Cruise the Komodo Islands with Amitav Ghosh & Deborah Baker,

Hello friends, What a day for announcements! We’re thoroughly delighted to reveal our poster for 2014 featuring the Hindu goddess of science, education and the arts, Dewi Saraswati. Her image will accompany us for the rest of the year leading up to the October 1-5 festival, and we hope that a little of her wisdom and knowledge will rub off on us! We are also hugely excited to announce a unique partnership between SeaTrek Bali and Ubud Writers & Readers Festival, the combined forces of which are bringing you an unmissable opportunity to sail through the extraordinary Komodo Islands in the company of authors Amitav Ghosh and Deborah Baker. More on that below. In other news, the full Bali Emerging Writers Festival program drop is here! – and don’t forget we are fast approaching the intimate evening of conversation with ex-spy Valerie Plame on April 17. Reserved your spot yet? Till next time, Janet No Ordinary Journey: a tour of the breathtaking Komodo Islands with Amitav Ghosh and Deborah Baker Few areas in Asia can match the cultural and natural diversity found charting the chain of the Lesser Sunda Islands. One day alone can promise it all: quiet coastal villages, emerald seas, megalithic cultures, colourful market places, tribal rituals and a world of kaleidoscopic beauty underwater. And few authors are better matched to a life-changing adventure on the high seas than Sea of Poppies bestseller Amitav Ghosh and Pulitzer Prize finalist Deborah Baker. In their company, this exclusive leisure expedition will acquire an intimate literary lustre. Days spent snorkelling, beachcombing and hiking through one of the most beautiful National Parks in Indonesia will be followed by star-lit evenings of readings, talks and thoughtful conversations. Twilight drinks on the deck will find you dipping into topics ranging from archival narrative to history and storytelling; all swept along by the heady currents of the ocean. No matter what you see, taste, or think on this exclusive six-day cruise: you won’t forget a thing. The cruise will take place directly after the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival, from October 7-12, 2014, for six days and five nights. Bookings are strictly limited to 10pax at US$4000 per person, and can be made here. Saraswati: Wisdom & Knowledge Our poster design for 2014 features the illustration of local artist Gusti Nyoman Sudara. In Balinese visual art, Saraswati is depicted as a beautiful, four-armed lady standing on a giant lotus and accompanied by a white swam (wisdom) and a peacock (beauty). Her hands carry four objects that symbolise the specific qualities of science, education and the arts: Lontar manuscript (enlightening and liberating), lute (captivating/mesmerising), lotus (purifying and transforming), and prayer beads (infinite and spiritual truth). Gusti Nyoman Sudara is the grandson of Lempad, Bali’s greatest contemporary artist. Lempad lived in Ubud, and, apart from his legendary artwork, is also responsible for the Candi Bentar, carved split gates, at the Ubud Palace and at Puri Saraswati. We will offer a tribute night to Lempad at this year’s Festival and a grand exhibition devoted to Lempad will take place at Puri Lukisan in September.   View the poster in its entire glory HERE. #BEWF14 program announcement Our sibling festival the Bali Emerging Writers Festival has released its full program – covering the full spectrum of writing, theatre, film, photography, graphics, music, journalism, social media and activism over two days of dynamic programming! The festival will take place on the weekend of May 3-4, at Stikom, Denpasar, and is a celebration of the best new voices in Bali. Standout speakers include bestselling author Ahmad Fuadi, who gained international recognition through his novel Negeri 5 Menara (Land of 5 Towers), and prominent poet and human rights activist, Debra Yatim.  Head over to BEWF’s website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to be kept abreast of the range of panels, workshops and performances in store. And click HERE to view the whole program.  In Conversation with Valerie Plame on April 17 fast approaching Thanks to hellobali, Bali Discovery, Bali Advertiser and more for their lovely write-ups of the upcoming event on April 17 with ex-CIA ops officer now bestselling author Valerie Plame. Copies of her latest thrilling spy saga Blowback will be available to purchase – and get signed! – on the night. You can also order advance copies to be well read for the night - simply email us. Valerie is very much looking forward to spending an intimate evening of conversation with Trisha Sertori of The Jakarta Post – and you – at one of UWRF’s much-loved venues, Indus Restaurant. Spaces are limited, so book now. Charity spotlight: Bali Peduli Yayasan Bali Peduli is a not-for-profit organisation working in HIV/AIDS prevention/treatment. Clinics in Ubud and Kuta provide rapid, free, confidential testing, counselling and treatment. Outreach staff supports those living with HIV/AIDS, and deliver education programs to villages, women/youth groups and sex workers. Stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS means those affected are often marginalised and face economic/emotional hardship. The ‘Positive Living Fund’ provides temporary relief to HIV+ women and children. Yayasan Bali Peduli is funded by private and corporate donors, and is legally registered with the Indonesian government. For more, visit www.balipeduli.org.