Chinese Temples in Bali
Chinese New Year is a time when all the temples are decked out in fresh coats of paint, bright red Chinese lanterns, sashes and bows. Apart from being a time to feast and reunite with family, Chinese New Year is a festivity accompanied by a large array of customs and rituals. There are quite a
12 Best Shopping Malls in Bali: All Areas of Bali Covered
Bali has become a shoppers’ paradise with its fabulous boutiques, local markets, artisanal products and shops. Over the years, the island’s south has developed and added some really cosmopolitan shopping centres with big-name brands, cinemas, restaurants and more. Yes, you’ll find some amazing shopping malls in Bali, each offering a different vibe, atmosphere and list
Pura Alas Kedaton: The Temple Without Incense
Dupa or incense, is ubiquitous across the island, found wafting in every temple in Bali. That is, except for one. This is Pura Dalem Kahyangan Kedaton, also known as Pura Alas Kedaton, founded in the depths of a monkey-populated forest. According to an inscription in Sading Village, Mengwi, Badung Regency, the temple was built by
Beyond a Day Tour to Nusa Penida: Complete Travel Guide of the Island
If you’re in search of a rugged island escape, then you’ll want to explore Nusa Penida. The island has a rich array of cultural and natural destinations, and we suggest going for longer than a simple day tour to Nusa Penida and take in the sights and enjoy the fabulous hotels. Nestled just off the
West Bali National Park: Guide and Insight to Bali’s Wild Northwest
On a far-flung corner of Bali, the distant West Bali National Park invites visitors to explore the riches of the island’s natural environment. Home to an array of flora and fauna living in the park’s variety of habitats, it is a destination for birdwatchers, nature lovers and escapists, far from the distractions of everyday life.
Escape to Nusa Lembongan: A NOW! Bali Guide
It’s hard to imagine that an island like Bali requires its own island escape, but it exists! The three ‘nusas’ (islands) of Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan serve this purpose exactly; each island presents its own sights and thrills and has become a day-trip, weekend or even outright holiday destination. Surrounded by azure
The Story Behind Bali’s Biggest Herd
In 1997 the Mason Elephant Safari Park was founded by long-time Bali resident Nigel Mason and his Balinese wife Yanie, who were up until that time well known for both their opening of Kuta’s first Australian food restaurant, Yanie’s Restaurant & Bar, in 1984, and for starting Bali’s first white water rafting company in 1989.
Pura Penataran Sasih and The Moon of Pejeng
Found along the roadside in the village of Pejeng is said to be one of the oldest temples in Bali. It is home to a relic from the Bronze Age, a bronze drum, believed to have illuminated the village of Pejeng in ancient times. This is Pura Penataran Sasih, which was founded in 1266 AD
From Farm to Cup: Brew Your Own Herbal Remedy with Made Tea
The history of tea-making and tea-drinking spans thousands of years, a time-honoured ritual that is not only deeply nourishing but also beneficial to one’s well-being. There’s something therapeutic about the practice of making a cup of tea, where the simple art of brewing leaves and herbs with boiling water yields remarkable benefits. For those keen
Setra Ari-ari: The Placenta Graveyard
A unique custom takes place in one of Bali’s mountain villages, whereby the placentas of newborn babies are placed inside coconuts and hung on trees. Setra Ari-ari, or the placenta graveyard, is certainly one of Kintamani’s more obscure destinations. Bayung Gede village is neatly tucked into one of the gaping valleys of Kintamani. It is
Pura Meduwe Karang: Life Immortalised in Stone
The black volcanic and red earth bricks dominate much of the temple architecture of South Bali, and as beautiful as they may be, they are no match for the truly ornate temples of North Bali. The ‘pura’ of Buleleng Regency are almost Gothic in their aesthetic, featuring intricately carved walls, reliefs and statues that protrude
Pura Maospahit: A Remnant of the Majapahit Empire in Denpasar
Found in the area of Pemecutan, Denpasar, Pura Maospahit is an ancient temple compound that dates back to the early days when the Majapahit Empire first established itself in Bali. Denpasar has long been a significant region in Bali. Ancient inscriptions, such as the Blanjong inscription in Sanur (913 AD), hint at an organised civilisation living
Denpasar: Searching for History in Bali’s Capital City
Behind its constant clamour of commerce, Bali’s capital is home to a rich history. Between the tradesmen and shophouses, government buildings and ageing arcades, Denpasar hides a full spectrum of intriguing historical sites that share of the island’s past, from royal rule to ritual warfare, colonial control to commercial centre. Yes, Denpasar is certainly a
