Glamping in Bali – Menjangan Dynasty Delights

Glamping in Bali – Menjangan Dynasty Delights

I have always fancied the notion of “glamping” – camping in a glamorous 5-star tent. From the moment I arrived at Menjangan Dynasty Resort in the far west of Bali, I was not disappointed. A team of enthusiastic safari gear clad “bush dwellers” greeted me, decked...
Hidden Heritage: The Sweet Melodies of Rote

Hidden Heritage: The Sweet Melodies of Rote

I slowly shuffled forward in the queue of passengers boarding the ferry at Kupang Harbour. I was about to cross the Timor Sea to Rote Island. Ahead of me, a long line of tall-coned straw-like cowboy hats snaked its way up the gangplank. Finally arriving at the...
Golf – Pandawa

Golf – Pandawa

Cliff Top Golfing on the Bukit in Bali What can be more inspirational than hitting a golf ball over terraced rice paddies or more satisfying than sinking a putt while a soft ocean breeze washes over you? That’s what golfers can expect at Bali’s newest golf course,...
On the Obama Trail – Bali and Java

On the Obama Trail – Bali and Java

Published:   Garuda Colours In-Flight Magazine, September 2017 In June this year, following an invitation by Indonesia’s President Jokowi Widodo to visit the Presidential Palace just out of Jakarta, President Obama came to Indonesia. This visit had special...
The Magic of Kalimantan

The Magic of Kalimantan

Kalimantan is an island offering superb snorkeling and diving, pristine rainforests, and a rich array of exotic wildlife. It is home to the Dayak people, some of the friendliest people in the world. Come on a journey to three handpicked places and discover what...
Coffee Jakarta Story

Coffee Jakarta Story

ROAST OF THE TOWN From artisan coffees and exotic aromas to in-house roasting and award-winning baristas, Jakarta’s coffee houses offer the perfect blend of quality and taste WORDS: STEPHANIE BROOKES Rich, aromatic and stimulating, coffee’s allure has endured over...
The King and I Boti Village, West Timor

The King and I Boti Village, West Timor

In the highlands of Timor on an isolated mountain ridge is the village of Boti. A very humble and gracious king reigns there, ruling over 76 families and 316 Boti tribal members. He is often referred to as the last king of West Timor. There is no evidence that the...
Culture, Color and a Global Gathering at Gawai Festival

Culture, Color and a Global Gathering at Gawai Festival

Story by STEPHANIE BROOKES I stood with my blowpipe at the ready. “Gather strength from your core and aim high,” Agus advised. “We are excited to have an Australian team enter the competition and best of luck to you”, he added with a broad smile. More than 300...
Bloo Lagoon – A Quiet Hideaway In Bali

Bloo Lagoon – A Quiet Hideaway In Bali

Padangbai is a small, friendly Balinese seaside village and a great little getaway about an hour and a half from the airport. Tony and Marita, the visionary owners of Bloo Lagoon, have designed and built a gorgeous small villa resort, which is more like an eco-tourism...
The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah, Ubud, Bali

The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah, Ubud, Bali

An art-filled Bali beauty Endless rice fields and tasteful artwork combine to create a sense of harmony and balance at The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah in the foothills of Bali. This hidden luxury retreat, which has 20 individual villas dotted around its lush sprawling...