Suara translates to ‘voice’ in Indonesian. It’s an apt title when one considers Bali’s newest multi-genre festival as a whole. Beyond providing a platform for its myriad artists, Suara is a bold proclamation for a promised future. One you can only find in Nuanu, Bali—hidden away on the seaside cliffs of Nyanyi beach—a blooming creative city that seems to be turning all the right corners for where art, culture and nature can meld into one.
In Nuanu, immersive art displays have been woven into the dimly-lit forests the island holds dear. Spaces—to grow, communicate and educate—have been nurtured wilfully into its architecture. All this is a testament to the city’s dedication to an age-old philosophy, Tri Hita Karana, which hopes for harmonious life between its lands, people and spirit.
This philosophy took on a life of its own at Suara Festival 2024, the third iteration of a music and arts festival that spanned over three days, and the first time it has been open to an international audience. The festival welcomed throngs of enthused festival-goers, each one with a purpose of their own. Perhaps it was to revel in the weekend’s musical extravaganza—the pulsating beats of HVOB, the emotive trance of Mansionair, the hip-hop mania delivered by Yung Raja and Ramengvrl, Disko Afrika’s delectable afrobeats that set the dance floor ablaze, or the magical mirage of Angus & Julia Stone’s headlining performance.
Beyond the musical miasma, there was plenty of fun—and even discreet moments of thoughtful pondering—to be had. There were dedicated dance workshops for everything from salsa to afro dance, live painting sessions, pauses for meditation and mantras, directional panels on building a regenerative future, and theatrical, traditional Balinese performances that captivated a crowd. It was for everyone and anyone, even the little kids who marvelled after butterflies under an orange sky or extended their hands to the curious alpacas. Here, find all the highlights we didn’t expect to be met with at Suara Festival.
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Art and architectural galore
Arguably our favourite thing to have witnessed over the course of the weekend, Nuanu was a place which held space for maddeningly indescribable art and architecture displays. Like the enthralling Earth Sentinels, a towering pair dreamt up by renowned South African sculpturalist Daniel Popper—as an ever-evolving visual projection illuminated its magnificence. But the true stunner? Aurora Park, Bali’s first multimedia outdoor park that integrated AI so seamlessly into its earth, one might imagine this was where art’s tangible soul could very well meet technology at a good place. At different junctures through its nature trail, rousing light and sound installations would meet the roots, the trees, the jungle it was joined with. So that the forest could be discovered all over again.
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A rediscovery of nature
We’ve said it before but we’ll say it again. The promise of Nuanu? Its commitment to maintaining a good part of its natural biodiversity and its forests. So much so that between its parks, its contemporary club grounds, its schools and its well-meaning hubs for commune, there was plenty of green that would stick around. And it understands this commitment requires work as well. Starting with its endangered butterflies, which might soon grow in population as a result of Nuanu’s native butterfly breeding program. The magic of this was certainly gleaned at Suara, where many came together to release these butterflies back into its natural environment. One of Suara’s most enchanting sights, surely.
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A family-friendly affair all around
When one thinks of a festival, the idea of family-friendly may frankly be, bewildering. Yet Suara made space for all. With plenty of kid-friendly activities, an entire KidsZone that carved out hours for dreamcatcher making, face painting and clay workshops, and even a nanny service which allowed for parents to relive their own festival escapades, the nuance of community was loud and clear. But the surefire favourite? The adorable alpacas hidden in Aurora Park.
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Food for the soul
Whilst some flocked to the main stage for a musical reverie, many stayed behind and embraced the energy at Ash. Which made space for the wellness guru, the avid astrologer or the idealist at heart. The ones who wanted to feel rooted to the ground and connected to the world before them. As if they understood Tri Hita Karana to its very essence. Through ardent sessions of breathwork or ecstatic dances, fulfilling seconds exacted to reconnect with a life partner, focused surf yoga classes, elusive astrology escapades and simply many, many spent hours of just sitting and taking it all in. The Suara life, at its very core.
