Culture & Tradition

A lone, flickering flame radiates its light in a dimly lit room. Soon after, a chime of gongs and metallophones fade in adding to the atmosphere of the theater. Gently, shadow figures of various sizes and shapes emerge from behind the silkscreen, dancing to the beat of the light and the enchanting melodies played by the orchestra. Soon enough, a booming voice appears, signaling the start of the show. This is Wayang Kulit; a traditional form of shadow puppet play that mainly originated in the cultures of Java and Bali, Indonesia. For centuries, this traditional Javanese art form has fascinated the imaginations of many. It not only served as mere entertainment but as a tool in reflecting the spirit, culture, and even the current state of affairs within a community.   An ancient story-telling tradition of gods and men Wayang originates from the word “ma Hyang” or journey towards the …

If you’re planning to visit Bali, you might want to learn a thing or two about the language spoken on the island. Though most Indonesians or Balinese speak English and you probably won’t have any problems communicating with the locals, it’s still a good idea to learn a few local phrases before you get there. Learning the local language helps break down the language barrier and encourages a more friendly interaction. Not to mention it also helps you find your way around, haggle when shopping, and avoid miscommunication. While we are unable to freely travel, for now, one of the things we can do to keep the travel spirit alive is to prepare for future travels. One of the ways you can do that is to learn basic phrases for the places you plan to visit down the road. Before we jump into the most useful phrases for tourists, let’s …

Bali is known for a myriad of things such as alluring beaches, international DJ parties, and surfing, but nothing compares to its picturesque and world-famous rice terraces. Besides being a popular tourist attraction for people visiting Bali, it provides an insight into the way locals lead their lives. The rice terraces are not only breathtaking but are also a part of the country’s heritage and culture. A Farming Community United by Water: The Subaks Before we reveal our list of the most spectacular terraced rice fields in Bali, let us take the opportunity to learn a bit about the cultural value of these man-made spectacles, an aspect often overshadowed by their awe-inspiring visuality. The ‘subaks’ are perhaps one of the oldest and most revered irrigation traditions in the country, and they were built to water the gorgeous terraces. History has it that people in the past were faced with the …