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
The Importance of Space : Overdevelopment on the Island
In this Personal Perspective, Publisher Alistair Speirs discusses space and how the overdevelopment in Bali is making it more and more difficult to enjoy what space there is: When the voice of Captain James T Kirk of the Starship Enterprise said, “Space, The Final Frontier”, so many years ago, he was of course referring to
Dance Maestro Ni Ketut Arini and the Festivity of Balinese Dance
Almost everything celebratory in Bali starts with a dance. Whether it’s a religious ceremony, a festival, opening of a conference, or even a dinner at nice resorts, a traditional Balinese dance will be performed to welcome the attendees and kick start the occasion – a unique gesture that has captured the hearts of many.
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
“Package Tours” and the Growing Threat of Bali’s Waste
There was a time when we all went on package tours. They were great! You got the hotel, airline tickets, meals, tours, museums and visits all “packaged” together for less than you could buy the airline tickets for. It was amazing value, and many people still use these travel agent created holidays to this day.
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
Photo Essay: Coastal Lives on the Island
A lot is happening on Bali’s coastlines. From the fishing villages to ceremonies and sea salt farming and leisure and weekend playgrounds for the residents, the beaches of Bali are always buzzing with life. HOMAGE TO THE GODS Seen here is the Melasti purification ceremony held on the beach of Nusa Dua Beach Hotel and
liina klauss’ 5000 Lost Soles: Turning Ocean Rubbish into Art
Artist liina klauss, together with Potato Head Beach Club Bali, created a visually stunning installation name ‘5000 soles’ from rubbish that washed up on Seminyak Beach. Their goal, raise awareness of ocean plastic pollution through art. One hot, global topic at the moment is ocean plastic pollution; from local organisations right up to the United
The Magic of Bali: A Real Bali Traffic Jam
The traffic stops, you look around, there’s nothing in sight, just a line of cars and motorbikes stretching into the distance. The line grows longer, the engines get turned off and people start getting out of their cars for a cigarette, a stretch and a chat. No-one seems very upset. You walk forward to find
Solemen: Continuing To Improve People’s Lives
Bali based NGO Yayasan Solemen Indonesia gives hope, creates smiles and makes a difference in many people’s lives every day. Since its inception in 2010, Yayasan Solemen has morphed into a dynamic organisation with a serious mission that reaches far beyond the original goal. A great outreach programme was created to benefit the poor, the
The Circle of Life
Just a generation ago Bali was a rural farming community where the seasons dictated life, where the connection with nature – and God – was direct. People lived simple lives, understood their community, their religion, their role, and were relaxed and happy. Then came the opportunity to make money, to jump on the bandwagon and
A Little Help for the Children of Bali
The education system in Bali is not at the best place right now. Despite the fact that tourism is growing it doesn’t change the fact that there still are a huge number of school-age children not attending school. Mostly, it is because of their poor economic background. There is a huge gap between the children
