While the island is often regarded as a beach paradise with a variety of boat tours and diving options, many foreigners are looking for the quintessential jungle experience when they get on a plane bound for Bali. If you are keen to stay somewhere that is surrounded...
We were living in Jakarta, thousands of miles from our home country, when we took our daughter to the doctor with flu-like symptoms. We did not expect the diagnosis. A urine test revealed “sweetness in the urine”, or diabetes mellitus (known simply as diabetes). Our...
John and Kerry For many, Bali is a wonderful retirement option. The climate is perfect, the culture fascinating and the cost of living relatively low. In addition, the Balinese warmly welcome foreigners. You can choose to relax or you can become involved in the social...
Nyepi in Bali is unique. It is known as the Day of Silence. The three to five day period leading up to Nyepi Day (a Balinese Hindu ceremonial religious day), is one of the most exciting, colourful and festive times. However, from the stroke of midnight on Nyepi Day,...
Divorce in Bali. If this topic is raised, you may hear about the work of Ibu Sari. She is well known on the island and her story is an important one to tell. Ibu Sari (Ni Komang Sariadi) is the founder of an organisation where Balinese women can go for support if...
Share This: Tangkahan is a remote village in Northern Sumatra where you have the opportunity to sleep in the jungle with the ‘big five’ of Indonesia – the Sumatran elephant, the Sumatran tiger, the Sumatran rhinoceros, the Sumatran orangutan, and the clouded leopard....
Share This: Spas have a personality. From the delicate scented air of the lobby to the presentation of fresh ginger tea in a delicate pot to the flow of the gracious staff – all of this hints at a spa’s unique personality. As I entered the Body Temple Spa, I...
Share This: If you want to bounce your day away and keep the kids entertained then head on out to the Canggu Club, located 15 minutes from Seminyak. Bounce Bali is one of the attractions at the club, where up to 50 kids at a time can trampoline to their hearts...
Share This: Belitung Island emerges gracefully out of the Java Sea inviting curiosity and exploration. It does not disappoint. It is unquestionably a place of extraordinary and untouched beauty. The beaches are chalky white, and are touted to be some of the most...
Share This: COCKFIGHTING SHOWDOWN I witnessed my first cockfight in Bali, in a small village just outside Ubud. I stumbled upon it by chance when I was running, with a local sports club, on a Saturday afternoon. Our route took us through a temple complex in the...
