As we prepare to open doors to our unique accommodation options at Kaura, a breathtaking retreat in the hills of Manggis, Bali, the welfare of the local community remains front and centre of our operations. To this date, our full-day adventure packages and immersive village experiences have drawn numerous visitors to Kaura, enabling us to continue investing in this pristine area of east Bali and assist in its overall development.
The last three months of 2024 were quite eventful for Kaura, and we are happy to share updates that underscore this community’s incredible zest to learn and grow and sustainably welcome guests to learn more about their culture and traditions.
The Kaura Learning Centre, our vibrant and eco-sustainable learning hub, which has been supporting local children with free English classes and extracurricular activities, has now added computer lessons to the mix for over 100 students between Grades 4-6. These bright minds are now realising that there is more to the internet than just social media — it’s also a powerful tool for learning and discovering new information.
Sixth-grade student Ni Kadek Dian Pradnyandari sees these classes as an excellent opportunity to spend time with his friends while working towards a bright future in travel.
He says, “Studying at the Learning Center, in my opinion, can help me in the future to find work in the tourism industry. In addition, the reason I enjoy coming here is because I can see my friends while playing and learning.”
Another student in the same grade, Komang Ari Suastika, has already decided which he likes better. He adds, “Between computers and English, I prefer learning English because I want to communicate with tourists who come to visit Bali and secure a job on cruise ships in the future.”
For younger students in Grades 1-3, Discova also organises outdoor classes focused on engaging them with the beauty and wonders of their natural surroundings. Through guided exploration, the students learn to identify various plants and trees, fostering a deeper appreciation for the environment.
Additionally, our bi-weekly English classes continue for local women, along with hospitality and spa training for those interested in acquiring these vocational skills and kickstarting a promising career.
Komang Supartini was a farmer by trade when she signed up for Kaura’s spa training to fuel her interest in learning new things. Today, she is one of our expert therapists providing, healing and rejuvenating experiences to our guests.
“I’m thrilled that, after completing the course, I can now take on a part-time role assisting Kaura guests and engaging with them. I’m also eager to improve my English skills to enhance my interactions with our visitors,” she informs.
Since our cooking classes are some of our most popular Kaura excursions, more and more women farmers of Manggis have shown interest in learning how to host cooking classes for foreign visitors. They want to show them how foraging and using local, seasonal ingredients form the backbone of Balinese cuisine. This authentic farm-to-table experience is enhanced by the skills and expertise of home cooks who know their land and produce better than anybody else.
Chef I Komang Agus Nova Sudiarta who leads our cooking classes, says, “For me, cooking is more than just a profession—it’s a passion and a deep love for the culinary world. Making my guests happy through my food is incredibly important to me. Through this cooking class, I can showcase the flavours of my region and share my culinary experiences with guests. I truly enjoy getting to know them on a more personal level, and my time at Kaura has been an extraordinary and fulfilling experience.”
If your clients haven’t yet visited the idyllic oasis of Kaura, a trip to this immersive sanctuary will give them a one-of-a-kind insight into the cultural and spiritual roots of Balinese life. And, it will continue to empower the enterprising people of Manggis to sustainably foster tourism in their community on their own terms.
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and stay at the forefront of new product offerings, Discova behind-the-scenes, destination news, travel trends and thought leadership articles from our on-the-ground experts.
