So often I come across this comment by Indonesian “pesbukers”. Meaning “May I share?” (this post/photo/video), it not only shows to me (and millions of people who are watching them across the planet on social media) several things about Indonesians and the culture they live in. Indonesians are both polite and like to pretend they’re […]
Read moreTag: 2018
“WHITE MAGIC” MOMENTS
This so very spiritual island of Bali continues a strong belief in magic. White Magic calls out supernatural powers to bring about good, wondrous and beautiful events. (Use your scariest thoughts to imagine what Black Magic can do!) Rotary is a special kind of White Magic and Rotarians are intent on creating as many as […]
Read more12,000 attended Ubud Food Festival 2018, fortifying its position as Southeast Asia’s leading culinary event
From the Opening Night Party to the final mouthful, the Ubud Food Festival 2018 Presented by ABC (UFF) was enjoyed by more than 12,000 hungry foodies from 13-15 April – a 30% increase on last year’s attendance. In its fourth year, the record numbers attending the 100+ events fortifies its position as Southeast Asia’s leading […]
Read more2017’s most important health breakthroughs… Or, just the most profitable?
Promising new breasts grown from their own stem cells to women who have undergone mastectomy has been on the cards, since the last decade of the last century. Back in November 2008 newspapers reported that it would be a reality for women in 2009. Nine years on – in January 2018, women are still […]
Read more7 Kitchen Stage Demos for Serious Foodies at Ubud Food Festival
With its majestic marble and Balinese statues forever adorned with fresh marigolds, and sweeping Campuhan Ridge views carrying blissful breezes, the Ubud Food Festival’s Kitchen Stage is a tropical dream cooking demo venue. Where the culinary magic happens this 13–15 April, the Kitchen Stage at Indus Restaurant will host Michelin-starred and award-winning chefs for intimate, […]
Read moreA Geek in Indonesia by Tim Hannigan
For anyone wanting to move beyond tired travel guide formulas, award-winning travel writer and Indonesia expert Tim Hannigan has finally given Southeast Asia’s biggest country its proper due. A Geek in Indonesia provides a hip, streetwise introduction to an increasingly popular travel destination. From the author’s extensive first-hand experience gained from living many years in […]
Read moreA Herb Is What You Make It!
‘Dear Garden Doctor, I’ve finally relented and got this idea to join in with those hipsters types and grow some herbs. Just wondering if there is any real difference between a herb and a vegetable? I want to grow a simple herb garden to use in the kitchen mainly for convenience and a bit of […]
Read moreA Movement of Recovery
There are quite a few addiction recovery programs in Bali and some of these were highlighted in an article I wrote in the BA edition of 6 July 2016. Undoubtedly more recovery centres have seen the light of day since then as these programs are sorely needed given the high rate of addiction in our […]
Read moreA Secret Home Makeover on The Quiet
“Let’s send her out of town and remodel her whole house in two days!” A friend was intent on ignoring a significant birthday. We thought differently. Fuelled by one too many cocktails, we arrived at the arguably reckless decision to do up her home in secret – an extreme home makeover if you will. It’s […]
Read moreA Sense of Place
When I started packing to leave Singapore for Bali in 2000, my friends were confused and apprehensive. Why was I leaving their safe and orderly little nation for the chaos of Indonesia? The civil unrest, financial crisis and fall of Suharto in 1998 were still vivid memories in the region. Many of us had sheltered […]
Read more