The Sasak and Bugis coastal settlements, some dating back as far as 4,000 years, hug the Lombok coastline and many traditional small fishing villages can be found in between mountain regions and fertile alluvial plains. The local people of Lombok, known as “Sasak”,...
As mina (aunty) Herta sat on the wooden floor of her humble weathered eighty-year-old home, she flexed her big toe and masterfully plaited three strands of rattan. This would soon become a handle for the rice basket she was making. Between the strands of a woven...
The Hornbill Festival of Northeastern India celebrates the 16 major tribes of Nagaland, bringing to life the ancient tales of the Naga people through song, dance and storytelling. Elaborate headdresses adorned with Hornbill feathers are worn when performing ceremonial...
A SEA GYPSY VILLAGE, AN URBAN LEGEND, AND UNTOUCHED PARADISE… Selayar Island is truly a secret find. This quiet and unspoiled island at the southern tip of Sulawesi is a combination of genuinely warm hospitality and pristine beaches lined with coconut trees,...
Falling into history and stumbling upon ancient relics is what is in store for you when you take a journey to the far east of Java. The 80km stretch from Malang to Blitar reveals weathered stone shrines and alluring temples from the Majapahit Kingdom, which ruled...
Cambodia and Laos Cambodia has returned to the tourist’s radar screens, and is alive and kicking. Tourism is moving so fast, it is now in the top three money-earners for the nation. Emerging from the brutal years of the Khmer Rouge rule and two decades of Cold War,...
TRAVELLING SPOON The concept of Travelling Spoon is to put people in touch with locals and allow for a cultural exchange over dinner. This concept is based on the idea that food brings people together. It is growing and expanding worldwide, really changing the way...
For anyone keen on music, culture and the arts, a trip to Ubud is a must-do during your stay in Bali. The drive takes just over one hour from Denpasar and, as you gently wind your way up towards the central mountains, you will be treated to views of terraced rice...
The essence of Bali starts with a villa experience. The privacy of a villa transcends you from a busy, hectic lifestyle to one of peace, serenity and exclusivity. When you experience a one to one staff ratio, the pampering is beyond words however, pampering by a local...
VOLUNTEER TEACHING ENGLISH — UBUD In a little village, about 10 minutes drive from Ubud, an English tutor volunteer program is well established and you can join an English class and assist the Balinese English teacher. I found my way to Pejeng village having contacted...
Puri Wulandari Sometimes it’s all about romance. Anniversaries, honeymoons and birthdays – we all have them but how many times in our lives do we indulge in a truly luxurious treat. Dial “6” on your phone and its all arranged. This links you to your butler – all...
SOS ORPHANAGE — TABANAN Before I visited the SOS Children’s Village Orphanage I was a little hesitant about what conditions I might discover and I wondered if this was going to be a positive or negative experience. The SOS Children’s Village, Tabanan, is 30km...
Negara Buffalo Races One of the bull chariots slid off the track, trying to round a corner, and the crowd erupted into a huge roar. I was in Negara, West Bali and positioned on a sharp bend. I felt like I was right in the race. These bull riders take a...
I followed Wayan, the temple sweeper, down a crooked path. “Come this way,” he said, “I will show you a waterfall and a hidden temple”. He led me along a jungle path with mossy overhangs towering above me and steamy, misty rice fields that dropped away below. As I...
Leaving Kuta behind, STEPHANIE BROOKES explores a fascinating island Getting out beyond Kuta can reveal a whole new Bali experience to the traveller — one of heart and soul, allowing you to observe how the Balinese live in harmony with their land. Journeying to the...
Hotel Review I am standing with my toes in the sand on a private beach in Nusa Dua. The beautiful white sandy beach stretches out in front of me and the feeling of “being in Bali”, with the tropical balmy breezes and the relaxed beach vibe is ever-present. Sometimes...
What can a visitor do that will give them something to take away? STEPHANIE BROOKES discovers a few of the many experiences the island can offer. SOS ORPHANAGE — TABANAN Before I visited the SOS Children’s Village Orphanage I was a little hesitant about what...
SARI ORGANIK GO INTO THE GARDEN, PICK YOUR INGREDIENTS, AND THEN SIT BACK AND ENJOY THE VIEW WHILE YOUR MEAL IS PREPARED FOR YOU AT SARI ORGANIK. I bent down over the masses of green leaves in the sari organic garden bed and tried to decipher which one was iceberg...
Treasure of the Archipelago Bali, Indonesia – Nusa Dua This mega production show is a theatrical experience that will keep you elevated, with its lofty acrobatics, intrigued with its journey across the Indonesian archipelago encountering animals and dramatic scenery,...
Alam Sari Life in an open-air villa, perched 42 steps up on top of a rice paddy immediately transcends you to a very peaceful place. As I roused from my slumber, I could hear a faint, soft, tinkling sound of a village cowbell…. somewhere in the distance. Was this in...
