Explore the universe of stories and ideas, from intimate conversations in Ubud to the spiritual echoes of Borobudur.

The Ubud Writers & Readers Festival (UWRF) 2025 is set to unfold in Ubud, Bali, from October 29 to November 2. This year's theme, Aham Brahmasmi – I Am the Universe, invites attendees to explore the profound connection between the individual and the cosmos. Over four days, the festival will feature more than 200 writers, thinkers, and performers from around the globe. The program includes panel discussions, literary lunches, workshops, book launches, and performances, all centered around the theme of unity and self-discovery.

International Highlights: The festival welcomes notable international authors.

Banu Mushtaq: Winner of the 2025 International Booker Prize for Heart Lamp, a debut short story collection that delves into themes of women's rights and identity.

Jenny Erpenbeck: Awarded the 2024 International Booker Prize for Kairos, a novel set against the backdrop of East Germany's collapse.

These authors will engage in discussions exploring the role of women in literature and the process of crafting award-winning narratives.

Voices of Change: The festival also features influential voices addressing global issues.

Omar El Akkad: Egyptian-Canadian novelist and journalist, known for his critiques of Western values and their implications.

Shiori Itō: Japanese writer and journalist, a prominent figure in Japan's #MeToo movement, advocating for sexual violence survivors. 

Antoinette Lattouf: Lebanese-Australian journalist, focusing on the importance of genuine intersectionality in workplaces.

Celebrating Indonesian Voices: In honor of Indonesia's 80th independence anniversary, the festival highlights local authors.

Leila S. Chudori: Renowned Indonesian novelist and journalist. 

Sasti Gotama: Recipient of the Kusala Sastra Khatulistiwa 2025 award. 

Ray Shabir, Hamzah Muhammad, and Ni Made Purnama Sari: Emerging writers contributing to the evolving literary landscape.

These authors will discuss the new wave of Indonesian poetry and storytelling. The festival's mentorship program has selected ten rising Indonesian talents, including Annisa Ivana, who will participate in the anthology project Stories from the Islands. This initiative, in collaboration with Penguin Random House SEA, aims to showcase fresh perspectives in Indonesian literature.

For those seeking an immersive experience, the festival offers a Writing Retreat at Plataran Ubud Hotel & Spa. Beginning on October 26, participants will engage in workshops led by authors Kate Sawyer, Mirandi Riwoe, and Robin Hemley, culminating in exclusive access to the festival's events.

The UWRF 2025 promises a rich tapestry of voices and stories, reflecting the interconnectedness of humanity and the universe. Tickets are available for both 4-day and 1-day passes, with discounts for students, ASEAN citizens, and KITAS/KITAP holders. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the official website. This year's festival is poised to be a significant gathering for literary enthusiasts, offering a platform for diverse voices and meaningful conversations.

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A Journey into the Soul of Borobudur. Exploring timeless wonder at the heart of Java's sacred monument.

Before the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival officially begins, immerse yourself in a profound exploration of one of the world's most iconic cultural landmarks: Borobudur. From October 24 to 28, 2025, embark on a five-day journey that delves deep into the history, art, and spirituality of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

This exclusive tour offers a unique opportunity to experience Borobudur beyond its architectural grandeur. Highlights include:

• Guided Tours: Led by esteemed historians and cultural experts, including William Dalrymple, Herald Van Der Linde, and David Van Reybrouck, gain insights into the temple's rich history and its significance in Southeast Asian culture.
• Cultural Immersion: Engage with local artisans at the Kain Lurik weaving studio, explore the vibrant Magelang Market, and savor traditional Javanese cuisine at Melek Huruf and D’Omah Tembi.
• Exclusive Experiences: Witness the temple at dawn during the Sunrise at Borobudur Tour, enjoy intimate gatherings with members of the Yogyakarta royal family, and partake in a Rijsttafel dinner under the stars.

The tour features an impressive lineup of speakers:

• William Dalrymple: British historian and author of The Golden Roads, offering a deep dive into the history of Borobudur and its role in the spread of Buddhism.
• Dyan Anggraini: Indonesian artist and researcher, exploring the stories of women depicted in Borobudur's stone reliefs and their relevance to contemporary Javanese craftswomen.
• David Van Reybrouck: Acclaimed Belgian author and historian, shedding light on Indonesia's journey to independence and its global impact.
• Herald Van Der Linde: Dutch writer, discussing the Majapahit Empire's influence on Indonesia's cultural identity.
• Petty Elliott: Renowned Indonesian chef and author, guiding participants through the rich tapestry of Javanese culinary traditions.
• Janet DeNeefe: Founder & Director of the UWRF, offering her signature warmth and deep love for Indonesia's culture and stories.

This all-inclusive tour is available at:

For more details and to book, visit the official Borobudur tour page.

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About the Festival:

For the twenty-second time, Southeast Asiaʼs leading literary festival will once again bring together writers, poets, and thinkers to Ubud, Baliʼs cultural highland, for a 4-day program featuring author talks, panel discussions, live music, spoken word, literary lunches, late-night readings, workshops, and much more. This year, the Festival explores Aham Brahmasmi, a Sanskrit concept from ancient Hindu wisdom that originates from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad. Translated as I am the Universe, it signifies the unity of the human self with the universe or the highest cosmic power and it acknowledges that each individual holds the same creative potential as the universe itself. The concept of Homo Deus, Human Gods, envisions humans evolving into ‘godsʼ through advanced technology, making this theme even more significant. The tools we create can transform our lives and help solve major challenges, but they also have the potential for control and destruction. The awareness of Aham Brahmasmi reminds us that our intelligence, no matter how advanced, must be grounded in consciousness and interconnectedness.