Edward Speirs
Ni Ketut Arini Alit: A Balinese Dance Legend Ensuring a Legacy
Born in 1943, Ni Ketut Arini is a living legend. Considered a maestro in Balinese classical dances, the now 80-year-old dancer continues to teach at her sanggar in Denpasar, ensuring that young generations of Balinese learn the proper techniques and also continue the legacy of age-old classical dances. Ibu Arini comes from good musical stock:
Fena Evans: Empowering Young Women in Bali
Truly embodying the vision of Hari Kartini, Bali WISE (Women of Indonesia Skills Education) has educated over 1750 women since its inception in 2007. Working closely with NGOs, orphanages and local schools, Bali WISE identifies marginalised and at-risk women who need help and will benefit from a life-changing skills education. “We invest in people who
Ibu Robin Lim and the Birth of Bumi Sehat Foundation
Certified Professional Midwife, Ibu Robin Lim, founded Yayasan Bumi Sehat (Healthy Earth Mother Foundation) in 1995, and though starting by providing reproductive healthcare services to local communities, their good work transcends these boundaries with operations in four clinics in Indonesia and two in the Philippines. Their ‘mothership’ in Bali is based in Nyuh Kuning, Ubud,
Margaret Barry, OAM: Empowering Children Through Education
Margaret Barry is the Founder and CEO of Bali Children Foundation (BCF), her efforts through the foundation have helped thousands of children in Bali and other areas of Indonesia. “I started the work in October 2002 after the first Bali Bomb. Witnessing the heroic and successful efforts of volunteers helping the injured, I thought that
A Guide to West Bali National Park: Into the Northwest Wilderness
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.
Mt. Agung: Home of Myths and Legends
There are many stories that surround Bali’s highest and holiest mountain. From how it was formed to the dragon that lives within, Mt. Agung is more than just a towering volcano on the landscape. Standing at 3,031 metres high in Bali’s eastern-most regency of Karangasem, Mt. Agung dominates the horizon on clear days, appearing suddenly
A Holy Cleansing at Taman Beji Griya Waterfall
West of Ubud, in the hinterlands of Abiansemal, a twin waterfall has become the go-to destination to experience the unique Balinese cleansing ritual known as melukat. At Taman Beji Griya Waterfall, nature and Balinese spiritual practices come together. Bali is blessed with countless natural wonders: gorgeous waterfalls seemingly down every valley, or forests that scatter
Designed to Last: Lessons from Bali’s Tourism History
Bali’s tourism industry seems to constantly be at a challenging crossroads. A perpetual tug-of-war between tradition and modernity, pulling at each other from opposite sides. Though ironically, both are equally necessary. It is rwa bhineda, the Balinese philosophy of duality, at work. Tourism has been growing for a century and despite how much of a
Enter Dome, Desa Potato Head’s New Haven for Natural Wine and Food
The aptly named Dome welcomes diners into the intriguing, bunker-esque space found adjacent to the poolside of Potato Head Studios. What was once the home of plant-based restaurant, Tanaman (set to reopen soon, watch this space), is now a cool and casual destination in which to enjoy natural wines and bites. Enthusiasts of architecture and
Kilo Kitchen Pererenan: A Taste of Refined Fusion Cuisine
Since it opened in Seminyak back in 2014, Kilo Kitchen Bali has had an incredibly long-standing popularity among residents and visitors, consistently serving its brand of fusion cuisine to guests. Now, the restaurant has expanded its territories with the opening of Kilo Kitchen Pererenan. Catering to one of Bali’s up-and-coming neighbourhoods, Kilo Kitchen Pererenan welcomes
Cannelé, the New Luxurious Patisserie at The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas
There’s a brand new reason to visit The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas in Nusa Dua with the opening of Cannelé, a sophisticated patisserie showcasing a range of sweet and savoury delights. Found at The Mulia Bali’s terrace, overlooking the resort’s pools and ocean view, Cannelé invites guests to savour a wide range of perfectly
Gelungan Payas Agung: The Ceremonial Balinese Headdress
The Gelungan Payas Agung is a stunning crown: it is the piece de resistance of the formal Balinese ceremonial attire, which is also known as payas agung. This striking outfit is most commonly used for Balinese weddings, though is also used during other important ceremonies, namely the metatah (or mepandes) tooth filing ceremony or the
Eco Tourism Bali: Future-Proofing the Island
Eco Tourism Bali is a social organisation on a mission to make Bali a sustainable destination by 2030. Watch or listen to our interview with founders Suzy Hutomo and Rahmi Fajar Harini, available on the NOW! Bali Podcast. In a discussion with Editor Edward Speirs on Bali’s environmental issues, they share their vision for the
