Counting Down to Ubud Writers & Readers Festival 2025

More names revealed for this year’s festival as excitement quietly builds in Bali.

In just over a hundred days, the heart of Ubud will once again pulse with stories. From October 29 to November 2, the 2025 edition of the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival will unfold, offering five days of dialogue, discovery, and deeply human connection.

Ubud, long revered for its artistic spirit, will welcome a constellation of literary voices from around the world. Among them are Irish luminaries Sinéad Gleeson and John Boyne, whose award-winning works continue to shape contemporary literature. Joining them is Antoinette Lattouf, Australian journalist, author, and fierce advocate for human rights, along with British historian and bestselling author William Dalrymple, whose storytelling blurs the line between past and present.

Closer to home, the festival proudly amplifies Indonesian voices that resonate far beyond the archipelago. From the sharp social lens of Okky Madasari to the richly layered narratives of Leila S. Chudori, and the fresh perspectives of Sasti Gotama in the realm of short fiction, this year’s lineup reflects the depth and diversity of Indonesia’s literary landscape.

Each name announced is more than a participant. They are carriers of stories, of lived histories and imagined futures. The festival is not merely an event, but a meeting ground where ideas are exchanged, languages intertwine, and cultural insights unfold under the lush canopy of Bali.

If there is one place to be this October for seekers of meaning, conversation, and craft, it is Ubud. A literary pilgrimage awaits.

More info about Ubud Writers and Readers Festival 2025 here.

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Mark Your Mark in Ubud

This year, the Festival invites you to be part of something lasting — a new 28-metre mural at the Blanco Renaissance Museum, just steps from the main festival grounds. The artwork, inspired by the 2025 Festival design, will carry the names of supporters woven into its vibrant visuals.

Whether it's your name or someone you love, your contribution helps fund materials, artist fees, and ongoing cultural programs beyond the festival dates. A gesture today becomes part of Ubud’s creative fabric for years to come.

Support the mural and add your name