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Must readThe Rare Angon International Kite Festival is taking place at Mertasari Beach in Sanur, Bali, from July 23 to 26. The four-day event features hundreds of giant kites, with participants from 23 countries showcasing 105 international kites and approximately 1,000 traditional Balinese kites. Visitors can enjoy elaborate kite displays, traditional competitions, giant character kites, live music, and illuminated night-flying shows. Entry to the festival is free.

Bali International Golf BIG is hosting Golfphoria 2026, an annual golf tournament designed to be a festival-like experience. This year's event, held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, features a Reggae theme and aims for a Guinness World Record with 312 participants, following its previous Indonesian MURI Record for the largest virtual golf tournament. Players will virtually compete on the Dunluce Links of Royal Portrush. The tournament offers a large prize pool, including hole-in-one challenges, motorcycles, luxury holiday packages from Komodo Luxury and IndonesiaJuara Trip, cash prizes, and golf accessories. Supported by 47 sponsors, Golfphoria 2026 also includes a social responsibility program, "Everyone Can Play Golf, Everyone Has the Right to Get a Chance," offering free golf training to children from orphanages in Denpasar. President Director of Bali International Golf, Sayyid Haekal, stated that Golfphoria aims to make golf accessible to everyone. The event is part of BIG's vision to become a premier sports and lifestyle destination in Bali, expanding its facilities with a billiards arena, padel courts, and a running track. Juara Holding Group, through Komodo Luxury and Bali Premium Trip, supports the event, linking golf with broader travel experiences in East Indonesia.
Must readHouse Awasi, designed by Caceres + Tous, is set for completion in 2024 on Lombok, Indonesia. This modern home is designed to blend with the natural landscape, using glass to maximize natural light and offer views of the surroundings. Constructed with stone for durability and steel for a modern aesthetic, the materials are chosen to suit Lombok's tropical climate. The design also incorporates elements that reflect Lombok's cultural heritage, including the intricate crafts and arts of the Sasak people, such as weaving and woodcarving. House Awasi aims to be a blend of nature, culture, and modern architecture.
Must readA recent study revealed that sea salt sold in markets across Lombok Island, Indonesia, contains microplastics. These tiny plastic particles, less than 5 millimeters, form when larger plastic waste breaks down, often ending up in the ocean. Since sea salt is produced by evaporating seawater, it is particularly susceptible to contamination if the source water contains microplastics. Researchers led by Anna Ida Sunaryo Purwiyanto collected 20 salt samples from 10 markets on Lombok Island, finding microplastics in every sample. While contamination levels varied, the consistent presence indicates widespread contamination in the ocean surrounding Lombok. Crystal sea salt showed higher microplastic levels than fine salt, likely because fine salt undergoes washing and filtering processes that remove some particles. The study suggests that additional washing and filtering could further reduce contamination. Researchers also noted the absence of standardized guidelines for microplastics in salt products, recommending that microplastic monitoring be integrated into national food safety and salt quality standards. Tamara Galloway, a microplastics researcher not involved in the study, confirmed that the presence of microplastics in sea salt has been known for some years and that the risk to human health from ingesting microplastics in sea salt is very low compared to other sources.

The surf forecast for Gili Trawangan from July 13 to July 22, 2026, indicates generally small waves. Today, July 13, surf height is 0-1 ft, rated poor to fair, with a swell of 0.9 ft from the SW and light ENE winds at 4 knots. The water temperature is 83°F. Over the next few days, surf is expected to be 1-2 ft on July 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 22. Waves will increase slightly to 2-3 ft on July 15, 20, and 21. Nearby spots like Sereweh and Pantai Bertok show 2-3 ft+ and 3-4 ft+ respectively, while Gili Air also has 0-1 ft waves. The tide for Ampenan is 6.2 ft. Sunrise is at 6:32 AM and sunset at 6:12 PM. The weather forecast shows temperatures ranging from 78°F to 81°F.
Must readGili Trawangan, an Indonesian island off the coast of Lombok, has been recognized by Travel + Leisure magazine as one of the world's 30 best hidden islands for off-the-grid adventure and seclusion. The island is known for its relaxed atmosphere, featuring beachfront cafes, surfing schools, and diving centers. Motorized vehicles are banned on Gili Trawangan, with visitors using foot, bicycles, or horse-drawn carts for transportation. Vietnam's Con Dao and Malaysia's Pulau Mabul also made the list, alongside other islands such as Pico Island Portugal, Scrub Island British Virgin Islands, and Skopelos Greece.
Must readBASK Gili Meno, located on Gili Meno, combines a serene tropical escape with contemporary villas, dining, and views of two volcanoes. The resort features 400 meters of white-sand beachfront and is a 90-minute boat ride from Bali. Guests can visit Gili Trawangan for its nightlife before returning to Gili Meno's tranquility. The resort balances sophisticated beach club energy with understated luxury, enhanced by mood-shifting playlists from 120 speakers around its 35-meter pool. Resort founder Greg Meyer is a professional jazz singer. The Gili Islands have a drier, sunnier climate than Bali due to a volcanic rain-shadow effect. BASK's location includes a saltwater lake fringed by mangroves. The resort attracts a diverse crowd, including honeymooners, artists, and families. Accommodation options range from one- to three-bedroom villas, lofts, and studios, some with private pools, offering beachfront or lake views and traditional Sasak design. BASK Restaurant & Bar, led by Chilean head chef Bastian Marcel, offers a menu with Japanese, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, wood-fired pizza, and Indonesian-inspired dishes, focusing on seafood and dry-aged steaks. Pomona, a gluten-free restaurant, serves Latin American dishes like soft-shell crab arepas and fish tacos. The resort features "The Nest," an underwater sculpture by Jason deCaires Taylor, located four meters deep, which is a popular spot for snorkelers. Other activities include horse-riding and island-hopping. BASK also has Lomb