The architect of Bali: Made Wijaya

Michael White, then a young architecture student, landed on Bali in 1973. Enchanted by the beauty of the place and the welcoming atmosphere of the local culture, he decided to leave Sydney behind and never retrace his steps. Today he is considered one of the illustrious inhabitants that the Island of Bali has had, well-liked by the local community so much so that a family of upper caste Brahmins welcomed him as their own son. That tropical landscape in the heart of the Indonesian archipelago, which in his eyes appeared like an Eden on Earth, together with the traditions of the island became the object of his studies and interests. Michael White, who became Made Wijaya after converting to the religion of Hinduism, has spent his life creating bright and colorful gardens in Bali and around the world, taking direct inspiration from Balinese garden architecture. His private residence with the magnificent garden was Villa Bebek in Sanur where he employed over 50 people. He was a staunch fighter for the preservation of the vibrant local culture with an in-depth knowledge of the island that rivaled that of many Balinese.