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Mapeed : A Balinese Ritual Procession
One of Bali’s most iconic ceremonies is the Mapeed – or sometimes mepeed – where lines of Balinese women walk together as ritual. Our contributor Ayu Sekar shares more: Out of the squalor and chaos of the market, a stream of waving long bamboo flagpoles or penjors start to appear. Accompanied by the sound of
The Hidden Truth About Bali’s Tourism
In many ways the disruption caused to Bali’s tourism industry by the continued volcanic activity has put a number of things into perspective. While I am really sad for the employees who have been laid off, the small businesses that have suffered, and the thousands evacuated from the danger zone, I have to say, seeing the
The Forces of Nature are in Control in Bali
It is so wonderful to be in Bali in the sunshine when there is a balmy breeze blowing and the waves are breaking gently on the shore (but strong enough to surf on of course!). But hold on, not every day is like that and – guess what – nature is still completely out of
The Importance of Public Transport in Bali
Welcome to Bali, formerly the island of the gods, now the island of motorcycles! For those of you who come from countries where motorcycles are a rarity, Bali’s population of Honda/Suzuki/Kawasaki/Vespa/Lambretta/Motoguzzi/BMW/Harley’s may come as a shock, and indeed as your holiday rolls out you may even get a bit frustrated at them blocking, turning, polluting,
Give Yourself a Sporting Chance
It’s a funny thing that we human beings need to have sporting pastimes to both keep fit and to release our stress from everyday life. We were originally designed as “hunter-gatherers”, and had to work very hard to survive chasing down wild animals in prehistoric times; then later in the middle ages, cultivating the soil.
An East Bali Roadtrip
Everyone wants to travel at one point or another to cool off from life’s routine worries and hard work. But travelling is not only about visiting from one place to another, it is more about satisfying one’s inner yearnings for taste and class. Many people assume that travelling to the far east of Bali is
Music, The Food of Love
Famous British playwright Shakespeare started it all with his memorable lines from Twelfth Night, “If music be the food of love, play on”. And it is! Music is the food of love, the author of emotion, the stirrer of memories, the instigator of passion, the cause of sorrow, the source of joy and the balm
Seres Hotels & Resorts to open in Ubud
Blissfully nestled amidst luxuriant valleys, rivers, waterfalls, and ensconced by Bali’s iconic rice paddy fields in Singakerta, Ubud, SereS Springs Resort & Spa is a sumptuous and sedate five-star getaway that is culturally-inspired by Bali’s ritual-rich traditions and practices to deliver an authentic and unique experience beyond compare. Set to open this year in October,
On The Beach in Bali
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
When Shopping in Bali, Buy Bali’s Best
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
Balinese Art and Where to Find It
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
Being “Well” on a Holiday in Bali
“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
The Women of Bali Safari
Every April 21st the Republic of Indonesia celebrates the birthday of Raden Ajeng Kartini. Born in Jepara, Central Java in 1879, Kartini is recognized for her selfless dedication in the battle for female emancipation during the Country’s colonial era. As an acknowledgement of what has been achieved by the contemporary successors of R.A. Kartini and
