The History of Rafting in Bali
One of the must-do activities enjoyed by tourists coming to Bali is rafting in the rivers that run past Ubud, but it wasn’t always this way. In the ’70s & ’80s, Ubud was only known as an arts and crafts village, where tourists went to buy art or study painting or to learn or watch
How Astungkara Way Is Restoring Regenerative Rice Farming in Bali and Beyond
Best known for their 136-kilometre coast-to-coast walking trail through Bali farmland and forest, Astungkara Way is on a mission to cast aside chemicals – with the help of ducks, cover crops, and composting. “When I was a kid, my uncle would take me out to the rice fields at night to see the fireflies,” recalls
Threads of Life: Preserving Time-Honoured Textile and Natural Dye Traditions
In Bali, textiles play an integral role in its cultural heritage, from their use in the daily lives of the Balinese to religious rituals and ceremonies, they are not mere articles of clothing but a living tradition in itself instilled in symbolism and meaning. Since 1998, one brand has been a notable champion of Indonesia’s
Bali Island School Drives Sustainability Education at Maybank Marathon 2024
Bali Island School (BIS) continues to make strides in its commitment to exceptional education and sustainability. This year, the school played a significant role in the Maybank Marathon Bali 2024 by actively participating in the event’s sustainability initiatives. The school’s involvement highlights its dedication to creating meaningful change and fostering global awareness among the younger
The ‘Bali Promise’: Should Visitors Pledge to Behave in Bali?
You may have heard of, or possibly even seen, tourists behaving badly here in beautiful Bali. It’s kind of hard to understand why because everything is pretty good here (well, except for maybe the traffic…). There really is no reason to misbehave or be disrespectful. But it does happen and seems even to be on
Bali Island School Celebrates Student Scores, Service and Campus Upgrades
Having just begun a new academic year, Bali Island School (BIS) begins the term with positive stories and some brand new beginnings! From great graduate results to impressive community service, plus some welcome improvements to school grounds, the 2024-2025 academic is off to a good start. Firstly, the summer brought in a wave of celebrations
Are the Changes We’re Seeing Positive for Bali?
I set out 8 years ago now to embrace the concept of sustainability and try to bring it to as many people as possible, first of all by education, though a series of very well-attended seminars and conferences, covering important subjects like Sustainable Fashion, Sustainable Buildings and Architecture, and How to Create Smart Cities. Then
Magi Farm: Battling Food Waste in Bali with Larvae Power
Utilising a unique method to tackle food waste issues in Bali, Magi Farm harnesses nature itself for a solution, in particular the lifecycle of black solder flies. This social enterprise introduces a system that not only removes said waste but also creates new, low-footprint products that supply both the agricultural industry and everyday consumers. Organic
The Delights of Driving in Bali
Do you know how Google Maps works? It is absolutely brilliant, but I have absolutely no idea how it operates! I imagine that there is GPS positioning that somehow tells my phone where I am, which also somehow knows when I tell my phone where I am and somehow when I tell it to go
From Trash to Treasure: Sungai Watch’s Journey to Eco-Friendly Furniture
Rivers, once symbols of life, are now filled with the trash and debris of contemporary civilisation. Poor waste management in Bali, and across Indonesia, has seen these channels grotesquely overrun with garbage. Fortunately, Sungai Watch stands out as a ray of hope amidst this pollution wave. The environmental organisation that Gary, Kelly, and Sam Bencheghib
Nusa Caña: Reviving the Forgotten Story of Indonesian Rum
For centuries, the allure of the Indonesian islands has captivated travellers, traders, and adventurers from across the globe. Yet, unbeknownst to many, some of the earliest rums savoured in Europe hailed from Indonesia. Indeed, during the early years of Dutch colonial rule, the first Indonesian rums were exported, swiftly making their mark across the world.
Traditional Balinese Cuisine: 7 Must-Try Authentic Local Dishes
An aspect of Balinese culture that continues to captivate visitors and locals alike is its culinary legacy, a testament to the island’s rich tapestry of traditions shaped by centuries of trade and migration. The authentic Balinese cuisine offers a glimpse into the island’s soul, where each dish tells a story of heritage, community, and the
Supply & Demand: The Future of Farming in Bali
With the rising success of Bali’s restaurant scene, the food and beverage industry are increasingly championing island produce and producers. Chefs and restaurateurs have bolstered their support of local economies and sustainability. This relationship has fostered innovation and improvements in the region’s agricultural industry. Yet, challenges arise for the future of farming in Bali, which