Eight of Eight....
'Om Swastyastu'
 Welcome to Bali and welcome to August edition of Bali & Beyond, the eighth month of 2008. This month is full, and we've prepared some information that we hope would be useful for you in finding all the highlights.
Through Focus Feature we take a look at the customary national scene as the Indonesian people celebrate the nation's Independence Day. And the celebrations run through a variety of activities, from flag raising ceremonies to iconic competitions such as areca pole climbing.
Enter the high season and into the celebratory mood of perfect weather and parties with a series of beautiful collections from Lily Jean. Our contributor shares this month's fashion talk through Shopping & Style.
In Dining & Delights it's a sensational dish brought alight anew, and we share with you a slice of the sensation with the favorite and original Vulcano Pizza at Papa's Cafe.
Through Action & Attractions it's literally down and dirty, as we present you with the smack and splash of Bali Mepantigan Arts, a new creation in Balinese performance, a combination of Balinese drama, contemporary dance, Balinese gamelan music and martial arts. And this month coincides with the first of its kind – the 1st Open Mepantigan Bali Championship, to be held at the Green School (previously School for Life) in Sibang Kaja, north of Denpasar. Next month's Action & Attractions will be similarly wet, as we plunge into the waters of Lembongan in helmets that allow anyone, even those who don't know how to scuba dive, to admire the colorful fish and coral reef habitats. Pictured here, part of our crew went to Lembongan to experience the new feature ourselves. We'll share it with you next month.
This month also sees a myriad of other things on the agenda, notably the third annual Sanur Village Festival. This year's festivities embody a green and environmental theme that is reflected throughout its agenda.
In Beyond Bali we take you to the east once more, to a special island that is ancient in itself… yet still vibrant with life and magical scenes. Here megalithic burials still take place and an acclaimed sustainable resort also resides, the Nihiwatu. Also Beyond, our Jakarta section through Capital Corner, shares with you some of the scenes from the recent 41st Jakarta Fair that coincided with the capital city's 481st anniversary and attracted millions from all over Indonesia and abroad.
Happy reading!
'Om Shanti Shanti Shanti Om...'
—The Team
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