Summer is here and a holiday in Bali would not be complete without spending a day at the beach or soaking up the sun by the pool of your fabulous villa with a good book by your side? Reaching for the latest bestseller may be the obvious choice but what better way to embrace your holiday destination that reading a book that is inspired by, or takes part in the very location you’re visiting? From historical fiction, to sappy romance novels, we have enough stories about Bali to keep you and your kids entertained all summer long.
A House in Bali – Colin McPhee
Canadian musician, Colin McPhee, came to Bali in the 1930’s to document gamelan music and wrote a book about the story of Balinese culture through a history of Balinese music.
Think Bridget Jones meets Eat, Pray, Love. A lot of unexpected horrors can happen when you set out to ‘find yourself’. Becky Wicks lifts the sarong about finding inner peace and harmony during her 6 month stay in Bali with an ample dose of witty humour.
Under the Volcano – Cameron Forbes
For those who like a side of history served up with their holiday reads, Cameron Forbes tells the stories of explorers, colonisers, surfers, artists, jihadists and drug-runners and above all of the Balinese themselves. An informative and engaging read about Bali’s history and the current challenges communities face.
Fragrant Rice: my continuing love affair with Bali – Janet de Neefe
Part autobiography, part cultural narrative and part cookbook, this is an insightful introduction to Balinese culture and cuisine. Written by Australian restaurateur, Janet de Neefe shares entertaining stories on how she fell in love with Bali and with a Balinese man.
My Life in Bali – Sandrine Soimaud
This adorable little book goes into detail about every single aspect of Balinese culture; family, way of life, traditional ceremonies, food, names, and special dates in Balinese life in a very comprehensive way. The kids will love it as a bedtime story. Available in all major bookstores in Bali.
Leap and Hop Bali – Isabelle Demenge
Learning about Bali’s culture is made fun with this beautifully illustrated guide book filled with games and activities. As kids play along by drawing, writing, and collecting items of interest throughout the journey, they will create a very personal souvenir as the book is transformed into a travel scrapbook for them to keep.