Ubud isn’t just a mecca for yogis, hippies and spiritual gurus. For the past 21 years, it’s also been a gathering spot for bookworms the world over. Whether you’re a writer, journalist, author, poet or simply someone who loves the written word, the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival – one of Asia’s largest literary festivals – is returning to the spiritual heart of Bali from 23-27 October 2024.
This year’s highlights include 2021 Novel Peace Prize co-recipient Maria Ressa, who will speak on the impact of social media and AI on journalism, alongside a lineup of over 200 authors, artists and activists. From international, award-winning writers to Indonesian’s most celebrated names in the literary world, they include:
- Sathnam Sanghera, whose book, Empireworld: How British Imperialism Shaped the Globe, became a controversial bestseller
- Irish writer Claire Kilroy, a nominee for the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2024
- Siang Lu, Australian writer and winner of the prestigious Glendower Award 2021
- Laura Elizabeth Woollett, Australian author and nominee for the Victorian Premier’s Literary Award
- Dee Lestari, a leading figure in Indonesia’s contemporary fiction scene
- Seno Gumira Adjidarma, acclaimed Indonesian author of fiction and non-fiction
- Wayan Jengki Sunarta, one of Bali’s best-loved and most widely translated writers,
- Juliet Kinsman, sustainability travel editor
- Fuchsia Dunlop, British food-writer and cook
- and many more…
Besides the four days of talks, the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival also includes a free film screening program of Indonesian flicks, live musical performances with global musicians, and plenty of interactive workshops to put pen to paper (or get your creative juices flowing).
LUXE tip: If you’re into birds, don’t miss Darryl Jones’s almost-always sold-out crack ‘o’ dawn birdwatching tours.
Ubud Writers & Readers Festival runs from 23-27 October 2024 – get your tickets here
Heading to Ubud? Don’t you dare miss these must-do’s:
Stay
Como Shambhala Estate
Komaneka Rasa Sayang
Eat
Hujan Locale
Zest
Syrco Base
Drink
Kawi Ubud
Looking for more Bali tips? Nab a copy of the LUXE Bali guide:
