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Kites Filled the Sky in Sanur

The Sanur Festival from August 12th – 16th transformed Mertasari Beach into a village of fun filled events and activities focusing on 'Marine Life'. Watching the huge octopus, fish and snakes flying across the Sanur sky, grooving to the jazzy sounds that filled the evening, sneaking a peek at the Visual Arts Programme and the Bonsai Exhibition and taking part in the Mass Yoga and Golf Tournament were activities enjoyed by all who flocked to the festival over this August weekend. Looking forward to the Sanur Festivals' fifth birthday in 2010.T: 0361 286 987, Gotosanur

Nikko Bali Cultural Appreciation Nights

The opening night of the incredible cultural month of cultural appreciation held at Nikko Bali Resort and Spa saw five maestros of Balinese dance perform at Kupu Kupu Amphitheatre on Wednesday, August 5th.

Ni Jero Puspawati took the stage first. She performed the infamous Candra Metu dance with the grace and harmony that made her the star that she is today. While enjoying the variety of rich tasting Balinese cuisine prepared by Nikko Bali's skillful chefs, another Bali maestro, Ni Jero Gadung took the stage with the Wiranatha dance – a beautiful dance telling the story of a warrior's journey.

The never ending applause continued as Gusti Ayu Raka Rasmi performed a cheerful dance of Oleg Temulilingan, followed by a performance by Ni Ketut Arini with her Terunajaya dance, the story of a man's journey into becoming an adult with her unique and dynamic movements. The highlight of the night was the spectacular Kebyar Duduk dance performed by Ida Bagus Oka Wirjana, or famously known as Gus Aji Blangsinga. The mood of the dance was strongly felt from the music and the dancer, who works in close coordination with the entire gamelan to interpret its shifting colour. (Nikko Bali Resort and Spa, Jl. Raya Nusa Dua Selatan, Nusa Dua, T: 0361 773 377, www.nikkobali.com)

The Red and The White

August 17th heralded the waving of the red and white flag across this beloved land of Indonesia to signal Hari Merdeka (Independence Day). Here in Bali, the Banjars were full of singing – the Indonesian national anthem being the main choice of lyric alongside 'tak gendong, ke mana mana' and other such favourites – and kids were joining in the fun competitions held in each area. Fancy eating krupuk that is tied to a string, or seeing how fast you can drink a carton of Ultra milk. Maybe you can make really great Sambal or balance an egg on a spoon. If these sound like fun, you can always come back next year. Happy Birthday Indonesia, we hope you live a long, happy and prosperous life!

Ayana Gets Intimate

Perched on a rocky 'stage' jutting out from the cliff-face, Third Eye Blind singer Stephan Jenkins rocked the Ayana Rock Bar in an intimate acoustic performance that had everyone smiling with memories of singing along to his songs of old. Jenkins gave a solo performance of tracks from the band's new album 'Ursa Major', their first album in six years. He also granted audience requests to play some of their past hits including 'Deep Inside You' and 'Semi Charmed Life'. (Ayana Resort and Spa, Jalan Karang Mas Sejahtera, Jimbaran, T: 0361 702 222, www.ayanaresort.com)

Ku De Ta

It is almost assumed these days that there wouldn't be a party season without Ku De Ta at the helm and this August was no exception to that rule. They got the month started with the delivery of the Ku De Ta Republic Passports and then it was all flights to Jalan Laksmana for the sea, the sun and the music. The 7th 'I'm an Angel' Charity Gala Event and party was the first destination. Delta Goodrem sang out into the crowd, a children's choir sang a teary eyed cover of Michael Jackson's 'Heal The World', and an awe inspiring fire swinging dance troop performance that incited everyone to jump up on the stage and feel like they could dance too. The community dug deep into their pockets in the spirit of sharing with their brothers and sisters in need. Auction Success.

Then, the KDT parties continued with their 9th Birthday Bash. We all sang a great big "happy birthday to you" and watched the rockin' fashion parade by Religion – a fantastic East London fashion store that happens to have a shop on Jalan Laksmana – just up the road from KDT. A live dinner performance by Louie Austen, and of course, for the birthday guests a glass of Moët Chandon on arrival was the only drink to celebrate with.

Bikinis Bikinis and more Bikinis - Not an event to have passed up if you were one of those respectable, or not so respectable, guys on the Island of Bali on Sunday, August 16th. It was a colourful day with sun drenched grooves by DJ Jim Breeze and the ever extraordinary B-Boy's Wicked Force Breakers. And, well, yes, lots of bikinis. (Ku De Ta, Jl Laksmana No. 9, Seminyak, T: 0361 736 969,) www.kudeta.net