Many travelers claim that the spirit of Bali has the power to seep into your unconscious mind and radically change your thoughts, beliefs, and actions. If you are capable of finding a sense of awe in watching colored puffs of incense rise from small flower offerings and centuries-old Balinese temples scattered throughout stunning natural settings, […]
I first discovered NOVICA a few months ago while researching for an article I wrote for CNN. A partnership with National Geographic, NOVICA is a online shopping portal that connects buyers with artists all around the world. The basic philosophy is that you don’t need to purchase fake souvenir items and haul them back in your […]
As you begin to stock your pantries with chocolates and candies, pay attention to the list of ingredients listed on the package. Depending on the brand and quality of chocolate, it may be a product that is harmful to your own health, as well as to the environment and wildlife. However, there is a chocolate […]
Do you know the difference between ecotourism, sustainable travel, responsible travel, and volunteer vacationing? While there is a lot of overlap with each of these terms, they all have one common theme – that is to improve lives through travel and tourism. On a recent Yoga Retreat in Bali, Indonesia through international nonprofit, Go Eat Give, I […]
Indonesia is a country brimming with sights, shopping, and fabulous food. As a country known for its diverse use of spices, its cuisine is one of the most colorful and vibrant of any in the world. Here is a quick overview of some of the most traditional and popular foods of Indonesia, and some of […]
You planned every detail, put aside savings, and waited all year for that two- week vacation abroad. The last thing you want to do is fall sick during your time in the magical new place and not be able to enjoy it. Unfortunately, our bodies do get sick every so often depending on what we […]
Bali: exploring Hinduism outside India while also enjoying pristine beaches, dive sites, all-inclusive resorts, and year-round temperate weather. As seen in Khabar Magazine January 2014 print issue. Words & photography by Sucheta Rawal. I arrived on the island of Bali, Indonesia, during an auspicious time. Palm trees adorned homes and businesses, colorful offerings for deities sat on doorsteps, and locals, […]
Tempeh is a soy based product, similar to tofu, that originated in Indonesia. Traditionally used as an alternate to meat by vegetarians, tempeh has a firm grainy taste that takes some getting use to. It is made from whole soybeans and has different nutritional and textural characteristics from tofu. Tempeh is a rich source of protein, […]
A popular dish from the island of Bali is PEPESAN BE PASIH or PEPES IKA, in other words STEAMED FISH IN BANANA LEAVES. This is a great recipe for grilling during a backyard party or a cookout. It is healthy and caters to the palates of non meat eaters. Fresh banana leaves are available at farmers markets […]
The Indonesia style of Chicken Satay is slightly different than the Thai ones, that most are familiar with. Only minced chicken is used for the recipe and the seasoned mix is draped over bamboo sticks. The meat barely covers the bamboo, making it look almost like a lollipop chicken. Sate Lilit Ayam or Chicken Satay […]
A popular dish in Balinese cuisine is Kare Ayam (translates to Chicken Curry), also known as Be Siam Mesanten. It is similar to other Asian curry dishes that use onions, bay leaves and coconut milk. Similar to a yellow Thai curry, you will need a basic yellow sauce to make the base for the curry. […]
Base Gede Bumbu Kuning also known as Basic Yellow Sauce is a key ingredient in many Indonesian recipes. It is really easy to make! Simply blend in all the ingredients in a commercial or Balinese blender (as shown below) till ground into a paste. You then want to sauté the spices to release aromas. This basic […]
One of the best ways to learn about the authentic cuisine of a country is by taking a cooking class with a native. At Paon Bali in Bali, Indonesia, they offer one-day classes that are fun and educational.
I arrived in Bali during an auspictious time. The streets were decorated with bamboo poles and prayer offerings were everywhere. I saw processions of women carrying towers of food and flowers; groups of kids of all ages playing the gamelan; and processions taking Barong (mystical beast) through the streets. In fact, every home and business […]
One of the most commonly found dishes in Bali is Gado Gado. Also known as Kacang Me Santok, the dish is a healthy sauté of assorted vegetables with peanut sauce. Aunty Puspa who runs Paon Bali Cooking Classes on the island of Bali, showed us step-by-step how to cook this authentic recipe. She even made […]
Go Eat Give volunteers in Bali were invited to a family temple in Sukawati village for a ceremony and festivities. This temple celebrates its anniversary every six months, when all the village residents get together to pray and the little ones put up a performance of music and dance. Only the family members that are […]
Bali is revered for its lush tropical magnificence, its harmony-inspired customs, culture and arts and its breathtaking natural scenery. The book and movie, Eat Pray Love hasn’t done any harm to the island’s status as a romantic tourist attraction, but not all individuals want to write a book in isolation and wait for someone or […]
