Beautiful Bali
Travel through Bali with stunning images of rice fields in Ubud, fishermen at Sanur, surfers in Canggu, sacred temples of Tanah Lot and Tirta Empul, diving at Nusa Penida, the waterfall of Tegenungan, and life in Seminyak.
Get to know Balinese culture
Understanding Bali: Introducing the Island of the Gods
Why is Bali the way it is? How is there a solitary Hindu island in the largest muslim country in the world? Why is its brand of Hinduism different than what is found in India? Why is it called the Island of the Gods? This NOW! Bali podcast offers a great introduction to the island, taking a deep-dive into its history to expose the origins of its culture and belief systems.
Canang Sari Flower Offerings of Bali
You’ll see them everywhere in Bali. Little leaf baskets of flowers with incense. But what do they mean and how are they offered?
Local crafts
How to Wear a Batik Sarong
In this short film from Asian Art Museum, learn how a sarong or kain panjang (long cloth) is worn by both men and women on the Indonesian islands of Java and Bali. It’s valuable information, not only to blend in, but because its wearing is required to visit sacred locations.
Stone Carving in Bali
With their extreme details and fantastic forms, Bali’s stone sculptures—particularly those adorning temples—are some of the most striking in the world. Watch (and listen to the humorous banter among) stone carvers at work in Ubud.
How Ancient Balinese Swords were Revived
The Keris or kris is a traditional asymmetrical dagger found throughout the Indonesian-Malay archipelago. VICE meets Jro Mangku Pande Ketut Mudra, a master sword-smith, to understand how he revived the tradition of crafting the weapon in Bali and what the future holds.
Bali’s delicious eats
Sambal Matah | Bali’s traditional hot and spicy condiment
Recipe for making sambal matah, a typical Balinese chili sauce served with seafood and satay, but of course can be combined with other foods as well. Tip: make sure to tap the CC (closed captioning) for English subtitles!
Nasi Goreng | Indonesian Fried Rice
Chef Adam Liaw shows how to make this Indonesian-Bali staple, the success of which hinges on the aromatic “rempah,” made from shallots, garlic, chili and shrimp paste.
What to read
Architecture of Bali: A Source Book of Traditional and Modern Forms
Landscape and architectural designer Made Wijaya draws on his extensive photographic archives, compiled over the past 30 years, to present a visual study of Balinese architecture: its origins, elements, variations and vagaries. By Made Wijaya.
. . . and watch
Bali: Beats of Paradise (2018)
Documentary that pulls back the curtain on gamelan music and Nyoman Wenten, an Indonesian traditional music composer who sets out to pay homage to the sacred but shrinking tradition of Balinese music and dance.
Balinese Food: The Traditional Cuisine & Food Culture of Bali
Drawing on interviews with Balinese master cooks and highlighting over 40 of their favorite recipes, the author explores how the island’s intricate culinary art is an inextricable part of Bali’s Hindu religion, its culture and its community life. By Dr. Vivienne Kruger.
Bali | Andrew Zimmern
Season 4, Episode 25 of Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations sees Andrew explore the iconic foods of Bali, where the dishes are rooted in tradition and ceremony.
Experience of Beautiful Bali
This Island of the Gods brings a delicious mixture of cultures and influences.
