A Moon on Water: How Two Design Teams, A Sea Apart, Shaped the Building of SAKA
Tucked inside AYANA Bali, SAKA Museum takes the shape of a moon on still water. Here its director traces how the building’s architects and its interior designers turned the spirit of Nyepi — Bali’s Day of Silence — into a museum now counted among the most beautiful in the world. Descend the long walkway that
Where the Next Generation of Indonesian Chefs Go to Hone Their Craft
Working in a professional kitchen is no walk in the park. Behind the scenes at every top-level restaurant, highly skilled hands busy over countertops in a constant battle against time, in a high-pressure environment where everyone must do their part. The stakes are high, and not everyone has what it takes to earn their spot
Festival Philosophy: How the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival Finds Its Voice Each Year
Each year the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival (UWRF) is guided by a theme —an idea drawn from Balinese or Hindu philosophy, myth, or scripture— that shapes the program, inspires the artwork, and sets the tone for dialogue. These themes are carefully selected to resonate with both local wisdom and universal human concerns, ensuring that
Run for Rivers: An Epic Journey from Bali to Java Battling Plastic Pollution
58 days, 1,205 kilometres and 26,000 kilograms of waste later, the founders of environmental organisation Sungai Watch complete their monumental fundraising ‘Run for Rivers’ from Bali to Java to fight plastic pollution in Indonesia. The Bencheghibs are no strangers to drawing attention. Ever since brothers Gary and Sam kayaked down the Citarum River – once
Doremi Preschool and Santosa Intercultural School: Nurturing the Minds of the Youth
Doremi Preschool and Santosa Intercultural School have dedicated themselves to providing quality education in Indonesia from the earliest years through to the secondary level. Offering internationally recognised programmes, they believe that young learners thrive when their academic, social, emotional, physical, and personal development are given equal attention. Founded in 2000, Doremi Preschool was established with a clear
Are there ‘Lotus Fruits’ in Bali?
In Greek mythology, according to the extensive writings of Homer (no relation to the Simpson chap), Odysseus had a rather difficult ten-year journey back from his successful expedition to conquer Troy through the brilliant deception of the wooden horse. But in one enthralling episode his ship is blown off course and ends up on an
Following The Threads with Ida Ayu Ngurah Puriani
Ida Ayu Ngurah Puriani had just graduated from university, with a bachelors in education, when she found herself exploring villages in Karangasem on her Honda Supra. She was on a mission to find woven cloth. At that time, the young Ida Ayu did not know what bebali textiles were. Three foreigners had asked her about it
AIS Bali’s New High School Campus Marks a New Chapter for International Education in Indonesia
The Australian Independent School Bali (AIS Bali) has officially opened its new High School Buildings, marking a significant milestone in Bali’s education system. The ceremony, officiated by Indonesia’s Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Abdul Mu’ti, signals not only the completion of the school’s long-term campus vision but also a broader commitment to shaping globally
The Kuta Comeback: Can Dining Revitalise Bali’s Original Tourist Hotspot?
Outshined by the hype of new regions, these dining venues are helping to bring a fresh face and new flavours to Bali’s original tourist hotspot. Those who’ve spent time in Bali will remember when everything revolved around Kuta. Days unfolded on the wide sweep of Kuta Beach; nights spilled onto Jalan Legian. For better or
Food for Thought
I think perhaps the importance of food in our lives is beginning to be recognised, but boy what a stupid journey it has been. After the austerity of the Second World War, where people in most European countries, plus Japan, and maybe China, were on very restricted diets until 1950 at least, we have embarked
Puppet Master Made Sukadana: Bending Traditions to Preserve Them
Puppet masters, known as dalang, have a revered role in Balinese society. Beyond entertainment, they remain essential to rite and ritual, and traditionally were responsible for imbuing morals to society through their storytelling. Made Sukadana shares how he has kept this art from fading. There was an era when a trip to Bali meant immersing
On a Mission to Empower Women
Three organisations focusing their efforts on protecting, educating and empowering women, predominantly those from disadvantaged backgrounds or challenging circumstances here in Bali. Read about their amazing initiatives and work, and see if it inspires you to support. Bali WISE Bali WISE (Women of Indonesia Skills Education) is a women-centric programme run by the ROLE Foundation. The
Bali Island School Welcomes Future Global Leaders for Bali MUN XIV
Bali Island School recently welcomed students from across the island and beyond for the fourteenth edition of the Bali Model United Nations (Bali MUN), held from 31 January to 1 February 2026. Hosted on the school’s Sanur campus, the annual conference once again brought together young delegates to explore global issues through debate, collaboration, and
