The creative epicenter of Bali that is Ubud is known for drawing a crowd of artists, artisans, and those that come to see their work. But this year, for the second time in what is shaping up to be an annual tradition, its cerebral appeal specifically speaks to literary types with the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival, a project by the Yayasan Mudra Swari Saraswati Foundation, a non-profit that seeks to improve living conditions in Indonesia through arts and cultural programs. The festival runs Oct. 1–5 this year and draws writers and lit-lovers from around Indonesia and around the world for a series of lectures, readings, workshops, book launches, and discussions along with a smattering of classic Ubud specialties—yoga, art and photography exhibitions, and culinary events—all staged at venues around town. For younger bookworms, there’s a children’s program of games and workshops as well. The 2014 lineup promises diversity of topic and culture, including a special talk by Can Xue, China’s leading avant-garde writer; a panel of journalists discussing Indonesian politics since the fall of the Suharto regime; a masterclass with world-renowned British travel writer Colin Thubron; and a cooking class at Mozaic, widely regarded as Ubud’s top restaurant. To attend, tickets are available as four- and one-day passes for main events (upgrade to front row reserve tickets if you want guaranteed first-row seating); by the single for special events and workshops; and all access passes that include main events, 5 special events, and a ticket to the opening night gala.

For more information, visit Ubud Writers and Readers Festival.