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
Ni Ketut Arini Alit: A Balinese Dance Legend Ensuring a Legacy
Born in 1943, Ni Ketut Arini is a living legend. Considered a maestro in Balinese classical dances, the now 80-year-old dancer continues to teach at her sanggar in Denpasar, ensuring that young generations of Balinese learn the proper techniques and also continue the legacy of age-old classical dances. Ibu Arini comes from good musical stock:
Fena Evans: Empowering Young Women in Bali
Truly embodying the vision of Hari Kartini, Bali WISE (Women of Indonesia Skills Education) has educated over 1750 women since its inception in 2007. Working closely with NGOs, orphanages and local schools, Bali WISE identifies marginalised and at-risk women who need help and will benefit from a life-changing skills education. “We invest in people who
Ibu Robin Lim and the Birth of Bumi Sehat Foundation
Certified Professional Midwife, Ibu Robin Lim, founded Yayasan Bumi Sehat (Healthy Earth Mother Foundation) in 1995, and though starting by providing reproductive healthcare services to local communities, their good work transcends these boundaries with operations in four clinics in Indonesia and two in the Philippines. Their ‘mothership’ in Bali is based in Nyuh Kuning, Ubud,
Margaret Barry, OAM: Empowering Children Through Education
Margaret Barry is the Founder and CEO of Bali Children Foundation (BCF), her efforts through the foundation have helped thousands of children in Bali and other areas of Indonesia. “I started the work in October 2002 after the first Bali Bomb. Witnessing the heroic and successful efforts of volunteers helping the injured, I thought that
Designed to Last: Lessons from Bali’s Tourism History
Bali’s tourism industry seems to constantly be at a challenging crossroads. A perpetual tug-of-war between tradition and modernity, pulling at each other from opposite sides. Though ironically, both are equally necessary. It is rwa bhineda, the Balinese philosophy of duality, at work. Tourism has been growing for a century and despite how much of a
Eco Tourism Bali: Future-Proofing the Island
Eco Tourism Bali is a social organisation on a mission to make Bali a sustainable destination by 2030. Watch or listen to our interview with founders Suzy Hutomo and Rahmi Fajar Harini, available on the NOW! Bali Podcast. In a discussion with Editor Edward Speirs on Bali’s environmental issues, they share their vision for the
Our Publisher Looks Back at Fifteen Years of NOW! Bali
I perhaps should not tell you this, but I didn’t really want to start NOW! Bali. I was perfectly happy publishing two marvellous magazines called Jakarta Java Kini (JJK) and Hello Bali, but my partner at the time had other ideas and took over the company, leaving me with a bit of a dilemma since
Quantum Temple: Leveraging Emerging Technologies to Preserve Balinese Culture
Often considered the antithesis of culture and tradition, when used correctly digital technology can in fact play an important role in its preservation and continuation. In the case of a project called Quantum Temple, blockchain platforms have been utilised to create not only a wider appreciation of Balinese art forms, but also to fund and