Cultural Lessons from the Balinese Ngaben Ceremony
An initial spark grew into a raging inferno. Yet standing around the blaze, the Balinese smile with joy and calm as their deceased, encased in a beautiful papier-mache sarcophagus, becomes one with the flame. One of the most unique cremation ceremonies in the world is found in Bali, and it is called Ngaben. Death in Balinese Hindu is not considered ...
August 28, 2020
Activities, Bali Culture, Culture, Travel
Top 3 Instagrammable Places in Gianyar
Imagine going to a place that is perfect for nature photography: Bali long-tail grey monkeys, waterfalls, rice terraces, winding paths through a rainforest, and an ancient Balinese temple – all of these are found in one area, that is Gianyar region. Get ready to do some exploring, because we have some local advice on where you can find the most ...
July 10, 2020
Activities, Bali Culture, Culture, Tips, Travel
A Local Guide to Ubud Markets
Ubud is often associated with imagery of exotic rice fields and dense rainforests, and a creative center of arts and crafts – sold in the Ubud Markets. In this article, we’ll write a short guide for those planning to go to Ubud. Traveling to Ubud Despite its small size, many roads have been built to lead you to Ubud from ...
May 8, 2020
Activities, Bali Culture, Culture, Tips, Travel
Bali Cultural Focus: Traditional Barong Dance in Ubud, Gianyar
The gamelan orchestra transports you to the mystical side of Bali. Every beat of the bronze gongs and ancient xylophones draws you closer into a curious yet unknown world. Two monkeys enter from the stage curtain, along with the antagonist. Speaking in coarse Balinese, the witch incites an evil scheme, which allows more characters to enter the stage, including the ...
April 3, 2020
Activities, Bali Culture, Culture, Travel
Enjoy the Sunset in Ubud’s Photogenic Landscapes
Bali is known for its breath-taking landscapes, and this usually comes with an epic bonus: the sunset. We’ve written about the top 5 favourite spots in Bali to watch the sunset in January, but we realized that you don’t have to be close to a body of water to get a spectacular sunset shot. In the highlands such as Ubud, ...
March 20, 2020
Activities, Bali Culture, Culture, Nature, Tips, Travel
Get Creative in Ubud! 3 Places to Visit to make Art and Crafts
Ubud has been the centre of attention in the recent decade for being a place of creativity, positive relaxation and healing. In actual fact, the name of this little town, Ubud, is derived from ubad, the Balinese word for medicine. Anyone who has spent at least a day in Ubud can feel the creative energy and wholesome vibes that can ...
February 28, 2020
Activities, Bali Culture, Bali Style, Culture, Tips, Travel
Must-Visit Cultural Destinations in Gianyar
Experiencing other cultures while traveling is a rewarding activity. Bali’s rich cultural heritage is one of many reasons people come to the island in the first place. If you’re coming for a cultural tour, here are some of the destinations you should visit. Seafood and coconut water at Pantai Lebih Pantai Lebih is a great pick for food because it’s ...
December 27, 2019
Activities, Bali Culture, Culture, Nature, Tips, Travel
Places to Buy Artistic Souvenirs Around Gianyar
Souvenirs make great gifts for families and friends back home. But in some places, souvenir prices are ridiculously high. We list a few places around Gianyar where you can get more for less – don’t let high prices prevent you from buying gifts! Sukawati Art Market In places like Kuta and Legian, shopkeepers have to pay ridiculously high rent, which ...
December 13, 2019
Activities, Culture, Tips, Travel
Why Bali Is the Best Place to Visit for Nature Lovers
For someone who loves nature, Bali is one of the best places in the world to go. Its nickname as the island of the Gods serves it well because the landscape in Bali is truly breathtaking. There are plenty of places to choose from, especially for nature lovers. Below, we’ll go over some things you can do in Bali as ...
October 18, 2019
Activities, Culture, Nature, Travel
Sustainable shopping in Ubud
Are you looking to do some shopping in Ubud? Being the cultural center in Bali, Ubud is an excellent place to get yourself some authentic, unique finds that are handmade or sustainable in nature. In this article, we’ll be highlighting some of the best places to shop for sustainable products in Ubud. Threads of Life Gallery Located in ...
August 16, 2019
Activities, Culture, Nature