Better Together: Communities Improving Bali Together
When great minds think alike, they create even greater things. In Bali, we believe the communities get together not to build money-making machines, but to form bonds within those who are deserve more attention; to pioneer a movement; to change the face of Bali or the world for the better. We’re positive that there are
Tri Hita Karana : Bali Businesses Helping the Environment
The traditional philosophy for life in Bali, Tri Hita Karana, is the “three causes of well-being” or “their reasons for prosperity”. It is a Balinese Hindu lifestyle philosophy that is all about maintaining a harmonious balance between mankind (Pawongan), the environment (Palemahan) and God Almighty (Parahyangan). Not only are local residents expected to abide by
Remembering Bali’s Beloved John Fawcett
In 2017, Bali lost an unsung hero, but his legacy will live on through the lives of his foundation and their patients. Young John Fawcett was an aspiring art teacher; he was a skilful ceramist, a hard worker, but most of all, John was a loving husband and a father of two. His love affair
Say Bye Bye to Plastics with The Komitmen: An Interview with Melati Wijsen
Five years ago, the Bali born and bred sisters started a revolution on the island, now they are transforming businesses in Bali and have appeared live on CNN before Anderson Cooper and Kelly Ripa. Melati Wijsen, one of two Wijsen sisters from Bye-Bye Plastic Bag fame, arrived at the semi-vacant restaurant in Pererenan with a cardboard
BASABali : Preserving Balinese in the Digital World
There are all kinds of languages in the world. From verbal to visual communication, we can agree that language is one instrument we have in common. Some of us, however, may have nestled comfortably in one linguistic bubble that we tend to ignore a variety of other languages practised around the globe. Did you know
Future Farmers Indonesia : Saving The Country’s Agrarian Industry
As a predominantly agrarian society, we would think that Indonesia has excelled in self-sufficient food production. Not only owing to the bountiful nature and supportive climate the nation is blessed with but also the available labour force. The reality, however, is Indonesia’s rural agricultural labour continues to decline with 70% of current working farmers aged
Say Bye Bye to Plastic Bags : A Bali-Born Initiative
It doesn’t take much to see that this island is drowning in plastic, and that there is no escaping from this reality. Who is going to do something about it? Sometimes we forget that it only takes one person to create change. Instead of pointing fingers, asking people to change the world, why not look
Education and the Efforts to Grow Bali’s Next Generation
Contrary to popular belief, Bali’s tourism industry which is growing at an unprecedented rate doesn’t always impact people living in rural areas. The myth of the ‘trickle down effect’ strikes again, it seems. Many families in rural areas are caught in the poverty trap with little or even no income to survive – this helps to explain the huge number
Protecting Paradise: Bali’s Environmental Heroes
This island we are living on is full of beautiful discoveries, yet it seems we don’t appreciate it. However, the natural beauty that we love so much is also vulnerable due the island’s poor waste management practices. It is easy to find water ducts clogged with plastic waste throughout the island. Because of poor waste management strategies,
Power to the People: Empowering Local Balinese Communities
According to the Central Bureau of Statistics of Bali, there is up to 5% of the population on this island classified as poor. It is such a sad fact that despite the tourism industry is growing, we can easily find children asking for money at stop lights or sleeping in the street. Many of these
Meet the Elephant Man, Nigel Mason , Founder of Mason Elephant Park
NOW! Bali’s Alistair Speirs sat down with Nigel Mason, founder of Mason Adventures, and discussed the role of Mason Elephant Park in education and conservation of the endangered Sumatran Elephants. One on One with Nigel Mason Hi Nigel, it’s been a while since I last spoke to you, can you tell me what’s new with
Puspadi Bali: Putting Ability into Disability
A rise in chronic illnesses and an ageing population affect an increasing number of people with disabilities. This triggered Nengah Latra, who founded PUSPADI Bali, to assist those unfortunate people with physical disabilities in Bali. The foundation runs Bali’s wheelchair programme and manufactures artificial legs in their workshop at the Annika Linden Centre. With a
Coastal Communities: Saving Bali’s Beaches One Piece of Plastic at a Time
Bali is facing a waste management crisis. With Indonesia being one of the world’s biggest contributors to ocean plastic, this is a problem. This island has declared a ‘garbage emergency’ after the beaches were inundated with a rising tide of plastic waste. Local communities are working hand-in-hand to keep Bali’s beaches clean. Coca-Cola Amatil Indonesia
