Blitar – Tales of Intrigue in East Java
Photos by David Metcalf/NOWJAKARTA Blitar is a quiet, friendly town in East Java. From mystical lakes with god-fish legends to the stunning Bung Karno Museum honouring the founder of Indonesia, it is full of history and intrigue, as well as colourful characters. At the entrance to the Bung Karno Museum and Library, a beautifully framed large
Bali’s Amorous Escapes
When the lounging on glittery sand and savouring cocktails at sunset have been ticked off the date list, perhaps its time to take the intimacy to the next level. Here we share some of the island’s unparalleled romantic escapes and stays that encourage you and your loved one to explore not only Bali, but also
Best of Celebes
Manado and Makassar promises pristine beaches, gorgeous coastlines, historical sites, cultural vibrancy, culinary delights, genuine local hospitality and modern urban lifestyle. One of the most compelling islands in the country, Sulawesi, charms travellers across the globe with its mountainous interiors cloaked in a dense jungle. This island was a special site for British scientist, Alfred
The Westin Resort & Spa Ubud Opens as a Sanctuary of Wellness and Tranquility
The Westin Resort & Spa Ubud transcends its status as a hospitality leader in wellness through signature programmes curated under its six key foundations ─ Move Well, Sleep Well, Eat Well, Play Well, Feel Well and Work Well. Photo Courtesy of The Westin Resort & Spa Ubud/NOWJAKARTA Nestled on the verdant hills and picturesque tropical terraces
What’s Happening in Bali this January?
Candra Metu is a Balinese dance that is slowly fading away. Photo courtesy of Maya Sanur Resort & Spa/NOWJAKARTA Throughout the year, Bali will always be the perfect destination to “escape” from your daily life. If you’re around Bali this month, join our friends at NOW! Bali at these events. Candra Metu: Appreciation Event for
Subak – The Spirit behind Rice Cultivation
Subak is Balinese traditional water management. Photos by Gerda Kassing/NOWJAKARTA The jewel-like perfection and beauty of Bali’s rice terraces illustrate that it is not just about a crop, giving food and prosperity to the farmers. For over a thousand years, this cascading landscape has been shaped by men in accordance with nature and the gods.
Retreat into COMO Shambhala Estate this Lunar New Year
Nestled in a secluded enclave just north of Ubud, where jungle, river and valley meet, COMO Shambhala Estate presents a space that encourages rejuvenation and transformation. Photos courtesy of COMO Shambhala Estate/NOWJAKARTA On Saturday, 25 January 2020, the world celebrates the Lunar New Year, calling in a brand new Zodiac and thus a new era for
Celebrate Lunar New Year at the Stylish COMO Uma Canggu
Comfortably located on a corner of the surfer’s paradise of Canggu, COMO Uma Canggu bestows dazzling panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and heavenly sunsets. Photo Courtesy of COMO Uma Canggu/NOWJAKARTA This Lunar New Year, COMO Uma Canggu invites you to celebrate the prosperous occasion at the stylish oceanfront resort. Falling on Saturday, 25 January
Embrace the Spirit of the Lunar New Year at COMO Uma Ubud
Enclosed within its rich Balinese landscape and cultural surroundings, COMO Uma Ubud is renowned as a centre for peace, harmony and wellness. Photo Courtesy of COMO Uma Ubud Withdraw into the serene hills of Ubud this Lunar New Year and celebrate the Year of the Rat at the tropical sanctuary of COMO Uma Ubud. Embrace this
Makassar: A Living Maritime Heritage of Island Traders
There is a modern port in Makassar, but the harbour of Paotere is where the Portuguese and Dutch sailing ships moored centuries ago. Photos courtesy of David Metcalf/NOWJAKARTA Walking towards a long line of tall traditional pinisi boats in the historic Paotere Harbour in Makassar, I caught whiffs of freshly cut timber. I watched strong, sinewy sailors
Secrets of Siem Reap
You’ve heard of Angkor Wat, and so have the millions of people that visit the temple every year. However, a destination should not be defined by a single site, as I discovered on a recent, eye-opening trip to Cambodia’s cultural capital, Siem Reap. With a history comprised of an ancient civilisation, colonisation, civil war and
Taiwan: Pioneers of Technology, Leaders in Tourism
John Chen, Representative of the Taipei Economic & Trade Office. Photo by Raditya Fadilla/NOWJAKARTA Representative of the Taipei Economic & Trade Office, John Chen, talks about Taiwan tourism and why you need to visit the country. Taiwan and Indonesia have enjoyed quite a healthy partnership over the years. How is the balance of visitors between the
Reflections 2019: From Lombok Peresean Stick Fighters to the Dark Tales from Banda Islands
Photos by David Metcalf/NOWJAKARTA Each month, NOW! Jakarta brings you tales of hidden heritage from our travelling duo, writer Stephanie Brookes and photographer David Metcalf. During 2019 they have brought stories back from the Kei Islands, Lombok, the Banda Islands, Seram Island, Kalimantan, Bali, Java and Sumatra. From accounts of meetings with forest-dwelling shamans who
