I can’t recall how New York writer David Farley and I first made contact, but I do remember that at the time of our email exchange Terence and I were ensconced in the library of my uncle and aunt’s house in Bendigo, Australia, gazing out at their English cottage garden as we wrote up our … Read more
Kiki was adamant. “There is a Royal Cremation Ceremony tomorrow,” she told us, “You must go!” Our villa manager, Kiki had made it her mission to ensure we were getting the breadth of Bali’s local experiences. And while I’m not one for taking photos at funerals (err, or weddings, for that matter), Kiki was right. Mengwi’ Queen … Read more
Threads of Life is a gorgeous fair trade gallery-cum-shop in Ubud that sells exquisite handmade textiles from Bali and the rest of the Indonesia that are ethically produced. Forget the tourist markets. This is my pick for a one-stop shop for your Bali take-homes. Most visitors to Bali buy their souvenirs – masks, carvings, sarongs, and … Read more
Ubud Monkey Forest must top the list of things to do for most visitors to Bali’s cultural heart of Ubud. It certainly made the top of our list – and it made our day. Ubud Monkey Forest – Monkey Business at Bali’s Macaque Sanctuary As animal lovers, we can’t resist getting up close to such adorable and amazingly … Read more
The artistic, cultural and spiritual heart of Bali for centuries, Ubud is serenely located up in the hills in lush jungle, surrounded by rice-paddies. Lined with galleries, cafés and craft shops, its narrow streets are a delight to wander. There’s no denying that Ubud has become increasingly commercial and its economy is more tourist-focused than ever. … Read more