Heat the oil in a large casserole until moderately hot. Add the onion and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Put in the rice, tumeric, and salt, and continue to cook for 2 minutes.
Add the coconut milk and stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir in the whole cloves, cinnamon, and bay leaves. Turn the heat as low as possible and let the rice cook undisturbed for 20 minutes. It is ready to serve when the rice is cooked.