Edward Speirs
Bali Road Trip Itinerary: Northwest Bali
Make sure to save our free Curated Google Maps List featuring every destination listed in this Northwest Bali Road Trip Itinerary The west is perhaps Bali’s least visited corner, with much of the region undeveloped and in the eyes of visitors simply too far flung to explore. But, as long as there is a worthwhile
A Spotlight on Inspiring Women
In March and April, two important days invite us to take a moment to celebrate the women around us: International Women’s Day on 8 March and Indonesia’s Kartini Day on 21 April, a commemoration of Raden Adjeng Kartini who fought for women’s rights and education. Here in Bali, where women are really the backbone of society
Bali’s Culture of Adaptation
What has been Bali’s secret to upholding its culture? How have traditions remained relevant in the modern era? Whilst some may credit strict customary laws and guidelines, it may in fact be thanks to the opposite: an inherent adaptability and tolerance to change that has helped the culture to gradually evolve and ultimately thrive. As
Gayah: Bali’s Intricate Meat Offerings
Simultaneously unsightly and visually impressive, gayah are intricately-prepared offerings fashioned out of the meat, skin and parts of butchered pigs. Bali’s humid and tropical heat is certainly not the ideal condition for animal remains to be sweltering under the sun, but during major ceremonies, like funerals or odalan temple anniversaries, these gayah are necessary among the eclectic
West Bali National Park: Guide and Insight to Bali’s Wild Northwest
On a far-flung corner of Bali, the distant West Bali National Park invites visitors to explore the riches of the island’s natural environment. Home to an array of flora and fauna living in the park’s variety of habitats, it is a destination for birdwatchers, nature lovers and escapists, far from the distractions of everyday life.
Experience the Ultimate Island Detox at Karma Kandara
With treatment rooms that peer over the Uluwatu cliffs and out to the Indian Ocean, a massage experience doesn’t get more dramatic than at the award-winning Karma Spa. Beyond the spa’s impressive views, its fusion of traditional treatments and modern, biohacking therapies ensures that every guest leaves feeling wholly invigorated. Part of the luxurious experiences
Missoni Resort Club Bali: The Iconic Italian Brand Embellishes The Ritz-Carlton, Bali Beachfront
A vibrant splash of turquoise and emerald hues brighten up the beachfront at The Ritz-Carlton, Bali, as luxury Italian fashion house, Missoni, adds its signature flair to this glistening Nusa Dua coastline. This is the new and exclusive Missoni Resort Club in Bali, inviting guests to experience a bridging of three worlds: five-star hospitality, luxury
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
