My Balinese Story

Welcome back to the blog! My sincerest apologies for the lengthy hiatus; life as a librarian and literacy teacher has kept my schedule wonderfully, yet relentlessly, full. However, with the calendar ticking towards the year-end break, I simply had to return to discuss something vital: stress-free travel in Bali. If you are currently planning a last-minute trip and dreading the notorious festive chaos, you've certainly come to the right place.

As a proud Balinese, I’m excited to share a piece of our vibrant culinary heritage with travelers visiting Bali, Indonesia. While souvenirs like batik or wood carvings are popular , chili sauce (sambal) and instant spices are unique, practical, and deeply authentic choices. These flavorful treasures capture the essence of Balinese cuisine, making them perfect for gifting or bringing Bali’s taste home. In this article, I’ll explain why these culinary souvenirs are special, share my personal experience using instant spices, recommend specific seasonings, compare paste and powder forms, and offer tips for buying them at local supermarkets and mini markets.

While I enjoyed the sweet romance and characters in "The Best Thing," especially the thoughtful gesture of "ganchao tea" (which is licorice root tea, 甘草茶), it sparked a different story in my mind: the fascinating and often overlooked world of Indonesian Jamu. Just as the drama has its own unique appeal, so too does this traditional herbal medicine, deserving of its own recognition. Perhaps, like the subtly sweet and potentially soothing qualities of licorice root tea offered with care, Jamu holds its own unique power to soothe, heal, and connect us to Indonesia's rich heritage.

As a Balinese local , the Ogoh-Ogoh processions are a yearly spectacle, a powerful display of our spiritual beliefs. This year, the "Bibi Anu" Ogoh-Ogoh, crafted by Banjar Tengah Sesetan, stood out, its pregnant figure amidst a chaotic array of monstrous forms. It wasn't merely a visual spectacle; it was a profound representation of our cultural values, a mirror reflecting the delicate balance between life's fragility and the internal battles we all face.

The buzz around Tjie Tjap's expansion reached Renon, and I had to see if the new location lived up to the hype—especially after the Uncle Roger phenomenon at their Sunset Road spot!

Bali is a dream destination with its stunning beaches and vibrant culture, but many visitors worry about the dreaded Bali Belly—traveler’s diarrhea. While it’s a real concern, there are many myths surrounding it. This article will uncover the truth behind Bali Belly and offer practical tips to avoid it.