discovering Bali on Horseback
Bali has always been referred to by many as the best place to experience new things. Having a variety of activities to choose from, this month I thought to try my hand at horseback riding with Ubud Horse Stables, to trot through rural villages, where culture and tradition entwine. Just a 30-minute drive north from
Majestic Mornings in East Bali
Many come to Bali for a mental escape, to find peace or perhaps inspiration. However, upon arrival, many gravitate to the crowds of the touristic South, lured in by the bright lights, thus unable to find the escape they had hoped for. This isn’t to say an ‘escapist’ experience no longer exists, it certainly does.
Hot Spring Healing
The first things to pop up in your head when you hear the word “Bali” is probably the beach or surfing. Indeed, this island is full of amazing beaches and great waves but, if you are open to other ways to ‘submerge’ yourself, you will find that Bali also has many natural hot springs to
Clouds Gathering Over The Rainbow?
Developers screaming “culture neutral” is much more of a threat to the way of life than a Gay Pride parade It’s hard watching the mangroves of Benoa Bay disappear, bit by bit, as they are turned into heli-pads, cable ski enterprises and chain restaurants. They are the only green space left in South Bali and
The Magic of Language
Once upon a time in a mystical land some called “The Island of the Gods” there was strange and beautiful language called “Bahasa Indonesia” spoken, and all the brave adventurers who came to this unspoilt island, had to learn this difficult language or face serious consequences. They had to find phrase books, dictionaries and massage
The Bedugul Botanical Garden : A Nature-Filled Refuge
The highlands of Bedugul are begging to be explored – green, cool and full of adventure. It is the perfect escape from the sweltering heat of the island’s southern coast, making it an ideal destination for a family day out. These verdant hills can best be explored on foot within the sweeping landscape of Bedugul
Pride and Perspective: Comparing Scotland to Bali
I have just returned to Indonesia from Scotland for a short trip and once again feel compelled to compare the way in which each country approaches tourism. There are a lot of similarities between Scotland and Bali: each are a small part of a greater country, UK and Indonesia, each are filled with natural beauty,
Ubud’s First Family of Royal Indokrupuk
Last month, representatives from Ubud’s Rent-a-prince and Gay Rotary Ubud community, all gathered at Ibah Warwick, the Kerthyasa-owned hotel, for a blessing ceremony for the wedding of Tjok Sri Maya Kerthyasa and her Australian husband Marcus Tesoriero. ‘Indokrupuk’ means mixed blood or half-caste. It is my favourite word in the Indonesian (slang) language, because so
Bogan Heroes
To be fair, however, it’s hard to justify the constant Facebook shrieking — by the West Coast Expat herbal suffragettes, lead by Conan the Librarian (Susi Johnston) — about environmental degradation, street crimes and pollution when the expat C.U.B. (Cashed Up Bogans) themselves are responsible for some pretty irresponsible and illegal development, particularly along the
Disturbing Facts
Way back in the nineteenth century an English philosopher called John Stuart Mill wrote an essay called “On Liberty”. This defined the individuals drive for self improvement, their desire to “better their station” in life, as the sole source of true freedom. But he qualified this by saying that these efforts must not impede the
Bali By Horseback
Hidden among the rice fields of Canggu, the Bali Equestrian Centre (BEC) offers horse lovers the opportunity to saddle up and explore Bali on horseback.
A Cleansing Ritual at Tirta Sudamala
The melukat cleansing ceremony is an important part Balinese ritual, and at Tirta Sudamala holy springs, you too can be purified the Balinese way: More than half of our bodies are made up of water. This essential liquid is needed by the brain to manufacture hormones, it helps to deliver oxygen to our body parts, regulate our