Hari Pahlawan: The Battle of Surabaya and Indonesia’s Heroes’ Day
Indonesia is a country of islands, and the sea connects them all. It carries people, trade, and stories that shape the nation. In East Java, one city stands out -…
Ghosts of Indonesia: Legends That Still Haunt the Islands
Across Indonesia, ghosts stories are part of daily life. From quiet fishing villages to misty volcanoes, people still share tales that mix faith, fear, and memory. Here, Halloween doesn’t come…
Faces of the Archipelago: Made Joro – A Fisherman’s Life in Amed, Bali
Indonesia’s islands are not only defined by landscapes, reefs, and temples - they are defined by people. The Faces of the Archipelago series shines a light on those whose lives and traditions…
Ogoh-Ogoh: A Journey Through Bali’s Sacred Tradition
Bali is a land of rich traditions and vibrant ceremonies, but perhaps one of the most fascinating and visually striking traditions is Ogoh-Ogoh. This spectacular part of the Nyepi celebrations…
The Fascinating Story of Banda Neira: From the Glory of Spices and Colonial Grip to Stunning Natural Wonders
View of Banda Neira (a lithograph based on a painting by Josias Cornelis Rappard, 1883-1889). Image source: Wikipedia If you've ever heard the name Banda Neira, you may have thought of…
Galungan: Exploring Bali’s Most Colorful and Symbolic Ceremony
The Balinese festivals of Galungan and Kuningan take place every year, following the 210-day cycle of the Pawukon calendar. These celebrations honor the victory of good over evil and bring…
Discover the Borobudur Temple
Nestled on the lush island of Java, 40 kilometers away from Yogyakarta, the Borobudur Temple is a breathtaking marvel steeped in history. This ancient marvel, built during the 9th century,…
Pinisi Boats: Origins, Ancestral Know-How, and Evolution
Pinisi, a traditional sailboat from Sulawesi, Indonesia, refers to the precise arrangement of masts, sails and rigging. Indonesian shipbuilding is an ancestral art, interwoven with myths and legends surrounding its…
Understanding Balinese Names
Understanding Balinese names can be confusing at first, as they differ from Western conventions by not using any surnames. If your trip takes you to Bali and you aspire to…
The Volcanic History of Indonesia
Indonesia has the highest concentration of active volcanoes in the world. There are around one hundred and fifty of them. The islands of Sumatra and Java alone have more than…
Toraja’s Unique Funeral Rituals
In the Toraja region of South Sulawesi, highly unusual and unique funeral rituals take place. These practices are exclusive to the region and are rooted in the belief that when…
A Quick Introduction to Balinese Hinduism
Beyond sightseeing and sunbathing, a journey to Bali offers much more. One of the greatest joys of visiting the island lies in immersing oneself in the captivating Balinese culture. A…
Indonesia Independence Day : History and Celebrations
Independence Day, or "Hari Merdeka" is celebrated on August 17th of every year. Merdeka is a term in Indonesian that means independence or freedom. On this day, the Republic of…
