By now you might have overdoses on the dynamic clanks and clonks of the gamelan, Bali’s traditional orchestra comprised of several musical instruments. This is particularly the case on “good dates”, or auspicious days, where religious rites take place around the island and the sound of the gamelan echo all around.  Whilst the musical range […]

If this is your first time visiting Bali, you may have gathered some information of several interesting dances to see during your stay. Two of the mos...

On the 14th of September, when the big yellow sun was slowly crawling down the western sky, the opening of Petitenget Festival was held at Petitenget ...

Kebun Culture When traveling through the hillsides, both north and south, it will quickly become clear that you are not in rice country any more, thes...

The major city in the north is Singaraja, in fact until the middle of the 20th century it was the only major point of entry to Bali. Singaraja was a f...

Turning to the Sea Another strategy to survive this arid environment is to turn away from the hills and look to the sea. Generally speaking the Baline...

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder they say, yet go to any traditional Balinese ceremony or head out of the city and beauty is all around you. Templ...

If you ever happen to notice a long line of Hondas parked along a narrow road, or men discreetely rushing along with a rattan basket slung over their ...

The people who work Bali’s fields now are no longer young. Their children have all been sent off to school, to get an education, to follow what they...

The Balinese – and other Indonesian – culture(s) managed to achieve a high level of sophistication without any excessive pressure upon the...

These hot and humid days are the most difficult times in Bali. But make no mistake. It is not because of the rainy season. It is because the guardians...

Most of you, dear readers, when coming to Bali, already have a certain idea of the island. An iconic idea, which encompasses, as you probably know, ju...

A beautiful, naked woman with long flowing hair sits legs raised, feet positioned above her head. In her left hand she is holding a red lotus flower c...

The first Art Bali contemporary art exhibition was officially opened by the Minister of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia Sri Mulyani on the 9th of...

American clothing brand Volcom has made a home in Indonesia, being part of the surf and skate scene 1996. Beyond that, they have embraced local art an...

Bali’s high priests have stepped it up a few notches of late — in jewelry, showmanship, and stamina. As more and more Balinese opt for the higher ...

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...