Ubud Writers & Readers Festival 2024

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With a 4-day long weekend ahead overflowing with literary fervor, it’s time to schedule your visit.

Main Program

Paul Caruana Galizia: A Death in Malta

27 October 2024

Alang Alang Stage

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Main Program

Hanako Footman: Mongrel

27 October 2024

Valley Stage

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Main Program

Nam Le: 36 Ways to Write a Vietnamese Poem

24 October 2024

Indus Restaurant

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Main Program

Ratih Kumala: Cigarette Girl

24 October 2024

Indus Restaurant

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Main Program

The Rise of Book Bloggers

27 October 2024

Alang-Alang Stage

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Main Program

Aube Rey Lescure: River East, River West

24 October 2024

Indus Restaurant

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Main Program

Norman Erikson Pasaribu: My Dream Job

24 October 2024

Valley Stage

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Climate Day

Rahayu Project: In conversation and screening

27 October 2024

Alchemy Yoga and Meditation Center

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Special Events

30 October 2024 | 19:00 - 21:30

Under the Stars with Amitav Ghosh and Deborah Baker

Sudamala Resort, Sanur

Amitav Ghosh and Deborah Baker descend on Sanur for a magical night of conversations and readings in the grounds of Sudamala Resort. This intimate gathering combines literature with an elegant 3-course meal and the rare opportunity to engage with...

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Special Events

29 October 2024 | 17:00 - 19:00

Soldier, Sailor by the Sea with Claire Kilroy

Sudamala Resort, Sanur

Join Claire Kilroy, award-winning author of Soldier, Sailor, for a twilight evening of conversation and readings in the elegant grounds of Sudamala Resort Sanur. Described by the Sunday Times as “Brilliant, brutally honest, very funny......

Special Events

25 October 2024 | 14:00 - 15:00

Main Character Energy: The Literary Heroes And Villains That Shaped Us with Jack Edwards, Norman Erikson Pasaribu and Aube Rey Lescure

COMO Uma Ubud

Which fictional book character do you relate to the most? Join these three literary enthusiasts Aube Rey Lescure, Jack Edwards and Norman Erikson Pasaribu as they share the fictional characters they resonate with the most. From their cherished...

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Special Events

25 October 2024 | 15:30 - 16:30

Sound Healing with Lionel Lauch at Dragon Tea Temple

Dragon Tea Temple

Experience the transformative power of sound healing with Lionel Lauch, a renowned Gunditjmara, Kirrae Wurrung, and Bundjalung healer. During his captivating sessions, you’ll be enveloped by the deep, resonant tones of the Yidaki, which flow...

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Special Events

24 October 2024 | 18:00 - 20:00

A Literary Feast with the Indonesian Book Center

Honeymoon 2

In a special dinner featuring 35 Indonesian authors alongside literary curriculum curators, this remarkable event, held in collaboration with the Indonesian Book Center, the Agency for Standardization, Curriculum, & Assessment, and the...

Special Events

25 October 2024 | 18:00 - 19:30

Moonlit Jazz & Poetry: Indra Lesmana & Eva Celia Special Performance

Ambar Bar, at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Ambar, the palm-fringed, moonlit bar at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Ubud, promises a starry evening of love, lyrics, and languorous pleasures. Renowned Indonesian composer, songwriter, and jazz maestro Indra Lesmana will join forces with...

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Special Events

24 October 2024 | 19:00 - 21:30

Voices of the Unheard

BetelNut

Experience an evening shining a light on the powerful stories and impactful work of those often overlooked, and hear how these individuals are making meaningful change. Gody Usnaat, Soalihin Asdin, Annisa Beta, Dicky Senda, Michelin Sallata,...

Special Events

24 October 2024 | 17:30 - 19:00

Sal Priadi di Ubud

Museum Puri Lukisan

Be heart-to-heart with Sal Priadi. Under the trees and the fragrant air of Ubud, join Indonesian rising singer-songwriter Sal Priadi as he guides you through twilight, filling the evening with melodies and lyrics that feel like whispered secrets....

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Special Events

24 October 2024 | 06:30 - 08:00

Birdwatching Tour with Darryl Jones on Thursday

Meeting Point at Bequest Culture

Join Darryl Jones in an early morning bird-walking tour across the Tjampuhan Ridge, Ubud’s most breathtaking iconic walk. The trail starts at the confluence of the Wos Rivers next to Ubud’s ancient temple, Pura Gunung Lebah. Witness more than 30...

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Special Events

25 October 2024 | 06:30 - 08:00

Birdwatching Tour with Darryl Jones on Friday

Meeting Point at Bequest Culture

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Special Events

24 October 2024 | 16:00 - 20:00

Discover the Magic of Taro Village: Fireflies Tour

Rumah Konservasi Kunang-Kunang at Tegal Dukuh Camp, Taro-Bali

Enter a realm of enchantment with Wayan Wardika as your guide on this twilight journey. Experience the serene beauty of a traditional Balinese village, where lush rice paddies meet the shimmering dance of fireflies. Wayan, a local expert and...

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Special Events

26 October 2024 | 06:30 - 08:00

Birdwatching Tour with Darryl Jones on Saturday

Meeting Point at Bequest Culture

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Special Events

23 October 2024 | 09:00 - 14:00

Astungkara Way: A Journey into Permaculture and Indigenous Wisdom

The Astungkara Way RFLC

Enjoy a tour of the permaculture farm Astungkara Way with young Balinese farmers and local rice farmers as your facilitators. Help harvest your lunch, plant a seedling, offer a prayer at the subak temple, and participate in a guided yoga nidra....

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Special Events

24 October 2024 | 20:00 - 22:00

Poetry Night at Casa Luna

Casa Luna

Head downstairs to the jungle bar at Ubud's iconic Casa Luna, where the night promises to be anything but ordinary. This is where the magic happens—an evening of spoken word that’s raw, real, and pulsing with life. Enigmatic wordsmith Miles...

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Special Events

25 October 2024 | 11:00 - 13:00

Escape Conversation: Sustainability Literary Lunch with Juliet Kinsman and Siddarth Shrikanth

Buahan, A Banyan Tree Escape

Sustainability and ecotourism converge in this experience with bestselling author Juliet Kinsman and sustainability expert Siddarth Shrikanth. They will explore the impact of storytelling on environmental issues, and how eco-conscious living and...

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Special Events

25 October 2024 | 17:30 - 18:30

Omar Musa and Mariel Roberts Musa: The Offering (A Plastic Ocean Oratorio) at Chora Ubud

CHORA Mediterranean Restaurant & Bar

Award-winning artist Omar Musa is set to present his captivating performance, The Offering, at CHORA Ubud, in collaboration with cellist Mariel Roberts Musa. Musa, a poet, rapper, and novelist, is known for his inspiring stage presence....

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Special Events

26 October 2024 | 18:00 - 19:30

Gods, Ghosts and Deities

COMO Uma Ubud

Enter the intriguing world of gods and deities, across cultures and time in Kemiri, the glorious garden dining room at Uma Ubud. William Dalrymple Dee Lestari, and Satyarth Nayak lift the mystical lid on the myths and legends, kings and characters...

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Special Events

25 October 2024 | 14:00 - 15:30

Umami: Miso Making and The Food and Culture of Japan with Hanako Footman, Shoukei Matsumoto, and Naomi Furuya

Casa Luna Cooking School

Join celebrated Japanese authors Hanako Footman and Shoukei Matsumoto in an exploration of cultural heritage through the lens of food in this engaging program. With rich storytelling and personal anecdotes, Footman and Matsumoto will delve into...

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Special Events

25 October 2024 | 12:30 - 14:30

Herb Library Literary Lunch

Herb Library Bali

The Festival brings back the famous Long Table Lunch, at Herb Library. Ensconced within the boutique wellness retreat Adiwana Resort Jembawan, Herb Library is a charming eatery with an open-air and rustic-chic plan. Enjoy an up-close-and-personal...

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Special Events

24 October 2024 | 17:30 - 19:00

Steeped in Tradition: The Historical Pathways of Hinduism

Honeymoon Garden

Join us for an enlightening afternoon in the serene Honeymoon Garden cultural library, where we will engage in an exploration of Hinduism's historical significance. Set against a backdrop of Ganesha and Shiva statues, our distinguished speakers...

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Special Events

27 October 2024 | 12:00 - 14:00

Invitation to a Banquet with Fuchsia Dunlop, Aube Rey Lescure, and Juli Min

Casa Luna

Join us for an unforgettable Literary Lunch featuring acclaimed authors Fuchsia Dunlop, Aube Rey Lescure, and Juli Min! Indulge in a curated multi-course Asian feast as these culinary storytellers share their lifelong passions for food and the...

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Special Events

26 October 2024 | 19:30 - 21:00

Constellation of Words: The Wisdom of The Stars and an Evening of Poetry at Indus

Indus Restaurant

Few things are as enchanting as the celestial night sky. From the stars and planets to the romance of the moon, our world is filled with wonder. A magical evening of stargazing and poetry awaits on the moonlit terrace at Indus, hosted by Jaslyn...

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Special Events

26 October 2024 | 18:30 - 20:30

Better Off Said: A Poetic Celebration of Impermanence

Plataran Ubud Hotels & Spa

Unleash the power of your voice at Better Off Said and air the words you've kept inside. Picture a stage where thoughts long unsaid and heartfelt messages are finally set free. Whether it’s a missed chance to speak out or a story you wish had been...

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Special Events

26 October 2024 | 19:00 - 21:30

'Fearless' Storytelling at Arcadia

Arcadia Restaurant Ubud

Regenerative agriculture plays a crucial role in ensuring food security and promoting climate health, emphasizing the interconnectedness of soil vitality, human well-being, and environmental sustainability. We will hear from two local initiatives...

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Some of the biggest names in Indonesian literature and international publishing sensations will descend on Ubud.

Festival

All Speakers

Masterclasses

26 October 2024 | 10:00 - 12:00

Visual Translation: From the Meaningful to the Visual Form

Purga Artspace

Experience the creativity of Ida Lawrence, an Indonesian-Australian artist known for her painted stories that combine images and text. In this hands-on workshop, coinciding with her solo exhibition 'Reality Check,' you'll explore storytelling...

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Masterclasses

24 October 2024 | 15:00 - 17:00

Unstuck: Ideas for Your Next Zine – Masterclass with Cahyati Press

Sala Bistro Ubud

A zine is more than just a self-published work; it’s a platform for free expression, creativity, and grassroots movements. In this masterclass with Cahyati Press, a publishing and printing experiment, we’ll explore the core of zine culture: why we...

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Masterclasses

27 October 2024 | 10:00 - 12:00

Storytelling on the Road: Travel Writing with Fatris MF

Soulshine Bali

Join a unique workshop with researcher, journalist, and travel writer Fatris MF, where you'll delve deep into the art of travel storytelling. Whether you’re an experienced traveler or a beginner, this session will equip you with the skills to...

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Masterclasses

27 October 2024 | 10:00 - 12:00

Editing Photo Publications: A Masterclass with Aziziah Diah Aprilya & SOKONG!

The Powder Room by R4D

Editing is a pivotal element in crafting photo publications, shaping the narrative far beyond just sequencing images. It’s about interpreting and translating the concepts embedded in a collection of photos, weaving them into a cohesive and...

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Masterclasses

24 October 2024 | 15:00 - 17:00

Crafting Reality: Creative Non-Fiction Writing Workshop with Agustinus Wibowo

Plataran Ubud Hotels & Spa

Join acclaimed writer and traveler Agustinus Wibowo as he guides you through the art of creative non-fiction writing. This workshop will explore how to transform real-life experiences into powerful narratives that captivate and inspire. Learn how...

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Masterclasses

25 October 2024 | 15:00 - 17:00

Crafting better spoken word poetry performances with Lizzie Chan

Sala Bistro Ubud

Ready to take your spoken word poetry to the next level? Improv is a fun, hands-on method where you’ll discover how to bring your stories to life with creative chaos.In this interactive session, we’ll explore how to create stronger narratives and...

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Masterclasses

24 October 2024 | 11:30 - 13:00

The Pitch: A Masterclass for Translators with Anton Hur

Hotel Tjampuhan Spa

The art of literature translation involves converting works from one language to another while preserving the original style, tone, and meaning. Translators must deeply understand both languages and cultures to accurately convey any nuances and...

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Masterclasses

26 October 2024 | 14:00 - 16:00

Interview Skills & Program Paper with Iyas Lawrence

Gdas Bali Health and Wellness Resort

Elevate your hosting and podcasting prowess with this comprehensive masterclass, designed to refine your ability to ask the right questions, engage your interviewees, and weave together compelling narratives. Learn how to build rapport, seamlessly...

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Masterclasses

25 October 2024 | 10:00 - 12:00

Writing to understand Food: Fuchsia Dunlop Food Writing Workshop

Soulshine Bali

Join acclaimed food writer and chef Fuchsia Dunlop for an inspiring workshop that dives deep into the art of culinary storytelling! Renowned for her expertise in Chinese cuisine and her ability to capture flavors and cultures through words,...

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Masterclasses

24 October 2024 | 14:00 - 15:00

Travel Writing Workshop with Juliet Kinsman

Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape

Unlock your creative potential in this immersive masterclass led by acclaimed writer and sustainability advocate Juliet Kinsman. Explore the secrets of effective brand journalism and discover how to craft narratives that resonate, engage, and...

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Masterclasses

24 October 2024 | 14:00 - 16:00

How to Make Your Book a Bestseller: Initiatives for Success

The Westin Resort & Spa Ubud

This engaging and informative masterclass empowers authors to discover the secrets to turning their books into bestsellers. The workshop covers how to identify target audience, market trends, craft compelling content, build a strong author brand,...

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Masterclasses

26 October 2024 | 15:00 - 16:30

Audio Storytelling: A Live Podcast Workshop

Alila Ubud

Podcasting has exploded over the last decade, with narrative audio at its core, pushing boundaries and captivating audiences worldwide by combining narration, interviews, and sound design. But what makes these podcasts so compelling? This...

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Masterclasses

26 October 2024 | 14:00 - 15:20

The Dao De Jing: Inspiration for Writers and Readers

The Westin Resort & Spa Ubud

Join us as we explore selected passages from this timeless text, discovering how its teachings can illuminate your own narratives and enrich your creative journey. Through guided discussions and reflective exercises, participants will connect the...

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Art and Cultural Program

27 October 2024 | 16:00 - 17:00

Artist & Curator Talk on Reality Check Exhibition

Purga Artspace

Join artist Ida Lawrence, who created this festival artwork, and curator Dwi S. Wibowo at their exhibition of Lawrence’s story-paintings. Mixing painted text, images, and textile-inspired patterns, Lawrence explores themes of (dis)connection,...

Art and Cultural Program

27 October 2024 | 11:00 - 13:00

The Language of Balinese Offerings

Nirvana Pension

With intricately woven leaves and a charming assortment of petals, you’ve likely admired the Balinese Hindu offerings adorning homes, streets, and temples. Now, uncover the reasons behind these rituals. Explore the unique opportunity to delve into...

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Art and Cultural Program

26 October 2024 | 08:00 - 09:00

Bahasa Bali Breakfast

Kopi Nako Daur Baur

Kick off your festival day with a tasty 'Breakfast & Learn' session, led by one of Cinta Bahasa’s top teachers! Enjoy a delicious breakfast while picking up essential Balinese phrases and cultural insights from an expert who makes learning...

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Art and Cultural Program

25 October 2024 | 09:00 - 12:00

Exploring Indigo Tie Dye with Threads of Life

Threads of Life Natural Dye Studio at Umajati Retreat

This class starts with an introduction to Threads of Life and the work of the natural dye studio, including a walk around the dye plant garden and an overview of traditional natural dyes from Indonesia. After the instructions, you will create your...

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Art and Cultural Program

24 October 2024 | 10:00 - 14:00

Mordant Printing with Symplocos on Barkcloth and Cotton with Cinta Bumi Artisans

Threads of Life Dye Studio at Umajati Retreat

Explore the alchemy of mark-making on barkcloth or cotton with a mordant intermediary. A mordant fixes color, and printing with a mordant before dyeing creates a surface design. Working with community-sourced materials—Cinta Bumi Artisans’...

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Art and Cultural Program

23 October 2024 | 10:00 - 14:00

Botanical Printing on Barkcloth and Silk Scarf with Cinta Bumi Artisans

Threads of Life Natural Dye Studio at Umajati Retreat

This unique workshop expresses the liveliness of Bali’s tropical plants through botanical eco-printing on traditional barkcloth, sourced by Cinta Bumi Artisans from their partner communities in Central Sulawesi, and on a silk scarf. Each leaf and...

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Art and Cultural Program

27 October 2024 | 10:00 - 12:00

Balinese Palm-Leaf Manuscript Crafting Experience

Honeymoon Garden

Lontar manuscripts are witnesses to the evolution of written culture in Bali and contain a wealth of knowledge and life experiences of its people. Words connect us not only in our daily actions but also have the power to carry messages to unknown...

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Art and Cultural Program

25 October 2024 | 08:00 - 09:00

Bahasa Indonesia Breakfast

Dharma Kula Ubud

Start your festival day with an enriching breakfast as the Cinta Bahasa team introduces you to the basics of Bahasa Indonesia. Explore essential greetings, cultural etiquette, and useful Indonesian phrases to enhance your Ubud experience. Join us...

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Art and Cultural Program

26 October 2024 | 07:30 - 12:00

Ubud Story Walks: The Myth of Pejeng Tour

Honeymoon Garden

Before the Majapahit kingdom transformed the island in the 13th century, Bali had a rich Buddhist-Hindu heritage that continues to shape its identity today. Explore the remnants of ancient Bali through fascinating artifacts, inscriptions, and...

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Climate Day

27 October 2024 | 09:00 - 09:30

Climate Day Keynote with Amitav Ghosh

Alchemy Yoga and Meditation Center

Acclaimed author Amitav Ghosh opens the Festival's Climate Day with a keynote that examines the connections between climate change and colonialism, drawing from his book The Nutmeg's Curse. He argues that the dynamics of climate change...

Climate Day

27 October 2024 | 09:45 - 10:45

Greener Horizons: Bridging Sustainability Industry and Finance

Alchemy Yoga and Meditation Center

This panel will explore sustainability issues from the perspectives of industry, government policy, and finance. How are industries working toward a greener future? What financial structures and challenges are...

Climate Day

27 October 2024 | 13:30 - 14:30

Harnessing Regenerative Agriculture and Social Enterprise for a Thriving Tomorrow

Alchemy Yoga and Meditation Center

Climate Day

27 October 2024 | 11:00 - 12:00

Take only Pictures: Ecotourism

Alchemy Yoga and Meditation Center

John Muir wrote, "Take only pictures, leave only footprints, kill only time," encapsulating the essence of ecotourism. Ecotourism minimizes environmental impact while promoting the well-being of local communities and sustainable outcomes for all....

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Climate Day

27 October 2024 | 14:45 - 15:45

Rahayu Project: In conversation and screening

Alchemy Yoga and Meditation Center

The Rahayu Project is an innovative conservation initiative that blends cultural heritage, community empowerment, and sustainable practices. Join us to explore how the project uses storytelling to preserve traditions in a rapidly changing world....

Climate Day

27 October 2024 | 12:15 - 13:15

Food Waste: A Global Challenge

Alchemy Yoga and Meditation Center

In a world where millions still face hunger, we have a remarkable opportunity to make a difference: astonishingly, about one-third of all food produced is wasted. This issue, while challenging, is not without hope. From the fields where weather,...