In the black veins of Balinese and Javanese mythos, no figure evokes more dread than Calon Arang. Her story isn’t just about sorcery, it’s about what happens when society pushes a woman too far and she decides to burn the world down rather than be erased by it. She was no mere witch, she became the storm of death incarnate. The widow of Girah and the devourer of life.

Celebrated in March, the Balinese New Year known as Nyepi is a truly unique spiritual occasion unlike any other in the world. Instead of loud celebrations, fireworks or street parties, the island enters a state of complete silence. No flights arrive or depart, no vehicles take to the road and even electricity use is minimised. Known as the “Day of Silence,” Nyepi is devoted to self-reflection, meditation and purification.

In the shadowy heart of Balinese folklore, the Leyak (or Leak) stands as one of the most feared and sinister supernatural entities but these dark witches do not act alone. They serve under the terrifying rule of Rangda, the fearsome queen of black magic and witchcraft, whose grotesque visage and unrelenting malevolence embody the island’s deepest fears.

Barong is one of the most iconic and revered figures in Balinese mythology, embodying health, good fortune and divine protection. More than just a mythical creature, Barong is believed to act as a guardian angel, accompanying each person through life and shielding them from harm. He is the leader of the hosts of good and the eternal nemesis of Rangda, the dreaded Widow Queen.

Evoking both fear and intrigue, the Balinese divinity known as Rangda stands as a terrifying yet essential force within the island's spiritual and cultural landscape. She is more than just a monstrous figure, she is the embodiment of ultimate darkness, chaos and destruction, the shadow side of the cosmos that cannot be ignored or denied.