Indonesia
An Introduction to Balinese Temples
It’s said that in Bali, there are more temples than there are houses. Some estimates are even as high as 50,000, in fact. While this may be hard to believe at first, it doesn’t take much time on the island to notice that temples are literally everywhere. Many of the island’s major tourist attractions, of
Roaming Through Bali’s Ghost Palace Hotel
Approaching the building people now refer to as the ‘Ghost Palace Hotel,’ I had no idea what lay in wait for me inside. From the outside, the large hotel is an impressive sight. Originally intended as one of Bali’s most luxurious and extravagant hotels, the structure stands at five stories tall, not including the basement.
Street Art: Sanur
Taman Festival park was once a family-friendly spot packed with thrilling rides, a 3D cinema and laser shows. First opening its doors in 1997 in the popular beach town of Sanur, the park was struck with a series of unfortunate events before having to close its doors in 2000. The sight has been left abandoned
Street Art: Canggu
The tropical island of Bali is not generally known for its street art, especially in comparison with other Indonesian regions like Yogyakarta. Balinese culture, of course, has historically placed a high value on the arts, being home to a plethora of unique painting styles, not to mention wood carving, dance and music traditions. Some artists
Nusa Penida: Bali’s Black Magic Island
The beautiful island of Nusa Penida, home to some of the region’s most idyllic beaches and diving spots, also happens to be Bali’s island of exile. Around 30km from the main island of Bali, Nusa Penida was once a penal colony. All types of criminals were sent here, from the 18th century all the way
Top 5 Things to Do in Nusa Lembongan
Nusa Lembongan, a small island just 30 minutes from ‘mainland’ Bali, is becoming an increasingly popular destination for those looking for a quiet and relatively untouched slice of paradise. The island is often promoted as a way to experience the Bali of old – a Bali without the traffic jams, massive luxury resorts and sketchy nightclubs.
Ubud’s Enchanting Outskirts: Bedulu, Pejeng & Tampaksiring
The towns along the periphery of Ubud are home to some of Bali’s most significant temples and fascinating legends. Bedulu, Pejeng and Tampaksiring were all once royal capitals and are where you can find some of Bali’s best-known sightseeing destinations. As you make your way to Goa Gajah and Pura Tirta Empul, you’ll also get
Top 5 Things to Do in Central Ubud
There’s no denying that Ubud is a touristy place, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Most of Ubud’s well-known spots are famous for a reason. From its gorgeous rice paddies to cultural performances to outstanding art museums, Ubud offers plenty of reasons to take a break from the beach and spend some time in
Art as Offering: Exploring Creative Culture in Ubud
“Whatever you do, make it an offering to me.” – Krishna to Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita (9:27) Offerings are everywhere in Bali. Visitors to the island often have a hard time not accidentally crushing the little baskets of fruit, betel nut and palm leaf placed all over the sidewalks. Elaborate offerings of fruit are
A One-Day Temple Tour to Borobudur & Prambanan
The ancient religious monuments of Borobudur and Prambanan are two of the most prominent landmarks in the Yogyakarta region, if not all of Indonesia. While both are relatively close to the city, the two monuments are actually in opposite directions. Most people visit the sights on separate days, or only make a trip to Borobudur,
A Day in Yogyakarta: Ancient Palaces & an Underground Mosque
Yogyakarta, a city of 400,000 people in central Java, is fast becoming one of Indonesia’s most popular destinations. Also referred to as the “Special Region of Yogyakarta,” or simply Jogja, the area is actually ruled by its own monarch. The region is perhaps best-known for the ancient monuments of Borobudur and Prambanan, while many also
A Guide to Yogyakarta’s Best Art Spaces
Yogyakarta has long been Indonesia’s most important creative hub. Today, the city is one of the best places in all of Asia to experience contemporary art. Yogyakarta, also known as Jogja, has an abundance of free art spaces you can explore during your time in the city. I made a visit to each of these
Street Art: Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta, also referred to as Jogja, has long been a hub for culture and arts in Indonesia. Artists of all mediums and styles continue to flock to the city thanks to its creative culture and affordable living. Today, the central Javan city is the best place in the country, if not all of Asia, to
Climbing Mt. Merapi: Indonesia’s Most Active Volcano
After over an hour in the van, we finally got our first up-close glimpse of Mt. Merapi, the “fire mountain.” A massive mountain with constant smoke spewing out its top was not the most inviting sight, but there was no turning back now. If things went according to plan, we’d be standing at the peak