If you can't wait for the Singapore Writers Festival and the George Town Literary Festival, book a trip down to Bali, where in addition to sun and sand, you can soak up some culture at the renowned Ubud Writers & Readers Festival (Oct 1-5).

There was some recent drama when VS Naipul allegedly pulled a diva move and demanded a heavy, last-minute speaking fee (and subsequently was removed from the program). But there are plenty of other exciting names on the roster, including but not limited to prolific Indian novelist Amitav Ghosh, Icelandic novelist Sjon and avant-garde Chinese writer Can Xue. Singapore is also representing with writer Stephanie Dogfoot and the Singapore Writers Group.

The four-day festival will be spread across various venues, including the cool Yoga Barn, Locavore restaurant and the Botanic Garden Ubud. Tickets range from $72 for a one-day pass and $450 for a four-day pass with access to all the main events and discussions.

We're also excited about the master classes and workshops on offer, though you have to book and pay separately. There's a three-hour drawing class with Hindu mythologist and illustrator Devadutt Pattanaik (Oct 2, $70) and an intimate writing workshop with British travel writer Colin Thubron (Oct 3, $281).

For more info and to book tickets, click here.

And for ideas on what else to do in Ubud, check out our recent story. Oh, and did we mention local resto-lounge Kilo is opening there, too?