culture
The Titian Prize: Recogising Extraordinary Balinese Artistic Talent
The Bali art infrastructure is undergoing important transformation. This renewal is a timely, yet a long and unique process, the intended outcome, however, will be a sustainable art eco system on the island. The benefactors will be new buyers, seasoned collectors, art lovers, the curious, and of course the artists themselves. The Bali art infrastructure
Pura Candidasa Temple: Ten Children and a Happy Goddess
The name Candi Dasa derives from the words cili dasa, meaning “ten children”. This temple, Pura Candi Dasa, is believed to be the source of fertility and abundance. And when it rains, the magic will grow even stronger. As the most popular area along the coast of East Bali, Candi Dasa provides a quiet seaside
Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple: The Gate to Heaven
Pura Luhur Uluwatu or popularly known as the Uluwatu temple is dramatically located on a cliff’s edge. The temple, as documented on ancient lontar, is also a portal that can transfer those who deserve it to heaven. Uluwatu temple is celebrated for its religious importance and the stunning natural surroundings, making it one of the
Pura Kebo Edan Temple and The God with Four Penises
The sexual tension used to be high at this temple. The male worshippers envied the size of the god’s phallus, and the females were aroused. And so the statue of god Ciwa Bhairawa with his four phalluses were covered with a chequered cloth. Pura Kebo Edan is an interesting temple with an unusual story. But
Pura Rambut Siwi : The Temple That Grew from Hair
Dang Hyang Nirartha stumbled upon this temple during his pilgrimage journey in the mid-sixteenth century. The temple was ruined, so Nirartha took a lock of his hair to fix it. The biggest temple in the Jembrana regency, Pura Rambut Siwi, occupies the West coastal area with majestic grandeur of Balinese architecture and a captivating ocean
The Fate of a Piece of Land in Bali
Gung Lingsir, the old prince of Abian Gombal, was now back outside, sitting cross – legged on the verandah of his old pesaren pavilion. He was lost in thoughts. He had had a near call with death, but now, with the fever gone and having lost a few pounds, he could once again run the
Spirits and Gods of the Mountain
One of the main problems when talking about Balinese “religion” is related to the very fact of “defining” it, and beyond, to the fact that by defining it, we frame it in a conceptual framework, we associate to its boundaries that do not exist in the mind of the people involved. The misunderstandings that ensue
Nawanatya Cultural Carnival Begins
On the 3rd of March 2018, situated at the heart of Denpasar, right in front of the governor’s official residence, a cultural art carnival was held as part of a series of activities to mark the opening of Bali MandaraNawanatya 2018, an annual event held in Bali Art Centre in Denpasar on the weekend starting
The Book Launching of Myth, Magic and Mystery in Bali by Jean Couteau
Tuesday, 27 March 2018, was the official book launching of ‘Myth, Magic and Mystery in Bali’, a new book by Jean Couteau, published by PT. Phoenix Communications (owning company of NOW! Bali Magazine). In the peaceful fishing village turned tourist village of Sanur, in the grounds of Sudamala Suites and Villas, guests enjoyed a full
The Unfortunate Charm of the Legong Dancer
Like everything, wise Balinese men will tell you, even their island too is subjected to the law of the Rwabhinneda, the complementary opposites. Light and Darkness; male and female; good and bad; serious and funny, and so forth. I spend much of my writing time talking about the positive, or funny sides of Balinese culture,
New Book Launched: Myth, Magic and Mystery in Bali
Whilst predominantly known for the monthly publication of both NOW! Jakarta and NOW! Bali Magazines, Phoenix Communications is no stranger to the world of books. The latest book to be published this year is Myth, Magic and Mystery in Bali, written by Dr. Jean Couteau. Indonesia Orders: Buy OnlineFor bulk, international deliveries or book store
Windee Winata: Focusing on the Mysterious
Bali is an extraordinary visual experience, equalled by few other locations on earth. From the spectacular, shimmering landscapes, to the architectural and sculpturally magnificent structures and monuments, the grandeur of festivals and ceremonies, and the grace of the Balinese. It is vibrant and rich in photogenic subjects that incite wonder and euphoria that continually seduces
Uniquely Bali: Creating a Balinese Business
There are so many things “right” about Bali, even in its current state of “perpetual preparedness” for the expected big bang from Mount Agung, but I do just want to reflect a little on not the encroachment of “western culture” and values on Bali but the attitude which so many of these bringing it to
