Bali's Ancient High Court

Located in Tabanan, Pura Luhur Batukaru is a Hindu temple from the 11th century and it is set on the southern slope of Mount Batukaru, Bali's second-highest volcano. The temple is one of nine kayangan jagat, or directional temples, meant to protect Bali from evil spirits. Originally built during the 11th century, Pura Luhur Batukaru was dedicated ...

The Tegallalang Rice Terraces in Ubud are among the most famous in the world, they are known for their bucolic rice paddies and clever irrigation system, which is called the subak. This Bali’s traditional cooperative irrigation system is said to have been passed down by a revered holy man named Rsi Markandeya in the 8th century. Tegallalang forms ...

The acclaimed Mexican artist Miguel Covarrubias and his wife Rose were among the first westerners to immortalize Bali in art. The two first traveled to Bali in 1930 and quickly became fascinated by Balinese life, particularly by rituals, offerings, and festivals. Covarrubias's 1937 book Island of Bali is a remarkable source of information about the ...

Bali’s textiles are an important part of the its cultural heritage, in the past, traditional woven fabrics like songket were worn by the nobility as a class signifier in the royal courts. Today, caste-based restrictions no longer apply, but the songket remains a clear marker of status. Resplendent in shimmering silk and gold-wrapped threads, these ...