Festivals and Holidays Archives

April 7, 2014February 23, 2019

Travelogue: Up Close and Personal in Kuta with Ogoh Ogoh on Silent Day Eve

Kuta is the best spot in Bali to view ogoh ogoh on Silent Day Eve, locals says.

April 5, 2014March 7, 2019

Balinese New Year De-mystified, or Why I’m Extending My Stay

monkey-prowling-hotel-grounds-at-sunset-in-bali

Learning of the Ballinese New Year, or Day of Silence, a travel writer visting Bali decides to extend his stay so that he can witness Ogoh Ogoh and experience this very special holiday..

March 27, 2014August 19, 2018

Travelogue: Up Close and Personal at a Hindu Festival

A travel writer decides to stop by a Hindu temple in Nusa Dua to observe the Festival of Metal, one of the most important festivals on the Balinese calendar. He gets an unexpectedly friendly reception.

March 26, 2014August 19, 2018

Travelogue: Hindu Faithful Pray for God of Heirlooms to Sharpen Their Minds

On Tumpek Landep, Hindu believers hang hand made offerings from vehicles and other metal objects and pray to the God of Heirlooms to sharpen their minds.

March 7, 2014September 12, 2021

Travelogue: West Meets East at ‘Balinese Barbecue’ (a.k.a ‘Cremation’)

First hand account of a cremation in Bali. The Balinese are Hindus, and their cremations are elaborate affairs. They begin with lavish processions and often end at the beach, where many ceremonies take place.

January 24, 2014January 29, 2025

Best Views of Fireworks in Hong Kong

fireworks over victoria harbour as viewed from intercontinental hong kong

Hundreds of thousands of celebrants will line both sides of Victoria Harbour to view the Chinese New Year fireworks on 31 December 2018. Why fight the crowded streets and waterfront promenades when many restaurants will offer special menus and better views?