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Time Out
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Two Asian museums have been named among the most beautiful in the world for 2025
Talk about being beautiful inside and out – some museums are worth visiting as much for their stunning exteriors as for the fascinating objects they house. Prix Versailles, a prestigious architectural award that recognises gorgeous airports, campuses, hotels, and other buildings worldwide, has released its 2025 list of the world's most beautiful museums. In this case, beauty is not just skin deep – these museums also demonstrate exceptional harmony with their environment and artefacts. It's a short and sweet list of just seven museums, and two are from Asia. The first is Bali's Saka Museum, a cultural gem in Ayana Bali that opened in 2023. Prix Versailles highlights how its architectural design "embodies the Balinese philosophy of Giri Segara, the sacred balance between mountain and sea" with a sloping roof that visually connects sky and ocean. The beautiful reflecting pool invites visitors to pause for introspection, creating a fitting atmosphere for the museum's showcase of Balinese traditions in the past and present. There's lots to check out here, including sensory installations fashioned around Bali's sacred Day of Silence, and a showcase that dives into subak, the island's UNESCO-listed irrigation and water temple systems. Seoul's Audeum Audio Museum, the world's first dedicated audio museum, also made the list. For a spot dedicated to audio equipment, it's fitting that the museum itself is something of an instrument playing on all senses. Prix Versailles spotlights these sensory experiences: an array of vertical aluminium pipes forms a glittering, waterfall-like facade; the lobby is covered in cool, textured stone, bringing to mind a deep valley; while interior spaces are fitted with wood and filled with the fragrance of Alaskan cypress trees. The Prix Versailles named five other museums, including Paris's Grand Palais and Riyadh's Diriyah Art Futures. Check out the full list below. These are the most beautiful museums in the world for 2025, according to Prix Versailles:
Telegraph
19-04-2025
- Telegraph
I visited Bali on its mysterious ‘Day of Silence', when tourists are banned from going outside
We were checking in beneath the vast, open-air reception pavilion of Puri Wulandari – a resort clinging, much like the jungle, to the sides of Bali 's Ayung River gorge – when I heard it. 'Shhh,' I said to my partner Fabio, as the distant thrumming rose and fell, drifting over on the breeze across the jungle valley below. 'Listen. You can hear that, right? Are those cicadas?' 'I think they sound more like drums. Wait, no… are they gongs?' he said, puzzled. It turned out that, in fact, all of the above was true. We had timed our trip for the end of March especially to witness the beguiling annual Hindu New Year festival of Nyepi – known in English as the 'Day of Silence'. Arriving on the eve of the big day itself, it was the traditional afternoon of entrancing percussion – provided by Bali's gamelan music troupes and rising from every village – that we could hear, its noise intended to drive away the island's evil spirits. According to Hindu belief, the following 'Day of Silence' is just that: complete absence of noise with no traffic, fire or lights, and all travel forbidden. In Bali, the roads, the international airport, and even the street lights, are shut down for 24 hours – and so, too, are the gates to Puri Wulandari. Witnessing this fascinating period had seemed like a unique way to experience this best-known part of Indonesia in a more authentic light. Nevertheless, in a place known for its strict edicts – and which recently made headlines after enacting new tourist guidelines which forbade causing disturbances, being rude to locals, and even swearing in public – we were unsure what the following day, imprisoned in our silent resort, would bring. Indeed, our nail-biting taxi ride there from the airport had given us a taste of the impending restrictions – like something out of Race Across the World, road after road was shut just in front of us, barricades popping up out of nowhere as holy-looking men in sarongs and bandanas redirected traffic to allow Bali's Hindu worshippers to pray silently in the streets, holding sticks of lit incense, while others began hoisting huge monster-like effigies called Ogoh-ogoh on their bamboo frames into the streets for parades that evening. There was no doubt that Bali's ancient traditions were alive and well. We were shown around the resort: its tranquil indoor-outdoor spa, infinity poolside terrace restaurant, and then – descending a great sweeping stone staircase – the 34 palm-roofed villas, all sunken bathtubs and sprawling jungle views, one of which was to be our home for the next two days. There were certainly worse places to hunker down than in this little haven of relaxation tucked into the hillside. Nyepi itself begins at 6am – this year starting on March 29 – and lasts for exactly 24 hours. Waking at dawn and stepping outside, the volcanic peaks of Mount Bratan towering in the distance, we realised that something in the air had changed. It was the sound – or, rather, the lack of it. Not total silence of course, but a sense of how this place might have sounded thousands of years ago: only tropical birds, the whitewater of the river far below, and the occasional ping of a gecko. And as the temperature started to rise, so too did those cicadas – without the drumming this time and, more importantly, without the revving of motorbikes, or any engine at all, not even the distant roar of a plane overhead. We switched our mobile phones to airplane mode; our 24 hours of disconnect had begun. Bali's government permits hotel staff to work on Nyepi, but since streets and cars are off-limits, employees have no choice but to join paying guests for a night at the hotels where they work. We were greeted for breakfast warmly and with subtly softer voices, the earthy Balinese coffee bringing the starlings swooping above the pool into sharper focus. Everywhere, things seemed to move at a slightly slower pace. A morning walk through the rising mist around the property brought clouds of butterflies and tropical fruits I'd never seen – or even heard of – growing right beside the path. We spent lazy hours back at our villa by the edge of the pool, drinking in the wall of jungle across the gorge. A gift of Balinese Zalacca fruit – a giant garlic-like bulb covered in dragon-like skin – was left on our bedside table for us to taste for the first time. 'Wish you were here' postcards were written under Bali's tropical sun between moments of shade and a snooze in the poolside gazebo – all without the distraction of an incoming text or the pressure to capture a holiday photo to fire off to friends. The only contact we had with the outside world was a midday delivery of ice-cold local Bintang beers. All around us, nature seemed to understand that modern life had been temporarily paused, the boundary of noise and industry lowered for a brief spell. Undaunted, a passing butterfly even landed on me as I stood in the villa's outdoor shower. At last, we emerged for dinner – at 4.45pm, a consequence of the restaurant having to close at sunset, because (as the information packet politely left in our room had advised) the 'lighting of any fire or lamp is forbidden on Nyepi as they are both symbolic of mental and physical obstacles'. Hungry or not, we didn't mind a bit. There was something truly special about the feeling of everyone on the island being united by the experience that made each of these little sacrifices, little changes to the usual routine, enjoyable. Along with the temporary ban on light and fire, local Hindus are forbidden to work, to do anything physical (key to meditation), to leave home, or to engage in any entertainment – all in the name of purifying the mind and soul. As Nyepi and its rules apply to everyone, Balinese Hindu or not, I found myself reminded of the strange bright spots that came along with Covid lockdowns – the pressure to make plans and worries about 'missing out' brushed aside, replaced with a sort of simple contentment. I felt, too, a deeper connection to Bali. On any other day, we would have lost ourselves in the cultural wonders of Ubud, its streets lined with craft shops and buzzing restaurants. But doing as the locals were doing, abiding by the same restrictions, we were experiencing the same peace and stillness. With the absence of electricity and technology, life grinds to a halt in blissful isolation, allowing you to engage more fully with simple pleasures – floating alone in a tranquil jungle pool, and watching the starlings and herons go about their jungly business. Once night fell, where there might usually have been TVs and smartphones glowing, there was instead the sparkle of a thousand fireflies glinting over the canyon's silhouette – untroubled by light pollution either from the island's street lamps or the hotel. Without our electronics – and without light in our villa – it was amazing how early a deep natural sleep fell over us both, tucked in not long after 8pm. Only once did we wake – just after midnight, to be greeted by the Milky Way, the skies an inky black unrecognisable from the nights before above the blacked-out island. Together we stood, listening, just listening. And without the sound of horns or motors or life, there's so much more to hear than you'd think. Essentials Puri Wulandari has one-bedroom villas with private pools from £260 per night. Various airlines, including Qatar, Cathay Pacific and Emirates, fly from the UK to Bali (connecting via Hong Kong, Doha or Dubai) from around £800 return.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Yahoo
Aussies forced to remain indoors as Bali comes to 'standstill'
Tourists were not permitted to leave their accommodation or even turn on a light last Saturday in Bali as the entire island came to a "standstill" for Nyepi Day — a Hindu cleansing celebration that wards off bad spirits for the year ahead. It's the second time Sydney man Brad Newman has experienced the event also known as Bali's Day of Silence. The stark difference between Bali's usual chaos to only hearing a few bird chirps over a 24 hour period is an "absolutely crazy" experience, he told Yahoo News. "You basically can't hear anything, maybe some birds and sometimes roosters. But there's no cars on the streets and no one is allowed to leave their house at all," he said. "No lights are allowed on. No cooking. No music. They turn the internet off and the airport is closed." Almost total stillness across the island. Brad now resides in Bali with his partner and two children, however last year they were staying in a resort during Nyepi Day and were practically locked inside, with staff covering windows and glass doors with garage bags to prevent light from spilling out onto the street. Images from Nyepi Day show no movement, light or sound in the streets of Bali as locals and tourists honoured the spiritual practice that marks the start of the Balinese Saka New Year. "Leading up to the day the streets are really quiet and most shops close. And the week after, everything is quieter and the banks are still closed," Brad explained. ✈️ Major crackdown on tourists heading to Bali as seven fresh rules announced 😲 Instagram influencer's reckless Bali motorbike stunt slammed online 👀 Major new Bali ban expected as island buckles under foreigners Bali's Day of Silence was designed to encourage self-reflection among Balinese people as well as all those visiting the hugely popular tourist island. The quiet, empty streets are a stark comparison to the normal bustle of Bali and that is the point, Henry Hooper from travel advisory agency Klook told Yahoo News. "Tourists should embrace the spiritual Nyepi Day experience while visiting Bali as the rules of the celebration apply to visitors as much as the locals," he said. "This means, for one day, visitors to the island can take this time to make the most of their resort and enjoy some time relaxing, and maybe even some meditative thinking of their own." Brad is also a Nyepi Day enthusiast and believes the tradition should be adopted in other countries too. "It would be good to see it all over the world," he said. "It's incredible." Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Yahoo
Reset and Reconnect at The Ritz-Carlton, Bali
Experience the sacred day of silence in Bali with an award-winning luxury resort in Nusa Dua. BALI, Indonesia, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Guests are invited to immerse themselves in the serenity during Nyepi - Bali's Day of Silence, with an exclusive retreat at The Ritz-Carlton, Bali. Located on the pristine shores of Nusa Dua, this luxurious beachfront resort offers an unparalleled opportunity to embrace the island's sacred traditions while indulging in a peaceful and rejuvenating escape. Nyepi, the Balinese New Year, is a time of reflection, self-discovery, and renewal. Observed on 29 March 2025, this cultural tradition transforms the island into a haven of tranquility. Guests at The Ritz-Carlton, Bali can experience a complete serenity, surrounded by the ocean's soothing sounds and nature's beauty. The resort offers a Reset and Reconnect Package, where guests can experience timeless elegance and modern comfort in the ultimate luxury escape in Bali with inclusions of daily breakfast for two, daily resort credit of IDR 1,000,000 that can be spent on dining and spa as well as complimentary access to Ritz Kids. "Respecting the Balinese tradition, The Ritz-Carlton, Bali observes all Nyepi customs, ensuring minimal light and noise while providing an enriching experience for our guests," said Go Kondo, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Bali. "While outdoor activities are limited on this day, the resort's facilities offer a tranquil escape, allowing visitors to unwind and reconnect with themselves in a setting of unparalleled natural beauty." To reserve stay or learn more, visit or connect with our reservation team at ABOUT THE RITZ-CARLTON, BALIBuilt on a sprawling 12.7 hectares white beach front and elevated cliff top settings, The Ritz-Carlton, Bali feature 313 oceanfront suites and villas, enjoying the unobstructed view of the Indian Ocean and the resort's lush garden. Completing the experiences, a glass elevator connects the cliff and the beach-front, five restaurants and bars, The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom and meeting facilities, a wedding chapel, as well as The Ritz-Carlton Spa. Ladies and gentlemen at The Ritz-Carlton, Bali is proudly presents the timeless charms of Indo-Balinese hospitality. ABOUT THE RITZ-CARLTON HOTEL COMPANY, Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 88 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, which recognizes outstanding customer service. For more information, or reservations, contact a travel professional, call toll free in the U.S. 1-800-241-3333, or visit the company web site at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE The Ritz-Carlton, Bali Sign in to access your portfolio
Listly
29-01-2025
- Listly
5 Unique Bali Annual Events and Festivals You Won't Find in Tourist Guides: A Checklist for Cultural Explorers
Bali always has this quiet and tranquil vibe to it, and it gets even more peaceful during the Ogoh Ogoh Parades and Nyepi, also known as the Day of Silence, which takes place in March. Both locals and tourists are supposed to stay indoors and remain silent. The day is meant for introspection and peace. The root of this festival lies in the belief that demons fly over the island on this day, and keeping quiet is crucial to avoid attracting their attention. The belief is that if you stay silent, they'll leave you alone. However, the day before Nyepi is the opposite of what transpires the following day, which is Bali's New Year's Eve. It's wild, to say the least. People come outdoors with effigies of demons and parade them through the streets before burning them in a cleansing ritual.
