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.
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
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
In Memoriam: Robert Epstone of SoleFamily Bali
It is with deep sadness that we share news of the passing of Robert Epstone, a beloved humanitarian, visionary, and co-founder of SoleFamily (previously Solemen Indonesia). After a brave and courageous battle with brain cancer, Robert passed away peacefully on 1 October 2024, leaving behind a legacy of boundless compassion and selflessness. He touched the
Assisting Business Growth in Indonesia’s Hospitality and Tourism Sectors
Moores Rowland Indonesia, a business advisory and consultancy, provides essential services that include auditing and accounting, to tax, legal and even human rights. Here, Ms. Mei Nie Tan, a Partner, Accounting and Outsourcing, shares her expert outlook for tourism and business growth in Indonesia, and indeed how Moores Rowland Bali can support businesses in the
East Indies Gin: A Real Craft Gin Inspired by Indonesia and Made in Bali
A real craft gin, made here in Bali, bursting with flavours that represent the islands of Indonesia and its storied past. Yes, East Indies Gin has taken Indonesia’s drinks industry by storm, found on top shelves of celebrated cocktail bars keen to showcase a premium spirit that celebrates the archipelago. The evocative name, East Indies Gin,
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
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
The History of Rafting in Bali
One of the must-do activities enjoyed by tourists coming to Bali is rafting in the rivers that run past Ubud, but it wasn’t always this way. In the ’70s & ’80s, Ubud was only known as an arts and crafts village, where tourists went to buy art or study painting or to learn or watch
How Astungkara Way Is Restoring Regenerative Rice Farming in Bali and Beyond
Best known for their 136-kilometre coast-to-coast walking trail through Bali farmland and forest, Astungkara Way is on a mission to cast aside chemicals – with the help of ducks, cover crops, and composting. “When I was a kid, my uncle would take me out to the rice fields at night to see the fireflies,” recalls
Threads of Life: Preserving Time-Honoured Textile and Natural Dye Traditions
In Bali, textiles play an integral role in its cultural heritage, from their use in the daily lives of the Balinese to religious rituals and ceremonies, they are not mere articles of clothing but a living tradition in itself instilled in symbolism and meaning. Since 1998, one brand has been a notable champion of Indonesia’s
