Discovering the Heart of Bali at Ubud Writers & Readers Festival 2026

The Ubud Writers & Readers Festival (UWRF) 2026 is just around the corner, and Micaela, a new expat in Bali, is eagerly awaiting the opportunity to attend. The festival promises a diverse lineup of events, from panel discussions and author talks to literary lunches and book launches. This year, Micaela has picked out a few sessions that caught her attention.

One of the sessions that stood out is 'Who Gets to Tell the Story of Paradise?' (22 October) which features I Nyoman Darma Putra, Jean Couteau, and Pamela Ng, moderated by Ken Kwek. This session highlights the responsibility of writers to capture the essence of a place and its people, rather than just the surface-level beauty. Micaela is fascinated by the idea of diving deep into the stories of Bali, as an Argentine living in the island, she wants to understand more about the local community and their history.

Another session that piqued Micaela's interest is 'Literature: A Mirror to the World' (22 October), where acclaimed authors Adania Shibli, Kiran Desai, and Raisa Kamila will discuss the role of literature in reflecting society and fostering empathy. The session is moderated by Gill Westaway, and Micaela is excited to hear how these authors navigate the challenges of writing marginalised stories and how their work can inspire change.

Micaela is also looking forward to attending Tari Lang's session, 'My Neighbour the Dictator' (23 October). Tari Lang, a powerhouse of a woman, will share her experience as a young girl witnessing the 1965 coup in Indonesia. Micaela believes that this session will offer valuable insights into the political history of the island and how it has shaped the current landscape.

Lastly, Micaela is excited to participate in the 'Poetry of the World' event (24 October) where she can listen to the sound of words and be moved by the poetry from diverse cultures. The session features nine guest poets from Indonesia and the world, and Micaela hopes to find a deeper connection with the community through poetry.