well read - The Ubud Writers & Readers Festival
Written by Karen Martin
The Ubud Writers & Readers Festival takes place October 3–7, bringing Indonesian and international writers, readers, thinkers, and artists together in this Balinese paradise.
Nine years since the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival began, it has grown into an internationally recognised literary event that showcases 130 writers and 250 events to an audience of more than 23,000 people. Paying homage to one of Indonesia’s greatest contemporary writers, the 2012 festival takes its theme from Pramoedya Ananta Toer’s epic novel Bumi Manusia/This Earth of Mankind. A host of free events features the famous street party with Komseni’s orchestra, Joged Bumbung dance, bands, and street poets. Other special events invite the festival audience to get up close and personal with the writers, including a lunch with Dr Jose Ramos-Horta and an intimate evening with Nick Cave. Workshop sessions cover memoirs, poetry, fantasy, fiction, screen, and travel writing. This year, the festival introduces the Art & Food Market – a venue overlooking Tjampuhan Ridge, where both writers and audience can wind down.
www.ubudwritersfestival.com
Book reviews
Architecture of Bali
By Made Wijaya
Internationally renowned landscape and architectural designer Made Wijaya has drawn on his photographic archives, compiled over the past 30 years, to present this visual study of Balinese architecture: its origins, elements, and variations. An overview of Balinese architecture in its context is followed by a look at its basic elements – the walled courtyard and the pavilion – in their full variety and their structural details. A compendium for designers and an entertaining essay.
Thames & Hudson
Street Foods of Bali
By Heinz von Holzen
From the sunny seafood restaurants along Jimbaran Beach to the bustle of village markets at sunrise, discover the quiet yet alluring charms of the street-food vendors and the low-cost snacks and meals they peddle from their three-wheeled carts. Long-time resident and Balinese food expert, chef Heinz von Holzen offers fascinating insights and tips on eating and etiquette in Bali, together with an exciting selection of 70 authentic recipes.
Marshall Cavendish International
The Stormrider Surf Guide: Indonesia & the Indian Ocean
By Bruce Sutherland
With 30 years’ extensive experience of surfing and travelling, Bruce Sutherland lifts the lid on what many believe are the best waves in the world. Cruise the exotic, swell-soaked shores of the Mentawais, Bali, Sri Lanka and the Maldives, then take a voyage of discovery around the isolated islands of the vast Indian Ocean. Stunning photos bring the waves to life and the book details crucial statistics on swell, wind, tide, and weather.
Low Pressure Publishing
Living in Bali
By Anita Lococo, photography by Reto Guntli
Spirituality and nature are integral parts of everyday life for the Balinese, so it’s easy to see why the island’s traditional architecture has a peaceful presence, mimicking its surroundings and sometimes blending in with them. Opening onto gorgeous green landscapes, majestic mountains, or beautiful coastlines, Balinese houses ooze relaxing, contemplative vibes. Flick through these opulent examples of simple and elegant living in Bali.
Taschen
Secrets of Bali: New Light on the Morning of the World
By Jonathan Copeland and Ni Wayan Murni
Ancient Balinese cultural traditions remain richly intact in the face of 21st century modernity and a highly developed tourist industry. Yet few visitors ever really begin to understand the colourful pageantry that surrounds them virtually everywhere they travel on the island. Secrets of Bali provides an engaging insight into Balinese life and culture.
Orchid Press
Bali, Indonesia
Distance: 6,930 km
Flight Time: 12 hours , 10 minutes
Frequency: Daily via Singapore
