Earlier this year, Bali became the first Indonesian province to ban single-use plastics, such as bags, straws and polystyrene. While the ban is a great first step, it is unlikely to be enough to keep in check the island’s ocean pollution crisis. This year’s Zero Waste to Oceans Conference, which has been an annual part […]
Read moreCategory: Feature
The Ethics of Animal Experimentation
Permit me to broach a controversial topic. Today’s story is not about sex, politics or religion, the usual favourite subjects of strident, opinionated and divisive harangues or polemics. At least not directly. This is a rant about animal abuse and experimentation clothed under the term of experimentation and medical research ‘for the good and/or progress […]
Read moreEducation Program Aimed at School Children Raises Environmental Awareness
With the slogan “helping people to help themselves,” the IDEP Foundation’s TUNAS program is striving to instigate sustainable reform in Bali by developing children’s interest in environmental protection and conservation. TUNAS, which is an acronym for Teman Untuk Semesta (Friends of the Universe), started back in February this year and has two main themes: permaculture […]
Read moreWhen will we get awesome theatre in Bali?
Those of you who saw the play ‘ORPHEUS’ when it toured Bali last month witnessed a rare piece of quality theatre seldom seen in Bali. Those of you who missed it, alas, passed up on a very special performance. But don’t kick yourselves too hard because you are in for a redemptive treat. ORPHEUS was […]
Read morePeranakan Cuisine Brings to Life the Region’s History
Taking center stage at this year’s Ubud Food Festival, Peranakan fare is an amalgamation of Chinese, Malay and Indonesian cuisines. Also referred to as nyonya cooking, an old Malay term of respect for women, Peranakan flavors were spotlighted at the festival during two workshops hosted by Debbie Teoh, a chef, author and a loyal supporter […]
Read moreBali’s FNPF is Instrumental In Reforestation Efforts In South Central Kalimantan
On a recent trip to explore Tanjung Puting National Park in South-Central Kalimantan and the orang-utan rehabilitation efforts in the various camps it became apparent how much the surrounding palm oil plantations are encroaching on the perimeters of the national park. It’s a sobering realisation to find that commercial interests are gravely infringing on the […]
Read moreTracy Wilkinson: The Luwak Lady
Coffee luwak is brewed from beans that have passed through the digestive tract of the Asian palm civet, locally known as luwak. While traditionally coffee beans were sourced from wild civets, today they are mostly collected from caged civets living in dreadful conditions. Concerned about the plight of the nocturnal animals, Tracy Wilkinson has decided […]
Read moreOrpheus is not a Myth in Bali
If you love old myths and legends, you undoubtedly know the story of Orpheus and Eurydice, legendary and tragic lovers of antiquity. It is one of the most famous and beloved Greek myths, about love and passion, but also about the weaknesses of the human spirit. Orpheus was born in Thrace, the son of the […]
Read moreBali’s Late Night Feasts
Hungry after a night of partying or just feeling peckish while binge watching your favorite TV show? Luckily, McDonald’s and KFC are no longer your only options. Bali is booming and so are its options for a midnight snack, or feast. Here are just a few of the island’s late night eats. Warung Laota […]
Read moreHow Did The Amazons Raise Their Children And Other Quirky Questions You Would Like An Answer To
The Amazons, a legendary tribe of fierce women warriors may or may not have existed outside of myths and legends as their history is rather murky and open to speculation. However, they are figures of notoriety and fame thanks to their all-female society and lust for battle, unusual for the times. The Amazons were first […]
Read more