The Ubud Writers & Readers Festival (UWRF), set to embark on a new journey this 25-29 October 2017, will be no passive experience. Yes, it is the best opportunity to hear from the world’s leading literary icons here in Indonesia, but even better than that is that with the Festival’s Special Events programme, you are invited to pull up a seat beside them.

In its 14th year, the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival has grown not just in audience size but in programme size too. It incorporates more than just panel discussions and workshops, evolving into five days of live music, film programmes, art exhibitions, kitchen shows and – perhaps most coveted – the Special Events.

The programme invites you to join handpicked participants of the festival for  literary lunches in some of Ubud’s most celebrated dining destinations, guided walks through Ubud’s lush surroundings, or intimate sessions of intent listening and sharing. Here are some of the highlights from this year’s program you won’t want to miss:

Long Table Lunch at Nusantara by Locavore
Nusantara, the Indonesian Archipelago from Aceh to Merauke, comprises thousands of islands blessed with rich flavours of the tropics. Take a seat at Nusantara by Locavore, the new restaurant by one of the top-rated restaurants in the country, to embark on a journey of Indonesian flavours – you don’t know who may end up sitting next to you…

Voices from the Coffee Lands
Sit back and sip away at one of Bali’s most popular coffee connoisseurs, Seniman Coffee Studio at Tony Raka Gallery. As you indulge in the sensory stimulation of these richly roasted beans, writers from the world’s great coffee growing regions will share their stories.

Village Cycling Tour with Per Andersson
How about travelling with a traveller? Per J Andersson is Co-founder and Editor of Vagabond, Sweden’s leading travel magazine, and also the author of “The Amazing Story of the Man Who Cycled from India to Europe for Love”. Join him on a unique cycle tour around Bali’s back roads, including a sumptuous lunch in the garden surrounds of Warung Tani at Desa Visesa Ubud.

People of Letters
A literary fixture in Australia and New York, this unique evening celebrates the lost art of letter writing. Join a handpicked lineup of festival guests as they each share “A Letter to The Thing I Wish I’d Written” – for your ears only. On top of that, Women of Letters opens the same concept to a panel of women, each sharing a personal letter. Candid, intimate, funny and very moving.

This is only an introduction to the enticing range of Special Events, so browse through the festival’s website to discover one that is right for you. The festival’s Special Events are in high demand and of limited capacity. They are a true once in a lifetime opportunity to be seated up close and personal with your favourite writers and activists.

NOW! Jakarta

NOW! Jakarta

The article is produced by editorial team of NOW!Jakarta