Edward Speirs
Marak and Ark: Bali Welcomes Two New Premium Arak Brands
Adding to the impressive list of Bali-made spirits, the recently launched Marak and Ark bring a new take on the island’s traditional spirit of arak. Brought to the market by Indoestri Teluk Saba, the two brands aim to support arak farmers in Karangasem whilst elevating the name and reputation of this culturally-significant, artisanal alcoholic beverage.
Setra Ari-ari: The Placenta Graveyard
A unique custom takes place in one of Bali’s mountain villages, whereby the placentas of newborn babies are placed inside coconuts and hung on trees. Setra Ari-ari, or the placenta graveyard, is certainly one of Kintamani’s more obscure destinations. Bayung Gede village is neatly tucked into one of the gaping valleys of Kintamani. It is
Undagi Tapel: The Mask Carvers of Bali
Mask carvers are one of Bali’s most important artisans. Through their delicate creations, these skilled craftsmen give life to the characters on Bali’s ritual dance stage. Of course, on the island of the gods, a mask is more than just a mask: it is a sacred object, a medium, and a tool of transformation. Masks
Kerauhan: Trance and Possession in Bali
During a Balinese ceremony or performance, it’s not uncommon to see someone fall into a trace. This is known as kerauhan, during which it is believed that a spirit is now in control of someone’s mind and body. This may be hard to fathom for many people, but upon seeing the self-stabbing act of ngurek,
Green School Foundation’s IGNITE Fundraising Gala 2024: A Stunning Cultural Showcase
A cultural spectacle unfolded on 21 September 2024 as the Green School Foundation held their annual ‘IGNITE Fundraising Gala’. The distinguished event, held in the royal palace of Puri Agung Kerambitan, Tabanan, was a magical experience from start to finish, featuring extravagant presentations of Balinese dance, music, art and cuisine. The mission of the Green
The Seaweed Farmers of Nusa Lembongan
Across the Badung Strait lies three special islands off the coast of mainland Bali. The now famous Nusa Penida, a large and rugged isle that has become a mainstream day-tripper destination, and the two smaller islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. Between Lembongan and Ceningan, a unique aspect of local life is found, in
Begawan Biji Restaurant Brings the Table to the Farm in North Ubud
Deep in the Payangan countryside, 20 minutes north of central Ubud, an escapist’s dining destination stands at the edge of rice fields. Reimagining the classic farm-to-table experience, Begawan Biji instead invites guests to take a seat by the farmlands themselves, to relish in a modern take on Indonesian and Asian flavours in a stunning and
Pura Meduwe Karang: Life Immortalised in Stone
The black volcanic and red earth bricks dominate much of the temple architecture of South Bali, and as beautiful as they may be, they are no match for the truly ornate temples of North Bali. The ‘pura’ of Buleleng Regency are almost Gothic in their aesthetic, featuring intricately carved walls, reliefs and statues that protrude
Hatten Wines: How to Bring Bali’s Viniculture into the 21st century
Founded in 1994 by Ida Bagus Rai Budarsa, Hatten Wines is Bali’s first wine company and produces wines from locally-grown grapes. Gus Rai wanted to offer visitors a taste of Bali, a wine that reflected the island’s tropical terroir. Having just celebrated their 30th anniversary in August 2024, it’s an apt moment to reflect on how far
Pura Maospahit: A Remnant of the Majapahit Empire in Denpasar
Found in the area of Pemecutan, Denpasar, Pura Maospahit is an ancient temple compound that dates back to the early days when the Majapahit Empire first established itself in Bali. Denpasar has long been a significant region in Bali. Ancient inscriptions, such as the Blanjong inscription in Sanur (913 AD), hint at an organised civilisation living
Making Beer in Bali: Inside the Brewery with Island Brewing
“Time Well Spent” is the official tagline for one of Bali’s rapidly growing beer brands, Island Brewing. It’s an ethos of enjoying good times and good island living. For Head of Brewing Operations Michael King, this tagline is just as appropriate for what happens in the brewery, where time and attention are responsible for the
Cultivating Specialty Bali Coffee, with Tanamera Coffee Indonesia
A string of mountains runs across Bali, giant calderas and towering volcanoes, giving the island its rugged highland centre. As one ascends to these peaks, the altitude rises and temperatures drop, and just at a certain sweet spot up the mountains, Bali coffee trees find their home. On the slopes that climb towards the Batur
Denpasar: Searching for History in Bali’s Capital City
Behind its constant clamour of commerce, Bali’s capital is home to a rich history. Between the tradesmen and shophouses, government buildings and ageing arcades, Denpasar hides a full spectrum of intriguing historical sites that share of the island’s past, from royal rule to ritual warfare, colonial control to commercial centre. Yes, Denpasar is certainly a
