god from the machine swanky ju-ma
Transcription
god from the machine swanky ju-ma
EXPLORING BALI exploring bali DINING SWANKY JU-MA-NA NIGHTLIFE TROPICAL SOPHISTICATION SHOPPING GOD FROM THE MACHINE ISSN 2086 2086-2539 2539 9 JUNE 2014 9 7 7 2 0 8 6 2 5 3 9 3 9 JUNE 2014 Rp. 30.000 www.nowbali.co.id CONTENTS page JUNE 2014 34 exploring bali In this issue we celebrate Bali as a paradise of stunning natural wonders. Our team traveled to the corners of the island’s north, east, south, and west to bring to you everything exquisite about the island. Front Cover “The Voyage Begins” by Christa 2 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID 10 WELCOME PERFORMANCE Tenun Dance: Story of women as a creator. 12 WHAT’S ON A round up of happenings, launchings, things of note, and people to watch. 26 WHAT TO DO Experience and explore the beauty and thrills of ATVing through the rugged terrain of Kerta village in Payangan. 40 KID’S FUN Our writer Kartika Dewi marveled at the adventurous design of the Jungle Camp at Grand Nikko Bali. 76 SPA & WELLNESS Lombok historical spa. 78 SHOPPING The Deus philosophy recalls an era before the various pursuits of fun – motorcycling, surfing, skateboarding, whatever – were marketed into fundamentalist factions. 84 DINING Ju-Man-Na – complete with a stylish sisha bar, lounge, and an exceptional wine cellar – is intended to create an unparalleled gourmet experience in an ultraglamorous setting. 96 NIGHTLIFE KU DE TA was the first to revolutionize the nightlife and entertainment scene in Bali, particularly in Seminyak. 98 SECRET BALI Rejang: A dance of many guises 106 STRANGER IN PARADISE Kuta’s Trancemaster Superstars SOAPBOX BALINESE DANCE When you are fortunate enough to see a really good, genuine Balinese dance you will be enthralled. Well I certainly hope you will be, as I was all those years ago. There is a magic about the performance which is quite different from other dances. It is ritualistic, but compelling and magnetic. It’s hard to tear your eyes away. First of course, comes the music. A good performance must certainly be accompanied by a full gamelan orchestra which, if you have not heard one yet, is unlike any music in the west. A cacophony of gongs and Xylophone type instruments, pentatonic and repetitive but flowing like a wild mountain stream down a hillside. It’s an experience all by itself. Then out come the dancers. So brilliantly costumed, so beautifully made up, so colourful and so delicate. It’s an assault on the senses with their eyes flashing and their feet delicately tapping in a peculiar but attractive bent-kneed stance. For me it was love at first sight. As you watch you can’t help but wonder, “what are the finger and head positions all about?” Is there really a meaning behind all the gestures and eye movements? It’s fascinating and astonishing at the same time. How can anyone remember the steps and movements? But they do. And the immaculate timing between musicians and dancers is rarely compromised. They are amazingly coordinated. Practice must be punishing. But - and there’s always a but - amid the bustle of cocktails bars, fashion outlets, clubs, pubs, malls and chill places in Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Tuban, etc. the places to see a good dance have all but disappeared. You have to go looking further afield. But it’s still there. Please spend one night of your holiday watching a dance preferably in a quiet village somewhere off the beaten track. Then you will really feel you are in Bali.! Alistair G. Speirs 4 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID Phoenix Communications Publishing Division TECHNICAL ADVISOR BALI MANAGER EDITOR GROUP COPY EDITOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR DESIGNER HEAD OF SALES & MARKETING BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Alistair G. Speirs Weni Ariasty Namhar Hernanto Alison P Kartika Dewi Suardana Christa Sihombing Indah O’Brien Muhammad Husni Edward Speirs ADMINISTRATION BALI Yohanes Ardianto SECRETARY BALI Ni Luh Artini ((Ari)) SECRETARY JAKARTA Clora Matondang ART DIRECTOR PRODUCTION SALES SECRETARY MARKETING & PROMOTIONS FINANCE DISTRIBUTION CONTRIBUTORS DIRECTOR HEAD OFFICE CUSTOMER SERVICE BALI OFFICE ADVERTISING SALES EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES CIRCULATION ENQUIRIES SUBSCRIPTION Sudigdo Djoko Prayitno Maartje Mantiri, Richieta L. Aretha (Aghie), Ingrid Hanjaya, C.L. Andini Indranila (Nila), Samuel Zenryo, Belladonna Iskandar Eva Marliyana, Echy Denny Syafitri, Ketut Budiana Made Wijaya, Jean Couteau, Ayu Sekar, Sarah Prewitt Barbara Janthy Nihardjo Jl. Benda Raya No. 98 A-B, Kemang - Jakarta Selatan 12560 T: +62-21 781 3212, F: +62-21 781 2476 www.nowjakarta.co.id 0877 88 21 70 22 Komplek Pertokoan Nakula Megah No. 5, Unit J Jl. Nakula, Legian, Kuta Bali 80361 T: +62-361 823 6722/6733, F: +62-361 823 6722 www.nowbali.co.id [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] p p Now! Jakarta and Now! Bali are published monthly by PT. Phoenix Communications. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the writers and the publisher does not accept any responsibility for any errors, ommisions or complaints arising there from. No part of this publication can be reproduced in whole or in part, in print or electronically without prior permission of the publisher. All trademarks, logos, brands and designs are copyright and fully reserved by PT. Phoenix Communications. PRINTED by PT Cahaya Prima Sentosa PT. Phoenix Communications Jalan Benda Raya 98 A-B, Jakarta 12560 www.phoenix.co.id WELCOME PERFORMANCE LENNY PANDE FLUENTLY PERFORMS THE INDIGENOUS TENUN DANCE 8 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID TENUN TEXT & PHOTO BY KARTIKA D. SUARDANA I I realized recently that I hadn’t watched the Tenun Dance performance for quite some time. It wasn’t until the launch event of my second book ‘Real Bali’, published by NOW!Bali, where one of my lovely Balinese friends, Lenny Pande, made an appearance on stage. A most welcome surprise, Ms.Pande whom most know mainly as a journalist, this beautifully dressed lady performed a dance created in the 50’s. It was the Tenun Dance, created by I Nyoman Ridet and I Wayan Likes in 1957. The moment Lenny made her entrance from within the crowd; all eyes were fixated on her. The Tenun Dance portrays women as a creator. It tells the story of those who weave beautiful fabrics, thread by thread, that later become appreciated by all people regardless sex and age. The basic elements of Balinese traditional dance can be seen throughout this dance, such as agem – the halfsquat position, with a diagonally down facing head position, and sledet – the rapid eye movements. She kneels, then sat on her legs on the ground while her hands moved gracefully in order to represent a lady taking a piece of thread then arranging the thread at the loom to start the weaving process. Lenny danced the whole weaving process, and some dance passages thrived in depicting the beauty of the activity. She mastered the technique very well even though she hadn’t dance for 16 years. Usually, more than one female dancer performs this dance, but Lenny succeeded in occupying the whole stage by her self and made left the audience in awe. Breaking the usual costume rule for the dance, Lenny delightfully combined a long-sleeved, beige kebaya – Indonesian female national top – with batik wrapped around from waist to ankle. A piece of Balinese endek fabric draped elegantly off her shoulder, matching the fabric she worn as a headdress called lelunakan – Balinese female traditional simple headdress style. Accompanied by the soft and rhythmic sounds of the gender – a pentatonic traditional instrument – that mixed nicely with the soothing sounds of a bamboo flute and the stomping, bass gong. The music arrangement definitely strengthened the whole choreography.! WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID JUNE 2014 9 DANCE CALENDAR Throughout the island, dances are performed with some morning and some evening programs, with different dances being performed in different parts of Bali. The following gives you a good idea of which dances are taking place at what time and which village or location. For more detailed information consult your hotel concierge or one of the many information booths around the tourist areas. EVERYDAY Tari Barong & Keris Tari Barong & Keris Tari Kecak Tari Kecak Tari Kecak Tari Kecak THURSDAY Tari Legong Tari Kecak Tari Kecak Api Tari Legong Tari Barong & Keris Mepantigan Arts Kecak Sanghyang Wayang Kulit Puri Saren Pura Taman Sari Pura Batukaru Pura Desa Kutuh Pura Dalem Ubud Arma Musium Puri Agung Peliatan Pondok Bambu 19:30 – 21:00 19:30 – 21:00 19:30 – 21:00 19:30 – 21:00 19:30 – 21:00 18:30 – 19:30 19:30 – 21:00 19:30 – 21:00 Puri Saren Petani, Alaya Ubud Pura Padang Kerta Oka Kartini Pura Dalem Ubud Arma Musium Bentuyung Village Pondok Pekak 19:30 – 21:00 19:30 – 21:00 19:00 – 20:30 20:00 – 21:00 19:30 – 21:00 19:00 – 20:30 19:00 – 20:30 19:30 – 21:00 FRIDAY Batu Bulan Kesiman Batu Bulan Kesiman Uluwatu Tanah Lot 09:30 – 10:30 09:30 – 10:30 18:30 – 19:30 18:30 – 19:30 18:00 – 19:00 18:30 – 19:30 Tari Barong & Keris Tari Legong Tari Kecak & Api Wayang Kulit Tari Kecak Ramayana Tari Barong & Keris Jegog Tari Katak Puri Saren Desa Junjungan Wantilan Pura Dalem Ubud Br. Ubud Kelod Pondok Bamboo Arma Musium 19:30 – 21:00 19:00 – 20:30 19:00 – 20:30 19:30 – 21:00 19:30 – 21:00 20:00 – 21:00 19:30 – 21:00 SATURDAY Puri Saren Pura Desa Kutuh Padang Tegal Klod Monkey Forest Balerung Stage Pura Dalem Ubud Lotus Pond Br. Ubud Klod 19:30 – 21:00 19:30 – 21:00 19:30 – 21:00 20:00 – 21:00 19:30 – 21:00 19:30 – 21:00 19:30 – 21:00 19:30 – 21:00 MONDAY Tari Legong Tari Kecak & Api Tari Barong & Keris Tari Kecak Ramayana Gamelan Wanita Wayang Kulit Legong Telek TUESDAY Tari Ramayana Balllet Tari Spirit of Bali Tari Kecak Api Wayang Kulit Tari Legong Tari Legong Gamelan Wanita Gamelan & Tari WEDNESDAY Tari Legong & Barong Wayang Kulit Tari Legong Tari Kecak & Api Jegog Tari Kecak Ramayana Topeng Jimat 10 Puri Saren Oka Kartini Yamasari Stage Padang Tegal Pura Dalem Ubud Pr. Dalem Tmn Kaja Arma Musium JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID 19:30 – 21:00 20:00 – 21:00 19:30 – 21:00 19:00 – 20:30 19:00 – 20:30 19:30 – 21:00 19:00 – 20:30 Tari Legong Tari Legong Tari Kecak Sanghyang Tari Beauty of Legong Tari Legong Tari Kecak Ramayana Tari Katak Wayang Wong Puri Saren Puri Agung Peliatan Padang Tegal Pura Dalem Ubud Istana Air Ubud Pr. Dalem Tmn Kaja Br. Ubud Klod Arma Musium 19:30 – 21:00 19:30 – 21:00 19:00 – 21:00 19:30 – 21:00 19:30 – 21:00 19:30 – 21:00 19:30 – 21:00 19:00 – 20:30 Puri Saren Padang Tegal Kaja Oka Kartini Arma Musium Lotus Pond Bentuyung Village Pura Batukaru Balerung Mandera Br. Ubud Klod 19:30 – 21:00 19:00 – 20:30 20:00 – 21:00 19:30 – 21:00 19:30 – 21:00 19:00 – 20:30 19:30 – 21:00 19:30 – 21:00 19:30 – 21:00 SUNDAY Legong Mahabarata Tari Kecak Sanghyang Wayang Kulit Tari Legong Tari Janger Jegog Tari Kecak Sanghyang Tari Legong Gamelan Wanita FULL MOON Tari Gambuh Tari Keack Rina Pura Desa Batuan Arma Musium 19:00 – 20:30 19:00 – 20:30 WHAT’S ON DRAGONAIR INAUGURATES DPS-HK ROUTE The Hong Kong-based Dragonair has just recently inaugurated its Denpasar-Hong Kong route. The twice-a-week direct flight has been established to cater for the increasing demand of passengers traveling between the two popular destinations. To celebrate this inauguration, Dragonair is offering special introductory rates for this route in its Airbus A330-300. Furthermore, sister airline Cathay Pacific is also offering special rates for other routes in Korea, Japan, USA, and Europe. For more info, you can call 021 515 1747.! www.dragonair.com WATERBOM ADDS FOUR MORE SLIDES The Waterbom Bali is around the corner in presenting exciting innovation in the waterpark world by unleashing 4 new slides that are bound to make smiles go wide and put the adrenaline to use. The four slides, namely Python, Constrictor, and two Green Vipers offer different appeal. The Python is going to be the biggest waterslide in the waterpark, a three-person slide ridden in a circular tube. The Constrictor and the two Green Vipers are a juiced up versions of their predecessors (the Raft River and Jungle Ride). Not only are these slides going to be quicker, but the journey will also be longer and more exciting with a take off point at the height of 19.62 meters.! Jalan Kartika Plaza, Kuta Phone: 755 676 12 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID WHAT’S ON PLASTIC IS NOT FANTASTIC Make your way to the Green School, just 15 minutes south of Ubud, this coming 14 June and join fun workshops, trash fashion show, fundraising fun-run, and enjoy live music performances to make a statement that “plastic is not fantastic”. You can also donate your recycled art creations to be auctioned during the event – funds raised will be used to sponsor the “Bye Bye Plastic Movement”. While you’re there, you can experience Green School’s amazing campus that was created by master craftsmen, designers and builders, landscape architects and gardeners using a blend of cutting-edge technology and traditional materials and methods. The result is a truly inspirational teaching and learning environment that stimulates critical thinking and creative problem solving.! Phone: 469 875 www.greenschool.org BRI TOUCH INTERNATIONAL UBUD VILLAGE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2014 The 2nd annual Ubud Village Jazz Festival will be held, once again, on the 8th and 9th of August 2014 at ARMA Ubud and will feature a world-class line-up that is guaranteed to be even more impressive than last year. With Acclaimed jazz musicians from Indonesia such as Musicology, Yuri Mahatma, Astrid Sulaiman, Shadow Puppets, Dwiki Dharmawan and Balawan, and international musicians, such as Israeli jazz guitarist Gilad Hekselman. This year’s theme is “Awakening Indonesia”, a lead up into Indonesia’s Independence Day celebrations later in the month. “Awakening Indonesia” will pay homage to the spirit of independence by focusing on Indonesia’s young generation of emerging musicians who are the brave, new voices of Jazz in Indonesia. The Festival aims to provide important cross-cultural and networking opportunities between International and local jazz musicians and will showcase established and emerging musicians over two days, on three stages. It will collaborate with local industries, such as handmade drums from Jakarta and double basses from Solo and bamboo installation for the stage décor. This year, the BRI TOUCH International Ubud Village Jazz Festival 2014 has partnered up with The Jazz Summer School in Korea-Netherlands as an exciting initiative to promote Jazz education in Indonesia. The Bali Jazz Summer School will be held over 5 days before the festival and will be divided into 6 different classes. The tutors are Rotterdam-based professional musicians who will also perform in the Festival. For more info, please visit: www.balijazzsummerschool.com Special early bird BRI TOUCH International Ubud Village Jazz Festival tickets are now available online and will be available until June. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary deal! For further information or inquiries, please check our website: www.ubudvillagejazzfestival.com! 14 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID WORLD OCEAN DAY The Marine Foundation invites everyone to celebrate the World Ocean Day at Desa Seni, during a series of events. The celebration aims to help raise funds for a new ‘living sculpture in the sea’ to be called Apsara, which will create new homes for fish and coral in the Underwater Gallery in Jemeluk Bay, Amed. The Jemeluk Bay Underwater Gallery is a series of public art installations located underwater in Amed, created with artists from around the world. These artworks are designed to help regenerate the local marine ecosystem and spread the message of the importance of preservation of the oceans and sustainable management of the reefs. During the week building up to World Ocean Day on 8 June, the theme of the ocean will be infused into yoga sessions at Desa Seni, with other special events to come.! www.desaseni.com POTATO HEAD BEACH CLUB Jl. Petitenget Seminyak, 80361 Bali, Indonesia P. +62 361 473 7979 E. [email protected] www.ptthead.com Twitter @pttheadbali facebook.com/potatoheadbeachclub WHAT’S ON THAI AIRWAYS INCREASES FLIGHTS SCHEDULE To celebrate its 54th anniversary on 1 May 2014, Thai Airways International doubles its daily flights from Jakarta to Bangkok v.v, starting from 10 July onwards, and daily flights from Denpasar to Bangkok v.v starting from 1 June onwards with connecting flights to Paris, Frankfurt, India, Japan, and many more. Experience the airline’s comfortable flights with their A330 Business or Economy class, and enjoy excellent services from the ground to the air with friendly crew and delectable food onboard.! www.thaiairways.com EVENTS LINE UP AT JAZZ CAFE NASI CAMPUR – SUNDAY 1ST JUNE Nasi Campur is a multi- cultural, mixed genre band based in Bali, and Jazz Café is proud to present this group of talented young International musicians once more. GRAND NIKKO 1ST ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT Grand Nikko Bali in collaboration with Bali National Golf Club proudly presents the Grand Nikko Bali 1st Annual Golf Tournament, which will be held this coming 14 June. Come and register to experience the exceptional golf tournament in a ravishing ambiance of the island of Gods at a newly revitalized golf club in Nusa Dua. With IDR 1,500,000nett as the registration fee, you will enjoy benefits outside the golf itself, including official golf shirt, precocktails and gala dinner. Great prizes to be won, such as the “Hole in One” Grand Prize: return tickets and accommodation to Osaka or Bangkok. There will be many lucky draw prizes to be won as well. During the event, stay at Grand Nikko Bali for special rate starting from IDR 1,350,000nett including breakfast and get a free upgrade to the one bedroom pool villa, Nikko Club Deluxe Beach Front Room or Ocean View Room.! Jalan Raya Nusa Dua Selatan, Nusa Dua Phone: 77 33 77 MICHAEL HAAK – SATURDAY 7 TH JUNE German Jazz Saxophonist Michael Haak presents a musical fusion of Hip-Hop grooves, funk & jazz Bass lines, lounge sounds, and spicy guitar chords, combined with the enchanting melodies of sweet Jazz Vocals, as well as tender and screaming Saxophone riffs. RUMBATERIA –SATURDAY 14TH JUNE Rumbateria is a newly formulated group, lead by Master Jazz drummer Sandy Winarta and combining an extremely talented group of musicians who like to be experimental and push the boundaries of musical styles and genres. DEEP SEA EXPLORERS – SATURDAY 21ST JUNE Deep Sea Explorers are a young Bali based garage rock & roll/ blues band. Their sound is heavily influenced by a wide range of musical genres, including: blues, rock & roll, fuzz-beat, garage rock, and psychedelic and punk. JAMAL MOHAMED WORLD MUSIC SPECIAL– SATURDAY 28TH JUNE – ENTRY IDR 50K Jamal Mohamed is an amazing Percussionist who has truly found his medium and mastered it. He played at Jazz Café last year and provided such a Jaw dropping show that we simply had to invite him to play again.! Jalan Sukma, Tebesaya, Ubud Phone: 976 594 16 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID Authentic Japanese Cuisine a taste of Japan Goda Kats Katsumimi SAVOR AUTHENTIC JAPANESE CUISINE IN THE CONTEMPORARY SETTING OF BENKAY JAPANESE RESTAURANT, WITH TEPPAN-YAKI, SUSHI BAR, YAKINIKU, SHABU - SHABU AND SPECIAL DAILY PROMOTION. BENKAY JAPANESE RESTAURANT at GRAND NIKKO BALI Jalan Raya Nusa Dua Selatan, PO BOX 18, Nusa Dua, Bali - 80363, Indonesia Tel: +62-361-773-377 Fax: +62-361-774-060 E-mail: [email protected] URL: http://www.grandnikkobali.com WHAT’S ON FASHION FESTIVAL 2014 This June 15 will see fashion enthusiasts swarming the BTDC complex in Nusa Dua as the area’s premier shopping destination, Bali Collection, throws the first ‘Bali Collection Fashion Festival’. Feast your eyes on the latest designs by members of the Bali Designers Association through their fashion or you can join the many competitions held during the day such as cooking competitions, coloring and drawing competitions, and many more. For further information you can call 081 9999 21270, 771 622 or send an email to [email protected] LEGENDARY DJ SIR NORMAN JAY TO PERFORM AT MOZAIC BEACHCLUB Not wanting to rest on its laurels as Bali’s most elegant locale and providing unrivalled fine dining experiences, Mozaic Beachclub is also committed to be on the lookout to present the very best in world-class musical performances for their sophisticated and well-traveled clientele visiting and living in Bali. After their enormously successful Earth, Wind & Fire Concert in March, another fantastic event will blow away the crowds at Mozaic Beach Club this coming Sunday, June 15. The whole beachclub will take on a carnival atmosphere with a whole afternoon of dancers and entertainers. Yet again, no expenses will be spared on decorations and a special stage will be constructed backing on the Indian Ocean. For those who not only want to dance the day away but also the night, DJ Shammui will play till late. In the evening, Mozaic Beachclub will also be welcoming Chef Alain Tolosa and his team from the famous restaurant, Catalunya Singapore who will delight the island with a special dinner menu served in their grand dining room from 7pm. Bookings are essential. Jalan Pantai Batu Belig, Kerobokan Phone: +62 361 473 5796 18 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID WHAT’S ON CONGRATULATIONS CATHERINE JULIA. YOU WON! This month’s lucky NOW! Bali E-newsletter winner is Catherine Julia, who correctly named the venue pictured as FIRE at W Retreat & Spa Bali – Seminyak. Ms. Julia, you have just won two vouchers of W Bali’s “Hawker House Street Feast Sunday Brunch” (a welcome drink, food package and free flow of non-alcohol drinks). Indulge yourself in their hedonistic offerings! Have you signed up for NOW! Bali’s E-Newsletter yet? Get the chance to win dining and leisure prizes at the best venues on the island by subscribing to our free bi-weekly E-Newsletter via the NOW! Bali website, www.nowbali.co.id. BETTER LIFE IN A BOTTLE OF WATER FROM STARBUCKS Water changes lives. Together, we can help change the future of those in need of safe water. Recently Starbucks Indonesia and the Planet Water Foundation hosted the “Water for Change” project in Deli Serdang, as part of its fourth Global Month of Service. This program supports the advancement of Starbucks Global Responsibility Goals which were designed to help make communities stronger through environmental stewardship and community engagement. For every customer who has purchased a bottle of water in the store, Starbucks Indonesia will donate Rp. 1,000 to Planet Water Foundation to build Aqua Towers. Anthony Cottan, Director of Starbucks Indonesia, said that “bringing hygienic water to areas in need of clean water throughout Indonesia is the major goal of this project and our customers can help us achieve this by simply purchasing a bottle of water when they visit Starbucks.” Cottan added, “This Aqua Tower will benefit more than 3,000 people in Deli Serdang”. With 175 stores in Indonesia, Starbucks Indonesia recognizes its responsibility to use its scale for good. Activities such as Water for Change project provide an opportunity for Starbucks partners (employees), customers and community members to join together to demonstrate how Starbucks Indonesia is making a local impact; inspiring and nurturing the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time.! 20 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID EDITOR’S CHOICE COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH JUNE 2014 Vanilla Passion Foam A luscious crisp marriage of vodka infused with fresh vanilla beans, homemade vanilla syrup, fresh passion fruit & a touch of citrus. KU DE TA Jalan Kayu Aya, Seminyak Phone: 73 6969 Read more about KU DE TA on page 112 22 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID EDITOR’S CHOICE DISH OF THE MONTH JUNE 2014 Wagyu No.9 Duo Grilled striploin, braised beef, comte potato, glazed root vegetables, red wine sauce Ju-Ma-Na at Banyan Tree Ungasan Jalan Melasti, Banjar Kelod, Ungasan Phone: 300 7000 Read more about Ju-Ma-Na on page 98-99 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID JUNE 2014 23 PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE PROTECT OUR SEAS TEXT BY ALISTAIR G. SPEIRS PHOTO BY NAMHAR HERNANTO 24 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID I Is there anything nicer than plunging into cool, crystal clear water? I know that when I first came to the Far East, I was absolutely amazed by the silky smooth, refreshing, fabulous water I found here in Bali, and in Thailand and Malaysia. Wow, it was a luxury. to go in search of it. What we have instead is sometimes a nightmare of garbage, so thick with waste that swimming is impossible. That opening your mouth in the sea is life threatening. Is that what we have condemned our world to be? The world shown in the cartoon film “Wall-E” where the people have to leave the planet until it has been cleaned up. Where we close our eyes and hope it will go away? Where is it now? As you travel around Asia, the seas are no longer azure, the fish no longer visible, the texture no longer silk, but plastic. We have let our seas become our dumping grounds and now we are suffering. Perhaps you don’t think it’s your fault, and you’re right, but please help us to, first of all put it right, and secondly prevent it happening in the future. Give your help to those who are cleaning up the beaches and rivers, speak to anyone you see throwing garbage away and ask them to stop. Check with your hotel or villa when the next clean up is taking place. Write to the local government and ask them to take it seriously. It seems they don’t. Suffering because the joy of diving into that enervating water is no longer easily available to us and our children. We have I don’t want to lose that joy of swimming in fantastic clean seas forever.! WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID JUNE 2014 25 CULTURE GOD AND COSMIC DUALISM IN BALI TEXT BY JEAN COUTEAU ILLUSTRATION BY DEWA PUTU KANTOR 26 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID I If one asked an educated Balinese what the philosophical foundation of their religion is, most will probably answer the Rwabhinneda, a sort of dialectics of complementary opposites. The Rwabhinneda is multi-pronged. It looks at first simple, applied to basic realities. People will thus talk about day and night (lemah-peteng), masculine-feminine (purusa-pradana), tangible-intangible (sekala-niskala), good and bad (becikcorah) etc. Gods will be told to have their demons and demons their gods (dewa, ya—buta, ya). The Rwabhinneda is even present in the folk stories of the asibak hero –the one who has only half of his own body. And last but not least, if you are facing a big problem, you may have someone telling you in a fatalistic tone that “good and bad are always side by side” (jele kelawan melah setata mesanding). Yet, the Rwabhinneda is much more than just popular wisdom. Or, rather, this popular wisdom is the surface expression of a complex philosophical system, that of cosmic dynamism turned religion, which one finds, in one form or another, throughout most of the non-Moslem East. And which is strangely in accordance with the newest theory of the origin of the world, that of the Big Bang - which explains how all the known and unknown manifestations of reality are endlessly expanding after the initial Big Bang. At the origin of the world, the old wise men say, there was the awang-awung, the state of non-reality, which first becomes a god, the god of the void –Sang Hyang Embang--, which in his turn becomes the unthinkable –Sang Hyang Atintya—also called the Supreme Siwa—ParamaSiwa. During those transformations, God becomes creative light, Sang Hyang Surya, the sun god, or/ and then Sang Hyang Kawi, the Creator himself. God at that stage is still One. The notion of God as the Sun God accounts for the multiplicity of the Divine. What does one see when one tries to look at the sun? A blinding light and an unknowable thing, just like Origin itself. But how does one best perceive the sun? Through it rays (prabha). And do we not see new rays for every new movement of the body and of the eye? Thus the gods are as numerous and as uncountable as the rays of the sun. Hence the origin of the term dewa, which comes from dev or ray in Sanskrit. God is therefore as unique and unknowable (atintya above) as the gods are multiple and potentially knowable through their particular function and symbol. He is One because he is Multiple. Wyapi-Wyapaka, “he pervades the pervading”, as written in the classical poem Arjuna Wiwaha. This interpretation of the divine is thus pantheistic. It is the opposite, even though ultimately the same, as the concept of the divine found in Mediterranean traditions. In those traditions God is the contraction of everything into an absolute Oneness, whereas in Bali –and much of the East—it is an expanding Oneness that turns itself into an infinite number of manifestations. During rites, this expanding notion of God is well expressed in a mantra addressed to the master of fire, Brahman the Creator. The components of the fire made by the burning incense turns into the gods of the directions of the compass: The flame of Brahma becomes Mahadewa; the charcoal becomes Wisnu; the first spark Iswara; the second spark Rudra; the smoke is Sangkara; the “flower” made by the ashes is Sambhu; and the whirling of the smoke is the divine holy syllable, the Ongkara (OM). Thus to every god corresponds god. In its creative aspects, the Sublime Creator, Sang Hyang Kawi (or Sang Hyang Widdhi) engineers reality. His creative energy creates its positive and negative energetic principles: it becomes Brahma, creator of the world, and Siwa, destructor; whereas a third acting god intervenes, the lord of Balance, Wisnu. The divine One thus becomes a part of the Rwabhinneda dualism, which further expands into the cosmic Trinity (Trimurti) of Brahma, Wisnu and Siwa. So much for the creative forces. But those forces take a material form. One finds again here the Rwabhinneda. The male aspect of the Rwabhinneda, the Purusa, is associated with the spiritual, and represented by the god of the sky, Akasa, whereas the female aspect, the Pradana, is associated with the material and represented by the earth goddess, Pertiwi. Similarly, to the Supreme, most ethereal ParamaSiwa correspond its material opposite aspects created through the prakrti action, called simply “Siwa”, with SadaSiwa between the two. Here again, the dualism turns into a trinity called Tri Purusa (ParamaSiwa, SadaSiwa and Siwa). And this goes on. To the four gods of the compass and their Siwa center correspond the five material elements (earth, fire, wind, water and ether), the PancaMahaButa. Eventually, the human microcosm (Bhwana Alit) corresponds to the universe (Bhwana Agung), the goal of life being by Man to negate this dualism and merge into the cosmic Oneness of the ParamaAtma, the Sublime Soul of the Universe, which is no else than God himself. One has thus an endless dialectic of positive and negative, godly and demonic, material and spiritual, one and multiple. The mystery of the godly expands into endless symbolism. The illustrations of Dewa Putu Kantor on the opposite page shows various manifestations of the Rwabhinneda principle. The human being, in the middle, is both spirit and matter, good and evil, black and white. Hence he is represented as “sibak”, in two half parts. Furthermore the man sitting on the lotus symbolizes the human microcosm sitting on the lotus flower, which symbolizes the macrocosm –its petals representing the directions of the compass. The visible man on the right corresponds to the invisible and negative forces to the left. On top is Atintya the Sublime One, both male and female, lord of the direction of the compass, god himself.! Historian and art critic Jean Couteau brings us stories depicting the life on Bali, sometimes real, sometimes myth, always meaningful. WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID JUNE 2014 27 DID YOU KNOW? THE SECOND SMALLEST IN THE WORLD The Sumatran elephant is native to the Indonesian island of Sumatra and is the second smallest elephant in the world - the largest is the African elephant and the smallest is the Pygmy elephant. Unfortunately, Sumatran elephants are now considered endangered because of habitat loss due to illegal logging. The heartfelt story of conflict between humans and elephants in Sumatra is beautifully told in the Bali Safari & Marine Park’s inspiring Elephant Show. The park also established a haven for this amazing animal, the “Kampung Gajah” or Elephant Village, where it houses 20 Sumatran elephants right now. Here, you can enjoy yourself with the Elephant trail, cuddles with the baby elephants, take some pictures, feed the elephants and you can also see the elephants education show that tells you about their characteristics, habits in the wild, and the differences between the Sumatran and African elephant. Elephants are the biggest wild land-animal as its body weight can reach up to 5,000 kg. The spread of Asian elephants reach India, Peninsula, Sumatra, and Sri Lanka. If compared to African elephants, Asian elephants have smaller bodies. These wild animals live in groups, which consist of 1030 elephants in a group. Their foods are all kinds of grasses and fruits. Only male elephants have ivory tusks, which start to grow at the age of 2 or 3 years old. A female elephant’s pregnancy period is 22 months and she can give birth to 1 or 2 baby elephants.! 28 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID exploring bali TEXT BY NAMHAR HERNANTO In this issue we celebrate Bali as a paradise of stunning natural wonders. Our team traveled to the corners of the island’s north, east, south, and west to bring to you everything exquisite about the island. Bali is an island where you can feast your eyes on its awe-inspiring landscapes. The enchanting natural beauty that awaits you certainly justifies the long drives you may need to take to get to her unspoiled, hidden gems. To avoid getting lost during your exploration, bring a map and familiarize yourself ahead of time with two or three of the towns you will encounter along the route; although getting lost in Bali is never a bad idea! We really hope you take the time to explore the island with us, up-close and personal.! north P. 36 30 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID south P. 44 east P. 52 west P. 60 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID JUNE 2014 31 let’s go! Bali’s crisscrossed roads will lead the curious visitor to all kinds of unique places; rustic little villages, awe-inspiring natural landscapes, and rituals that you never even knew existed. While it may be tempting to stay on the beach every day during your stay, getting off the main road and exploring Bali’s deepest corners is what you should do to leave a memorable experience in your travel diary. Take a random turn and make a stop, but take your time to explore properly. Park your vehicle, put your walking shoes on, and prepare yourself for a true Bali experience. ! BALI’S NEW “ONE STOP” ADVENTURE CENTRE Yanie’s Restaurant • Blu Bar & Terrace Lounge • Shinto Spa – ArtSpace Gallery Coffee Shop • Dewatan Bakery & Delicatessen Jl Raya Kedewatan Ubud – Bali P. 8989 777, F. 8989 551 www.baliadventuretours.com 32 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID JUNE 2014 33 A4 AWEINSPIRING NORTH MENJANGAN ISLAND Mt. Prapat Agung Gilimanuk Seririt A4 Mt. Sangiang Mt. Merbuk JEMBRANA Mt. Musi Mt. Mesehe Negara REGENCIES MOUNTAINS POPULAR HUBS MUNICIPALITIES A3 WHAT TO DO 34 B1 PETULU BIRD WATCHING B2 TREK THROUGH THE VILLAGE OF TARO B3 AGUNG SUNRISE ASCENT B4 KERTA OFF ROAD ADVENTURE B5 SWING LIKE TARZAN IN BEDUGUL JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID A1 GREEN BELT OF THE WEST CHASING A MAGICAL SUNSET A2 Singaraja LAID BACK AND RELAXED Lovina BULELENG Lake Buyan Mt. Batur Lake Bratan Lake Batur Lake Tamblingan B5 Bedugul Mt. Batukaru Mt. Agung A2 B3 BANGLI Amed KARANGASEM B1 Tegalalang Amlapura TABANAN KLUNGKUNG B2 Mengwi Tabanan B4 A3 Gianyar Candi Dasa Padang Bai BADUNG Tanah Lot Canggu Klungkung GIANYAR Ubud DENPASAR LEMBONGAN ISLAND Seminyak Legian Lembongan Kuta CENINGAN ISLAND Penida Serangan Jimbaran Uluwatu A1 Pecatu Benoa Nusa Dua PENIDA ISLAND WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID JUNE 2014 35 WHERE TO GO | NORTH EXPLORATION awe-inspiring north bali TEXT & PHOTOS BY NAMHAR HERNANTO PURA PABEAN IN PEMUTERAN BEARS A NOSTALGIC STORY OF HOW THE BALINESE FISHERMEN AND SAILORS AND TRADERS FROM OUTSIDE BALI USED TO COME TOGETHER TO PRAY FOR A SAFE JOURNEY WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID JUNE 2014 37 WHERE TO GO | NORTH “Driving around to the deep corners of the island on your own can at times lead you to pleasant surprises; especially if you get lost! Of course, getting lost can be extremely frustrating; but during a holiday on the island, this can mean a closer encounter with everything that is ‘real Bali’ – not to mention that there are plenty of interesting things going on when you’re off the beaten track. And going north is just the way to do it!” BANJAR HOT SPRING, WHICH IS LOCATED LITERALLY IN THE MIDDLE OF A JUNGLE, PROVIDES YOU WITH AN ENOUGH DOSE TO RELAX - IT’S WHERE YOU CAN ENJOY BATHING WITHIN A NATURAL TROPICAL SETTING. 38 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID EXPLORATION I It’s a bit odd to learn that such a beautiful place as North Bali still doesn’t receive the number of visits it deserves – even in the midst of the tourism boom Bali is currently experiencing. The area’s rolling green hills are so inviting and you get to see firsthand the authentic, traditional Balinese villages. A hill full of colorful flowers and picturesque terraced rice paddy fields will salute you along the way, while local villagers’ kids wave at you with their genuine hospitality. If attractions are what you’re looking for, then North Bali has several unique places of interest that you won’t find down south. The Banjar Hot Spring, which is located literally in the middle of a jungle in Banjar sub district, will provide you with the perfect dose of relaxation, a place where you can enjoy bathing within a natural, tropical setting. The first bathing area consists of a two-storey pool filled with dragon statues spewing hot sulfur water – the upper pool is shallower and slightly warmer than the lower one. Along the walls of the two pools are small ridges where you can sit in the water. Be careful when climbing down the stairs though, for the water is not that clear and the steps are not really visible. The other bathing area has a smaller pool but with stronger discharged waters. Here the water pours from 3m high, giving you a great scalp and back massage. There is also a restaurant that serves decent food, so you can spend the whole day here, being lazy in the hot sulfur water. Changing cabins and lockers are provided just under the restaurant; if you feel like taking a shower, there is an open air shower right next to the hot springs. Another nearby attraction in Banjar is the Brahma Arama Vihara Buddhist Monastery. Located some 2km from the hot spring, the Buddhist monastery is painted with colorful decorations; it has a very bright orange roof, Buddha statues with colorful backgrounds and Balinese decorative carvings. This shows the solidarity amongst the Hindu and the Buddhist community who live on the island. On the very top of the monastery are complexes of stupas that visitors call small Borobudur. There is a vast meditation area and everyday many guests visit this temple. Some of them come to relax and take the opportunity to meditate; others to admire the beautiful buildings and surroundings. The area is very peaceful and has panoramic views overlooking Lovina Beach. Visitors are always welcome and are asked to respect the tranquility of the area and the beliefs of the locals by wearing sarong or sash upon entering the temple. WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID JUNE 2014 39 WHERE TO GO | NORTH Adding to the existing attractions in the north coast of Bali is the Hatten Wines. Opening its stunning Observation Deck and Welcome Center in the village of Sanggalagit, the wine company has made its biggest vineyards accessible to visitors. Originally started in 2001, this 14-hectare vineyard is part of the 35-hectares the company owns and manages on the north coast. With several properties spread along the coastal road from Seririt to Pemuteran, Hatten Wines has built the Welcome Center and Observation Deck at Sanggalangit, creating a new attraction for visitors of the North Coast promoting its beauty and one of its main industries. The architecture of the buildings is a statement of Hatten Wines celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2014. The buildings bring a bit of color in the greenery of the vineyards and stand as a reminder of the modern approach Hatten Wines has to its winemaking and its products. A modern platform is erected above the grapevine’s treeline - the observation deck is a striking, colorful structure with views of the vineyard, the mountains and the surroundings. The Welcome Center is a small, cozy structure wherein sits a prominent tasting bar and lounging sofas that invite you to enjoy the wine whilst admiring the vines. Planted at different times, the surrounding vines explain their different growth stages and guests can witness the grape’s lifecycle at anytime of the year. This unique feature allows amateurs to 40 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID understand the growth process, whilst simultaneously trying the wines served at the Welcome Center. For further info about the vineyard tour, you can call 767 422 or send an email to [email protected]. While the beaches in Bali’s mass resort areas might have a reputation for being loud and crowded, the Pemuteran area in North Bali is home to quiet coastal communities. That being said; if you feel like escaping to a beach but want some solitude and quiet, look no further. Following a picturesque three-hour drive through the rolling hills and plantations down to the coastal lowlands, you will enter this area that lies on the quiet North West coast of the island, sandwiched between the West Bali National Park containing pristine coral reefs and luxuriant tropical rainforest. We’ve been there before – though only once – and, of course, heard plenty of stories about the area; about the intriguing EXPLORATION Bio Rock Structures, a forest of wire frames through which low voltage electric current is run to encourage fast coral regeneration; a pleasant walk, wandering up the beach and past the rural countryside for magnificent coastal views; and, for the energetic explorer, to set out on a guided hike through the West Bali National Park in search of deer, pigs, macaques or the elusive Bali Starling. While the wonders of Pemuteran that we already knew and experienced astounded and enchanted us, our recent visit to the area, which gave us time to explore more properly, introduced us to another grandeur the area has. It was Pura Pabean, a worshipping place and an architectural brilliance that combines the Buddha, Hindu and Islam influences. On the grounds that border the ocean, Pura Pabean hearkens to a nostalgic story of how the Balinese fishermen and sailors and traders from outside Bali used to come together to pray for a safe journey. The word ‘pabean’ itself, which can be translated into ‘customs’, implies that the temple was also a stopover for the seamen centuries ago. All in all, North Bali in general is a place where you can feast your eyes on its awe-inspiring landscapes. The enchanting natural beauty that awaits you certainly justifies the long drive. This region is still relatively unknown, and to avoid getting lost in this rural jungle, bring a map and familiarize yourself ahead of time with two or three of the towns you will encounter along the route.! OBSE OBSE OBSERVATION BSERVAT RV ION DECK IN ONE RVAT N OF HATTEN HATTEN HATTE N WINES’ W NES’ WI ES’ BIGGEST BIGGES VINEYARDS VIN VI NEYA EYAR ARDS DS IN D IN SSANG AN GALA GALAGIT GIT. T. (PH ((PHOTO OTO COURTESY COURTESY OF O HATTEN HATTEN WINES) WINES WINES N ) SANGGALAGIT. WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID JUNE 2014 41 WHERE TO GO | NORTH SLEEP IN NORTH BALI Matahari Beach Resort & Spa This resort is a perfect destination for connoisseurs of luxury and relaxation. Phone: 0362 92 312 www.matahari-beach-resort.com Damai Hidden in the jungle-clad hills overlooking the coast, this retreat is dedicated to beauty and tranquility. Phone: 0362 41 008 www.damai.com Villa Mayo A piece of paradise, this hidden gem offers oceanfront tranquility from where both sunset and sunrise are best observed. The in-house restaurant is just amazing. Phone: 0818 555 635 www.villamayobali.com Pondok Sari Pondok Sari is well known for its tropical garden, its traditional architecture and its shady trees on the sandy beach next to the calm sea. Phone: 0362 94 738 AN ARCHITECTURE ARCHI ARCHI R TECTURE TECT URE R BRIL BRILLIANCE R LIAN NCE E T THAT HAT T COMB C COMBINES OMBINES INE ES THE HE BU BUD BUDDHA, DD DHA HA, A, HIND NDU, U,, AND AN ND D IISLAM SLAM INFLUENCES IN NFLUEN ENCES CESS BURIED BURI B R ED D IIN N THE THE LUSH LLUSH H GREEN GR REEN N HINDU, L AND NDSCAP SCAPE SCAP E OF PEMUTER PEM EMUTERAN R AN LANDSCAPE PEMUTERAN 42 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID JUNE 2014 43 WHERE TO GO | SOUTH TEXT & PHOTOS BY KARTIKA D. SUARDANA “Pictures of a breathtaking sunset in Uluwatu can be found on postcards, websites about Bali, tourism guides and so on. The beauty of an old temple with a glowing, amber sun setting behind it attracts hundreds of visitors daily. Uluwatu has become a must visit site on the island.” 44 44 JUN JU JUNE UN U NE NE 2 2014 014 01 014 14 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID WWW WWW WW WW.NO .N NOW NO NOWBA WBA WB BALI. BA ALI LI. L II.CO CO. C O O.ID ID EXPLORATION BREATHTAKING SUNSET OVER ULUWATU TEMPLE WWW W WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID WW.NO NOWBA NO OW WBALI. WBA ALI. LII.CO. L CO.IID CO D JUN JUNE UN U NE NE 2014 2014 014 1 45 45 WHERE TO GO | SOUTH THE HE WAVE WA ROLLING ROLLING AGA AGAINST INST ST THE HE MAJ MAJESTIC AJESTI ESTIC WA WALL LL OF OF U UL ULUWATU UWAT WA U CLIFF CLIFFF 46 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID EXPLORATION U Uluwatu is originally the name of the temple, Ulu meaning land’s end and watu meaning rock. This name truly represents this temple as it is found at Bali’s most southern tip, where Bali ‘ends’, perched on the edge of a cliff. Once, the area surrounding the temple was just dry earth, with no water source, with only spots of cotton trees that are able to survive the arid conditions. Now it has developed into an expensive and ‘most wanted’ area for hotels or as it offers extravagant views of the gleaming Indian Ocean. The name Uluwatu now refers almost to the entire area south of the fishing village Jimbaran. Uluwatu is about 45 minutes drive from Nusa Dua or one and half hour drive from Kuta toward Jimbaran passing through jungles and cliffs beside the vast blue ocean. One afternoon I drove to Uluwatu on a quest for a magical sunset. Being early for sunset I decided to stop by at Garuda Wisnu Kencana, a cultural park showcasing an unfinished bronze statue of Lord Vishnu and Garuda (mythical bird). The entrance fee we paid includes watching Balinese dance performances scheduled every hour at the amphitheater. Garuda Wisnu Kencana refers to the condition of the Lord Vishnu – a Hindu God who protects life- sitting on his holy vehicle, which is the mythical bird, Garuda. After years, the WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID JUNE 2014 47 WHERE TO GO | SOUTH statue has not yet been finished; Vishnu’s head and torso are situated on the highest ground of the area where a holy spring is also located. Lower behind, on the spacious green yard between the cliffs, the head of the Garuda is showcased. Continuing the trip to the edge, I couldn’t resist making a stop at Padang Padang. This small idyllic beach looks so different from the last time I visited. I feel the beach is now over capacity, yet still enjoyable. I checked out what was happening on the beach from the bridge, before I walked down to the cave that connects the main road at the top of the cliff to the beach far below. At around 5 pm, I continued driving to the temple. Hundreds of visitors had already flocked to the area. A family of monkeys was the first to greet me as I entered the jungle area. There is a pathway on the edge of the cliff that goes directly to the temple. The path looks a bit like The Great Wall of China because it stretches as long as 1km, give or take, from west to east. It was great exercise, walking through the path up to the temple while trying to avoid the naughty monkeys. The cheekier ones are known to snatch glasses, earrings, cameras and even slippers from visitors! Finally, around 6pm, the sky slowly turned orange with few lines of pink stretching the length of the horizon. The Indian Ocean became a shimmering mirror, reflecting the sky’s brilliance. The mountainous roof of the temple stands out on the edge of the cliff making a great beautiful silhouette. Far below the golden waters crashed against the foot of the cliff, the sounds of swashing filling the air to welcome the coming night.! BIRD’S EYE VIEW OF THE TRANQUIL PADANG PADANG BEACH 48 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID EXPLORATION WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID JUNE 2014 49 WHERE TO GO | SOUTH SLEEP IN ULUWATU Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts Bali This designer resort offers a sophisticated contemporary design born from the encounter between traditional Balinese forms and high Italian style. Phone: 8471000 www.bulgarihotels.com Alila Uluwatu The exquisite luxury villas lets you rediscover the joy of pure relaxation in unparalleled comfort and space. Phone: 848 2166 www.alilahotels.com Banyan Tree Ungasan Perched 70 meters above sea level on the cliffs of Bali’s southernmost peninsula, the resorts lives up to its name, offering high level of comfort and privacy. Phone: 300 7000 www.banyantree.com Harris Bukit Jimbaran Overlooking the stunning Jimbaran Bay, this 4-star hotel features 245 rooms and suites. Phone: 846 8777 bukitjimbaran-bali.harrishotels.com OBSERVING SUNSET IN THE SOUTHERNMOST OF BALI’S PENINSULA 50 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID WHERE TO GO | EAST 52 5 2 JUNE JUN JJU UN U NE 2 2014 014 014 01 14 W WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID WW WWW WW..N WW .NO NO N OWBA WB W BA B AL LI. LI II..C CO. CO O..IID O D EXPLORATION TEXT & PHOTOS BY KARTIKA D. SUARDANA QUIET ATMOSPHERE IN THE FISHING VILLAGE OF AMED WWW WW W WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID WW W W..NO NO N OW WBA WB BA B ALI. LI. LI I.CO CO CO. O.IID D JUNE JJU JUN UNE 2 UN 2014 01 01 14 4 53 53 WHERE TO GO | EAST “Amed is a stretch of coastline located on the northeastern part of the island, in the Karangasem Regency that consists of seven villages. The area can be reached in, give or take, 2 hours by car from Ngurah Rai International Airport. It sounds far and takes time, but after passing through the busy traffic in the south, the ocean views on the right, green hills on the left, the humble village scenes along winding roads and the backdrop of the majestic Mt.Agung makes for an enjoyable journey.” 54 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID EXPLORATION My idea of a holiday in Amed consists of taking long coastal walks looking out towards the green mountains; or jumping in to the crystal clear waters with the snorkel gear on and admiring the beautiful underwater life under the sea. Amed is one my favourite destinations because of its beautiful views, both on land and under the sea. It was a long weekend when I decided to pack and escape the busy southern life. I booked a beachfront bungalow at Uyah Hotel, which I wouldn’t describe as ‘high-end’ but their location is more than ideal and I enjoyed the natural hospitality offered. Surprisingly, I recognised a few faces from Denpasar gathering at the hotel restaurant. There were friends from environmental NGOs: Conservation International, Coral, and Reef Check Indonesia, who collaborate in a program, called the Eco Diver Program, which trains the local professional divers in identifying reefs, fish and other indicators to monitor the health of the ocean. PEACEFULNESS BLANKETS BALI’S EASTERN COASTAL AREA WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID JUNE 2014 55 WHERE TO GO | EAST 56 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID Mornings in Amed are fresh and quiet. I spent the morning walking along the beach. As the sun was rising slowly, as if waking up from its slumber beneath the ocean, the sky began to brighten. The surrounding hills were glowing green as the sunlight bathed their surface. After a hearty breakfast, I joined the Eco Diver Program volunteering to document their underwater activity. Diving in Amed is never boring. The coast has several interesting spots offering captivating underwater beauty. The gentle seabed slope in front of Garam Amed resort and restaurant is the place to encounter some unique sea critters such as the pipe horse or skeleton shrimp, amongst others. Further east towards Jemeluk Bay, a submarine post box has been installed 6m under the sea amongst the coral reef, a part of the fisherman community’s marine conservation efforts. Waterproof postcards are sold at the community shop on the spot and visitors can send it through the undersea post box that can be reached by free diving or scuba diving. For more underwater fun, travel up to Banyuning nearby Lipah Bay and explore the Japanese Wreck that can even be accessed from the shore. The small shipwreck, found 20m offshore, is said to be an old, World War II Japanese sea patrol that sunk. The shipwreck is surrounded with a great formation of coral reef, where an abundance of reef fish and unique marine-life live.! GET CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH OUR WILDLIFE ȧ2YHUUDUHH[RWLFDQLPDOVLQOXVKWURSLFDOJDUGHQ ȧ8SFORVHSHUVRQDOIHHGLQJHQFRXQWHUVȧ%UHDNIDVW:LWK(OHSKDQWV ȧ2QHRIDNLQGH[SHULHQFH0DKRXWIRUDGD\ ȧ7KHEHVWWUDLOLQ%DOLIRU(OHSKDQW([SHGLWLRQȧ8QLTXH]RRYHQLUV ȧ'LVFRYHUQRFWXUQDODQLPDOVDW1LJKWDWWKH=RR ȧ([SHULHQFHGLQLQJZLWKWKHZLOGOLIHȧ:LOGOLIH(GXFDWLRQ Bali Zoo @zoo_bali BALIZOO Jl. Raya Singapadu, Sukawati, Gianyar 80582, Bali, Indonesia t. +62 361 294357 f. +62 361 298608 [email protected] 5HVHUYHRQOLQHDQGVDYHRIIRQDOOSDFNDJHV AMED’S COLORFUL UNDERWATER ECOSYSTEM www.bali-zoo.com WHERE TO GO | EAST SLEEP IN AMED The Griya Villas and Spa The Griya has 14 intimate and luxurious modern Balinese villas that are set amidst Amed’s striking natural setting. Phone: 0363 23571 www.thegriya.com Santai This beachfront resort offers exotic atmosphere surrounded by lush tropical gardens. Phone: 0363 23487 www.santaibali.com CORALS BUILDING UP ON THE SUBMERGED BALINESE STATUE IN AMED 58 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID WHERE TO GO | WEST green belt of the west TEXT & PHOTOS BY NAMHAR HERNANTO “Known as the ‘rice bowl’ of Bali, Tabanan is just where to go if you long for tranquility and relaxation – and if you would like to experience Bali in its own special and traditional nature.” THE REWARDING BIRD-EYE VIEW OF LAKE TAMBLINGAN AS YOU DRIVE DOWN TOWARDS MUNDUK DIRECTION. 60 60 JU JUN JUNE UNE 2 UN 2014 014 01 0 14 1 4 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID WWW WW W WW.N WW ..NO NO NOW WBA WB BA B AL LII. LI. I.C CO. CO O..I O .ID ID EXPLORATION WWW WW W WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID WW.NO WW .N NO N OW WBA WB BA B AL LI. LI II..C CO CO. O..IID O D JUNE JUN JJU UN U NE 2 2014 014 01 0 14 1 4 61 61 WHERE TO GO | WEST T This beautifully landscaped regency is divided into a series of environments. The lowlands are covered with rice fields, while the surrounding high hills greet travelers with steeply terraced fields carved out of the fertile soils. Take a walk through the villages and sweep away in the melodies of the gamelan orchestra at the bale banjar or community center. You might well be the only visitor there at that time. As you pass through the undisturbed beauty of the villages, you get to witness the locals doing their daily activities; a lady walking down the road in her traditional outfit, or one fixing an offering in the village temple. Children normally play by on the village streets, chasing one another or even climbing a tree. There are numerous small roads and unmade tracks; be brave and venture them, and learn that the simple, unpretentious life of the Balinese people can be so captivating. Of course, Tabanan is very famous for the Tanah Lot Temple. One of Bali’s most sacred sea temples, and probably most photographed, Tanah Lot is dedicated to the guardian spirits of the sea. Tanah Lot Temple is said to be the work of a 15th century priest called Nirartha. While on his travels along Bali’s south coast he found this beautiful spot and rested there for the night. Local fishermen saw him and he instructed them to build a holy place where the Balinese Sea Gods could be worshipped. Inside the actual temple compound itself there are tiered shrines that follow the fundamental elements of Balinese design, where the number of levels constructed are symbolic to the complexities of the faith. There are other formations within the area that indicate that the site is not only of great religious importance, but also maintains archaeological value. Hidden amidst the rocks and crevices surrounding Tanah Lot there are a number of black sea snakes. Although these snakes are tame, visitors are warned to be cautious and refrain from unnecessarily aggravating these reptiles or wandering off unaccompanied to explore. These snakes are believed to be the guardians of the temple and protect the entire area from unseen evil forces. Only certain Balinese people about to perform the ritual prayer or religious activities are allowed entry into the temple – visitors are only allowed to observe from the outside. Crowds especially gather on the terraces nearby to watch the glow of the sunset behind the temple. Naturally, there are plenty of souvenir shops and cafes with a view to keep you well-supplied while doing so. Don’t forget to check the coral life that exists in abundance below the water’s surface. 62 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID EXPLORATION THE MAJESTIC PURA GUBUG NESTLES ON THE EDGE OF LAKE TAMBLINGAN. WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID JUNE 2014 63 WHERE TO GO | WEST Also most photographed in Tabanan is the challenging 18-hole golf course found at the Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort, the Nirwana Bali Golf Club. The golf club is a visual masterpiece of dramatic ocean views and lush Balinese landscapes. The golf course offers a spectacular adventure for golfers of all skill levels. Test your accuracy and consistency like a PGA Professional or simply relax and enjoy the views with three holes running along the cliffs of the Indian Ocean and terraced rice paddies providing unique hazards at this resort. For a truly memorable experience, relax, rejuvenate and reward yourself as you play your way around the award winning golf club. Moving to the village of Mengwi you’ll find an attraction that not a lot of visitors know about: Sangeh in Mengwi. Many Balinese people consider Sangeh as the real Monkey Forest in Bali – not to be confused with the popular one located in Ubud. The story of this monkey forest goes back to the 17th century when an adopted son of the King of Mengwi received a heavenly message to build a temple on Sari Hill. His obedience towards God’s order has turned the once barren landscape with no plants at all into a green expanse surrounded and protected by trees. It is said that all this greenery was supernaturally teleported by God Ida Bhatara from His holy volcano, Mount Agung. However, that wasn’t the only bout of magic that occurred that day, for hundreds of monkeys were also sent to the temple’s area to occupy the trees. 64 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID EXPLORATION A LOCAL TAMBLINGAN VILLAGER SPENDS A QUIET AFTERNOON FISHING IN THE LAKE. WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID JUNE 2014 65 WHERE TO GO | WEST These monkeys immediately began their roles as protectors inside and around the temple. Some faithful elders in this area claim that they can verbally communicate with these monkeys – but only when they are praying and very focused. Not only that, the elders also said that actually anyone has the ability communicate with the monkeys. If we are in a highly focused state of mind, then it is said that we can hear the monkeys talking to us – and that we can talk back to them. Today, this area is called Sangeh; due to its abundance of trees and monkeys, Sangeh is also referred to as the Monkey Forest. Also, different from the ones in Ubud or Uluwatu, the monkeys in Sangeh are not aggressive. So it is considerably safe to still wear your sunglasses or hat when visiting the area. Despite the fact that being able to talk to monkeys may not be totally true, why not you can always give it a shot and find out for yourself? Further up the regency is the popular Bedugul, a large area covering the western highlands of Bali, and just the place to go to when the coastal area’s heat and humidity finally get to you. Bedugul entertains visitors to the area with three lakes that provide everything from water activities recreation to grandeur shows especially when Balinese Hindu ceremonies take place at the Pura Ulun Danu Bratan (Lake Bratan Temple). The Lush pine forest seems to create freshness in the air around Lake Bunyan. Gazing over the lake from higher ground with a hot cup of coffee in hand can definitely give you that well-deserved break from hectic daily life. Driving down to the direction of Munduk Village, and not too distant from Lake Bunyan, is the other lake that offers nothing but breathtaking natural beauty and pure peacefulness: Lake Tambilngan. The peaceful and serene water of this lake contrasts the wild forest of the surrounding (commonly bustling with the sounds of insects). And making it dramatic is the majestic Pura Gubug that sits on the edge of the lake. Certainly, you cannot leave Bedugul without making a stop at the Candikuning Market, a delight for fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowerlovers. A five-minute drive from the market is the Kebun Raya Eka Karya (Bali Botanical Gardens) that offers above all else, coolness and tranquility with some 1,500ha of stunning walks, rainforest, conifer groves, palms, tree ferns, etc.! SLEEP IN TABANAN Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali This five-star resort offers a wide range of exquisite rooms, leisurely pursuits and pampering services that are available right at your doorstep. Phone: 815 900 www.panpacific.com Alila Villas Soori This luxurious beachfront resort leads you to depths of relaxation you never knew existed. Phone: 894 6388 www.alilahotels.com Strawberry Hill Hotel Incorporating features of a typical Indonesian mountain-style residence, Strawberry Hill sets new standards for accommodation in the Bedugul area. Phone: 0368 21265 www.strawberryhillbali.com HARV HARV HARVESTING R ESTI ESTING NG THE THE RICE RICE IN AN AN AREA AREA NEAR NEAR T THE HE FAMO FAMOUS US TANAH TANAH LOT OT TEM T TEMPLE. PLE PL E. 66 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID WHAT TO DO kerta off road adventure TEXT BY NAMHAR HERNANTO PHOTO BY EDWARD SPEIRS 68 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID EXPLORATION N Now this is not your typical “pony-ride” tour, for you’ll experience and explore the beauty and thrills of ATVing through the rugged terrain of Kerta village in Payangan. Just minutes away from Ubud, you can enjoy some of Bali’s finest scenic vistas on a high altitude through an ATV/buggy adventure with Bali Quad Discovery Tours. The adventure takes place in a rural area, offering a great experience of driving your own off road vehicle (or enjoying the ride as a co pilot) with the opportunity to learn about the way the local people live. The Bali Quad Discovery Tours’ experienced guides are extremely knowledgeable in local history as well as geography. The ATVs and Buggies are the easiest and safest to operate that even riders with no prior experience can operate; this provides you a safe and enjoyable experience while navigating through your adventure. You’ll be guided to some of the most stunning spots on the island through small tracks, where you’ll encounter the friendly locals. There will be a practice session prior to the adventure, when you can familiarize navigation by trying out your preferred vehicle on a training circuit. And after driving some test tracks on the practice spot, you will be able to operate it yourself and start for some 2 hours of an adventurous sightseeing tour. During the tour there will be a short break at a sightseeing point where you can relax while enjoying the beautiful view of the nearby rice fields and the surrounding hills. Limitation for self driving is 16 years of age. Younger participants (starting from 5 years of age) can join the tour as a co-pilot.! Bali Quad Discovery Tours Jalan Wirasatya VI No. 4X, Denpasar Phone: 720 766 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID JUNE 2014 69 WHAT TO DO trek through the village of taro TEXT & PHOTO BY NAMHAR HERNANTO 70 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID EXPLORATION T Taro village in Ubud is characterized by its terraced rice fields, dense forests, and dramatic, rolling landscapes. The vastness and beauty can be quite startling to visitors. Any visitors approaching the area will appreciate it, and it is worth stopping just to absorb the beauty of it all. Yet, most of the travelers that pass through Taro are unaware that the village’s charm extends beyond its forests. And this is why you need to make a stop at this village; but take your time to explore properly. That’s right, explore properly! And the way to do it is by going on a guided trekking by Bali Adventure Tours through the hills of Boenjaka in the village. This will give you a chance to wander through a bamboo forest and see the timeless routine of planting and harvesting rice from the endless stretches of emerald green rice fields that unfold before you. Your trek guides will introduce the flora and fauna you pass throughout the tour, including king and queen palm trees, ferns, wild orchids, hanging liana and a variety of birds such as the Java Kingfisher, and Black Bali Starling. You will also be taken to a traditional Balinese family compound on the hill, and see firsthand how the locals do their daily routines. En route agricultural plantations of coffee, coconut, and palm can be seen, and tropical fruits such as the snake skin fruit (salak), durian, jackfruit, papaya, oranges, mandarin, mangoes, and mangostene. In addition, you can sample spices such as cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric direct from their natural source. The 2-hour trek includes an exclusive passage directly through the spectacular Elephant Safari Park where majestic and endangered Sumatran Elephants meander by within inches of your trail. Lunch is served in the safari inspired coconut and teak wood open-air restaurant overlooking the bathing lake of the Elephant Safari Park before a return drive south through the unspoiled Balinese countryside.! Bali Adventure Tours Phone: 721 480 www.baliadventuretours.com WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID JUNE 2014 71 WHAT TO DO petulu bird watching TEXT & PHOTO BY NAMHAR HERNANTO B Being a part of Ubud district, Petulu is a village famed for its artists, dancers and carvers. The quiet atmosphere of this village offers a traditional glimpse of Bali within one of the most scenic settings on the island, where one can easily see the modesty of the villagers as they skillfully make palm-leaf trays to lay their offerings in pristine natural surroundings. And what many don’t know is that the village is also home to hundreds, if not thousands, of white herons. There is a belief that these herons are a reincarnation of thousands of Balinese who were slaughtered in a massacre during the Indonesian Communist Party regime in the 60s, when tge anti-communist witch hunt swept over the nation. According to the villagers, these ‘souls of the slaughtered’ appeared in the village exactly one week after an attempted communist coup led to failure in 30 September 1965. No herons had been seen in the village before then. Surely, Petulu will leave an unforgettable afternoon for everyone visiting the area; especially when flows of the herons are flocking the village to roost there. Standing on the rim of the rice fields with your head looking up straight observing the sky provides a magical vision – the blue sky above turns crimson with little white dots of the herons from a distant that will gradually grow bigger as they are approaching and flying low before finally hopping onto their nests. As the sun sets, the trees of Petulu will change appearance into clumps of white as the herons nest there. However, you might need to get a safe spot or walk quickly under the trees if the herons are already roosting, for the copious droppings in the road will indicate it’s wise not to hang around! 72 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID JUNE 2014 73 WHAT TO DO agung sunrise ascent TEXT & PHOTO BY EDWARD SPEIRS T The sunrise trek up Mt. Agung is one of the most spectacular outdoor experiences you can have in Bali. It is both challenging and breathtaking, but an absolute treat for any nature-lover or explorer. This majestic volcano is located in east Bali, Karangasem Regency. Those coming from the south often make their way through Klungkung and Candidasa to get there. The best experience of Agung is definitely the sunrise ascent, which begins at around 1.30am. This is done from the easiest route up the southern face of the mountain. With walking stick in hand, jacket on your back (as it gets very cold) and headlamp ready, you will make your way up a set of stairs 74 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID that takes you to temple Pura Pasar Agung, which is already at 1,700m above sea level. The first half of the trek passes through thick vegetation, along softer earth paths. You will have to watch your step and your head as you meander through low hanging branches and thick roots. At around 2,200m above sea level the vegetation will stop and will be replaced by hard, volcanic rock that you must scramble over carefully. This hard rock continues up until you reach the crater, 3,042m high. It will be around 5:50am by this time, whereby you can sit and watch in absolute awe as the sun rises behind Mt. Rinjani in Lombok, and its warm light reveals the whole south coast, from which you can see from the best viewing nest in Bali. The descent is slow and must be done carefully, but offers a completely different experience as you can now see all that you missed during the dark, night ascent. Trekking up Mt. Agung is challenging. You must be confident, fit and cannot be afraid of heights. You should be well prepared and well informed. Make sure to use a professional guide like those from www.mudigoestothemountain.com or book with Alila Manggis (phone: 0363 41011).! WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID JUNE 2014 75 WHAT TO DO swing like tarzan in bedugul TEXT & PHOTO BY NAMHAR HERNANTO K Kids just love role playing. And what is a better role to play than Tarzan? That’s right, the Bali Treetop Adventure Park allows children and parents to swing like the king of the jungle. With different circuits, you and your family can find the right circuit for your level and age, or even try the more challenging circuits. Suitable for those aged 4 to over 60 with a maximum weight of 120kg, the outdoor challenges offered at the park are set amongst towering trees in the cool breeze of Bedugul. But don’t worry, for throughout the entirety of the circuits you will remain attached to a life-line support. Patrol guides will also be situated along the circuit ready to advise and assist as needed giving support from above and below. There are seven levels of circuit with seventy-two challenges – squirrel yellow circuits (for kids aged 4 to 6, 95cm minimum), squirrel green circuits (for kids aged 4 to 8, 95cm minimum), green circuits (over 6 years old, 110cm minimum), blue circuits (over 8 years old, 120cm minimum), orange circuits (over 8 years old, 120cm minimum), red circuits (over 10 years old, 130cm minimum), and black circuits (over 12 years old, 140cm minimum). As long as you respect the minimum height requirements for each particular circuit, you are free to try as many circuits as you please in two and a half hours.! Eka Karya Bali Botanical Garden, Baturiti, Tabanan Phone: 852 0680 www.balitreetop.com 76 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID KID’S FUN ADVENTURE TIME AT JUNGLE CAMP TEXT BY KARTIKA D. SUARDANA PHOTOS COURTESY OF GRAND NIKKO BALI 78 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID I I marveled at the adventurous design of the Jungle Camp at Grand Nikko Bali. This creative kids club is divided into two areas, an indoor playground and outdoor playground. Found in the indoor playground is a range of different active games, such as colourful building blocks, bowling and foosball, amongst other things. The outdoor section of this extensive kids club serves as the real reason for its name, ‘Jungle Camp’ - kitted out with a jungle gym, surrounded by green vegetation and a tropical cave-like atmosphere. Here the kids can climb cargo nets, run across suspended bridges, crawl through a hanging tunnel and slide down into a soft sand pit below. Even more impressive is the climbing wall situated in the corner. When I was there a little boy was doing his best to clamber to the top, with one of Jungle Camp’s staff holding tight onto the safety rope and giving instructions at the same time. The nearby sandy pool creates a casual beach atmosphere and children can make a sand castle here too. I had a little chat with Mrs. Erni, the staff on duty. She told me that the camp is for children from 4 to 12 years old. The camp, located at the Hotel’s Cliff Tower, offers various programs by the hour, although different every day, the programs can also be customized accordingly to the children’s likes. Some of their most wanted programs are drawing & painting, wearing Balinese dress with photo session, arts & crafts, and clay painting. However, the Jungle Camp’s activities aren’t restricted to the kids club’s area only, because the kids are also brought to play in the pool, go crab hunting on the beach, feed the camels and fish, or the visit the secret passages of the hotel in order to learn how the hotel operates from behind the scenes.! Jalan Nusa Dua, Kuta Selatan • Phone:+62 361 773377 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID JUNE 2014 79 SPA & WELLNESS LOMBOK’S HISTORICAL SPA TEXT BY SARAH PREWITT “As the temperature cools and the island enters the start of its dry season many find this the perfect time to explore Bali’s outlying islands. With many of Bali’s spa resorts and day spa ‘branches’ now on neighbouring islands, such as Lembonggan, any of the Gilis, Lombok or Sumbawa, why not plan a fun escape and go on spa trip? While you explore the wonders of these different islands, you can also explore some of the different healing techniques available there.” 80 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID T The Tugu Hotel in Lombok is an ideal place to explore the culture, history and geography of Bali’s nearest neighbor. A vastly different culture, and a majestic landscape await visitors to the Tugu Hotel at Sire Beach, North Lombok. Tugu’s spa, The Hening Swarga Spa, follows the theme of the hotel and presents the past of Indonesia in all it’s mystery and romance. This historic experience begins as you make your way across the grounds to the architecturally captivating building set against a backdrop of swaying palm trees and the silhouette of Mount Rinjani. The spa menu here includes traditional massages from Lombok that differ in their approach to the Balinese style. In Lombok they focus on the joints of the bones and also apply deeper pressure on muscles rather than the ‘long’ strokes used in Balinese massages. They are particularly good for any kind of sports stress or tensions related to repetitive strain injuries or longs hours working at a desk. The romance of the resort also flows into the spa, with treatments for couples to take together including bathing rituals taken in a Hamam style bathing pavilion, where a beautifully tiled bath is drawn, scented and scattered with petals. Follow the magical stories of ancient times through the interiors of the hotel and immerse yourself in an exploration of history while you explore your own patience and discipline by taking advantage of the daily yoga classes. On nearby Gili Meno, the wonderful people of Karma Group have recently opened their new Reef Resort, and while the spa facilities are minimal they deliver their award winning massages in the beach spa huts and in the privacy of the guests’ sea facing, lumbung style accommodation. Explore the art of deep relaxation and give your mind and body the luxury of a wholesome rest, in this in this supportive and dream-like environment of the beach fringed resort. Just off the coast of Sumbawa, the idyllic and exclusive resort of Amanwana immerses its guests in a program that includes the exploration of the rainforest, the coral reef and the magical lake of Setonda Island. In the elegantly tented resort itself, the spa facilities invite guests to enjoy semi-outdoor massage experiences under a rainforest canopy. Nearer to Bali, the island of Nusa Lembonggan is just a day trip away for most visitors. However, the best way to visit is to spend a few days there to explore all three of the islands in the cluster. Catch up on some sleep on calm, early nights and during the day indulge in the very pleasant treatments at the GLO Day Spa that has opened on the island. Alongside the highly acclaimed treatments and services offered at all GLO Salons, the mani-pedis, the crème baths and gorgeous massages with natural oils, GLO on Lembonggan offers island-appropriate treatments for the hair and body that take care of sun exposure, prevent over dehydration and keep skin plump and happy under the tropical sun. When exploring the islands remember that prevention is always the best policy, so take care of sun exposed skin by using sun block and moisturizing creams, wear a hat when out in the sun, and after a day of exposure find a gentle massage with cooling oils to ease the heat from the skin, or take a Balinese Luluh for a reviving soak in a herbal bath. Explore and enjoy.! WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID JUNE 2014 81 SPA & WELLNESS OTHER SANCTUARIES These other spa and wellbeing centers are well known for their unique treatments, luxurious facilities and exceptional experiences. SUPER FACIALIST SU-MAN HSU RETURNS TO AWAY® SPA Su-Man Hsu will be in-house at the W Bali’s renowned AWAY® Spa from 14 June until 24 June, offering her legendary ‘five star’ signature facials to hotel guests and in-the-know locals. SuMan has built an esteemed reputation over the past ten years as an international leader in skincare, carefully re-crafting the art of the luxurious facial. She is the woman behind countless A-Listers’ seemingly ageless beauty, including Juliette Binoche, Frienda Pinto and Anne Hathaway, who have described their body treatment with Su-man as “a life-changing experience”. Su-Man’s signature facial, inspired by the principles of Shiatsu and Pilates, begins with an intensive skin analysis so she can tailor the facial to each client’s specific needs. The skin is deeply cleansed with steaming, before Su-Man extracts impurities, exfoliates, tones and moisturizers the face with her carefully designed massaging techniques and her own specially created skincare products.! Jalan Petitenget, Seminyak Phone: 473 8106 WELLNESS ESCAPE AT PEPPERS SENTOSA SEMINYAK With the growing demands of living in today’s fast paced world taking its toll, it is often all too easy to overlook the need to simply slow down and take care of ourselves. The newly rebranded Peppers Sentosa Seminyak truly understands this problem and has created a choice of three-day and seven-day wellness escape programs to restore balance to one’s life. colon hydrotherapy, spa treatments, yoga classes, and breathing and meditation sessions. Additionally, a nutritious meal plan or a complete juicing course together with cooking classes, lectures and other activities complement each program. The wellness escape programs will be held on a monthly basis commencing in the second and fourth week of June.! To ensure maximum results, all programs include nutritional consultations, a private healing session, detox massages, Jalan Pura Telaga Waja, Petitenget Phone: 733 398 HEAVENLY SPA BY WESTIN Heavenly Spa by Westin has just launched one of Asia’s few dedicated kids spas. Parents can enjoy some well-deserved pampering in the brand new spa, while the little ones are being treated to a mini pamper in the Westin Kid’s Spa by the beach and then have heaps of fun at the resort’s Westin Kids Club. personal indulgence, is a nature-inspired sanctuary offering a nurturing menu that combines traditional spa services and healing practices with holistic programs for body, mind and spirit rejuvenation. There are also separate thermal facilities for male and female, each featuring a hydro-pool, salt wall sauna and steam room.! Heavenly Spa by Westin, which was launched end of last year for unparalleled Kawasan Pariwisata Nusa Dua, BTDC Lot N-3, Nusa Dua • Phone: 771 906 82 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID SHOPPING GOD FROM THE MACHINE PHOTOS COURTESY OF DEUS EX MACHINA D Deus ex Machina (god from the machine) roared into Australia’s cultural consciousness in 2006, with some neatly customized motorcycles and a quaint notion that doing something is more fun than just owning something. Deus ex Machina is a step bigger than a brand: it’s a culture. The brand’s openness and enthusiasm strike a chord with people, wherever they are... Deus (“day-us”) didn’t set out only to sell custom parts and hand- built motorcycles, but to celebrate a culture of creativity. The Deus philosophy recalls an era before the various pursuits of fun – motorcycling, surfing, skateboarding, whatever – were marketed into fundamentalist factions. Custom motorcycles are at the core of the Deus philosophy. While focusing on the design and construction of bespoke custom motorcycles, Deus also promotes and celebrates a custom motorcycle culture that first appeared in Europe and America in the 1940s, a culture of pure enthusiasm born of the desire to turn the humble motorcycle into the ultimate expression of applied art. Workshops are located in Sydney, Bali, LA and Milan.! Jalan Batu Mejan 8, Canggu Phone: 368 3395 84 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID TIGER DOG IDR 120,000,000 Engine Honda Tiger 250cc Specification Custom Alloy Tank Hurricane hand grip and hand bar Hand made alloy fender front and rear Yamaha YZ 250 tromol front Yamaha TW 225 custom tromol rear Yamaha Byson front shock Bridgestone tire Emgo speedometer Yamaha Vega ZR front brake Kawasaki KLX 150 rear brake Yamaha F1ZR custom exhaust Replica Harley 5’5 chrome head lamp Emgo Japan winter sign lamp SHOPPING SILVER STREAK IDR 120,000,000 Engine Yamaha Scorpio SSX 225 Specification Vantura hand bar TK japan black rim Posh japan tail light Custom exhaust Custom leather seat Posh japan speedometer and switch Custom alloy tank KNN air filte Deli tire SB 117 120-80/18’ Firestone 400-18 rear tire Hurricane hand grip Replica HD 5’5 head lamp DEUS SANTALUM BOOT IDR 1,600,000 86 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID DEUS CUSTOM SINGLE SPEED SPECIAL FIXIE BIKE IDR 20,000,000 Frame Customs deus special italy frame Wheels Leaf cycle rims set (front-rear) 32H Stem Nittotechtomic 22,7mm Handle bar Nitto bar 22,7mm Saddle San marco concord Crank Miche 48T, BCD 144, Length165mm Pedal/strap Welgo / toshi single strap Tyre Gatorskin. Bottom-bracket Miche 110m Headset Miche Brakeset Shimano Seatpost Micheprimato 22,7mm DEUS CANVAS RUGSACK IDR 1,900,000 SHOPPING HOME PAMPERING If luxurious spa treatments have been a part of your stay in Bali, you may find yourself wanting to recreate the experience at home. From scented candles to classic and timeless fragrances to rejuvenating skin formulas, these items below will make you feel like you’re being pampered in a lavish spa. MARIANNE GUEDIN CANDLES The luxurious candle line from Marianne Guedin features hand-blown glass vessels, hand-run natural French wax, and beautiful packaging. Each candle is inspired by Guedin’s memories and features an intoxicating blend of fragrances. The beautiful glasses can be reused as candles and each are totally unique, thanks to the time honored glass blowing technique. ACQUA DI PARMA COLONIA ESSENZA The world of Colonia has been developed around the structure of the original creation of 1916, with the Colonia classic serves as the inspiration for new, harmonious variations such as the Colonia Essenza. The mythical perfume evolves, becomes richer, and is completed through the perfect interpretation of a sole theme - the true, inimitable, unique La Colonia Italiana. KIEHL’S MICRO-BLUR SKIN PERFECTOR The newest multi-benefit formula from Kiehl’s, the Micro-Blur Skin Perfector is a lightweight skin formula that provides an immediate blurring effect and visible improvement of pores and skin texture over time.! Kuta Beachwalk, First Floor A-11 • www.glowlivingbeauty.com 88 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID DINING EDITOR’S CHOICE JUNE 2014 SWANKY JU-MA-NA TEXT BY NAMHAR HERNANTO PHOTO COURTESY OF JU-MA-NA “Stylish and über-chic, Ju-Ma-Na at the Banyan Tree Ungasan enlivens my taste buds with its avant-garde menu that comprises fine ingredients and distinctive flavors. The immaculate fine dining cliff-top restaurant — complete with a stylish shisha bar, lounge, and an exceptional wine cellar — is intended to create an unparalleled gourmet experience in an ultraglamorous setting.” 90 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID I I clearly remember my first visit to Ju-Ma-Na years ago, when, as I stepped into it, I was immediately bowled over by the restaurant’s chic ambience. Today, the restaurant still amazes me, especially with its cliff’s edge location that privileges patrons with a dramatic view of the Indian Ocean and dusking sky with its degrading colors of pinks and oranges as the sun sets in the horizon. Meaning “white pearl” in Arabic, Ju-Ma-Na is shaped like a rounded pearl with white interiors and exteriors dominating the restaurant’s décor. It’s a fine restaurant indeed, but Ju-Ma-Na also makes for an excellent chill-out venue for watching the sunset while enjoying the numerous mixes of cocktails on offer. I am always impressed at the genuine amicability of the staff – in keeping with their Balinese values – but also their polished and highly efficient service. As a prelude to my meal, I’m invited to wash my hands in a beautiful golden bowl filled with rose-scented water. It is indeed a lovely little cleansing ceremony. The menu exudes excellence, with its feast of delectable fresh seafood with an Asian twist. The chefs at Ju-Ma-Na pride themselves on using only the freshest ingredients to create a contemporary fine dining menu. The “Butter Poached Rock Lobster” (corn agnolotti, baby vegetables, edamame, lobster veloute) is a definite delight for any seafood lover. Red meat options such as the “Wagyu No.9 Duo” (syrah braised short ribs, grilled strip loin, comté potatoes, glazed roots vegetables, red wine sauce) is an art on a plate — it tastes as great as it is presented.! Ju-Ma-Na at Banyan Tree Ungasan Jalan Melasti, Banjar Kelod, Ungasan Phone: 300 7000 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID JUNE 2014 91 DINING A DAY WITH THE CHEF TEXT & PHOTOS BY NAMHAR HERNANTO W Who doesn’t love going out for a fancy meal? Making reservations, dressing up nice and enjoying an incredible meal prepared by a talented chef - dinner out can be a real feast for the senses. And while on holiday, trying a new dish at a nice local restaurant is one experience, but actually learning how to make it is an entirely different one. Now this is the kind of souvenir we like; one that doesn’t take up space in your carry-on and that you can enjoy over and over again! As a dining institution, Mozaic has enjoyed international praise for its outstanding, innovative French cuisine laced with Indonesian flavors - Mozaic is the only restaurant in Southeast Asia selected by Traditions & Qualité as one of Les Grandes Tables du Monde (Great Tables of the World) and to have its wine list awarded year after year by Wine Spectator. And taking its fine reputation from Ubud down to the beach of Batu Belig, Mozaic Beachclub is buzzing with life, especially during its cooking classes. The celebrated Chef James Ephraim has fashioned a program that is designed to teach you a few kitchen tricks, the art of discovering the freshest Balinese ingredients and applying the philosophy 92 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID of Mozaic through modern cooking techniques; all while you luxuriate in the beautiful setting of Mozaic Beachclub. But don’t worry if you can’t find the ingredients at home, for Chef James will share the substitutes familiar to your country, and, most importantly, how to adapt the cooking techniques in your own kitchen. The four-hour cooking class starts at 9am on Mozaic Beachclub’s deck, overlooking the ocean, where you will be briefed about the menu (appetizer, main, dessert). You will then be guided for a kitchen tour before finally getting down and dirty with the real business: cooking! Of course, food is all about satisfying your senses; hence the importance of presentation as it is equally essential to feast your eyes. Presentation techniques in this class will definitely take your food creation to the next level. Signing up for this cooking class will give a tick in every box for a wonderful, memorable holiday in Bali.! To make your reservation, contact: Mozaic Beachclub Jalan Pantai Batu Belig, Kerobokan Phone: +62 361 473 5796 Email: [email protected] Chef James Ephraim A native of England, Chef James Ephraim started his culinary stint as a sous-chef with the highly praised Grosvenor Hotel. This famous venue introduced Chef Ephraim to exclusive events with regular appearances at the Estate of the Duke of Westminster. Leaving his native England for extraordinary experiences in the South Pacific and Australasia, Chef Ephraim was part of the opening team of Bracu Restaurant in New Zealand as chef de cuisine, and extended his stay down-under thereafter at Lizard Island Barrier Reef Resort. During culinary discovery holidays, Chef Ephraim completed a stage at Mugaritz in Spain, The Saint James in Bordeaux and culinary experiences throughout Asia. Embracing the philosophy of Chef Chris Salans in the use of Bali’s freshest ingredients, Chef Ephraim has been a key asset in creating the modern Mozaic Balinese Cuisine which has been presented at the famed Ubud Mozaic Restaurant Gastronomique in the last few years. DINING FAT CHOW COZY IN THE ALLEY TEXT & PHOTOS BY KARTIKA D. SUARDANA I In between the rows of souvenir shops, small hotels and home stays that line Poppies lane II, a famous road that runs up from Kuta beach, Fat Chow stands out amongst its neighbors. This little restaurant is open to the street, showcasing its attractive interior; a chic yet retro Hong Kong style that brings ‘oriental Chicago loft’ to mind. Damien, the young gentleman who is both the owner and chef, envisioned a restaurant that brings Asian comfort food to the mouths of its visitors. Some of the dishes here are based on those we may easily find on the streets of Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong and other Asia countries. His love for comfort foods and his constantly creative mind lead to the birth of the fusion choices found on the menu, such as the soft and spicy Chick In Pandan Leaf and savory Tokyo Prawn. 94 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID Their Tom Yum was love at first taste - an explosion of sour and spicy flavours. This hot soup comes in generous portion too. Their Oriental Burger is for those who love a taste of something homemade. A great balance portion of veggies and meat is placed between the soft sesame buns, and unlike your ordinary burger, it is served with a side of crispy wonton instead of French fries. Don’t feel like having anything too heavy? I found their ‘Try Them All’ choice on their ‘bites to share’ menu, small tasters of chosen dishes. I suggest a combination of Chick In Pandan Leaves, Chicken Wings triple cooked, Tokyo Prawn, and Pork on Fire. That combination takes you on a mini ‘mouth-journey’ around Asia. I then wrapped-up my cozy moment at Fat Chow with a fresh kick of Bruce Lee Berry, one of their freshly made juices.! Jalan Pantai Kuta, Kuta • Phone:+62 361 753516 g n i c u d o r t n I ,QWHQVR by FINEST QUALITY COFFEE BEANS FROM THE HIGHLANDS OF INDONESIA FULL OF FLAVOUR BODY AND AROMA MEDIUM TO DARK ROAST Contact: [email protected] DINING WARISAN’S NEW HAUTE CUISINE TEXT & PHOTOS BY KARTIKA D. SUARDANA A As haute couture for cuisines, quite a number of restaurants on the island such as Warisan represent the very best in quality, innovation, technique and presentation; what goes into each dish is more than food. And so for food enthusiasts, Warisan is not something to be taken lightly as the restaurant represents the definition of its culture, based on the newfound pleasure of conviviality, the hunt and curiosity for new tastes. Warisan, which means “heritage” in Indonesian, has been serving western dishes to its loyal patrons for more than 20 years now. Following a major re-modeling, Warisan Restaurant has opened its doors to an even more sumptuous and memorable experience. The restaurant’s new German chef, Jörg Kocher, has created an exciting new menu to delight the most demanding taste. He and his kitchen team are sure to please and impress with their culinary creations, polished service and attention to detail. “Fresh” is probably the only word Kocher has in his culinary dictionary. With 28 years of cooking experience around the world, Kocher knows his way around the kitchen to create scrumptious balanced dishes only from freshest produce. The new items now listed in Warisan’s haute cuisine such as “Salmon Confit” (with potato-herb pure, tomatoes, and olives) and “Lamb Chop with Spice Crust” (served with potato parmesan dumplings and artichokes) are garnering popularity and labeled as the restaurant’s new signature dishes. Food connoisseurs and celebrities such as Michelle Yeoh, Ashanti, Yoko Ono and Grace Jones have found their way to the restaurant for a memorable dining experience. With a lush courtyard under the fragrant frangipani trees, Warisan serves its magic at its best. Jalan Raya Kerobokan No. 38, Br. Taman, Kerobokan Phone: 73 1175 96 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID P A T I S S E R I E & C A F E KUTA | JI. Raya Kuta No. 65 Br. Abianbase Kuta 80361 Bali Indonesia | T +62 (0)361 755149 | F +62 (0)361 767340 DENPASAR | JI. Hayam Wuruk No. 181 Tanjung Bungkak Denpasar 80235 Bali Indonesia | T +62 (0)361 243147/8 | F +62 (0)361 243145 SEMINYAK | JI. Kayu Jati No. 1 Seminyak Square Seminyak 80361 Bali Indonesia | T +62 (0)361 738033 coming soon in SANUR E [email protected] Visit us at www.balibakery.com DINING UBUD INSTITUTIONS ... TEXT BY AYU SEKAR “Everyone comes to Ubud for at least a day, to see what Bali used to be like and its always a memorable day, a bit of an adventure. While restaurants abound, and with great new eateries popping up almost every week there are several old favourites, which you just have to try.” 98 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID T Top of everyone’s list is Ibu Oka Restaurant opposite the Palace on Jl Suweta. This just keeps getting more popular as swarms of Chinese visitors, Indonesians from Jakarta, Surabaya and Medan come to delight in Oka’s pork. It is almost mandatory in Japanese guidebooks and Australians remember it from the good old days. Recently the main restaurant opposite the Palace has undergone a renovation, making it look more like a restaurant and much less like an exotic “old Bali” kind of place. Now guests sit at tables and chairs, not on the floor and the succulent roasted pig has been shifted out to the kitchen at the back. A sign of the times! Now Ibu Oka has opened a new restaurant at the back of her family compound. Looking onto a river valley, it is surrounded by trees and greenery in a large open space. Beneath the restaurant is the traditional kitchen where most of the work is done. Each morning starting around 4am, the pigs are slaughtered and cleaned, stuffed with the spicy bumbu and set to cook at their own fireplace. To cook the pigs, coffee wood is used, with the smoke imparting an extra richness to the meat. While quality has never been compromised, the taste that you get at this famous institution is a little less flavoursome than it used to be. Spices and flavor have been reduced to cater to tourist’s palates. What a shame. But for an excellent plate of succulent roasted pork, it is still the place to go. You can always add some sambal. Order a cold Bintang beer or a lovely, fresh orange juice to go with the meal and sit watching other tables waiting anxiously for their own delicious plates to be served. Those wishing for an even more authentic babi guling should head to one of the smaller warungs that abound on Ubud’s outskirts, or for the brave, head to the downstairs produce area in Ubud Market and try Wayan’s sublime roasted pork complete with the full compliment of spices. She uses only small Balinese black pigs and the taste is incredible. You can watch the market at its busiest while indulging (or buy a takeaway packet and bring to your hotel) and see a slice of the Bali that many tourists miss. Its fun and a great meeting place for local artists and wanderers. There is no need to book at any of these local restaurants where you can be assured a great meal.! WANA is the first of its kind in Bali, a restaurant set within a tropical rainforest. Experience exploring the wild, while sampling exotic South East Asian cuisine and sipping seductive cocktails without having to travel to the jungle. Open daily from 09:00 a.m - 10:00 p.m. www.wanarestaurant.com WANA RESTAURANT.LOUNGE.BAR @WANA_RESTAURANT BALI ZOO Jl. Raya Singapadu, Sukawati, Gianyar, Bali 0361 294357 *No admission ticket to the Zoo is required when dining at Wana DINING FOOD WITH A VIEW TEXT & PHOTO BY AYU SEKAR “There is one trip to make whilst in Bali that even the most jaded must surely make!“ 100 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID T The huge volcanic caldera of Kintamani / Mt Batur is a delight on so many levels. The cool humidity free air is a great start and the myriad walks in the area make it even better. Some like to climb up Mt Batur, starting well before dawn around 2am, to make sure they reach the peak in time to see the first rays of the sun sneaking over the still darkened vast landscape. Other walks involve traversing soft leaf covered trails that lead to the nearby Mt Abang, about three hours away. Hot springs by the vast Lake Batur are the place to soak away any aches and pains incurred earlier in the day. Sunset, as the first chill starts to hit, is the best time to submerge the body into one of the steaming pools. For the less active, sitting on one of the delightful balconies of the Lakeview hotel watching the mountain and clouds is just as delightful. Everyone needs to eat while there and there are afew options. Most folk stop for and ersatz lunch at one of the tourist places with a view. The Lakeview also offers lunch but their lunch comes with a variety of fresh salads, some with edible flowers as sates, soups and generally very good fare. Kadek Krishna Adidarma, the charismatic man in charge at Lakeview has brought up the standards of food to new levels. He has introduced lots of new organic dishes and is always working to improve the standards. Overnights or longer stays are also available in the hotel where all rooms come with a view. Those who wish organic could try the Sari Organic Restaurant offshoot in the main road which also comes with a view.! Lakeview Hotel Jl. Raya Penelokan, Kintamani T: 0877 6244 7177 Sari Organik, Kintamani T: 0361 879 6029 E: [email protected] PADMA RESORT BALI DINING MORE INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR HATTEN WINES Hatten Wines’ Jepun Spakling Rosé, methodic hampenoise, has won a silver medal at Le Mondial du Roséin Cannes last month. Results were published online on May 5th confirming the Balinese winemaker surpasses all expectations by winning a silver distinction in a French competition. For its 20th anniversary events and celebration activities, Hatten Wines entered the Jepun Sparkling Rosé in the French competition in April. The bottles of Jepun Spakling Rosé will soon be proudly wearing the medal, alongside with the Rosé wine and the Alexandria’s gold medals from CWSA 2013.! APPOINTS NEW JAPANESE CHEF FOR TENKAI With its ongoing development and continuous effort to deliver quality products and services, Padma Resort Bali at Legian has appointed Masahiko Morikawa to take charge in the kitchen of their Tenkai Japanese restaurant. Morikawa began his culinary career back in 1986 and perfected his skills at a famous restaurant in Nagoya. He later joined Okura, a leading Japanese hotel brand, to assume the role of assistant chef in 1994. Leaving Japan, Chef Masahiko then worked for Wasabi Bistro at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This was followed by an appointment as executive chef at the same restaurant for the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Singapore.! Jalan Padma No.1, Legian • Phone: 752 111 The Cellardoor Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai (Simpang Siur), Kuta Phone: 767 422 STEPHANE SIMONDS STEPS IN TO CIRE’S KITCHEN SINGLE MALT WHISKIES & COCKTAIL BAR OPENS ON OBEROI Bringing Cire’s new culinary concept to life is recently appointed Executive Chef Stephane Simond. Originally from France, Chef Stephane began his career with an apprenticeship in a Michelin-starred restaurant in his hometown in the Alps. You can now experience the future of fine dining at Cire restaurant with the unveiling of a fresh new dining concept focused on healthy, sustainable and locally sourced produce. The menu is created completely from local produce sourced from Indonesia, predominantly from Bali, that is as organic and sustainable as possible.! Single Malt is an extension of Meja Kitchen, the restaurant tucked beneath the IZE Hotel Seminyak. It offers a mix of seating areas including booths for two or four, high leather bar chairs and an outdoor-balcony area that can seat up to 20 people. Unlike any other bars, Single Malt, as its name hints, has one of the most extensive whiskey lists in Bali with over 50 bottles of rare whiskies from as far as India, Japan and Sweden. Jalan Belimbing Sari Banjar Tambiyak, Desa Pecatu Phone: 848 2166 The cocktail list, with a wide selection of standards, introduces some new whisky based cocktails recipes created by their talented mixologists. They aim to engage both ladies and men alike and introduce them into wonderful world of whiskey. Open on Tuesday to Sunday from 6pm to 2am the bar captures the city crowd during the week offering special themed nights, complete with a range of music all in an elegant lounge atmosphere.! Jalan Kayu Aya (Oberoi) No. 68 • Phone: 846 6997 102 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID DIM SUM AT MAMA SAN A selection of Dim Sum dumplings are now popping up on the Mama San menu, and are also available at the upstairs bar area from 6pm 11pm, Monday through Saturday. Treats like the lamb and pumpkin potstickers with chilli oil and black vinegar have become a firm favorite as well as the La lot Vietnamese grilled mince pork belly wrapped in betel leaves with nouccham dressing.! Jalan Raya Kerobokan No. 135 • Phone: 730 436 CHINESE BUFFET DINNER AT TEPAN NOODLE RESTAURANT Known as a dining spot where you can savor Japanese delights like teppanyaki, sushi and sashimi, the Tepan Noodle Restaurant at Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel now introduces a Chinese Buffet Dinner every Wednesday. You can experience the restaurant’s extensive Chinese menu that features traditional delicacies alongside popular dishes that cater for a wider range of taste buds.! Jalan Kartika Plaza, Kuta • Phone: 751 067 TEPPANYAKI EXPERIENCE AT MAYA SARI ASIATIQUE Stemming from Maya Ubud’s desire to create a memorable and distinguished epicure experience, Maya Sari Asiatique, Maya Ubud’s Asian-style signature restaurant offers a distinctively different atmosphere for those looking to be impressed with best dining option, the authentic Teppanyaki. Offering only the freshest seafood and prime cuts with a signature mix of specialty sauces and alcohol to create robust flavors, the flambé dishes are whipped up right before your eyes. With an open setting of courtyard fountains and gardens, Maya Sari Asiatique allows you to dine with your partner or friends at a comfortable and relaxing pace while being entertained by the expert chef’s entertaining cooking style. Every Tuesday the special menu “Maya’s Indo-Teppan Grill” is available, offering a gourmet selection of Indonesian inspired dishes freshly cooked on the teppan hot plate. Dishes range from spiced fish cooked in a banana leaf, deep sea prawns with soya glaze, marinated chicken satays, succulent prime Angus beef, and favorite nasi goreng. ONE ELEVEN’S SEXY BREAKFAST Guests at One Eleven are invited to enjoy a very sexy breakfast in any way they wish: perhaps still tucked under their soft, Egyptian cotton duvet and goose down pillows, or perhaps during a lazy sprawl on the manicured lawn in pajamas or perhaps during a ‘cheeky dip’ in the villa’s private pool. At this luxury abode, rules do not exist, as to how you are served. Resident Chef Wayan and his team are known for the generosity of their servings and their attention to visual presentation. After all, a good host always shares in abundance. The Daily Breakfast Table includes a spread of pastries and a selection of freshly baked breads and croissants, assorted flavored yoghurts, a choice of cereal, local fruit platter with an accompanying pitcher of choice fresh juices, whilst not neglecting the preferred blend of Nespresso coffee and for the queen of the villa, her selection of TWG tea.! Jalan Pangkung Sari No.3, Seminyak • Phone: 731 343 Jalan Gunung Sari Peliatan, Ubud • Phone: 977 888 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID JUNE 2014 103 DINING THE FIRST TIME TEXT & PHOTOS BY CHAINE DES ROTISSEURS 104 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID “Everyone remembers a first time. And so it will be for the lucky 34 Chaine des Rotisseurs members and guests who travelled from Indonesia, Singapore and across Australia to attend the inaugural Bali Outre-Mer event held in Margaret River, south Western Australia. Whilst this was a first time outing for the nascent Chaine chapter, such was the outstanding success of this 3-day sojourn that this writer imagines future events will all be over-subscribed.” T The festivities began on Friday evening of 2 May 2014 with guests enjoying drinks and canapés at a “Welcome to Western Australia” sundowner at the iconic Matilda Bay restaurant on the Perth foreshore. As the sun set on the beautiful Swan River, the Perth lights twinkled and international guests mingled with local Perth Chaine members. Saturday morning, 3 May 2014, saw the excited guests transferred by coach from our hotels to the magical Margaret River region, a pleasant three-hour journey through the beautiful South West region of Western Australia. At Cullen Winery, we were given an exclusive insight into the organic, sustainable philosophy of Cullen and how this philosophy translated into their red and white wines including their standout Diana Madeline Cabernet Sauvignon and Kevin John Chardonnay. As is tradition at Chaine, the Gala Dinner began with all guests resplendent in black tie and gowns ready to be spoiled. We arrived at Vasse Felix, the oldest winery in the Margaret River region. Remember, Australia is a very young country when comparing with other wine regions of the world. To those not familiar with Australian wines and the Margaret River region, it is important to remember that the Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and the Sauvignon Blanc Semillon blends are recognised as the some of the best in the world. Sunday morning, 4 May 2014, and our intrepid party were once again on our comfortable coach, kangaroo spotting, as we were driven to the boutique family winery, Woodlands Wines. Our host on this beautiful morning was the son of the original owner, Andrew Walton who delighted his audience with an exclusive tour of the winery with an explanation as to how their wines were made with a vibrating hopper rather than screwing the grapes. The next winery to receive us with a delightful lunch was the nonconformist Arimia. Chief Winemaker Cameron Haskell, believes “Grapes are a great documenter of time and place” and therefore, “we like to make wine that works with food and is versatile”. Arimia’s 12 wines cover everything from Blanc de Blanc to Petit Verdot, Mourvedre and Zinfandel.! If you are interested in further information about the Chaine des Rotissuers you can check the website www. chainedesrotisseurs.com or contact Thurston Saulsman [email protected]. Vasse Felix winery : www.vassefelix.com.au Woodlands Wines winery: www.woodlandswines.com.au Arimia winery : www.arimia.com.au WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID JUNE 2014 105 MY INNER VOICE REASONS FOR BECOMING A SOMMELIER T and children, or find time to sit and read. Furthermore, a sommelier is always on his feet, moving from table to table, to the wine cellar, therefore it’s important we stay in good shape. So the important thing to remember here is that when you’re drinking and eating, never overdo it. The decision to become a sommelier is something that must be thought about over and over. To be a part of this palatepleasuring business, you must remember that the rules are strict and you must know and recite a wine’s past time and time again. As a sommelier myself, I will tell you about the enjoyment of working in the world of wine. For me, the joy of being a sommelier comes from the many situations in which my job places me. I find myself immersed within a world comprised of Drinkers, Eaters, Thinkers, Talkers and Writers, wherein I too must be a unique and active participant. As we are advised to consume at least two to three litres a day to stay healthy, the Drinker in me believes that at least one of these litres could and should be of a substance that tastes better than just plain water. To drink wine is the opportunity to test one’s own palate and to develop the skill of your taste buds again and again. The varieties of wine found around the world have never been better than today. Winemakers are constantly innovating in order to find new, exciting blends and components. So the real joy of drinking wine everyday is that with it’s many varieties it is never boring. Even upon tasting a once-tasted wine, its familiar flavour can bring me back to a memory, not dissimilar to the episode of “the little madeliene” bringing back an “essence of the past” in Marcel Proust’s Remembrance of Things Past. Eaters are those with the same mentality as drinkers but the difference being they focus on food. However, once these Eaters find out that all kinds of dishes certainly taste better when paired with the right wine, they reach a whole new level of pleasure. Eating and drinking are two of life’s greatest pleasures, but the joy for me is to be able to leave the restaurant and still have a conversation with my wife I am also a Thinker, because without thinking in my job many tables would be left without food or wine! Most of my thinking goes into pairing a wine with a dish; I strive to find the perfect couple. It is always a great feeling when a guest compliments the ‘harmony’ of their food and wine. As a Thinker and sommelier, planning becomes a big part of my life. I must make plans for the next wine trip, to renew the wine list, to train my assistants and to stay one step ahead in all preparations. To think, plan and being ahead of the game is crucial and brings me great pride in my work. Talking or speaking is to be human. It is innate, so central to life and therefore if it must be done it should sound nice, polite, sophisticated and personal. The weapons of war can be less dangerous than harshly spoken words, so I endeavor to always speak kindly. The same goes when speaking of food and drink, the words must be gentle and elegant. My favourite way of describing wine is to use words that would also compliment a woman. If, for example, I would say something like, “this wine is like a woman, she is 28 years old and is the Queen of her village in Bora Bora”, I mean to say that the wine is very new and you, my guest, have never drunken such a beauty. I have always considered myself to be a bit of a writer. I like to write not only to preserve the beauty of thoughts in the written word, but also to clear the mind for future thoughts. My passion as a sommelier is my ability to make wine menus and also infuse beautiful wine lyrics into them. Being a writer and a sommelier therefore makes my work unique. Outside of work however, my mind is filled with many stories to write down and preserve for my sons. I love my job as a sommelier. I love it like a farmer loves the soil; like a musician loves their instrument or an artist loves an empty canvas.! Harald Wiesmann, Restaurant Manager of the Asian inspired Haute Cuisine Kayuputi and Chief Sommelier at The St. Regis Bali Resort, has a very interesting career history spanning a number of years with different roles in various countries. His 41 years of international experience has led Kayuputi to receive prestigious awards from the Wine Spectator Magazine (USA) for four consecutive years since its opening five years ago. While for the first two years the restaurant was awarded “Award of Excellence,” these last three years Kayuputi has been honoured with “Best of Award of Excellence,” making it the first and only restaurant in the whole of Indonesia to win this coveted award for the third time. Just recently, the fine restaurant received “Award of Travelers’ Choice for Travelers’ Favorite Fine Dining Restaurants in Indonesia” and 2nd place for “Travelers’ Favorite Fine Dining Restaurants in Asia” from Trip Advisor. WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID JUNE 2014 107 NIGHTLIFE EDITOR’S CHOICE JUNE 2014 TROPICAL SOPHISTICATION TEXT BY NAMHAR HERNANTO PHOTO COURTESY OF KU DE TA 108 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID K KU DE TA has established itself as the landmark beachfront venue for ultimate parties, large celebrations, and always lives up to its reputation as a Seminyak party playground for the stylish, jet setter residents and visitors alike. As glorious warm weather descends in Bali, residents and visitors alike tend to head for the island’s many scenic sundowner spots. Let’s face it, there’s little that’s more satisfying at the end of a frantic day than sipping on a colorful, cool concoction while a magnificent sunset vista unravels before you. With cozy corners built for ease of conversation, relaxed lounge areas and quality food and drink offerings, KU DE TA is a perfect place to spend long afternoons. The trendy beachfront venue is indeed ideal for a refreshing cocktail while admiring the magical sunset; but as the moon rises and temperature cools down, KU DE TA gets hot. KU DE TA was the first to revolutionize the nightlife and entertainment scene in Bali, particularly in Seminyak. The venue’s legendary parties such as the “White Party” and “Bikini Party” continue to rock the island. More than a decade has passed since KU DE TA first announced its arrival back in 2000 and the legacy of one of Asia’s most distinctive and beloved lifestyle destination icons continues to go from strength to strength. The uniquely gracious and hospitable spirit of the Balinese and the stunning world-class Seminyak beachfront location of KU DE TA are at the very foundation of what makes the venue so magical, but it’s the reputation KU DE TA has fostered for cutting edge design and architecture and the roster of big name international performers that consider the place a tropical home-from-home that maintains the vibe and popularity of one of Bali’s most revered lifestyle icons. Right on the beach and chic with cheek, KU DE TA is a tropical sophistication. Jalan Kayu Aya No. 9, Seminyak Phone: 73 6969 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID JUNE 2014 109 NIGHTLIFE COCKTAILS TO PARTIES From the best upscale weeknight cocktail parties to the biggest weekend celebrity events, these clubs and bars are your ticket to the amazing nightlife on the island. 1 3 2 4 5 1. POTATO HEAD BEACH CLUB This club is certainly an attraction in itself. Exclusively designed with impressive sky-high and geometric façade, the crazy parties that kick off after dark at the club are a tribute to the club’s expansive bar, resident DJs and whopping sound system. If you’re not feeling suitably dressed on your arrival, Potato Head also has its own on-site boutique. Jalan Petitenget, Seminyak • Phone: 473 7979 | 2. UNIQUE ROOFTOP BAR UNIQUE is perhaps the only Bali in bar that will bring you both sunset and sunrise views – if you stay up late enough! Designed around a central swimming pool with oversized lounges, sofa beds and a mezzanine for guests seeking a more intimate experience, this breathtaking roof-top Bali bar exudes an ultra-glam yet relaxed club atmosphere. UNIQUE at Rimba Jimbaran • Jalan Karang Mas Sejahtera, Jimbaran • Phone: 846 8468 | 3. RYOSHI SEMINYAK For people who appreciate excellent live jazz music, Ryoshi provides the perfect place to kick up your heels. A busy night in Ryoshi, such as on a Monday, the dining scene is literally buzzing with energy. Another thing buzzing about the venue is the monthly Bali Comedy Club live standup show when patrons can have the chance to laugh themselves silly. Jalan Raya Seminyak 15, Seminyak • Phone: 731 152 | 4. THE 101 ROOFTOP Jl.Legian’s first sunset cocktail bar can be found at The 101 Rooftop at The 101 Legian Hotel, Bali. It has become an amazing place to unwind; playing chilled out music out under the stars whilst the beach breeze blows through your hair. The ambience found at this rooftop hotspot adds a new light to the Legian party scene. Jalan Legian no. 117, Kuta • Phone: 3001 101 | 5. JIM’BAR’N ROOFTOP BAR This HARRIS Bukit Jimbaran venue offers party atmosphere with wonderful views over Jimbaran Bay. Serving as the perfect place to de-stress and enjoy the night air, tied with their unique cocktail innovations, Jim’BAR’n is gaining a good reputation amongst the hippest partygoers on the island. Jalan Raya Uluwatu 2000X, Jimbaran • Phone: 846 8777! 110 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID SECRET BALI 112 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID REJANG A DANCE OF MANY GUISES TEXT & PHOTOS BY AYU SEKAR “The slow and stately Rejang dance is one of Bali’s special dances. Its attractions lie not so much in the intricate movements, a la Legong, but more in the extraordinary accoutrements, in particular, the headdresses used. The dress is always graceful and elegant with the torso wrapped tightly in gold brocaded bands while long sashes of red or yellow are used as part of the performance.” WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID JUNE 2014 113 SECRET BALI T The dance is always performed in the inner courtyard at temple ceremonies, so that only the privileged may see. It is a sacral dance performed for the gods. Each area, or even each banjar, has its own specific designs, some so intricate, that each takes days to make. Flowers are folded and moulded, tamed into unique shapes that are put together to create spectacular forms. Buds are added to create more form. Add shaky gold coated flower decorations; mini crowns with brightly coloured jewels and you have a headdress fit for a princess. The dance itself is slow and stately, performed with grace and delicacy, which while it appears to require little technical skill, is full of subtleties that only a seasoned observer will notice. It always appears entrancing and regal. To sit in a temple ground and watch the beautiful young and heavily bedecked girls emerge in their finery, always creates a thrill. Some of the best dances are performed in remote areas where they have kept hold of ancient traditions. Asak near Bug Bug is one of these places, Tengganan near Candidasa and both are Bali Aga Villages. Batuan and Bungaya are also reputed to have fabulous Rejang performances for those who like it. Somebody told me once, that in the days of yore, the last dancer in the line would be kept for sacrifice, but this is a legend that most others have denied vehemently. Whichever, it all adds to the mystique of the Rejang. The costumes are so extraordinary that they lure photographers from all over the island, creating a hot house sort of camera club climate, but it is always fun and adds to the atmosphere.! 114 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID JUNE 2014 115 ESSENTIAL NUMBERS EMERGENCIES Airport Information 935 1011 - ext. 5123 Ambulance : 118 Fire Department : 113 PLN (Electricy) : 123 Ubud Clinic Jl. Raya Campuhan No. 36, Ubud P. 974 911 CONSULATES Australia (Incl. Canada & New Zealand ) Jl. Tantular 32, Renon, Denpasar P. 241 118 www.dfat.gov.au Police : 110 Search & Rescue 111 / 115 / 151 Bali Tourism Office Jl. S. Parman, Renon, Denpasar P. 222 387 Central Post Office Jl. Raya Puputan, Denpasar P. 223 566 Brazil (Honorary Consulate ) Jl. Kayu Aya 20c, Seminyak P. 844 6530 Emergency: 0818 344 928 Chile (Honorary Consulate ) Jl. Pengembak Gg. 1/3 , Sanur P. 756 781 www.echileindo.or.id Czech Republic (Honorary Consulate ) Jl. Pengembak 17 , Sanur P. 286 465 HOSPITALS Bali International Medical Center (BIMC) Hospitals Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai 100X, Kuta P. 761 263 Kawasan BTDC Block D, Nusa Dua P. 3000 911 www.bimcbali.com Denmark (Honorary Consulate ) Ruko Sunset Indah No. 1, Kav. 3 Jl. Sunset Road No. 89, Kuta P. 821 6979 France (Consular Agency ) Jl. Mertasari Gg. II No. 1, Sanur P. 285 485 International SOS Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai 505X, Kuta P. 710 505 www.internationalsos.com Germany (Honorary Consulate ) Jl. Pantai Karang No. 17, Sanur P. 288 535 E. [email protected] Kasih Ibu Hospital Jl. Teuku Umar 120, Denpasar P. 223 036 www.kasihibu.co.id Hungary (Honorary Consulate ) Marintur - Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai 219 Sanur P. 287 701 E. [email protected] Nusa Dua Medical Service Grand Hyatt Hotel, Nusa Dua P. 772 392 / 771 118 Italy (Vice Consulato ) Lotus Enterprise Building, Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai, Jimbaran P. 701 005 E. [email protected] Sanglah Public Hospital Jl. Diponegoro, Denpasar P. 227 911 www.sanglahhospitalbali.com Surya Husada Public Hospital Jl. Pulau Serangan 1-3, Denpasar P. 235 041 Siloam Hospitals Jl. Sunset Road No. 818, Kuta P. 779 900 www.siloamhospitals.com Japan (Consulate General ) Jl. Raya Puputan No. 170, Renon Denpasar P. 227 628 E. [email protected] Malaysian Consulate AlamKulKul Resort Jalan Pantai Kuta, Legian P. 752 520 Mexico (Honorary Consulate ) Puri Astina Bld, Jl. Prof. Moh. Yamin No. 1A, Renon – Denpasar P. 223 266 E. [email protected] Netherlands (Honorary Consulate) Jl. Raya Kuta No. 127 – Kuta P. 761 502 www.moa.nl/jak Spain (Honorary Consulate ) Komplek Istana Kuta Galeria Blok Vallet No. 11 Jl. Patih Djelantik, Kuta P. 769 286 E. [email protected] Swedish, Finnish & Norway Consulate c/o Hotel Segara Village Jl. Segara Ayu, Sanur, P. 282 223 M. 081 7972 3658 Switzerland & Austria (Consulate) Jl. Patih Jelantik, Komplek Istana Kuta Galeri, Bok Valvet2 #12 – Kuta P. 751 735 E. [email protected] USA (Consular Agency ) Jl. Hayam Wuruk 188, Tanjung Bungkak – Denpasar P. 233 605 E. [email protected] United Kingdom (Honorary Consulate ) Jl. Tirta Nadi 2, No. 20 – Sanur P. 270 601 www.ukinindonesia.sco.gov.uk CAR RENTALS / TAXIS Blue Bird Jl. By Pass Nusa Dua No. 4 Jimbaran, P. 701 111 www.bluebirdgroup.com Express Group Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai 57 xx, Jimbaran P. 777 723 www.expressgroup.co.id Golden Bird Bali Jl. By Pass Nusa Dua No. 4, Jimbaran P. 701 621 www.bluebirdgroup.com Trac Astra Rent Car Jl. By Pass Nusa Dua, Jimbaran P. 703 333 www.trac.astra.co.id WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID JUNE 2014 117 Contact: Robert Epstone 08164701948 or Sarah Chapman 081239891514 Email: [email protected] Website: www.solemen.org Facebook: Indonesia Sole Men /171448079551178 w w w. e a s t b a l i p o v e r t y p r o j e c t . o r g Education | Nutrition | Primary Health Care | Environmental Education You can help to provide employment for begging women and children from Muntigunung. How? Buy the ROSELLA TEA, produced by the people of Muntigunung Available in selected hotels and boutiques. Every purchase employs a person for two days. Organic Farming | Toilets, Water & Sanitation | Bamboo Reforestation How can you help ? 1. 2. 3. 4. Sponsor career development for high-school children graduating in 2011+ Sponsor more families toilets (2000 needed !) 900 families need safe water facilities 1,000 hectares need bamboo planting for reforestation, sustainable community & economic development Help us to help them help themselves - 100% natural - Rich in vitam in B1, B2, C and D For orders/Sales contact: Phone: 081 353 996 996 E-mail: [email protected] For general information on the Muntigunung Development Program: www.zukunft-fuer-kinder.ch/en INTERVIEW THE JOHN FAWCETT FOUNDATION “There are over 4 million blind people in Indonesia, and over 3 million of these are cataract blind, a condition which is curable in most cases. However for most Indonesians the cost of a cataract operation is far beyond their financial capacity and they remain blind throughout their lives, a burden on their families and communities. The John Fawcett Foundation (JFF) is committed to do as much as it can to eradicate curable blindness, particularly in Bali, and to this end is seeking funding to expand its very successful mobile eye clinic model to other economically disadvantaged areas of Indonesia. NOW! Bali sat down with John Fawcett and learned more about his foundation.” 120 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID When and how was the John Fawcett Foundation founded? It all started when the then Bali Governor Ida Bagus Mantra came to me for help. He was looking for a way to eradicate the number of blindness cases caused by cataracts here on the island. And so the John Fawcett Foundation was founded, and together with its Indonesian counterpart, the Yayasan Kemanusiaan Indonesia, the “Sight Restoration and Blindness Prevention Project” started in 1991 with the mobile eye clinic, offering cataract surgery free of charge for economically disadvantaged people in the villages of Bali. What are JFF’s goals? To relieve sickness, suffering and distress in families of the lower socio-economic groups, occasioned through blindness, eye disease, cleft lips and palates, and serious crippling and debilitating diseases, particularly in children, through the provision of medical equipment, medical care, medical advice, welfare and support services. We also aim to promote literacy and numeracy projects to alleviate poverty as the root cause of problems in health, nutrition, crime and war; to raise, receive, hold and invest funds to finally support such work; to carry out such other related activities as the Foundation’s Committee may determine; and to operate without alignment to any governmental, institutional, political or religious organization. How does JFF achieve its goals? The Foundation’s success in achieving its goals since the beginning of its involvement in Indonesia has been dependent on the work of a large number of very dedicated volunteers who freely give their time. These include logistics people in Australia who organize medical equipment and supplies, medical personnel who come to Bali and teach local doctors and medical staff in new surgical techniques, those who help to raise funds, and numerous others. Your donation can change a life. To make a cash donation or if you are able to donate any of the items mentioned above you can contact JFF and/or visit their office at: Jalan Pengembak 16, Blanjong, Sanur Phone: 270 812 Email: [email protected] Are there any other programs that JFF provides for the underprivileged people? The John Fawcett Foundation is committed to more than sight restoration. Other projects include Children’s Corrective Surgery, Education Assistance, Assistance to Desperately Ill Children and Young People, and Prosthetic Eyes. What is the biggest obstacle in running the programs? It’s definitely the funds. The projects that we run are not cheap. We also have an urgent need for the following ophthalmic equipment: • Ophthalmic A-scanners, complete with probe and manuals • Keratometers – optical type • Tonometers – non-touch • Auto-refractors – bench or hand-held • Ophthalmic slit lamps • Ophthalmic microscopes • Ophthalmic instruments for cataract surgery • Ophthalmic operating tables • Speed sterilizers for surgical instruments - small Do you have a strategy to overcome this problem? We actively seek out donors and sponsorships to help fund our programs. I’d like to thank those who have been helping us for their generous support. It is thanks to them that The John Fawcett Foundation is able to provide medical and other humanitarian assistance to needy people.! Tax deductable donations can be made from Australia, United Kingdom, and United States of America. To learn about this you can visit www.balieye.org. WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID JUNE 2014 121 122 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID TEXT AND IMAGES BY MADE WIJAYA KUTA’S TRANCEMASTER SUPERSTARS They have Facebook pages that seem devoted to serious ceremonial activities — the spooky Calonarang witch battles being the most popular — until you look down to the friends section and its all buxom blondes in swimwear. This is Kuta after all. I have recently been introduced to a group of sweetie-macho trancemasters in Kuta. By day they are all parking attendants, security guards or surf shop owners but at night, when the barong and rangda come out, they turn into extras from Michael Jackson’s Thriller! They have Facebook pages that seem devoted to serious ceremonial activities — the spooky Calonarang witch battles being the most popular — until you look down to the friends section and its all buxom blondes in swimwear. This is Kuta after all. Celebrity photographer Linggar Saputra Wayan of the Kuta Photographers Club introduced me to the Tuban-Kuta ceremonial scene. With Saputra I have devoted much of the last two months to the trancees’ ceremonial activities in the Kuta palace, Puri Satria Dalem Kaleran, which sits hard on the Kuta Market, and the Pura Dalem Tunon temple which sits quietly beachside between the Dynasty and Bintang Ramada hotels. We have documented, first, the huge trance ceremonies surrounding the releasing of the barong and rangda masks from their headdresses (see last month’s stranger column on strangerinparadise.com for a full report) and, lately, the return of said masks to their headdresses — with their new coifs — and all the spooky ceremonies surrounding these pivotal events. Over the course of these two months, Saputra and I have taken thousands of photographs and made six half-hour videos. I have started photo-bombing his most important ‘moments’ (most Balinese photographers are momentologists, i.e. they wait in the wings until the fat lady sings) and he has started ad-libbing over my video-cam narrations. Together we have followed the emergence from the pack of one junior trance master, I Lolot (see photograph opposite of I Lolot in full Terminator mode), and documented his metamorphosis into a trance sergeant major. In the process Lolot has grown gold chains, blond tips, and has added a staggering array of scary tattoos for the climactic moments when he rips off his shirt and gives one of his boy band of junior trancees a kiss of life or a claw to the face to snap him out of it. He has gone from being fag to the senior priests, chief sandalwood burner and otherworldly sound effects wizard to being commandant of the tripped-out teenagers. Watch the video links below to see him in action Melaspas/Pasupati Barong Singa Ceremonies: http://youtu.be/7Q2e7dfGPbA and Ceremonies at Pura Dalem Tunon, Kuta. Pasupati Rituals: http://youtu.be/ mhJrYjt2Pzg. On the 16th May, Sugian Bali on the Balinese calendar, the final acts of the two months of ceremonies were held. At midnight the proceedings moved to the Kuta graveyard for the Ngerehang rituals — which involve the witch spirits being ‘harvested’. One of I Lolot’s colleagues flew into wild trance, ripped off his shirt and ran to the Juwet tree next door, spewing ectoplasm, but forgetting that next door is now a function lawn for a smart hotel and that a wedding reception was in full swing. Saputra’s OPPOSITE PAGE I Lolot (Dewa Gagah) posing in front of his favorite witch mask before the mass trance-in at the Kuta Palace house shrine BELOW Photographer Linggar Saputra Wayan, Kuta’s celebrity photographer WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID JUNE 2014 123 FACES & FASHION AT THE PURA DALEM TUNON CEREMONIES MAY 2014 Barong Ba arong ar ong da d dance dancers ance ncers r at the rs h Ku Kuta ta a pa palace alace al acee ho house usee te templ temple mpl pe pl de Mayun a Ge Dew JUNE 2014 124 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID Rangda mask at the Pasupati ceremonies, Kuta palace LINGGAR SAPUTRA WAYAN’S PHOTOGRAPHS Trancing pepatih guard barong at Pura Dalem Tunon I Dewa Dewa Ng Ngura Ngurah, u h, ura h tem temple temple pl pr p prince incee inc WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID JUNE 2014 125 VALE MARK SHAND 1952 - 2014 For years the most dashing Englishman — married to London deb of the year Clio Goldsmith in 1990 — Mark Shand made his mark in Bali in the 1980s as co-owner, with Hon. Harry Fane, of the Garuda Park estate on the beach at the end of the Batu Belig Road. There was a sign at the front gate that read, ‘If you are a friend of a friend.....go away’. The boys, as they were known, were the epitome of upper class englishness. Aloof and often naked they were fearless adventurers: diving at night to spear sharks off Lembongan, hunting wild boar illegally in Chinese sugar baron estates in East Java, sailing to Komodo in a native outriggers where they famously met up with the cruise vessel chartered by Mick Jagger and refused to go aboard) and trekking into the jungles of West Irian to find the tribesmen who had eaten Michael Rockerfeller. (Shand’s book of this adventure, ‘Skullduggery’, described how they had produced a letter from the British High Commisioner in Jakarta (a close friend of Shand’s uncle) which saved their lives). In Bali they only befriended local Balinese: in particular legendary Sanur-based Nusa Lembongan-born boatsman Made Monoh and beefcake Seminyak lothario Wayan Ledang. Their estate, designed by Linda Garland, was looked over by ancient Madurese retainers called The Mins. They coined the term “the Barlows” (as in: can’t join you The Route tonight, we are having dinner with the Barlows). During his Bali years a bevy of London beauties accompanied Shand to Garuda Park: Marie Helvin, Bianca Jagger, Tahitian Diane and Brazilian artist Sylvia Martien. After marrying Goldsmith the Shands were regulars on the August party scene at Batujimbar. Over the past two decades Shand was involved in The Elephant Family charity which did much to help elephants and their mahouts in India. His two books on his adventures, co-written with Gita Mehta, won many awards. Shand was also the first of the great blonde mahoots. He is survived by his daughter Ayesha, and his sisters Camilla, Duchess of The voyage of the Gin Pahit from Bali to Cornwall and Anabel Elliot. Flores and back, 1989 Mark Shand, Nyoman & Hon. Harry Fane The Gin Pahit , captain Made Monoh (Photos courtesy of Hon. Harry Fane) 126 JUNE 2014 WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID Trance-master Aji Agus Salim leaves the wedding reception next to the graveyard. Photo: Linggar Saputra Wayan. Bottom right: (left to right) Willem Bake, A.A.Putra, the Stranger. Bottom left: The atmosphere inside the Kuta palace house temple during the Pasupati ritual photo of trance-master Aji Agus Salim emerging is worth one million words. (See this page). All of the ceremonies were exquisitely organized by the Kuta palace — a palace descended from the Gelgel (Klungkung) Dalem Sri Kepakisan dynasty — right down to the distribution of matching chequered skirt cloths (saput) for all the 300 men taking part in the ceremonies. Only once did one of the senior priests have to beat Lolot and his gang of ghouls into place with some slaps to the back (see video) when they threatened to disrupt delicate barong placating rites during the night session at the temple. Everything went like clockwork, as if they’d been rehearsing for months; excepting the trances of course, which never ceased to amaze with their ingenuity. One minute Lolot was wrapped around the senior priest for 20 minutes, shuddering and wimping, an hour later he’d be hurling himself at the barong’s beard. The most tender trance moment came when two of the pepatih (trancees) knelt at the feet of the parked barong during a 15 minute ritual — like goal keepers to the netherworld (see photo previous page). Two young Brits stumbled across the ceremonies — they were looking for a shortcut to the main road — and stayed to watch from the temple’s main entrance for about a minute. And four Germans were apprehended in the temple’s forecourt: they thought it was the ‘Oktoberfest in April’ the hotel Dynasty had organized. Otherwise it was tourist-free event despite being sandwiched between two of Kuta’s biggest hotels. robbed, raped or slashed. The Facebook page Bali Crime Reports has nearly 20,000 members. The new urban expatriate is bursting at the seams and has attracted packs of criminals, as urban sprawl tends too. Expats have no real rights or official lobby (beyond, say, the Hotels and Restaurants Association and the various consulates) so it will be interesting to see how the authorities take this. The expat community, now quite large (about 30,000 permanent and 50,000 other temporaries), is fed up with the rise in street crime. 19 May 2014: Kuta-Canggu expats have organized a meeting to discuss violence against women a at community hall in Seminyak. Members from local banjars, the police and the military are there. The statistics are scary: almost every day a woman is dragged from her bike and either WWW.NOWBALI.CO.ID JUNE 2014 127