Ubud Writer’s and Reader’s 2018

The Ubud Writers and Readers Festival is back! It is The Southeast Asia’s leading festival of words and ideas. The Festival celebrates extraordinary stories, amplifies brave voices, and tackles global issues through the lens of literature and the arts.

The Festival brings together a diverse mix of Indonesian and international writers, speakers, thinkers, artists, advocates, commentators and activists, to create a space for cross-cultural dialogue and connection.
The 15th UWRF will be held on 24–28 October 2018, celebrating the theme “Jagadhita” an ancient Hindu philosophy which means “happiness in universe as a purpose of life” . The Festival is a platform for meaningful exchange and cross-cultural dialogue. A place where artists and audiences alike can discuss shared inspirations, ideas and concerns, the Festival transcends cultural and geographical borders to create a truly global community.

Lining up well known International and Indonesian authors including Ndaba Mandela, Dee Lestari, Djenar mahesa Ayu, Susi Pudjiastuti, Yenny Wahid, Cath Drake, Daisuke Takeya and many more. The 5 days festival will be more than just a literary escape as there will be also film screenings, literary lunches, cocktail soirees, walking tours and more. Click here to check their programs; tickets are also available for online purchasing.

The Ubud Writers & Readers Festival is the major annual project of the not-for-profit foundation, the Yayasan Mudra Swari Saraswati. It was first conceived of by Janet DeNeefe, co-founder of the Foundation, as a healing project in response to the first Bali bombing. Held annually in Ubud, Bali's artistic and cultural heartland, the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival has become Southeast Asia's largest and most renowned cultural and literary event. The mission of Ubud Writers & Readers Festival is to create a world-class festival that celebrates extraordinary stories and amplifies brave voices while trying to tackle global issues.

Charity Visit To Yayasan Bunga Bali

Prime Plaza Hotel & Suites Sanur-Bali is continually contributing to society through some social activities; one of them is through a charity program. One of the foundations we are currently supporting is Yayasan Bunga Bali.

Yayasan Bunga Bali is a foundation that supports people with special needs and disabilities ranging from 1- 40 years old. We visited them on September 13th, 2018. Their aim is to ensure that each individual reaches her/his potential to lead a life with dignity and independent living skills. Their program includes: handicrafts, paintings, traditional Balinese dance and orchestra. Yayasan Bunga Bali is working towards economic self-sufficiency, and self-reliance through the sale of handicrafts. We help them sell their products, (at cost) which are available for purchasing at Prime Plaza Suites Sanur - Bali. We also handed some donations during our visit.

Everyone at the Yayasan has been trained to make wooden handicrafts. For them, who were not seen as employable in the past, they have gained a sense of worth in the community, and their confidence levels have skyrocketed. We are glad that we are able to give contribution to the society in the need.
If you have anything that you would like to donate, Prime Plaza Hotel and Suites Sanur - Bali is happy to ensure that it gets to the orphanage. 

Cultural Event: Saraswati & Pagerwesi Day

In October 2018, Saraswati day falls on the 13th. This day is devoted to Dewi Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge & education. Books, manuscripts and the holly Weda are blessed and certain offerings are made for them. Just like other religious days in Bali, there are also ritual activities before and after the day of Saraswati. The day before the Saraswati is called Pengeradanaan, a day to prepare everything that's needed for the celebration. Books are cleaned and properly arranged and the offerings are also prepared.

On Saraswati day, the Balinese make offerings to their books. Students celebrate at school, usually in the morning. The day after Saraswati is called Banyu Pinaruh. "Banyu" means water and "Pinaruh" means wisdom.  The words mean that man must have wisdom, which always flows like water and is useful for mankind. Early in the morning of Banyu Pinaruh day, people will go to beaches, rivers and springs to purify themselves and pray for wisdom.
Four days after Saraswati day, Balinese will celebrate Pagerwesi day. Pagerwesi is derived from the words: Pager (fence) & wesi (iron) or The day of “iron fence”. Pagerwesi day is dedicated to honor Siva, the God manifestation as the guardian of the universe, which is meant to ask for protection and prosperity. After people received knowledge on Saraswati day, Pagerwesi day is the day to show respect to teachers and the main Guru (God or Siva). Another correlation between Saraswati and Pagerwesi is that the knowledge must be protected from bad influences and misuse.

Looking for something to do in Bali? Taman Nusa

Situated on 15 hectares of land, visitors are invited to experience Indonesia’s journey throughout the ages, beginning with old primitive nature, then pass through bronze ages and towards the kingdom age with one of its masterpieces in the form of “Borrobudur Temple”. In the cultural village, visitors are given the opportunity to experience the modest village life of the diverse and distinct ethnicity from all over Indonesia and see various crafts and performing arts. From the cultural village and going through Chinatown, visitors enter the early Indonesian era. Once again visitors can experience a touch of Indonesia’s age of kingdom through a bronze figure of Gajah Mada declaring the “Sumpah Palapa” oath in front of Triwwulan Temple.  

Passing through the gate of “Sumpah Pemuda” guests get a glimpse of the revolutionary era, with the bronze figures of Indonesia’s first President and Vice President declaring the Nation’s independence. Visitors have the opportunity to observe the socioeconomic development of present day Indonesia through miniature train diorama, set against the backdrop of Indonesia’s cities and rural areas. At the end of journey visitors finally arrive at the future era of Indonesia, which comprise of two museums and a library that showcase the various cultural heritage and legacy of the nation such as wayang, batik, weaving and embroidery.

Taman Nusa is about a 50-minute drive from Prime Plaza Suites Sanur – Bali. Special offers are available; please contact our reception for details. 

Guests Review

Check out a review that was recently posted on TripAdvisor. To post a review and read more reviews, please visit our TripAdvisor page:​

1. Absolutely fantastic for parents/kids by Shell M 
2 Bedroom Apartment was huge and clean. Beds were very comfortable and it was great to have a bath in one of the two bathrooms :)
Kitchen was fully equipped, more than what we were expecting and it was great to cook some big batches of fried rice.
The pool areas are great, especially the toddler area and pool/slide

2. Parents Relax by Jase V
Plenty of things for the kids to do while the parents relax. We stayed for 2 nights at the end of our holiday in Bali and it was the perfect end. Massive clean rooms. Friendly, helpful staff. Plenty of options for transport.

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