Indonesia

Everything and anything about Indonesia

Chill Out at Bali’s Most Glamorous After-Dark Destination

Chill Out at Bali’s Most Glamorous After-Dark Destination

For those of you celebrating a joyous occasion whether a birthday, an anniversary or just a night out to chill with friends, there can be no better place than the Rock Bar at Ayana Resort & Spa. Built in 2009 and situated on natural rocks fourteen meters above the Jimbaran Bay, it is truly a breath-taking view and the ultimate way to usher in any form of...

The Sacred Beach of Masceti

The Sacred Beach of Masceti

One of the least known temples of Bali, Pura Masceti guards the island from evil sea spirits, an important role usually taken on as one of the nine directional temples. Directional temples are known as kahyangan jagat and play an important function in the Hindu religion of the Balinese. The main entrance of the temple faces a wide stretch of pristine beach, free of...

Postcard: Twilight Over Jimbaran Beach

Postcard: Twilight Over Jimbaran Beach

Jimbaran Beach located just south of Kuta is a great place to take a slow romantic stroll with that special someone! The sunset is also one of its best attractions apart from the many seafood restaurants along the beach to choose from. Pedlars offering roasted corncob, a favourite snack among locals is found in many spots along Jimbaran Beach.

The Purifying Waters of Thirtha Empul

The Purifying Waters of Thirtha Empul

With sacred springs and pools of purification, Tirtha Empul’s water is said to be holy and possess magical healing elements. Founded in the 10th century and constructed on a site of a large natural spring, the temple was built by the Warmadewa Dynasty in 926A.D. The Balinese people believe it to be a creation of Lord Indra, the God of rainfall, while its streams and...

Textile Tycoons and the Old Jakarta Feel

Textile Tycoons and the Old Jakarta Feel

Apart from its rich marine life and nature reserves, Indonesia is known for its variety in textiles and traditional batiks. Home to all sorts of fabrics in its capital Jakarta is Pasar Baru. Founded by the Dutch and initially named ‘Passer Baroe’ when Jakarta was referred to as Batavia, this souk like trading ground is situated in the heart of the city. In between a...

Tasting an Ubudian Delicacy

Tasting an Ubudian Delicacy

The most talked about dish on the Island of the Gods revolves around that of a suckling pig. Referred to as ‘Babi Guling‘ by locals, a whole pig is marinated in ground chilli, turmeric and oil and stuffed with more chilli, onions, ginger, galangal, candle nuts, coriander, lemon grass, pepper, dried shrimp paste, coconut, bay leaves and traditional spices...

Standing Vigil – The Loyal Temple Guardian

Standing Vigil – The Loyal Temple Guardian

Made from andesite, here stands a Balinese temple guardian or better known as Dvarapala in Sanskrit.  These stone guardians are usually found in front of temple entrances and holy sites as a protector from evil. Dvarapala’s in Indonesia normally depict very fierce looking creatures with a rather bulky physique. Some guardians are often found holding a club in a...

Dramatic Sunsets, White Sands and a Flurry of Activity

Dramatic Sunsets, White Sands and a Flurry of Activity

Known for its beautiful sunsets with kite flyers or surfers in the background, here are the some shots of what it is like at Kuta Beach just before nightfall. As many of you may already know, Kuta covers covers sub-districts of Kuta Village, Legian, Seminyak, Kedonganan, and Tuban. Most of the hotels along Kuta are situated in Tuban where most sunset aficionados find...

Postcard: A Balinese Dancer Performing the Kecak

Postcard: A Balinese Dancer Performing the Kecak

Dance and drama are an inseparable part of Balinese temple devotion and celebrations. Learning the art of dance from their mothers, Balinese dancers emphasize a dance’s delicate intricacies with hand gestures while incorporating eye and facial expressions. The main and essential ornaments usually used are the elaborate headpiece and armlets.