The charm of Balinese traditional dance has captured the eyes and hearts of so many visitors to the island. There are an assortment of dances and music from Bali that are performed on stage regularly in several areas in the island, such as in Ubud, Batu Bulan, Uluwatu, Tanah Lot and other tourism destinations. However, […]

Tradition, culture, ancestors’ spirits and a strong belief in a supreme God are elements that are respected in various forms through the practices o...

Among the many Barong Dance performances on the island, the Barong and Keris Dance of Batubulan remains unique due to its focus on the Kunti Seraya st...

In the village centre, and located throughout the village are food kiosks called warungs, the places where most of the village socializing takes place...

The final element that completes the classic south Bali village center is a wooden drum tower, a Balai Kul Kul. If the Wantilan is the meeting hall, t...

The center of a classic south Bali village contains several common elements. Close by the banyan tree is often found a simply designed pavilion called...

Every year the Bali Aga (original Balinese) villages around Karangasem celebrate the coming of age of their young folk with a procession of rites and ...

Snuggling under the holy Lempuyung mountain, one of Bali’s most iconic holy places, is Bangle. While it is close to fast forward Amed, when you take...

The Balinese have an innate sense of style and nowhere is it becoming really apparent than when attending a ceremony. Their love of dressing up and de...

Gatot was really fed up with his job as’ a Kernet (conductor) of a run down Oplet (collective taxi) between the terminals (stations) of Banyuwangi a...

  Garuda, Indonesia’s symbol. Steeped in both legend, mythology and modern symbolism the Garuda bird (be it the God bird of myth or Javan E...

Balinese are nowadays basically like you and me. So when they kiss, it is on the mouth. Yet, if you pay attention, or are in the middle of a kiss, you...

Street art and mural paintings are mushrooming, and have become one of the biggest attractions on the island’s south. We sat down with a Denpasar-ba...

When it comes to architecture and landscaping, Balinese design is known for its distinctive flair for being in harmony with nature. architecture Tradi...

There’s a reason why Bali has so many art shops and galleries; the island is home to countless, exceptionally skillful artists, including remarkable...

It was with great sadness that I heard of the sudden and unexpected passing of Made Wijaya, my long time friend and columnist of both NOW! Jakarta and...

Last month, at a Bongkasa high priest’s cremation, I saw a contemporary-cum-ceremonial dance performance staged around the funeral pyre. It resemble...

Many of the late pedanda’s disciples are wearing commemoratives t-shirts emblazed with the message ‘Death is life’s friend’. Balinese history ...