Letters from Bali: Local Opinions on the Future of Tourism
Tourism may be the lifeblood of the island, but that shouldn’t mean tourists can take advantage of the hospitality that has been afforded to them; nor does it mean that tourism should be the be-all end-all of Bali either! Civic Participation NGO, BASAibu, recently collected insights from everyday Balinese communities to hear their honest feedback on
How Important is Design in Our Lives?
Many, many, years ago there was a wonderful Disney film called “Swiss Family Robinson” which was about a family cast-away on a tropical island. You can imagine all the adventures that they had, for which I have forgotten, but what does stick in my mind is the amazing tree that they made into their fantasy
Craft Beer in Bali: The Best Local Brews and Brands
This island used to be synonymous with a single beer brand. So widespread was this reputation that singlets, hats and all kinds of merchandise flooded the markets – a hegemony that could not be toppled. That is until craft beer made it onto the scene. And not just any craft beer, but Bali-brewed. Homegrown and
Yayasan Janahita Mandala: The Village is the School
Janahita Mandala was born from a deep reverence for Balinese knowledge systems and a longing to create space for meaningful cultural dialogue. This community-focused foundation was created as a ‘centre of harmony’ – a mission rooted in its very name: jana meaning humanity, hita meaning wellbeing, and mandala referring to the central point of the village. The seeds
Bali Island School Celebrates 2025 IB Graduates and Welcomes a New Head of School
A brand new season unfolds at Bali Island School as they proudly bid farewell to their graduating class of 2025 with a 100% pass rate, and simultaneously welcome their new Head of School. There is no time more exciting for a student than their high school graduation, a time for celebration for families and the
How Science Fair Improves Early Years Education at Bali Island School
Renowned as one of the top and first IB Continuum schools in Bali, Bali Island School (BIS) offers a holistic International Baccalaureate (IB) Early Years education from Preschool to Grade 1. The Early Years education nurtures cognitive, physical, creative, and social growth through engaging activities, such as their recent Science Fair. A great example of
Bali’s Tradition Transmission: The Task of Passing Culture Down the Generations
What social mechanisms are in place that ensure the constant regeneration of Balinese culture and tradition through the generations? And what changes and challenges await do these face in Bali’s changing world? It is easy to be in awe of the living culture here in Bali. It is vivid and dynamic, but more than anything
Bringing Back the Light: A Mission to Save Bali’s Fireflies
Science, culture and conservation come together in the depths of Taro Village, where a mission to reignite the light of the fireflies is underway. “When I was young, my parents worked late into the night and so I would have to make my way home in complete darkness. There was no electricity at that time,
Return with Elixir: A Journey Through Inner Landscapes and Balinese Spirit
The ancient lands of Indonesia -where myth, spirituality, and nature merge- have long served as a crucible for seekers of deeper meaning. For Dr. Miles Neale, a Buddhist psychotherapist and spiritual teacher, Bali and Java did more than offer stunning landscapes and cultural encounters; they became sacred mirrors in a personal journey through the shadows
Parents Share Why They Chose Bali Island School for Their Children’s Early Years Development
When it comes to children’s education, there are many factors to be considered beyond academics, especially when it comes to choosing the best International Baccalaureate (IB) school in Bali. So why do families choose Bali Island School (BIS) for their children’s early years education? As a prominent IB school offering the Primary Years Programme, BIS
Rewilding Indonesia: How ‘Friends of Nature People and Forests’ are Saving Forests and Wildlife
A quiet revolution is taking place in Bali, one that doesn’t rely on political banners or loud protests, but rather on the rustle of leaves, the beat of wings, and the whisper of the forest. For over two decades, Friends of Nature, People and Forests—formerly known as the Friends of National Parks Foundation (FNPF)—has been
Rethinking Stewardship in Bali: Lessons from Other Islands
The optimism behind the success of tourism statistics continues, at least in government circles despite lingering reminders that, if not done right, that much loved increase in traveller numbers will put undue strain on the resources and infrastructure of all developed and underdeveloped islands. We just need to look at tropical escapes like Aklan’s Boracay
The Cult of “Me”: Entitlement in the Age of Opinion
We all think we are entitled to our own opinions and rarely do we restrict our opinions to things we actually know about (which sometimes is a very narrow field!) But we love to pronounce our judgements on things we should honestly keep quiet about – or better – learn as much as we can
