The Delights and Dangers of Tourism
You can listen to this article here: I have long been a huge fan and advocate of tourism, promoting it, working on branding ideas and creating programs for cities, islands and countries for years. I’ve handled PR for airlines, published inflight magazines, made post-crisis recovery programs (of which there have been too many in Indonesia-and
The Ubud Writers & Readers Festival Endures: An Interview with Janet DeNeefe
Listen to this interview with Janet DeNeefe on the ‘NOW! Indonesia with Alistair Speirs’ Podcast: Publisher Alistair interviews the Founder and Director of the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival, Janet DeNeefe : This is a special interview with a lady who deserves a great deal of attention at the moment, somebody who has been a resident
‘How Would You Improve Policies for Handling the Pandemic?’ Balinese Millennials Share Their Thoughts
Part of their on-going efforts to encourage the continued use of the Balinese language, the foundation BASABali organises regular writing contests inviting Balinese to freely and honestly express themselves across a range of topics. In the latest campaign, they invited Balinese millennials to share their thoughts on the issue currently most affecting their lives: how
Sungai Watch Installs Momentous 100th Trash Barrier Protecting Bali’s Rivers
Whilst the island has been heavily preoccupied with the pandemic, Gary Bencheghib has remained focused on the thing that matters to him the most: protecting Bali from plastic pollution. In under a year, Gary and his organisation ‘Sungai Watch’ (river watch) have successfully installed 100 trash barriers on rivers all over Bali, helping to prevent
Stella’s Child to Build a New Community Centre and They Need Your Help!
Since its inception, Stella’s Child has supported more than a thousand Indonesian youths with skills needed to succeed in life through workshops, skills training and job placement. Now, the Bali-based NGO has launched a crowdfunding campaign to build a brand-new Community Centre that can accommodate the youth’s needs. Founded by Timothy J. Cameron in 2013,
Rainwater Harvesting: The Solution to Bali’s Water Crisis?
Bali is drying up. Over 60% of Bali’s watershed is dry. This is a story about how rainwater harvesting might just be the solution Bali needs to solve its water crisis, and how one food and beverage company aims to not only raise awareness on the island’s environmental challenges but also be part of this
Continued Community Action in Amed, A Forgotten Corner of Bali
With a struggling island economy, there are many people, communities and organisations currently in need. However, as more hands are raised in the developed areas, the calls for help from Bali’s rural fringes, like Amed, are being heard less and less. One of the most difficult parts of donating to charitable causes, especially now with
Pushing Through the Pandemic: How Infused Arak is Helping a Group of Balinese to Persevere
A story of perseverance in the pandemic. I Nyoman Sudiasa’s pursuit to find new means of income has taken him on an interesting journey, where he now concocts his own brand of infused arak and helps his friends along the way. The pandemic has thrown many people in Bali into uncertain and uncomfortable circumstances. At
Ubud Artisan Market: Revitalising Community Spirit & Providing Opportunities for Local Entrepreneurs
The entrepreneurial spirit is a vital essence of the Balinese and Indonesian character. The foundation of preservation and self-empowerment, through this energy, creative and commercial opportunities are realised. The Ubud Artisan Market, an initiative by Yayasan Mudra Suwari Sarasvati, the foundation responsible for the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival (UWRF) and the Ubud Food Festival
Is Bali Safe? Practical Thoughts for Domestic Travellers
In the last two to three weeks, Bali has enjoyed an increase in domestic tourism. This has been a mixture of post-Idul Fitri escapes, school holidays and perhaps some credit should be given to the Work from Bali campaign too. With this increased interest, I have had friends living in Jakarta (and other parts of
A Healing Centre for Dogs : Mission Paws’ible’s Vision to Help the Dogs of Bali
Not only did the pandemic leave devastating effects on the people of Bali, COVID-19 has left dogs on the island in need of help more than ever. Australian-registered, Bali-based charity, Mission Paws’ible has been a beacon of light for them during this particularly trying time. And you, too, can lend a helping hand. With a
FAM Health Indonesia: Humanising Mental Illness in a Taboo Culture
In a society where the mere mention of mental illness is shunned, FAM Health Indonesia bridges the access between people and practitioners to foster a change in the way we talk about mental health, and make peace with the suffering that hides behind shame and ignorance. There are different types of mental healthcare but which
Images of Paradise and the Exploitation of Bali
Mysterious images of a distant exotic island of the East Indies began circulating in Europe in 1920. During an era when Europe was reeling from the horrors of World War I and the fear of a communist revolution, the photos published in two volumes, ‘Bali’, caused a minor sensation. They struck a chord with disillusioned