Soapbox

I tell you, as a young boy (not being sexist, I only have this experience!) there is nothing like the thrill of going to the beach. From the moment you arrive and kick off your shoes, to the minute you leave, being dragged by Dad, kicking and fighting, it is heaven on earth. Boys find […]

I am often amazed at the illogical ways of the human race, but none more than their shopping habits. Why buy French fashion in New York, Italian shoes in Tokyo, German bags in Singapore, American perfume in UK and Scotch Whisky in South Africa? Well I can understand the last one, being Scottish and happy […]

Bali is known to be a centre of art but when you go looking for its heart, it’s hard to find. That’s why we are taking you on an artistic journey in our June 2017 issue! People like art, they go to galleries and museums, to exhibitions and shows, and they like to feel they […]

“Well” come to Bali and our “well” ness issue. But what in heaven’s name is “wellness”? My first thoughts are “it’s not being ill” and I’m probably right. Being “well” is, well, a matter of balance rather than a benchmarked physical test to pass. No-one is perfectly healthy in mind, body and spirit simultaneously and […]

Our publisher, Alistair Speirs, has lived a long time in Indonesia. With his family growing up in the country he shares his knowledge on what Bali has to offer for parents looking into entertain their little ones. Is Bali Good for Kids ? The answer is a big yes!  What’s the point in going on […]

This month (March 2017) we celebrate food, glorious food! So, in our main stories you will find a lot of really useful information on the best places to eat on the island – and there are A LOT! This is good news for you but perhaps not quite so good news for those who have invested in restaurants […]

Many years ago a very experienced and erudite editor was working for me on a regional travel magazine based in Singapore. His job was to go to Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Sri Lanka to review hotels and write destination stories. What a great job! One day he came to me and said, “Alistair, I just […]

Welcome to Bali in this wonderful New Year! It’s easy to arrive and have a look around the hotel or villa, and say “yes, this will do fine!” and stay exactly where you are for a week. You can wander from the room to breakfast, from breakfast to pool, from pool to spa, then hit […]

Welcome to Bali in what could be a glorious sunny month leading to Christmas and New Year, or it may be a dismal rainy month for which I am very sorry. Sadly it’s out of my control! The “monsoon” has been a feature of this part of the world since forever! However even if it […]

Sadly there has been another death in a rafting accident on the island which turned a holiday full of joy into a nightmare for the family and friends of the poor tourist who died. But did it have to be this way? Could it have been prevented? From what we hear, the answer is “yes”. […]