Ubud is known as Bali's cultural capital, where artists, writers and creatives come to be inspired. It's easy to see why: the town is rich with vibrant art, soulful temples, and a thriving culinary scene that ranges from humble warungs to world-class restaurants.
It's also where Australian-born Janet DeNeefe, writer and founder of the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival, has lived since the 1980s. She first visited Bali as a teenager in 1974. “It felt like stepping into a sanctuary of creativity and spirituality - it was life-changing,” she recalls. “The lush landscapes, dazzling culture, local food and warm-hearted Balinese left me in awe.”
In 2004, two years after the Bali Bombings rocked the island's south, DeNeefe founded the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival to help rebuild morale in her broken-hearted community. What began as a modest idea quickly evolved into one of Southeast Asia's most important cultural events. “It began as a small gathering of writers and readers trying to create a platform for voices and stories from Indonesia and beyond, and to foster dialogue among diverse cultures”, DeNeefe recalls. “Today, we have a global audience of around 15,000 people each year, and over 1,000 writers have participated.”
This year's festival, held from October 29th to November 2nd, returns with the theme “I am the Universe - Aham Brahmasmi”. The Sanskrit phrase, meaning ‘I am the cosmos', captures the essence of the festival's ongoing mission: bridging cultures through stories, fostering empathy, and illuminating our shared humanity. “It's an opportunity for international visitors to seek a deeper understanding of Indonesian culture”, DeNeefe explains: “it opens avenues for empathy and shared experiences. Each person is not merely a separate entity but an integral part of the universe.”
The four-day programme will include events with literary heavyweights including British historian William Dalrymple, award-winning Australian journalist, Antoinette Lattouf, and John Boyne, bestselling author of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. Emerging talents such as Javan novelist Sasti Gotama and Balinese satirical cartoonist Gus Dark, will also take to the stage. “This year's lineup promises to be both enlightening and transformative”, says DeNeefe, who curates the programme with the insight of a writer herself.
With two books to her name - including her 2004 memoir, Fragrant Rice - DeNeefe brings an awareness of what writers need: not just a stage, but a space in which their voices can thrive. “I understand the nuances of storytelling and the importance of providing a supportive environment for writers to share their work”, she says.
Several key events will be hosted at COMO Uma Ubud, a long-time festival partner and serene sanctuary for both guests and speakers. “Our writers love the hotel: it has a wonderful atmosphere, and the commitment to wellness and creativity aligns perfectly with our festival ethos,” DeNeefe says. COMO Uma Ubud offers the kind of immersive experience - combining a peaceful setting with holistic wellness and great food - that makes the festival feel so unique.
Because while its name suggests a focus on literature, the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival is also about much more: “it's about community, cultural exchange, and nurturing the artistic spirit of Ubud and Bali”, says DeNeefe. It's about shared culture, spontaneous connections, and late-night conversations over long meals. It's about honouring Bali's artistic traditions while making space for new voices from across Indonesia and beyond. As the 2025 edition approaches, Ubud once again becomes the stage for a global conversation - one rooted in creativity, healing, and our shared humanity.
The Ubud Writers and Readers Festival will be held between October 29th and November 2nd 2025. For more information about the events held at COMO Uma Ubud, or to book a stay, please contact our concierge team.
