Pande Gong: The Gamelan Makers of Tihingan Village
Clang! Dug! Ting!… Clang! Dug! Ting!… The sounds of metal pounding metal can be heard from a distance. Then a shout, some laughter, followed once again by the clamour of hammers. Clang! Dug! Ting! The cacophony of sounds repeat. These are the rhythms of the pande gong, the makers of Bali’s traditional gamelan. Tihingan Village
Lessons from Japan
Many think of Japan as a high-tech, industrial powerhouse, perhaps waning in the shadow of China’s mega-economy, but nonetheless, still an example of efficiency and innovation. Behind that, diligence, dedication and sheer hard work. And we would not be wrong. Japan has not faded, it has only recently been overshadowed. Outside of the global economy,
Trash Talk: Bali’s Burning Landfills (and How You Can Help)
Landfills across Bali have been engulfed in fire over the last three weeks, as dry heat and no rain have created the perfect storm for flames to rage through the towering trash heaps. This has caused a domino of challenges for Bali, from the direct hazard of fire and its resulting air pollution to the
Wines Made in Bali: Balinese Wineries and Vineyards
When people think of Bali, what comes to mind is probably coconuts and tropical fruits, and probably not grapes. However, the soils of this fertile island accommodate a versatile range of produce and have brought to life a highly successful wine industry, adding a new latitude to the world’s wine offerings. Bali is now home
Island Distilleries: Bali’s Growing Spirits Industry Explores Archipelagic Flavours
In Bali, island distilleries are not an unfamiliar concept. For centuries, the Balinese have been producing arak, a local heritage of Balinese ancestors that dates back to the Majapahit era, though most of these local arak producers are home-based distilleries that utilise time-honoured techniques of distillation. In the past couple of years, however, there has been a rise
Island Brewing: A Bali Craft Beer Brewed for Good Times
Now ubiquitous across Bali, Island Brewing is slowly becoming the go-to brew, converting the ‘big brand’ drinkers to savour something with a little more soul — a little more love in its making. Jokingly considered a ‘gateway’ to craft beer, Island Brewing is approachable: a good quality, easy-to-drink beer with all the right natural ingredients
Bali’s Own Version of ESG
Sustainability is, thankfully, all the rage these days, as people finally get to grips with their personal and corporate responsibilities to the planet and to the communities in which they live. Some people measure their personal carbon footprint to try to limit the damage they do to the environment through travelling by plane, train or
Spirit of Bali: The Rise of Arak
Arak. It is the drink of both celebration and ceremony here in Bali, used at social as well as religious gatherings. Needless to say, it has its role and part to play in everyday life on the island — it is, quite literally, the spirit of Bali. However, its initial introduction into ‘modern life’ was
SoleFamily Bali’s Mission to Open a Pioneering Outreach Centre in North Bali
To residents of Bali and regular visitors to the island, the name Solemen Indonesia surely is one that many will recognise. Founded in 2011 by a group of dedicated and compassionate people, Solemen Indonesia has worked tirelessly to provide health and medical care to the poor and marginalised who otherwise struggle to get the help
Bali Children and Kartika Soekarno Foundations Give Balinese Children a Brighter Future
For over two decades, the Kartika Soekarno Foundation (KSF) has strived to ensure that the lives of Indonesian children in remote and impoverished villages experience an ideal first thousand days of life since the foundation’s establishment in 1998. Upholding the ethos of Gotong Royong, a mutual cooperation where communities come together and women empower each
Homogenisation, Dilution and Disorganisation
Sounds like a food processing factory, doesn’t it? But that’s not what I’m talking about; it all refers to our much loved, but not much cared for, destinations, here in Indonesia, and to a great extent, all over the world. I used to be in the insurance business and we spent a lot of time
Kamasan Painters in the Modern Age: New Canvases, New Opportunities
Bali’s oldest painting tradition is found in Klungkung, in the village of Kamasan. These paintings, also known as a wayang style, depict tales of the Hindu epics, namely the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. They present dense, detailed scenes, visualising religious stories and their lessons. The main patrons of the Kamasan painters was the royalty of
Empu Keris: Master Forgers of the Sacred Dagger
The keris is an ancient weapon, a sacred dagger dating back to at least the age of the Majapahit Kingdom, though some say further. To make a sacred weapon takes more than just skill, it requires an infusion of spirituality that gives each dagger its power: this is the gift of the empu keris. “We
