The mere mention of Bali conjures up paradisiacal images of dramatic volcanoes, ancient monuments, hillside temples and emerald rice fields. But there’s much more to this island than its mountainous interior and unspoilt beaches. Indonesia’s crystal-clear waters may entice, but Bali is an island steeped in culture, as well as the spiced aroma of frangipani.
Published by Assouline, In The Spirit of Bali explores the enclave’s rich and diverse culture, from its exquisite flower-petal offerings to the processions of extravagantly garbed locals. Teeming with literature and enigmatic mythology, this island’s a spiritual universe unto its own. But you’d be mistaken in thinking this humble utopia isn’t without its woes, most of which stem from a problem most rival destinations would love to have: too many tourists.
Bali is currently experiencing a tourism boom, sparking concerns about the island’s ecosystem. According to TEMPO.CO, 2.27 million tourists visited Bali in the first semester of 2016, a 19 percent rise from the previous year. A longtime resident, In The Spirit of Bali author Duncan Murray Kirk is an eco-conscious materials designer whose goal is to reconcile nature with technology. He’s produced eco-friendly accessories for various fashion labels and his love for the environment is palpable. “The Balinese concept of balance is becoming highly relevant in today’s world,” he writes. “Human activity is not only influenced by nature, it also has a profound effect upon nature, and collectively we must respect this relationship and develop a more holistic worldview”.
Once visited, Bali is not easy to stay away from. Many travellers become regular returnees in spite of huge distances...
Duncan Murray Kirk
Editorial photographer Isabella Ginanneschi, meanwhile, provides breathtaking images that capture Bali’s raw beauty and charming customs, whether it be a candy-coloured mound of weathered surfboards or a lone local gliding through a seaweed farm on the Bukit Peninsula. In case you’ve somehow missed her, Ginanneschi began her career as an art director in Milan, where she collaborated on high-profile fashion campaigns for Vogue. Her portfolio features an exceptional roster of clients including Calvin Klein, Diesel, John Hardy and Cole Haan. The duo previously wrote Bali: Sustainable Visions together, which explores how architects build sustainable housing projects that retain abundant luxury.
Kirk’s passionate narrative combined with Ginanneschi’s thought-provoking photography is a compelling cocktail that’ll have you daydreaming about surf wild beaches and yoga retreats. A living postcard; In The Spirit of Bali brings this Indonesian paradise to life and also includes a comprehensive guide to hotels, restaurants and holistic resources.
British-born Kirk writes that while Bali’s palm-fringed coasts and cliff-guarded shores act as a magnet for celebrities, artists, and intrepid explorers, its true impact is felt long after one leaves. “The spirit of Bali is felt, seen, and tasted, permeating both body and mind. It is directly experienced at the level of the soul, and one can only truly understand this when visiting the island.” He explores the island’s history and character, from its intricate colonial history and deeply rooted rituals to the recent influx in bohemian expats and new age entrepreneurs. “Creativity is at the innermost core of Bali,” writes Kirk, “where literally everyone exercised their own inherited artistic talents”.
He concludes: “Once visited, Bali is not easy to stay away from. Many travellers become regular returnees in spite of huge distances; many become long-time residents and reinvent themselves; many spend the party season ensconced in lavish villas and idyllic resorts”. Whether you prefer to soak up the sun on a stretch of white-powder sand or lose yourself in the chaos of Kuta, one thing’s for sure: you’ll be aching for a long-weekend getaway after this tantalising read. After all, “the best way to find the spirit of Bali is to go out and get lost!”
