I stood at a safe distance behind a thin rope as a lone Sumba horseman advanced with great speed onto the large grassy field. With spear poised he challenged his opponent on the other side of the field to come forward. He looked like he wanted blood. Daniel, my guide,...
What’s on your bucket list for 2021? Does exploring Aceh in Northern Sumatra appeal? Once a traveler always a traveller, right? When the world resumes and this pandemic passes, airlines will start flying again and my recommendation is for exploring Aceh. When...
Bali Rice Feld – a Gateway to Balinese Culture and Spirituality The humble Bali rice field, since the 9th century, has used a sophisticated system of irrigation channels or “subak”, which distributes water across the island. In 2012, UNESCO gave the...
Blitar is a quiet, friendly town in East Java. From mystical lakes with god-fish legends to the stunning Bung Karno Museum honouring the founder of Indonesia, it is full of history and intrigue, as well as colourful characters. At the entrance to the Bung Karno Museum...
Walking towards a long line of tall traditional pinisi boats in the historic Paotere Harbour in Makassar, I caught whiffs of freshly cut timber. I watched strong, sinewy sailors navigating gangplanks with great agility, balancing neat stacks of wood on their...
