Bali & Beyond Magazine March 2016

M A R C H 2 016 VOLUME 17 NO. 19 0

VILLAGE LIFE EXPERIENCE A COMMUNITYORIENTED RESORT

“NAK MULE KETO” THE LEGACY A OF ARAK IN KARANGASEM

TRUE TO BALINESE ROOTS HONORING THE ISLAND’S TRADITIONS

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www.baliandbeyond.co.id

BALI&BEYOND MARCH 2016

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TEAMTALK

TRUE TO BALINESE ROOTS ‘Om Swastiastu...’

On March 9th, the Balinese will be commemorating Nyepi, the beginning of a new Saka year that is also known as the Day of Silence. On this day the whole island will be still and silent – no lights, no noise, no going out of the house, no vehicles on the road, and not even a single plane will fly to or out of the island from 6 a.m. that day until 6 a.m. the next morning.

Nyepi is one of the most sacred and important days for the Balinese Hindus, and to honor this special day we are presenting you with stories that will take you back to the roots of Bali and anything that is originally Bali in this edition. Looking to be pampered with a true Balinese spa treatment? Flip through ‘Invite & Indulge’ to discover why the Balinese massage

COVER Photo Courtesy of Agung Parameswara

and boreh treatment at the Nusa Dua Spa is a must-try. And for culinary enthusiasts, our ‘Dine & Delights’ describes the Balinese flavors at the Rasala Bistro and an elevated Balinese Pasar Malam (Night Market), both at the Sadara Boutique Beach Resort.

A trip to Karangasem will also give you insight into local lives. Our contributor Anggara Mahendra visited the Tri Eka Buana Village to see first-hand the making and the struggle of selling arak, a Balinese traditional drink, which he shares in ‘Craft & Culture’. Our team also went to the Ban Village in Karangasem to see how a cashew processing facility improves the lives of the villagers – check out the story in ‘Little Loves’. But if you don’t have much time to experience traditional village life in Bali, don’t worry. Staying at Desa Seni in Canggu will let you experience some Balinese traditions, which Katie Truman shares in ‘Rest & Relaxation’.

Now, before you flip through our pages, here’s a little tip for you in order to fully enjoy the Nyepi holiday in Bali: don’t forget to watch the Ogoh-ogoh Parade. Held a day prior to Nyepi, this parade aims to purify the natural environment from all negative energy. And on Nyepi night, if the sky is clear, get ready to be amazed by the thousands of stars twinkling high above.

‘Om Shanti Shanti Shanti Om…’ The Team

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BALI & BEYOND General Manager GOESTAMAR ARDIBRATA goestamar@baliandbeyond.co.id Senior Editor RISTY NURRAISA risty@baliandbeyond.co.id Editor SUHARTINA SINDUKUSUMO tina@baliandbeyond.co.id Editorial Advisors A.A. GEDE RAI, JOHN M. DANIELS Graphic Advisor WENIAR PRAMESTI Senior Graphic Designer I PUTU PARTAJAYA putu@baliandbeyond.co.id Web & Graphic Designer MELIYANA SANTOSO meli@baliandbeyond.co.id Advertising & MarComm. Manager D. ARIEF SENOAJI arief@baliandbeyond.co.id Senior Advertising Sales Executive MEE WAURAN mee@baliandbeyond.co.id Advertising Sales Executive I PUTU RAI SUTRISMA rai@baliandbeyond.co.id F&A Supervisor A.A. KETUT SUKERTI agung@baliandbeyond.co.id Accounting Staff KADEK YULI MARISNA yuli@baliandbeyond.co.id GA & Personnel Adm GEDE ADARA adara@baliandbeyond.co.id Distribution NYOMAN TRI HARIAN SAPUTRA nyoman@baliandbeyond.co.id Contributors BUDI CHANDRA, DINDA NANCY NUGRAHA, EVE TEDJA, KATIE TRUMAN, MELIANA SALIM, NIKKA AMANDRA GUNADHARMA, PHIL GREEN

Jakarta Marketing Services/Subscription RISKA WAHYUNINGSIH riska.wahyuningsih@baliandbeyond.co.id Phone : 021 - 2765 1717 / 1718 Ext. 7344 Fax : 021 - 2765 1716 Publisher PT. BUMI DIAN KUSUMA Commissioner SOETIKNO SOEDARJO Director MAULANA INDRAGUNA SUTOWO Division Head MRA Printed Media INDRIATI WIRJANTO

Printing PT. SUBURMITRA GRAFISTAMA, JAKARTA OFFICE Gedung Bali White House - Block IV Jl. Dewi Sri No. 23, Kuta 80361- Bali Tel: 085 100 868601, 085 100 868602 Fax: +62 361 750075 E-mail:mag@baliandbeyond.co.id http://www.baliandbeyond.co.id

Bali & Beyond Magazine is published monthly by PT. Bumi Dian Kusuma under the direction of MRA Media, Jakarta. Although every care is taken, neither the publishers nor any of their designees assume responsibility for the opinions and information expressed by editorial contributors. All material in this publication is copyrighted and cannot be reproduced without written permission of the publisher or author. All trademark and rights to Bali & Beyond are reserved by PT Bumi Dian Kusuma. Editorial materials may be submitted for consideration to the editorial office. Bali & Beyond is not responsible for the return of unsolicited material. © 2006 Bali & Beyond ISSN 0216-4590

A member of

Endorsed by

CONTRIBUTORS

BALI GOVERNMENT TOURISM OFFICE Jl. S. Parman, Niti Mandala Renon, Denpasar Tel: (0361) 222 387, 226 313 Fax: (0361) 226 313

www. skal.org skalbali@dps.centrin.net.id

BAYU RAHANATHA

AGUNG PARAMESWARA

ANGGARA MAHENDRA

is a Bali-based photographer who freelances for Getty Images News. His work has been published

by Reuters,The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, among others. (www. agungparameswara.com)

is a Balinese photographer based in Denpasar. He is currently working on personal documentary projects related to cultural, social, and environmental issues.

is a lecturer at Udayana University and a Marketing Communication specialist. He recently started his own business in tourism yet still finds time to continue his writing hobby.

EDNA TARIGAN

KATIE TRUMAN

FADIL AZIZ

is a Jakarta-based travel writer. She began her professional carrier as a journalist, living in Bali for a year then moving back to Jakarta to chase another dream.

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waved goodbye to her native England fifteen years ago and has been living in Southeast Asia as a freelance writer ever since. She contributes to numerous international publications on her two big loves, Vietnam and Indonesia.

BALI&BEYOND MARCH 2016

is a travel photographer whose main passion is capturing the beauty of Indonesia. Check out his photos at www.alcibbumphotography.com

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THE SUN... THE SAND... THE SURF... THE CULTURE OF PARADISE AND OVER 18,000 SURROUNDING ISLANDS

contents 03.16 M ARCH 2016 Volume 17 No. 190

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THE LEGACY OF ARAK

PHOTOS & FUN FACTS

The origin, the making, and the struggle of selling arak

Snapshots and quotes picked up throughout January and February

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PARADISE UNVEILED

VILLAGE LIFE

Discovering five hidden beaches in Bali

Experience Desa Seni in Canggu

LIFESTYLE&LEISURE

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DINE&DELIGHTS A BALINESE NIGHT

Authentic Balinese flavors at Rasala Bistro

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PROFILE&PORTRAIT

SIGHTS&SOUNDS

REST&RELAXATION

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FOTOFOLIO

THE HARMONY OF BALI Agung Parameswara captures the beauty of Bali

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THE SILVER LINING

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+ 16 PRIMEPROMOTION Hot deals and promotions of the month that shouldn’t be missed

Interview with Desak Nyoman Suarti

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18 NEW&NEWS This month’s select news updates from the island’s tourism industry and what’s new around the island

INVITE&INDULGE

THE HERBS THAT MATTER Balinese massage and boreh at Nusa Dua Spa

6 2 BEYONDUPDATES News updates from the tourism industry and what’s new beyond Bali

6 4 COMMUNITYCALENDAR Schedules, calendar highlights and various happenings of interest, from art exhibitions to special events

68 SEE&SEEN Snapshots of events and happenings within the preceding month

70 BALIMAPS Map of Bali showing specific tourism areas and places of interest, as well as a distance scale between the island’s main destinations

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74 INFOINDEX Useful directory of companies and island-based businesses 12

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FIRST COLUMN PHOTO BY RISTY NURRAISA, SECOND COLUMN PHOTO BY KATIE TRUMAN, THIRD COLUMN PHOTO COURTESY OF KAMANDALU UBUD

CRAFT&CULTURE

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THE SUN... THE SAND... THE SURF... THE CULTURE OF PARADISE AND OVER 18,000 SURROUNDING ISLANDS

contents 03.16 MARCH 2016 Volume 17 No. 190

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LITTLELOVES

STORY OF A CASHEW A trip to East Bali Cashews’ factory in Karangasem

CAPITALCORNER THE HEART OF THE CAPITAL Exploring Jakarta’s first circle

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ACTION&ATTRACTION THE PRIDE OF INDONESIA

Watching the Bali Agung Show at the Bali Theatre 14

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TOP AND BOTTOM LEFT PHOTOS BY EDNA TARIGAN BOTTOM RIGHT PHOTO COURTESY OF BALI SAFARI & MARINE PARK

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PRIMEPROMOTION

YOGA GETAWAY Kamandalu Ubud proudly presents the ‘Ubud Yoga Festival Package’ for the participants of the Bali Spirit Festival. With a minimum stay of three nights starting from US$ 210.74++/ night, guests can get a free shuttle to downtown Ubud and a healthy set dinner at the Aira Café for two. Guests can also join free morning Yoga sessions at Rumah Yoga and a one-hour private session with an instructor for two persons.

Not to forget, daily breakfast for two and complimentary Wi-Fi in all resort areas. And those who stay at the Pool Villa and Deluxe Pool Villa will get special discounts at the property’s restaurants, spa, and club. This package is available from March 28 to April 10.

Kamandalu Ubud Jalan Andong, Banjar Nagi, Ubud (0361) 975-825 www.kamandaluresort.com

LOVEY DOVEY

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NATURAL BEAUTY Focusing on anti-ageing and detoxification treatments, Vietura has successfully expanded their innovative offerings.

The latest is Ultraslim Tight, a treatment that focuses on removing fat deposits that have been planted in your body as cellulite. Cellulite is believed to have toxins that cause stubborn fat to build up, and this treatment is to reduce it.

Within approximately 30 minutes you will experience a combination of vacuum and heat, but not to worry as the treatment is painless because Vietura has a “feel well – look good” philosophy as their core competency. Be ready to feel good, inside and out.

Vietura, Artisan of Anti-Ageing Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort BTDC Lot N5, Nusa Dua (0361) 849-2988, www.vieturabali.com

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ALL COURTESY PHOTOS

Valentine’s Day is over but love is still in the air, so check out the honeymoon package at The Atanaya Hotel. For only Rp. 1.750.000 net, a couple can stay in the Executive Club Room with a romantic set up for two nights. Upon arrival, guests will be welcomed with a dragon fruit drink and will get 15 percent off on all food and non-alcoholic drinks throughout their stay. This package also includes daily breakfast plus a romantic set menu dinner at the Atanaya Roof Top restaurant and a 60-minute Aromatherapy Massage.

The hotel also offers free shuttle service to Legian and return airport transfers. This honeymoon package at The Atanaya Hotel is available until the end of 2016.

The Atanaya Hotel Jalan Sunset Road 88A, Kuta, (0361) 846-8600 www.atanaya.com

HAPPY TUMMY Komaneka at Bisma, one of the most picturesque resorts in Ubud, proudly announces the new name of its restaurant, Seneng Kitchen.

The dining venue formerly known as The Restaurant is now named after Pan Seneng and Mak Seneng, the two farmers who have taken care of the rice fields of Komaneka at Bisma from zero to harvest. The rice fields are part of the scenery that is enjoyed from the restaurant while guests are relishing its signature Indonesian dishes such as Mahi-Mahi Sambal Sumatra, Rujak Tamarind, and Sate Snapper ala Mek Seneng. Designed with fine-dining style, Seneng Kitchen is now ready to serve guests from breakfast until late dinner.

Seneng Kitchen Komaneka at Bisma Jalan Bisma, Ubud (0361) 971-933 www.komaneka.com

MEDITATION DAY To honor the Balinese Day of Silence, the Mulia Bali encourages their guests to join the Kapha Yoga Meditation in the property’s outdoor area.

This Kapha Yoga session will have the guests enjoy a full Silent Day experience, the time to clear the mind, body, and soul to start afresh.

The Mulia Bali has also prepared a Full-Day or Half-Day Spa Experience at the Mulia Spa, complete with nutritious dishes and training to restore well-being.

The Mulia, Mulia Resort and Villas Jalan Raya Nusa Dua Selatan, Kawasan Sawangan, Nusa Dua (0361) 302-7777 www.themulia.com

SILENT ESCAPE The ‘Serene Nyepi Escape’ package at The Laguna Bali will ensure that you will have the perfect getaway during the Silent Day. Starting from US$ 225++/night for guests who stay at the Deluxe Garden View, checking in on March 8 and out on March 10. This package comes with daily breakfast and buffet dinner on the Day of Silence at the Banyubiru restaurant and a 60-minute massage, all are for two persons. Don’t forget to take a dip in the resort’s 5,000 square meter lagoon pool to fully enjoy your stay. One day prior to Nyepi Day, don’t miss the Ogoh-ogoh parade that will be held from 3 to 7 p.m., a Balinese tradition to cast out evil energy. And on the night of the Day of Silence, look up to the night sky and… stargaze.

The Laguna Bali, BTDC Lot N2, Nusa Dua, (0361) 771-327 www.thelagunabali.com

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Having showcased his creations at Padma Hotels and Canggu’s Madhu, Federico Gioli’s collections are now standing tall in his own Seminyak boutique. In this brand-new shop, the versatile collections that are made with unique cuts using eco-friendly bamboo and other fine fabrics are beautifully arranged on the racks and are not only available for direct purchase but also custom made to fit. Guests are welcome to try each of them and bring their preferred choices to the staff and request to make them fit to their own size. The Italian designer has also launched his new website to spoil his loyal customers with his Spring/Summer 2016 collection.

Federico Gioli Jalan Camplung Tanduk, Gang Cempaka 200x No. 10, Seminyak (0361) 731-327 www.federicogioli.com

THE ISLAND’S GEMS Harold Alexander, a jewelry brand that was first founded in Bangkok, has proudly introduced their latest jewelry creations, one of them being the Pearl of the East Cufflinks that are made of shimmering South Sea and Tahitian natural pearls, sitting on 18k yellow gold to represent the wisdom and power of the wearer. Not only that, Harold Alexander has also launched Orchestra Rings as their new baby in the ring collection. Made of 18k gold, the Orchestra Rings are composed of two bands and designed a with modern yet timeless style.

Harold Alexander Showroom The Ritz-Carlton, Bali, Jalan Raya Nusa Dua Selatan Lot III, Sawangan, Nusa Dua, (0361) 8498-988 www.haroldalexandergems.com

BRIGHTER SKIN The Mandara Spa at Grand Nikko Bali has proudly launched their newest treatment, the ELEMIS White Brightening Facial. This facial treatment offers a one-hour facial that focuses on reducing age spots, dullness, and discoloration to make your skin brighter using ELEMIS’ signature products – where you will be treated with their Tone Cleanser, Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Gel Mask, White Brightening Even Tone Peel-Off Mask, and Brightening Even Tone Serum. This treatment is also combined with a scalp massage that mixes Balinese, Indian, and Thai techniques to rebalance your mind and body. Get ready to say goodbye to dark spots on your face!

Mandara Spa Grand Nikko Bali Jalan Raya Nusa Dua Selatan, Nusa Dua (0361) 773-377 www.grandnikkobali.com

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NEW&NEWS

SEMINYAK’S NEW STYLE

NEW BEGINNING New Year, new beginning. That’s what the Raddison believes as they have just rebranded two of their properties: The Radisson Bali Legian Camakila and the Radisson Bali Tanjung Benoa. Previously known as the Ramada Resort Camakila, the first one – located on Jalan Padma Utara in Legian – provides 116 rooms and is complete with its Salila Spa. It also offers an outdoor pool, direct access to Legian Beach, and has several dining places that include the Azaa Restaurant, Lagoon Pool Bar, Tao Beach House and Tao Rooftop Bar. Meanwhile the Radisson Bali Tanjung Benoa, previously known as the Ramada Resort Benoa Bali, has 181 rooms including one and two-bedroom villas. This hotel is located on Jalan Pratama No. 97A at the tip of the Tanjung Benoa peninsula, where guests can find water sports galore. After a day at the beach, the hotel’s Tanjung Terrace is the perfect place to unwind with their international dishes. Outdoor Jacuzzi, a children’s playground and the Amadapa Spa are also available at the hotel. www.radisson.com

FINE WINE Known as one of the hippest spots in the gastronomy scene, Ubud now welcomes Divine, a wine bar located right below the notable Bridges restaurant.

Sitting next to the Tjampuhan Bridge, guests will enjoy sipping a glass (or more) of wine while embracing the sights and sounds of the river that beautifully rhymes with the well-selected tunes at Divine. The wine collection is extensive – they have up to 330 labels, making Divine one of the most complete wine bars in Bali. Also, don’t forget to try one or two of their groovy cocktails and enjoy the food created by Executive Chef Miles Belfield, who has worked in many remarkable award-winning restaurants in Bali and London.

Divine Wine Bar Bridges Bali Restaurant, Jalan Raya Campuhan, Ubud, (0361) 970-095 www.bridgesbali.com/wine

THE FOOD GURU With his catchphrase of “mak nyus” labeled on every food he finds delightful, Bondan Winarno, an Indonesian culinary expert, shares Bali’s culinary heritage in a book titled “100 Mak Nyus Bali”. The book is his latest collaboration with Harry Nazarudin and Lidia Tanod, following their successful teamwork in establishing a food community called Jalansutra and making the “100 Mak Nyus Jakarta” book. For the “100 Mak Nyus Bali”, the trio went through all parts of the island to compile the 50 best Balinese restaurants and the 50 best international restaurants.

Flipping through these books, readers will find all descriptions complete with photos, recipes, locations, and GPS coordinates. www.multibintang.co.id

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CRAFT&CULTURE

sprinkled on the flowers used for offerings to appease the evil spirits residing in the human habitats.

Meanwhile, the first quality arak that contains 40 to 50 percent alcohol is usually used for traditional healing of rheumatism. A quarter glass of arak before work is believed to boost one’s mood for the whole day. And for the young and old alike, arak is the icebreaker for any conversation.

THE LEGACY OF ARAK

MAKING ARAK It takes approximately 10 hours to boil and distill the high quality arak. First, nira is collected in a

DISCOVER THE ORIGINS ORIGINS, THE MAKING MAKING, AND THE STRUGGLE OF SELLING ARAK, ONE OF THE UNIQUE TRADITIONAL DRINKS IN BALI…

the fermentation. It is then left for a day or two before the distillation process starts.

Arak producers use a wide

o one knows

trees. More than 90 percent of the

range of traditional and modern

exactly when

600 families living there are farmers

equipment, such as coconut trunks,

the village of Tri

and arak producers who learned

steel drums, bamboo and stainless

Eka Buana first

their skills directly from their senior

steel pipes to extract fresh arak

became an arak

family members at a very young

from the boiling palm wine. The

producer. Nestled deep in East Bali,

age. Climbing the 20-meter high

first container made of a coconut

this village has been making the

coconut tree to extract the liquid

trunk is filled with fermented palm

traditional Balinese liquor arak for

from its flowers (also called nira

wine and boiled above a wooden

generations, a process the villagers

- the sweet palm wine that is the

fire to maintain the heat and steam

call “nak mule keto” - a Balinese

main ingredient of arak) is one

– it is connected to the second

term that actually means, ‘it’s been

of them.

drum through a bamboo tube or a

like this for ages’. “We’ve been

However, arak is not just a

stainless steel pipe. This second drum

living as arak producers since we

drink for the villagers. In fact, it has

contains water to cool down the arak

were children. Our parents and

become more than just a cultural

to avoid having a scorched taste

grandparents also made arak,” said

legacy, as the villagers believe that

from the heat. Finally, the arak will

I Wayan Darmanta, one of the many

arak plays an important role in their

be distilled in a 30 to 45 liter plastic

arak producers in the village.

traditions. In religious ceremonies,

container.

This village is located in Sidemen,

the arak of a lower quality that

The alcohol levels will vary,

a sub district of Karangasem that

contains from one to five percent

depending on how much processed

covers 336.5 hectares, and is

of alcohol is mixed with water and

palm wine is used and how long

surrounded by hills and coconut

used for tetabuhan. Arak is also

the distillation goes. An Alcometer,

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PHOTOS BY ANGGARA MAHENDRA

N

drum filled with husks to facilitate

a numbered stick-shaped tool is used to check the alcohol level – an arak producer just needs to put the alcometer on the surface of the arak and it will float to show the alcohol level. The first quality is 50 percent, but they mostly produce it at 20 percent for daily use. It takes three to four days to make 30 to 45 liters of arak, which is valued at between Rp. 150,000 to Rp. 400,000.

In 2009, 25 tourists died after

the cause of this entire misfortune.

drinking arak Bali that contained

We’ve been living our lives as

THE STRUGGLE

those poisons. Of course this news

arak producers since our great

Unfortunately, in the past few years

was spread widely and negatively,

grandparents’ era, since hundreds

there have been some concerns

so the police made strict regulations

or maybe thousands of years, we

about arak being produced by

for arak producers to ensure that

can’t even tell how long. Never have

irresponsible people who mix this

the arak they produced was not

we ever heard a single person died

traditional drink with contaminants

contaminated with other substances

because of the traditional arak that

such as rubbing alcohol, methanol,

– and that they needed to limit their

we made,” Indrawan adds.

energy drinks, beer and even

distribution as well. “The police

liquid mosquito repellent to become

said we can only sell arak around

the sales of traditional arak. The

inebriated more quickly, but it is

this village and in the Sidemen

villagers now also raise cattle and

deadly. Methanol for instance, looks

district, but our market is actually

work in construction for additional

like water. It is colorless but volatile

outside of these villages. We were

income. But their struggle doesn’t stop

and easily burnt, and is commonly

often treated like criminals when

there, as local regulations currently

used for industrial products such as

we delivered traditional arak to the

restrict alcohol sales by deciding that

glue, cushion foam, synthetic textiles

outside areas,” said I Wayan Lemes

alcohol should only be available at

and fuel. The price is cheap but it

Indrawan, the Head of Telun Wayah

mini markets and small shops. But

results in blindness and death when

Duuran in the Tri Eka Buana Village.

Indonesia’s House of Representatives

consumed.

“Those irresponsible people are

This incident dramatically reduced

attempted to make a new rule to ban all kinds of alcohol – and that includes the production, circulation and consumption – in order to protect Indonesian people from the negative behavior caused by alcohol.

But apart from those contradictions, preserving the centuries-old tradition of arak making in Tri Eka Buana Village is still important in order to pay respect to their ancestors.

By Anggara Mahendra

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LIFESTYLE&LEISURE

PARADISE UNVEILED OUR CONTRIBUTOR FADIL AZIZ GOES ON THE HUNT TO DISCOVER FIVE HIDDEN BEACHES IN BALI…

B

ali is often referred to

now thirty to forty years later, and

Wangi, a beautiful white-reddish

as a living postcard

not much has changed, although

sandy beach with turquoise waters,

– if you look into the

travelers are still in search of a new

a lovely view for those who are

past, you can see

paradise – exotic beaches with white

looking for heaven on earth.

that Bali’s culture

sand, crystal clear water, and a

Bordered by a 10-meter cliff and

and beaches are the first thing

sense of privacy, if not tranquility,

also by a recently built wall, it is

that attracted visitors to this exotic

are always in demand. And it is

pretty well hidden.

island. For instance, a picture of

even better if it is relatively new or

I would personally recommend

a long white sandy beach and

has just been discovered – that is

that you hurry here before the beach

a fisherman’s colorful outrigger

why it is called ‘hidden.’

becomes more popular. To get

gliding on crystal clear water

there all you need is to follow the

in Sanur was a popular picture

TEGAL WANGI

directions to the Ayana Resort and

representing Bali in the ‘70s. And

Let’s go to our first beach! Luckily

Spa Bali until you find Pura Segara

it is no secret that Kuta Beach has

it is only 15 kilometers from the

at the end of the road. Park your

been the heart of Bali’s tourism for

Kuta area – this is the best part

vehicle there and follow the recently-

decades, making the beach one of

about Bali; you don’t need to travel

built wall on the left until you arrive

the oldest destinations that enticed

hundreds of kilometers to discover

at the cliff, then turn left… and you

foreigners.

a secret beach. Tucked away in

will be standing directly in front of

the Jimbaran area is Pantai Tegal

the beach.

Fast forward to recent years,

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BALI&BEYOND MARCH 2016

NUNGGALAN

Nunggalan Beach is tricky to find but the journey is well worth it.

The next spot is even more inconspicuous and a bit tricky to find, but trust me the journey is well worth it. To get there you need to head to Uluwatu Temple and look for the “Villa Plenilunio” sign on the left, about 3.5 kilometers before the temple. Then follow the small asphalt road until you find a villa at the end of the road, perched high on the cliff. There is a small path on the right – you just follow the trail to the cliff’s ridge.

About 100 meters below the ridge you will find a deserted and unspoiled stretch of white sandy beach, probably 200 meters long or more.

There is also a good chance that you will find no one but yourself there, although there are more visitors on the weekend, but only a handful. The beach is called Pantai Nunggalan, but the name is actually not that important as only a few people know it.

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Bias Tugel Beach, a hidden gem just next to Padang Bai.

Surrounded by two small outcroppings of rocks on two sides from which it derives its name – Bias Tugel actually means “truncated sand” – this beach is so hidden from the port and the road that once you set your foot on the beach, it would be hard for you to believe that you are still in Bali. It is far away from the commotion, although a few small food joints or warungs are open to serve drinks and basic food especially on the weekend. There is

BIAS TUGEL

actually a ferry port that connects

also a small pond near the outcrop

Now let’s go further from the

Bali to the eastern islands called

where you can plunge in. If you’re

crowds in the direction of Padang

Nusa Tenggara. But it is the beach

planning on staying overnight,

Bai. Nestled in East Bali about 55

next to Padang Bai that we are

accommodations are available in

kilometers from the Ngurah Rai

heading to, a small patch of heaven

Padang Bai Beach on the other side

International Airport, Padang Bai is

on earth called Bias Tugel.

of the ferry port.

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BALI&BEYOND MARCH 2016

GREEN BOWL Back to the Bukit Peninsula in the south, Green Bowl is our next jewel to treasure although it is not actually a new comer. A hotel was built there a decade ago but now it is empty, and ever since then the beach has not really become the talk of the island except among surfers. Green Bowl is hidden about 100 meters below the cliff and has powdery sands, fringed by reef that appears only at low tide, forming the socalled “green bowl” – a cave that serves as a shelter also makes this beach special.

But before you reach this small nirvana, get ready to descend countless stairs, which is quite a challenge. And maybe it is the stairs that are the reason why not so many visitors go to this beach, leaving it empty most of the time. But if you do go there, please be careful with the monkeys, especially if you bring snacks. You surely don’t want to lose your food to the monkeys as there are no warungs or food joints down at the beach.

Green Bowl, Bukit Peninsula’s BALI&BEYOND MARCH 2016 25 very own nirvana.

BLUE POINT After visiting Green Bowl, I would recommend you to continue to Blue Point near Labuan Sait on the other side of Bukit Peninsula, just half an hours drive. Blue Point offers a different atmosphere with warungs and cafés perched on the cliff, such a perfect place to chill out. Although Blue Point is getting more popular in recent years and has become one of the most popular places on the island for surfers – surfers discovered most of the beaches in the Bukit area by the way – the beach is still quite a new discovery for many people. Blue Point is unique as it has a hidden beach down below where you can unwind during low tide and a number of lively restaurants up on the cliff.

Of course, there are still many other secret beaches in Bali to find – new discoveries are made on this island every year, and that includes new beaches. And these secrets in so fascinating to visit over and over again.

By Fadil Aziz (021) 844-5940 www.alcibbumphotography.com

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BALI&BEYOND MARCH 2016

PHOTOS BY FADIL AZIZ

paradise are the reason why Bali is

BALI&BEYOND MARCH 2016

27

DINE&DELIGHTS

A BALINESE NIGHT INDULGE IN TRADITIONAL BALINESE FLAVORS WHILE ENJOYING THE VIEW OF A WHITE SANDY BEACH AND WATCHING AN OLD BALI MOVIE…

T

ucked away on a

Sadara Boutique Beach Resort has

of the beach, Rasala Bistro is really

beachfront in Nusa Dua,

three restaurants: Wave Beach Club,

private as it only accommodates

the Sadara Boutique

Rasala Kitchen and Rasala Bistro.

up to 20 people – and that’s why

Beach Resort is truly a

The latter, Rasala Bistro, is a petite

booking in advance is advisable.

hidden gem. The resort

fine dining place that pays tribute

This restaurant embraces the flavors

is designed with a Balinese style

to Bali’s culinary heritage, and is

of the island’s nine regencies

that will remind the guests of old

the place to go for anyone who is

– Badung, Bangli, Buleleng,

Bali, which is quite rare to find these

craving real Balinese cuisine.

Gianyar, Jembrana, Karangasem,

days. What makes it even more

Klungkung, Tabanan and Denpasar

unique is that Balinese tradition is

NINE REGENCIES

– by serving local dishes using fresh

not just applied in the architecture

With the view of the resort’s

produce sourced from all corners of

but also in the food they serve. The

swimming pool and a partial view

this island. Each is also presented

28

BALI&BEYOND MARCH 2016

with a modern twist.

perfect for a starter. Among the

The restaurant has two specials

other options are Bebek Renyah (a

for the main course; Megibung (Rp.

crispy duck served with rice and

211,000 net) and Nasi Tjampur (Rp.

vegetables, Rp. 135,000 net), Sate

110,000 net). During my visit to the

Lilit Be Pasih (minced fish skewers,

restaurant I ordered the Megibung, a

Rp. 110,000 net) and Ulam Segara

Balinese rijsttafel served on bamboo

Mepanggang (assorted grilled

plates for two persons, perfect as I

seafood, Rp. 175,000 net). But of

shared my lunch with a good friend

course, don’t forget to save some

of mine that day. The Megibung

room for dessert – I really loved their

consists of ayam betutu, sate lilit,

Dadar Gulung (Rp. 40,000 net) as a

steamed fish cake, jukut uraban,

sweet finish to my meal.

perkedel jagung, curried egg,

Rasala Bistro also stores local

shrimp crackers and sambal – all of

wine in one of its corners. The

the elements are made with flavors

selection of wines (starting from Rp.

that go back to the roots of Bali.

75,000 net/glass) include Hatten

Rasala Bistro serves their dishes with

Aga Red, Sababay Black Velvet,

three kinds of sambal and each one

and Plaga Chardonay, and can be

is quite spicy, but guests can always

paired perfectly with the dishes.

ask the staff to tone down the level

THE NIGHT MARKET

of the spiciness.

Aside from those specials, Rasala

Thursday’s Night Market

The Sadara Boutique Beach Resort

Bistro offers a la carte menu items

is indeed a haven for foodies, as

which are just as flavorsome. The

the resort also hosts a culinary event

Be Pasih Mekuah Sareng Belimbing

with different styles each night, like

Wuluh – a fish soup with sour

a satay bazaar on Mondays, an

carambola and lemon basil (Rp.

Indonesian rijsttafel on Wednesdays

40,000 net) – is rich with spices,

and a wine-pairing dinner on

Bebek Renyah

BALI&BEYOND MARCH 2016

Dadar Gulung

29

the Virgin” is played on the screen. It is about a love triangle between two sisters and a lad, and is rich with elements that showcase Balinese traditions such as a cockfight, a Legong dance and Ngaben, a Balinese cremation ceremony. And here’s a little tip; watch this silent movie with a cup of hot Wedang Ronde, a traditional Indonesian drink made of ginger, lemongrass, sugar and water, to warm up the night.

So imagine this; indulging in some delicious Balinese dishes for dinner in a garden with a view of the ocean and watching an old Bali movie for cultural entertainment. A

The beautiful presentation of Megibung (above). Rasala dining room (right).

Fridays. However, my personal favorite is their Thursday “Pasar Malam”, available at Rp. 250,000 net/person. After having lunch at Rasala Bistro, I had to head back to eager to experience an elevated Balinese street food that consists of

Thursday night couldn’t be better

Every Thursday night the resort’s

a rice cake and some vegetables

than this, especially for culture and

lawn, located next to the swimming

with peanut sauce, and the delish

culinary enthusiasts.

pool and overlooking the beach,

Bakmie Koh Ahong with selections of

By Risty Nurraisa

is transformed into an open-air

noodles and meatball soup.

Balinese night market.

dining place surrounded by food

But what makes the “Pasar

Rasala Bistro

stalls offering selections of local

Malam” is so unique is the old Bali

Sadara Boutique Beach Resort

food – Balinese Nasi Tjampur Ayam

movie screenplays that entertain the

Jalan Pratama, Tanjung Benoa,

Betutu and Sate Bang Tjampang

guests. Right after a live traditional

Nusa Dua

are some of the dishes served. They

dance performance, a movie made

(0361) 772-010

also offer authentic Tipat Tjantok, a

in the ‘50s titled “Legong: Dance of

www.sadararesortbali.com

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BALI&BEYOND MARCH 2016

FOOD PHOTOS BY RISTY NURRAISA, ALL OTHERS COURTESY OF SADARA BOUTIQUE BEACH RESORT

this resort in the afternoon as I was

BALI&BEYOND MARCH 2016

31

PROFILE&PORTRAIT

The

Silver Lining

Desak Nyoman Suarti

finally New York to teach traditional Balinese dance in remarkable universities, including NYU. At that time I started to combine my passion for painting and dancing onto stainless-based jewelry design.

At first I only did this as a hobby,

WE TOOK A TRIP TO GIANYAR TO MEET AN UBUD-BORN ARTIST WHO FOUND HER TAKSU IN SILVER JEWELRY…

started buying the earrings and bracelets I made. They requested more and suggested that I make silver-based jewelry. I took on the

orn in the Suarti clan,

us on a tour of the Suarti Design

challenge and I didn’t know what

art is in her blood. Her

Center, Desak Nyoman Suarti (DNS)

got into me, maybe it was taksu

father was a notable

tells Bali & Beyond (BB) how silver

that led me to meet a New Yorker

painter and her dancing

has settled in her soul.

shop owner not long after I created

skills came from

the jewelry. She asked if I wanted

her mother. Talking to her is like

BB: You were known as a dancer

to make a trunk show at her store.

watching an art performance – she

and painter. How did you become a

Since I had nothing to lose, I said

talks, dances, and draws patterns

“silver lady”?

yes, and my silver-based jewelry has

with her hands at the same time.

DNS: In the early ‘70s I went to

become novelty pieces in Indonesia

With a true calling in art, the jewelry

Singapore to study design on a

and the USA ever since. People say

that she impulsively crafted in her

scholarship and teach Balinese

it was my original Balinese patterns

basement in New York has made

dance. After a few years, it was

that made my creations popular, as

her one of the most influential silver

either luck or simply faith, I managed

it added a unique value to each one

jewelers in Indonesia. As she takes

to travel to Japan, Russia, and

of them.

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BALI&BEYOND MARCH 2016

OPPOSITE PAGE PHOTOS BY SUHARTINA SINDUKUSUMO, ALL OTHERS COURTESY OF SUARTI

B

but then people actually liked it and

BB: You mentioned taksu as part of

easy to start an art-based business.

one day in 1986 someone claimed

the process. Is that some kind of an

In the ‘80s there were no designers

my design. I was about to give up

inspiration?

in Bali. Everyone was either a

but I thought that I needed to learn

DNS: Taksu is something you cannot

painter or a dancer. So I thought,

about public domain. Then with help

look for. It is a Balinese aesthetic

why don’t I become one of the first

from my father-in-law who was a

concept that comes with faithful

jewelry designers? Then I made a

lawyer, I won the case.

prayer and serious intention. Before

team for a home industry. I designed

I start creating an art piece I always

a pattern and sent silver materials

BB: What’s in the future for you?

ask for blessings, and it is taksu

to local people in Bali who were

BB: There are a lot more jewelry

that comes to answer my prayer. It

willing to earn their living by making

designers now, and it is not easy

then resides in every piece I make.

jewelry items. This has been my

to compete since many of them

It is one of the reasons why each

way to support the local community

have decent quality. So instead of

of my silver pieces seems to have a

as well. As they were eager to do

competing, I thought I would share

charisma and successfully attracts

more, my team got bigger and soon

my experience. I have set up a

people from all over the world.

could make hundreds of hand-made

boutique villa named Suarti Village

With my passion for art and taksu,

pieces in a month! And they were

in Pengosekan, Ubud. It does not

I believe it is my destiny to keep on

always sold out on USA’s QVC

only serve as an accommodation,

making silver jewelry to introduce

(home-shopping TV channel) in

but as a workshop as well. I have

Balinese and Indonesian art to

merely two hours. Happy days!

sold my work on QVC in the USA,

the world.

Italy and other countries, and now BB: What’s you’re biggest challenge

I will invite the people from these

BB: How did you decide to turn this

as a silver jeweler?

countries to visit the villa and stay

hobby into a business?

DYS: For me the hardest part is

there for a while to experience the

DYS: I was born into a family of

when you see your work being

making of silver jewelry. Workshops

artists. My parents were noteworthy

claimed by other people. I didn’t

will be available every day and

artists in Ubud, which made it quite

really care about copyrights until

other facilities will also follow, such as a dance lessons, yoga classes, Balinese healing, and a visit to some rice fields in Ubud.

I am also currently writing a book about the history and background of the patterns of the silver jewelry that I have made. The aim is to put the book in national libraries or universities so students can read and do in depth research before they start making artwork. I hope it will inspire the young generation and keep the Balinese heritage eternal.

By Suhartina Sindukusumo

The jewelry collection at Suarti’s shop in Gianyar.

BALI&BEYOND MARCH 2016

33

www.suarti.com

INVITE&INDULGE

THE HERBS THAT MATTER GET PAMPERED WITH A DEEP-ROOTED BALINESE TREATMENT AT NUSA DUA SPA, ONE OF THE ISLAND’S SPA PIONEERS….

B

garden. Once you’ve arrived at the spa, the receptionist will greet you and offer you a selection of treatments that promise to bring a natural experience. Come in and feel nothing but the goodness of Balinese secret blends of nature, flowers, oils, spices, and herbs. Lay down and enjoy…

THE PRINCESS STORY ali is indeed peppered

and Spa is an absolute heaven for

This is not a once-upon-a-time tale,

with numerous spas that

either a newbie or a regular spa-

but a story of the spa’s perfect mix of

offer idyllic settings and

goer. Local ingredients, experienced

ingredients sourced from the island.

tranquil vibes. But what

therapists who stick to traditional

But before the treatment begins,

is it that you are looking

healing, and tropical yet alluring

let’s sip a glass of lemongrass

surroundings – the spa has them all.

tea. Presented along with a

for in a spa treatment? This question just might arise when you arrive on

Located next to the hotel’s gapura

frangipani flower, this welcome

the island and are in the mood for

(gate), Nusa Dua Spa is a 20-year-

drink is extremely soothing. Tuck

some pampering. But don’t worry

old spa sanctuary that is complete

the frangipani behind your ear,

as I have the answer for you. Nusa

with a 25-meter lap pool, a spa

and you are ready to be one of

Dua Spa at Nusa Dua Beach Hotel

boutique, a spa café and a lush

those Balinese women who worship

34

BALI&BEYOND MARCH 2016

A mix of herbs that produce massage oils.

traditional essences.

Nusa Dua Spa has a great list of spa treatments, but if you are not sure which one to choose, I would personally recommend the Balinese Massage, the treatment that I opted for during my visit after the receptionist told me that this ritual would smoothen my blood flow.

Once I made my decision, a spa therapist came to escort me to a treatment room, a bright room for two that was complete with a bathtub, a shower, and a changing room.

The treatment began with a footbath. And as the therapist scrubbed and massaged my feet with apple-fermented soap and sea salt, she casually told me that she’s been working at the spa for 20 years and still going strong.

With that information in my head, I couldn’t wait to be carried away by her gentle massage supplemented by

traditions, this 50-minute massage

describe my post-treatment glow.

the spa’s highly concentrated plant

also uses the effleurage massage

But the treatment tale is still to be

oils such as ylang-ylang, tangerine,

technique and thumb pressure in

continued…

jasmine, and lavender.

the tense spots. Revitalized and

As a tribute to Bali’s ancient

THAT’S A WRAP

renewed are the right words to

My spa journey continued with a special treatment that has been attracting tourists from across the globe since the Nusa Dua Spa opened its doors for the first time in 1996. Boreh is an assortment of Balinese herbs mashed and mixed in one container. Mind you, to make this mix is far from simple. Ni Ketut Danti, the hotel’s Assistant Spa Sales Manager, told me that it takes passionate hands to handpick the herbs and spices and an accurate

BALI&BEYOND MARCH 2016

35

around my body. I could feel a warm sensation as the fragrant spices opened up my pores and helped ease my stiff muscles. Within approximately 40 minutes, the boreh wrap had softened my skin and increased my blood circulation.

Near to the end of the treatment, the paste was cracking on my skin and my spa therapist began to unwrap my body. I could easily head to

Nusa Dua Spa is complete with whirlpools.

the shower room to clean myself, but what’s the use of a whirlpool if not to make the best of a boreh

feeling to mash them into a perfect

and brown rice, the boreh has such

experience? „

boreh dough.

a comforting aroma that it almost

By Suhartina Sindukusumo

I really started to believe that

made me fall asleep. But before

only the Balinese could make this

that happened, the spa therapist

Nusa Dua Spa

concoction. But before my mind

wrapped me up tight with thick

Nusa Dua Beach Hotel and Spa

wandered, my spa therapist started

plastic covered by a sleeve of fabric

Kawasan Pariwisata Nusa Dua

to spread the boreh paste all over

and a towel.

North 4, Bali, 80363

turmeric, coriander, galangal, rice,

The boreh paste worked its magic right after the towel was wrapped

(0361) 771-210 www.nusaduahotel.com

PHOTOS COURTESY OF NUSA DUA HOTEL AND SPA

my body. Made out of sandalwood,

36

BALI&BEYOND MARCH 2016

BALI&BEYOND MARCH 2016

37

t miglia nigh Cena Di Fa on er g nn di tin sort. Star mily-style Delicious fa ental Bali Re InterContin at a a sharing in on uc C se at Bella ts and chee cu ld co of and other a ns pasta, risotto with selectio of s ce vor oi wed by ch rience to sa platter, follo a real expe is er om nn fr s di es, this on Monday’ la carte dish ilable only va A . . es Rp on at ved starting with your lo . with prices 10.30 p.m to . m p.

0 6.3 /person.

588,000++

Dawn at Padm a Ubud, enjoye d from the ba Premier Room lcony of a . So peaceful …

t, The place to hang ou at Canggu’s new et ns su ls. the tai ck for co Waiting ts, and tropical , a kombi van, ma gs ba an Be . wn La e?

What’s not to lik

38

A room full of blooms at Orc hid in RIMBA fine place to en Jimbaran, a joy afternoon tea.

BALI&BEYOND MARCH 2016

PB UNDER UNDERGROUND U NDERGROU GROUND OU UN ND C COURTESY OURT URT RT ESY PH R PHOT P PHOTOS, HOTOS OS, S SUHARTINA ALL OTHERS BY RISTY NURRAISA R AISA AND SU HA HART ARTINA NA SINDUKUSUMO SIND ND UKUS UKUSUMO KUS SUMO U

SIGHTS&SOUNDS

Our cork board of photos, quotes and fun facts that we picked up while exploring in January and February ...

Tranquil oc ean in Nus a Dua, capt ured on a cl oudy aftern oon.

New wave, fu funk, soul, and jazz are the rhythms he creates. And Bali surely has all of the them together, which has Pete Ray Biggin (PB), the UK’s hottest funk musician, wa wanting to come back to the island again and again. Here’s Bali & Beyond’s (B (BB) little chat with him.

BB: What brought you to Bali?

PB: I had planned a holiday with my friend, but unfortunately he couldn’t make it because b his mother was ill. But I still wanted to go, so I decided to go on my own. It turned out to be the right decision as I met loads of great great musicians. musician I didn’t plan to stay for six weeks, but some good friendss I have made ma in Bali were my reason to stay longer. I ended up col collaborating laborating and playing music with them, and also got interviewed by some radio stations. It was such a great time that it ma made me want to go back to Bali again and again.

BB: Where did you play in Bali?

PB: I did a little collaboration with Rio Sidik at Ryoshi and Sou Soul Brother at Laughing Buddha Bar. I also played at Deus Ex M Machina in Canggu and some more places.

BB: A Any projects coming up after this current visit to Bali?

PB: I just started up a new band called PB Underground, and it is all about collaboration with different musicians a an and nd si singers. I want to bring them here. I found a lot of great sin singers ngers here, one of them is my friend Dira Sugandi. I will ask he her er and other musicians to make music together. This is such a fan fantastic ntasti island, anything could happen here.

BB: You’ve You been well-known in the UK’s funk scene. What do you think of Bali’s funk and jazz scene?

PB: There T are many great jazz bands in Bali and they are so funkyy and energetic. Although I have not seen all of them, so far they th hey are a wonderful. But I have been to many places here to watc watch bands of other genres, and in general they are all great.

BB: Has the island and its people inspired you?

PB: Yes, they have inspired me a lot. I missed three flights to Eng England because I have been too in love with the island. But wh when I am coming home from Bali, I always go straight to the studio because my head is full of music sounds, and I am ex excited to produce them into good music.

BALI&BEYOND MARCH 2016

39

REST&RELAXATION

VILLAGE LIFE LOCATED IN CANGGU, DESA SENI, A VILLAGE RESORT HAS SUCCESSFULLY MAINTAINED ITS DECADE-LONG PASSION TO PRESERVE BALINESE AND INDONESIAN CULTURE AND TRADITIONS IN A BLISSFUL VILLAGE SETTING…

F

ounded by two North

boho, award-winning gem still

American visionaries, Tom

stands defiantly like a cultural

differ in size, format, character

Talucci and Howard Klein,

and spiritual oasis amongst the

and history – some are even as old

Desa Seni, A Village

diminishing

as 160 years – but all are utterly

rice fields.

Resort, is surrounded by

Each of the 13 accommodations

charming. They were made entirely

Canggu’s rice fields. Rather than

HOME SWEET HOME

of teak with raised wooden floors on

being a mere “hotel,” this eco-

As the name suggests, Desa Seni, A

posts and modified for modern day

conscious and community-committed

Village Resort resembles an authentic

comforts – expect air-conditioning,

boutique resort that opened in 2006

Balinese village, immersing guests

sensuous semi-open bathrooms

has set out to preserve and celebrate

in cultural heritage and traditions

screened by luscious foliage and

Bali and Indonesia’s traditional

where they and the remarkably

generously extended front porches.

cultures, offering a first-hand

friendly and relaxed staff are all part

Dwellings range from singles-only

experience of its traditions, heritage,

of one big happy kula (community).

Village Cabins and Shared Homes

art, wellness, spirituality and more –

Spaced well apart over landscaped

to wonderfully spacious two-

and a little slice of Balinese village

grounds, all of the stand-alone

bedroom Village Homes perfect for

life.

buildings – including public spaces

families with lovely garden terraces.

– are authentic wooden Indonesian

Oozing with ambiance, the interiors

this year – and although Desa

dwellings, like Javanese Joglos and

present original antique or vintage

Seni now finds itself increasingly

Sumatran rice barns, shipped in from

furnishings and artifacts hand-picked

encroached upon by Canggu’s

across the archipelago and restored

from across Indonesia with many

urban development – this rustic-

and refurbished on-site.

pieces imaginatively recycled or

Celebrating its 10 anniversary th

40

BALI&BEYOND MARCH 2016

Tropical garden filledwith hibiscus flowers.

Opposite page, clockwise from top: One of the thatched-roof accommodations; Rustic ambience in each room; An eco-friendly pool area.

repurposed; some boast permanent

copper stamp. And every morning,

adorned with hibiscus flowers

art collections and original carvings.

the delivery of a Balinese Canang

(deposited here each morning by

My home is Rumah Widja from

offering tray encourages guests to

the “Hibiscus Man”). I take a plunge

the Suite Village House category. It

participate in this daily Hindu ritual

in the inviting stone salt water pool,

is a traditional house from East Java,

at the porch prayer box or at Desa

shaded by coconut palms, and

named after a celebrated Balinese

Seni’s own temple.

over indulge at the excellent Rumah

wayang kulit master puppeteer.

Makan, an all-day dining place

Accommodating four people, the

FROM THE GARDEN

serving home-cooked and wholesome

house is complete with large living

It’s tempting just to laze on the

Asian, Western and Indonesian

and relaxing areas. Furnishings

gorgeous timbered porch and

dishes, with many vegetarian and

include two 1930s Javanese

daybed, enjoying a good book

raw food options. Around 80 percent

wedding chairs on the porch, a

or the unobstructed views of the

of the produce served here originates

carved window shutter depicting

omnipresent vegetable gardens – 40

from the resorts’ organic gardens,

rites of manhood from Nias Island

percent of the grounds are devoted

otherwise from local, sustainable

screening the open-plan toilet and

to organic farming and produce

farmers.

the back strap of a traditional

including pumpkins, cauliflower, red

weaving loom doubling as the

spinach and basil, which are tended

Makan is more like a nurturing

towel rack. As elsewhere, this is all

to daily by conical-hatted gardeners.

family kitchen than a restaurant.

meticulously recorded in a guided

I do however manage to tear myself

Sitting at a communal-style table, I

inventory – do a personal tour of

away.

munched on delish dishes like Sawi

your very own living museum!

Alternative chill-out spots are

Personally, I feel that the Rumah

Spring Rolls and Grilled Snapper

thatched mini-bales dotted throughout

with mango sambal, with Tom and

includes a batik sarong souvenir

the exquisite tropical gardens, full

Howard’s pet dogs snoozing at

gift, hand-printed with a traditional

of exotic blooms and stone deities

my feet.

Further cultural immersion

BALI&BEYOND MARCH 2016

41

Yoga Class is scheduled five times a day; Healthy yet yummy foods are served.

HOLISTIC ACTIVITIES The Merapu Svaasthya spa focuses on traditional eastern and western holistic and wellness treatments such and retreats run throughout the year.

as acupuncture, aura chakra therapy for quitting smoking and losing

a genuine community-like resort to

weight. I however, make the most

truly experience (and re-appreciate)

of Desa Seni’s authentic spirituality

complimentary for in-house guests

Balinese culture and daily life –

by participating in the Melukat,

and open to outsiders. Classes cover

albeit in comfort; the entire village

a Balinese cleansing ceremony

a huge diversity of yoga disciplines

set-up and experience amounts

that is a strong Hindu ritual for

including hard-to-find Kundalini

to a nurturing wellness retreat (if

self-purification to prevent havoc,

and Anusara, led by certified yoga

you can’t stay, then at least pop-in

chaos and bad luck. Officiated by

teachers from across the globe and

for their destination-worthy spa,

a Mangku (a Hindu priest) at the

yoga spectrum, all contributing

restaurant and yoga). You can

temple who is chanting blessings

a long-term commitment, passion

feel the positive energy and good

and Sanskrit mantras, holy water

and instruction for body, mind and

vibes as the resort is actually built

mixed with young coconut is poured

spirit wellness. Desa Seni is actually

on sacred, ceremoniously cleansed

over me, spring cleaning my spiritual

one of Bali’s premier yoga centres;

land. With healthy food, yoga,

aura and removing negativity.

The Collective is an accredited

heartfelt care and complete rest

school of yoga and their renowned

– not forgetting my much-needed

Then there are daily yoga classes at the open-air Mahadevi Studio,

transformational yoga workshops

purification – I leave injected with renewed positivity and restored calm. The only stress I encountered

FIFTY SHADES OF GREEN

was deciding what to eat and being

Deeply committed to minimizing their carbon footprint, Desa Seni is created

dive-bombed by dragonflies during

from recycled, repurposed, or sustainable locally sourced products and

my twilight swim.

is almost entirely green, sustainable and organic. Initiatives include rain

By Katie Truman

catchment, recycling and compost systems and a no-plastic policy, with nothing served in plastic – alternatives are from glass straws to refillable

Desa Seni, A Village Resort

pump dispensers. “Giving back to the community” efforts cover weekly

Jalan Subak Sari No. 13, Berawa

yoga and Balinese dance classes free for Canggu children. Desa Seni also supports local orphanages with work-study apprenticeship programmes.

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Beach, Canggu, (0361) 844-6392 www.desaseni.com

FIRST PAGE TOP AND SECOND PAGE PHOTOS BY KATIE TRUMAN, ALL OTHERS COURTESY OF DESA SENI, A VILLAGE RESORT

Desa Seni does not only provide

and personal wellness retreats

BALI&BEYOND MARCH 2016

43

FOTOFOLIO

THE HARMONY OF BALI Beyond the chaotic traffic, land exploitation, over population, and other problems in this modern era, Bali is still magical in so many ways, and not just spiritual-wise. The beauty of Bali is much deeper than meets the eye – I believe it is the energy called taksu that makes Bali attractive to so many people.

Bali is not just about breathtaking scenery and white sandy beaches. It is about the people living harmoniously with a strong belief in a life philosophy called “Tri Hita Karana”, a Sanskrit term that means three paths to peace and prosperity. The belief in a harmonious relationship with God, fellow human beings, and the environment.

As I recall, Kati Basset, a French PhD of Ethnomusicology and anthropologist once said, “Living happily among the Balinese is easy, not because they are materially well off, but because they are spiritually rich.

It is proved in their beautiful smiles, and that’s how they stole my heart.” And in this photo collection I am capturing what I believe to be the harmony of the island – the people’s relationship with God, fellow humans, and the nature.

By Agung Parameswara Photos by Agung Parameswara (www.agungparameswara. photoshelter.com; www.agungparameswara.com)

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Rice ямБelds in Ceking, Ubud.

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Jatiluwih, Tabanan.

BALI&BEYOND MARCH 2016

Silhouette of a ďŹ sherman in Karang Beach, Sanur.

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A man is engraving lontar in Tenganan Pengringsingan Village.

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BALI&BEYOND MARCH 2016

Two little girls in Tenganan Pengringsingan Village.

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• The children of Tenganan Pengringsingan Village.

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51

AS YOU MUNCH ON YOUR SNACK OF CASHEWS, HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHERE THEY CAME FROM? OUR TEAM VISITED A COMMUNITYORIENTED CASHEW FACTORY NESTLED AT THE FOOT OF MOUNT AGUNG IN KARANGASEM. COME ALONG AND SEE WHAT WE FOUND.

T

he Karangasem region has

prosperity through this factory. Soon

facility is truly unlike any other food

been producing cashews

East Bali Cashews (EBC) was born,

factory. This factory is surrounded

since the 80’s – it was

and started producing high-quality,

by lush greenery with fresh air, and

Indonesia’s then president

carbon-neutral and pesticide-free

the main building that houses the

Soeharto that initiated

cashews for snacks. Now nearly four

management office boasts a view

a cashew plantation to replace

years after it was first established,

of Mount Agung – we had a hard

oranges, the region’s previous main

EBC employs more than 300 local

time believing that this was in fact a

commodity. Those cashews were

people and sells their products in

factory and not a retreat.

then exported to Vietnam and India

a number of the island’s grocery

to be processed, reducing the value

stores and mini marts such as Circle

greeted by I Made Sudarma (Pak

of Balinese cashews and eventually

K, Hardy’s, MiniMart and Duty

Made), the Purchasing and Supplies

causing the farmers to live in poverty

Free, and even manages to export

Manager, who took us on a tour of

for years.

to several countries, including

the factory. However, that day we

Singapore and the USA.

couldn’t witness the first half of the

But everything changed when American entrepreneur Aaron

You might wonder how cashews

As soon as we arrived we were

production process since the amount

Fishman visited Bali on a charity

could improve the lives of the

of cashews required for that week

mission back in 2012. During

villagers, so, lucky for you, our

had already hit its limit – which is a

his visit he saw an opportunity to

team took a tour to EBC’s factory

sign of how good the business is. But

boost the value of local cashews

in Karangasem and witnessed how

in spite of that, Pak Made still took

in Karangasem by establishing

EBC produces their products and has

us around and explained each of

Indonesia’s first large-scale cashew

boosted the local economy.

the stages.

processing facility. Not only that,

The process starts by grading the

he was also determined to help the

COOKING CASHEWS

cashews based on their size using a

farmers and the villagers to gain

Nestled in Ban Village, EBC’s

machine – Grade A for the biggest

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BALI&BEYOND MARCH 2016

FIRST PAGE PHOTO COURTESY OF EAST BALI CASHEWS, ALL OTHERS BY RISTY NURRAISA

LITTLELOVES

STORY OF A CASHEW

and Grade D for the smallest. The cashews are then steamed for 15 to 25 minutes, depending on their grade, and left to dry for at least 24 hours. The next step is to cut them in two to take the cashews out of their shells. Some are then left with their skin on for EBC’s Native variant, while the others (which are prepared

The cashews, before and after peeling.

for other flavors) are put into the oven.

Once out of the oven the cashews are hand-peeled in a highly hygienic

LOCAL ORIENTED

Families Foundation, a non-profit

room. Then they go through a

What we love the most about

enterprise focusing on improving

machine for a thorough check to

this factory is their dedication to

the local’s education as well as

make sure that the cashews are all

improving the lives of the villagers.

providing a subsidized community

peeled and clean before they are

EBC’s cashews come directly from

store where EBC workers, many of

vacuum packed in and put into

the farmers in the Karangasem

whom are also housewives, go for

storage – some of them are ready

region (and also from other parts of

their grocery shopping. The Cashew

to sell while some others go to

Indonesia like Flores and Sumbawa),

Families Foundation also provides an

be flavored. EBC produces seven

and are processed by hand by

early learning center that serves as

different flavors in total. Aside from

the female workforce – around

a children’s daycare to take care of

Native, they also have Chilli Crunch,

90 percent of the workers are the

the worker’s little children while their

Chocolate, Garlic Pepper, Roasted,

women of Ban Village who were

parents are working in the factory.

Sea Salt and Sesame Ginger. Once

previously unemployed before EBC

This learning center is complete

they are flavored, the cashews are

was established.

with open-air classes as well as a

then packed and are ready to be distributed.

But their dedication to the local

pond and a rabbit and a dove

community doesn’t stop there.

cage for children to learn and

EBC also established The Cashew

play with nature.

Now that we have witnessed the processing of the EBC products, we surely don’t look at their cashews the same way anymore, as in each of the cashews lies a story of the people in Ban Village. And as their brand is expanding, we sure hope that EBC will always continue to strive for the prosperity of their workers and the community that surrounds them.

By Risty Nurraisa

BALI&BEYOND MARCH 2016

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www.eastbalicashews.com

ACTION&ATTRACTION

THE PRIDE OF INDONESIA IT WAS MY FIFTH TIME WATCHING THE BALI AGUNG SHOW, YET I WAS STILL MIND-BLOWN. THE SHOW KEPT MY EYES FOCUSED ON EVERY LITTLE DETAIL AND STILL MANAGED TO CARRY ME AWAY. THE BALI AGUNG SHOW AT THE BALI SAFARI & MARINE PARK IS A JOURNEY BACK TO THE REAL BALI OF THE 12TH CENTURY. IT IS A LOCAL FOLKLORE STORY THAT STAYS IN THE HEART OF THE BALINESE PEOPLE.

O

nce upon a

daughter of one of the most notable

still childless, which had the whole

time, when rice

merchants from China, visited

village in sorrow. So the King got

fields covered

the island and met the King. Jaya

frustrated and decided to travel

Bali, there was

Pangus couldn’t resist the beauty of

to seek enlightenment. One day

a king named

Kang Ching Wie and they fell in

the King got separated from his

Jaya Pangus. Under his rule the

love and got married, even though

troops and was stranded at the

island was glorious, and eventually

the King’s priest advised him not to.

foot of Mount Batur. He decided

attracted Chinese sailors and

As it turned out, the priest’s

to pray and meditate on the top of

merchants. One day a Chinese

advise was accurate because after

the mountain, but that plan failed

lady named Kang Ching Wie, the

years of marriage the couple was

when the Goddess of Lake Batur, Dewi Danu approached him. Jaya Pangus couldn’t resist the charms of this beautiful goddess and asked Dewi Danu to become his wife. She agreed with one condition; that one day, their son will become the king of Bali, replacing his father. King Jaya Pangus agreed, so they got married and were soon blessed with a son.

Meanwhile in the King’s Palace,

When the Chinese merchant arrived on the island.

after a long wait, Kang Ching Wie decided to look for Jaya Pangus

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BALI&BEYOND MARCH 2016

around Mount Batur. Once there,

and also the artistic designer of the

These rituals are one of the keys

she met a little boy who looked like

Bali Agung Show, that suggested the

to the spectacular performances of

someone that she had known for

idea of performing the legend of King

Bali Agung Shows. The cast and

years. After discovering the truth

Jaya Pangus on stage – this idea was

crew believe that the spirit of Jaya

Kang Ching Wie was torn apart, and

then supported by Balinese priest Ida

Pangus, Kang Ching Wie and Dewi

she led the kingdom’s troops to attack

Pedanda Made Gunung and made

Danu are always with them in every

Dewi Danu. The war of the broken

into reality in collaboration with Peter

performance.

hearts then began – Kang Ching Wie

Wilson, a well-known Australian art

was almost killed, which made Jaya

director. The King Jaya Pangus story

THE SPOTLIGHT

Pangus realize that his true love was

is believed to be one of the most

The story, the theatrical performance

actually his Queen. So he stopped

sacred legends on the island, so

and the immaculately composed

Dewi Danu from killing Kang Ching

even before the production began in

choreography are the highlights of

Wie and asked for her mercy.

2010, the cast and crew went to the

the show that makes the Bali Agung

Balingkang Temple to pray and ask

Show a must-see performance. It

for a blessing.

took the crew – which also consists

It was like a lightning shock for Dewi Danu to realize that the father

of her child was still in love with

At that time, the spirit of the King,

of young creative talents as well

the Queen. She never knew that

Kang Ching Wie, and the Goddess

as a team from Australia for the

Jaya Pangus was married, so she

of Lake Batur possessed some of the

lighting, sound and music – almost

cursed the King and the Queen and

cast. After performing the ritual four

a year to mix and prepare all of the

banished them from earth. She then

times, the spirits gave blessings to

aspects for the solid one hour non-

created a statue of Jaya Pangus and

all of the cast and crew to perform

stop performance.

Kang Ching Wie so that their spirits

the show with taksu (charisma) to

would always guard the island of

give a charming performance to

180 performers from the nearby

Bali.

the audience. Not only did they

villages, 40 puppets, gamelan

perform rituals at the Balingkang

musicians and more than 30 animals

BEHIND THE SCENE

Temple, the cast and crew also had

including ten elephants on the 60

It was Mr. I Made Sidia, a well-

to pray regularly in the Bali Theatre

meter by 40 meter stage. Bringing

known Balinese wayang puppeteer

Temple for each of their 100 shows.

the best of the local talent on to the

BALI&BEYOND MARCH 2016

55

The Bali Agung Show features

King Jaya Pangus and Kang Ching Wie were turned into statues to guard Bali.

huge stage, this show is now not just

– that the Bali Agung Show is one

also as Indonesia’s Leading Tourism

a performance for the cast and crew

of the best international standard

Show 2015/2016 at the Indonesia

– it is a passion, a way to express

performances they’ve ever seen. The

Travel and Tourism Awards.

themselves. The show has become

former president of Indonesia, Mr.

By Bayu Rahanatha

their lives.

Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, called the Bali Agung Show “the pride of

Bali Theatre

and international stars including

Indonesia”. And recently, the Bali

Bali Safari & Marine Park

Hollywood famous names – come

Agung Show was honored as Bali’s

Jalan ByPass Prof. Ida Bagus Mantra

incognito to watch this show. And

Leading Tourism Show 2015/2016

Km 19.8, Gianyar, (0361) 950-000

they all come to the same conclusion

at the Bali Tourism Awards and

www.balitheatre.com

FACTS AND MYTHS:

sound and lighting systems.

The Bali Agung Show is performed Tuesday through

The seating is designed so that all of the audience will feel like they are watching a 3D cinema in a

Sunday from 2.30 to 3.30 p.m.

theatre.

Only 45 minutes away from the Ngurah Rai International Airport, the Bali Theatre where the Bali

The statue of King Jaya Pangus and Kang Ching

Agung Show is performed sits in a lush tropical jungle

Wie are named “Barong Landung”. You can find these

in the heart of the island’s prestigious Bali Safari &

statues in some Balinese temples. The Balinese also

Marine Park in Gianyar.

make gigantic puppets of Barong Landung and march them on the streets during the celebration of Galungan

The Bali Theatre is Bali’s first indoor premier

(a traditional Balinese ceremony).

dance and performing art theatre. It is set in an

After King Jaya Pangus disappeared, the son of King

approximately 460 square meter building and accommodates up to 1,200 seats. It is fully equipped

Jaya Pangus and Dewi Danu, Prince Maya Denawa,

with advanced multi-media technology and state-of-art

took the throne and became the cruelest king of Bali.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF BALI SAFARI & MARINE PARK

Many celebrities – national

BALI&BEYOND MARCH 2016

57

CAPITALCORNER

The Heart of the Capital OUR CONTRIBUTOR EDNA TARIGAN TAKES US AROUND JAKARTA’S FIRST CIRCLE…

D

espite being the

half a day to tour and explore this

center of bureucracy

historical place…

in Indonesia, the

The National Monument is surrounded by a park where locals usually go for a picnic on the

area around the

HISTORICAL SITES

weekends or their holiday. Many of

Presidential Palace,

Located in Gambir, the Monumen

them even do their daily exercises in

usually called the Circle One area,

Nasional (the National Monument

the park in the morning and evening,

is not all about governmental

or Monas for short) stands on what

running or cycling. But here’s a little

business. In this area, tourists can

used to be Ikada Square. With a fire

tip; come to the National Monument

also have some fun and enjoy the

statue made of 50 kilograms of gold

for a sunset session. The view of

capital city. Circle One is located

sitting at the top of the monument,

Jakarta’s skycrapers during the

in Central Jakarta, the heart of the

this 132-meter tall landmark

sunset is worth seeing.

capital city, and is easily reached

symbolizes the fight of Indonesians

using public transportation – tourists

for independence back in 1945.

Off to the east side of the National Monument you can go to

can take the Trans Jakarta bus and

The Museum Sejarah Nasional (the

see an art exhibition at the Galeri

the commuter line loops to get there.

National History Museum) is situated

Nasional Indonesia (the Indonesia

The area is also well developed with

at ground level, displaying the

National Gallery). Located right

decent sidewalks to accommodate

history of Indonesia from pre-historic

across from the Gambir Station, the

pedestrians. And it may only take

times to the modern era.

National Gallery hosts a monthly

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BALI&BEYOND MARCH 2016

exhibition, showcasing the works of

Standing adjacent to Jakarta Cathedral, the Istiqlal Mosque is a must-visit. Opposite page: The National Museum.

Indonesian and international artists.

Not only that, the gallery displays its art collection that includes paintings, photographs and sculptures as a part of the daily exhibition.

Next, move on to the Museum Nasional (the National Museum), which is located on the west side of the Monas. Flanked by ministerial office buildings, this museum is easy to spot with its elephant statue sitting in the main yard, which is why it is also called The Elephant Museum.

Istiqlal Mosque and the Jakarta

one of the oldest churches in Jakarta,

Cathedral Church, which are close

was built in 1901 in neo-gothic style

of Indonesia’s diverse culture from

to each other and are very popular

architecture. Like other religious

the pre-historic to the modern time.

tourist destinations, despite the fact

places, people can of course pray

From ancient megalithic stones found

that they are holy places. Both have

inside or outside of the church. But

in remote areas in the archipelago

unique architecture and are rich with

for those who come at the right time,

to traditional clothes and musical

history – the two main reasons why

they can see the doves being fed at

instruments, as well as ancient war

this mosque and the church have

the church’s yard.

weapons, armor and even ancient

become one of the must-visit places

jewelry from all over the country, are

in Jakarta. They are also popular for

street to see the Istiqlal Mosque. This

all on display.

city photography.

mosque can accommodate up to

This museum is the melting pot

The next places to visit are the

The Jakarta Cathedral Church,

After visiting the church, cross the

120,000 people, but still it is often jam-packed with locals during the Islamic holidays of Idul Fitri and Idul Adha for morning prayers.

SHOPS AND SWEETS For those who want to do some shopping but don’t really want to go to a mall, don’t worry as the Circle One area is home to Pasar Baru, a local market that has been a shopping center since the Dutch colonial era, 196 years ago – it is actually engraved on its gates, “Passer Baroe, 1820”. In this modern era, Pasar Baru is still one of the most favorite shopping centers

BALI&BEYOND MARCH 2016

59

The Jakarta Cathedral.

pioneering jamu companies in

legend in the capital city. Since it

Indonesia. Along the main alley

was first established in 1932, the

there are also a lot of money traders

restaurant has been famous for its

selling various types of authentic

choices of healthy and delicious

Indonesian bank notes, published

non-preservative ice cream. Which

from the Dutch colonial era up to

one to try? Their Spaghetti ice

the 1990’s. These bank notes are

cream with dried fruits, peanuts and

usually bought by collectors or even used as unique dowries.

After strolling around Pasar Baru one might feel a little bit hungry. Not to worry because Pasar Baru offers some great culinary experience – Bakmi Gang Kelinci and Bakmi where traders with ancestral roots

Aboen are two restaurants that have

going back to India, China and

been really popular for their noodles

Melayu (Malay) do their business.

for generations.

There are so many shops, which

For some sweet delights, head

could make one feel overwhelmed,

to Jalan Veteran and have a scoop

but among the shops located at

or two – or even more – of ice

Pasar Baru’s main alley there is

cream at Ragusa Es Italia (Ragusa

one that is the oldest. The Nyonya

Italian Ice Cream) to end the trip

Meneer shop that sells jamu,

around Jakarta’s first circle area.

chocolate milk topping is the most

an Indonesian herbal medicine,

The Ragusa Italian Ice Cream

favorite. And did I mention that there

is a must-visit as it is one of the

Restaurant is another culinary

are also a lot of stalls selling street

Pasar Baroe, one of the oldest markets in the capital.

food like satay and otak-otak (fish Spaghetti ice cream at Ragusa Italian Ice Cream.

cakes wrapped in banana leaves) just outside the restaurant?

By Edna Tarigan

Museum Nasional Jalan Medan Merdeka Barat No. 12, Central Jakarta www.museumnasional.or.id Ragusa Es Italia Jalan Veteran I No. 10, Gambir, Central Jakarta (021) 384-9123

The iconic National Monument at night.

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PHOTOS BY EDNA TARIGAN

Galeri Nasional Indonesia Jalan Medan Merdeka Timur No. 14, Central Jakarta (021) 348- 339-54 www.galeri-nasional.or.id

The old and preserved Jakarta Cathedral.

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61

BEYONDUPDATES

JAZZ IT UP! From March 4 to 6, the Jakarta International BNI Java Jazz Festival 2016 will rock JIExpo Kemayoran in Jakarta. The 12th edition of Java Jazz Festival is proud to present numerous international and local musicians such as the New West Guitar Group, Patty Austin, Jazz Orchestra of The Concert Gebouw, Barasuara, Mocca, and more. In accordance with this year’s theme, which is “Exploring Indonesia”, the festival also presents “Indonesia Duets” where today’s most popular male and female singers will collaborate singing hit songs from the ‘90s and 2000’s. But the highlight is actually the special shows, like Chris Botti featuring Sting, Robin Thicke, and David Foster. www.javajazzfestival.com

WHILE IN LOMBOK

ALL COURTESY PHOTOS

The Plateno Group from China proudly announces the opening of its first ever ZMAX hotel in Southeast Asia, the ZMAX D Hotel Praya – Lombok, located in South Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. Located only three minutes away from the Lombok International Airport, this hotel offers 138 rooms and suites – all well-designed for both business and leisure travelers – as well as a ballroom that can accommodate up to 600 people, a swimming pool, a gym and a sky lounge. The hotel’s ZOLO restaurant, bar and lounge is also ready to serve guests with food and drinks. The ZMAX D Hotel Praya – Lombok is near the Kuta and Mandalika beaches, and is only 45 minutes away from Senggigi.

ZMAX D Hotel Praya – Lombok Jalan Raya ByPass Bandara Internasional Lombok, Desa Penujak, West Nusa Tenggara (0370) 615-8888, www.plateno-group.com

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COMMUNITYCALENDAR

SPIRIT UP! The Bali Spirit Festival is back! Held from March 29 to April 3, the ninth annual Bali Spirit Festival will be transforming Ubud into a lively international center of world music and yogic fun, and is expecting to welcome thousands of people from all over the globe. This year’s Bali Spirit Festival will be hosted at the Bhanuswari Resort and Spa for the daytime program and ARMA Museum for the night events, and will be a lot of fun with workshops, the organic Dharma Fair market, Healing Huts, a Kids Zone and a community music stage. On the last three nights of the festival, “The One World Night Music Stage” is going to showcase live performances by local and international musicians, such as Kayah and The Opiuo Band, Baraswara and Rio Sidik. Check out the following website for more details. www.balispiritfestival.com

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BALI&BEYOND MARCH 2016

ALL COURTESY PHOTOS

MERTASARI DAY On March 26 and 27, the Mertasari Beach Festival will surely be an amazing weekend. Held at Mertasari Beach in front of the Power of Now Oasis and Mercure Resort Sanur, this festival boasts a number of fun activities such as Balinese dance lessons, a beach cleaning, a jukung race, banana boat rides, surfing and stand up paddle lessons, and more. Yoga and meditation classes will also be conducted, with a number of yoga practitioners ready for consultation. The festival will be even merrier with Balinese cultural shows, live performances, fireworks and a market selling art and food, making it the perfect place for a family day out. And did we mention that everyone is welcome to join for free? www.mertasaribeachfestival.com

BALI&BEYOND MARCH 2016

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5 – CITY

BALI ROADSHOW CONDUCTED

BY U & I HOLIDAYS Tourists flocking to Bali, Indonesia from India with the count rising to more than 120,000 passengers in 2015. Need a better DMC for Bali ... get in touch with U & I Holidays.

Mumbai, India - 12th February 2016 - The recently concluded ‘05 City Bali Roadshow 2016’ organized

by Mumbai based Destination Management Company - U & I Holidays was a major success amongst retail tour operators across India. Covering 5 major business hubs of India viz. Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad & Mumbai, this show provided an excellent platform for various hotels and allied services to showcase all possible avenues relating to the tourism in Bali & overall Indonesia as a whole. Some of the most popular hotel brands, Indian restaurants and other tourism related services were a part of this grand show. From every city more than 100 retail tour operators touched base with the participants of their choice in this free & easy affair with Ahmedabad & Mumbai crossing the 150 mark.

Shyam Upadhyay Director, U & I Holidays, shares with Bali & Beyond the details of its recently conducted Bali road show and talks about the product which will be showcased for the travel trade.

Q What was the focus of the Bali Roadshow?

Numbers to Indonesia especially Bali, are on an upward trend and growing at a fast pace. Last year around 90000 people travelled to Bali alone. We have been in this industry since the last six years and have been the market grown exponentially. So this year we decided to strengthen our base even further by organizing a Bali roadshow for all our existing as well as potential trade partners Q What Products you have promoted at the Roadshow?

We have invited 25 participants from Bali including hotels and other allied services like the Bali Zoo and even Indian restaurants. There was a mix of branded, star category hotels present at the roadshow.

Q What was the business in 2015 for U & I Holidays?

We saw a 14 per cent growth in 2015 as compared to 2014, handling around 12,000 passengers to Indonesia from India in 2015 that included MICE, FlTs, weddings, etc. Our product works very well in India because our reservation is centralised from Mumbai. Our USP is no international calling, no language barriers, quick reverts, most competitive rates and to top it all efficient services deliverance. Our existing clientele is extremely satisfied with our excellent service standards and they swear by it. Check-in reminders. Prompt check-in reports, client updates on a daily basis, efficient feedback mechanism are some of the advantages of working with U & I Holidays.

Q What are your focus areas for 2016?

Our focus will remain on Bali with a clear target to increase last years production in terms of numbers, since that is India’s favourite destination currently when we talk about Indonesia. However, we will also focus on other destinations like Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Bandung, Ubud, Lombok and Komodo Islands which is coming up really well. This year we are also launching our online portal which will help us penetrate the market even better. We are also developing our events team which will look after big events like weddings in Bali.

Q What trends do you foresee this year?

This year looks promising in terms of tourist numbers. Certain sectors like MICE are picking up very well.

There are a lot of groups happening this year. Bali is also a wry popular wedding destination and a lot of hotels are promoting them- selves for this market.

Overall the Indonesia growth story from India looks very promising. As they say - Make Hay while the Sun shines & now is the time to enjoy the summer.

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BALI&BEYOND MARCH 2016

05 City Bali Road Show in India The recently concluded ‘05 City Bali Roadshow 2016’ organized by Mumbai based Destination Management Company - U & I Holidays was a major success amongst retail tour operators across India. Covering 5 major business hubs of India viz. New Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad & Mumbai, this show provided and excellent platform for various hotels & allied tourism services to showcase all possible avenues relating to tourism in Bali & Indonesia as a whole. From each city more than 100 retail tour operators touched base with the participants of their choice in this free & easy affair.

Participants: Sheraton Bali, Holiday Inn Baruna Bali, Bali Dynasty, Risata, Bali Zoo, W Bali, Four Points by Sheraton, Ayana Resot, Mandapa, The Ritz-Carlton, Lifestyle Retreat, Melia Bali, Alila Seminyak, Pan Pacific, Queens of India, The Royal Pitamaha, Sense Hotel, Plateno group, Kayana, Uppala Villa, Kuta Central Park & Double Six

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SEE&SEEN

SAVE THE DUGONG Teaming up as a “Flying Squad”, mammal and animal care specialists from the Bali Safari & Marine Park and the Batang Dolphin Center flew off to Kanawa Island in the Komodo National Park last January to rescue a dying one-month-old dugong. Internationally known as a sea cow, the dugong was found with numerous scratches that were caused from hitting sharp coral and it was lacking mother’s milk. The mother of the Dugong was possibly dead but the squad is still trying to find her, searching the sea for eight hours every day, and they are still going to be in the area to supervise the baby dugong’s condition for a while. www.balisafarimarinepark.com

SAFETY ALERT Following the success of Bali Children’s Project’s Sex Education Program in 2015, the USA-based Mel Wolf Foundation has again given a grant to the NGO for the same cause this year. The program is delivered in a workshop about the birds and the bees, rather than a formal class. This one-year program aims to prevent kids from a free and dangerous lifestyle, and the NGO has targeted over 3,800 students from 54 schools to be educated about the dangers of free sex. www.balichildrensproject.org

GALUNGAN READY To celebrate Galungan, the South Kuta Beach Business Association (SKBBA) and Kuta Village organized a Penjor and Gebogan competition – both penjor and gebogan are Balinese offerings to honor the Gods and spirits that will fall to earth on Galungan Day. The event was held on February 5 at the Lippo Mall Kuta, which also marked the opening of the SKBBA Food & Entertainment Festival that lasted until February 8. At the end of the day, the Alaya Resort Kuta won the Penjor category and the Holiday Inn Resort Baruna won the Gebogan category. www.southkutabali.com

CHEEKY MONKEY Celebrating the Lunar New Year, the Anantara Seminyak put up a Naughty Monkey New Year Tree in their lobby from February 1 to 15. Guests were invited to purchase the wooden monkey toys (available at Rp. 50,000 each) that were hung around the tree. Each of the toys contains a secret prize inside, ranging from airline tickets to hotel vouchers. All profits from the purchase and prizes went to Solemen Indonesia, a nonprofit charity organization. To launch the charity tree, the resort held an intimate event on February 8 that was attended by Solemen Indonesia Ambassador Tamara Bleszynski as well as in-house guests and media. www.bali.anantara.com

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ALL COURTESY PHOTOS

SHARING IS CARING On January 15, the Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort held a blood donation drive in the Gamelan Ballroom. With the “Save a life, give freely, give often” – “You are Somebody’s Type” motto, the event had 206 people donating their blood – the participants ranged from hotel employees and ambassadors to media people, in-house guests, LPM community members, Indonesian Tourism Development Corporation, and even Indonesian fitness celebrity Ade Rai. The blood donation drive event is hosted at the hotel every three months. www.sofitel-bali-nusadua.com

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ILLUSTRATION MAPS BY ADE PARTHA & RIO WEDAYANA

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INFOINDEX

AIRLINES

Tel: (0361) 286-465, Fax: (0361) 286-408 E-mail: bali@honorary.mzv.cz

Renon, Denpasar Fax: (0361) 263-310 E-mail: rtc_bali@thaimail.com

■ AIRPORT OPERATOR Tel: (0361) 751-011

■ FRANCE

■ TIMOR LESTE

■ CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS

Jl. Mertasari Gg. II No. 8, Sanur Tel: (0361) 285-485, Fax: (0361) 286-406 E-mail: consul@dps.centrin.net.id

Jl. Prof. Yamin No. 4, Renon, Denpsar Tel: (0361) 235-093, Fax: (0361) 235-092 E-mail: cgtl@dpsbali.com

■ GERMANY

■ UNITED STATES

Tel: (0361) 768-358, Fax: (0361) 768-369

Jl. Pantai Karang 17, Batujimbar, Sanur Tel: (0361) 288-535, Fax: (0361) 288-826 Email: germanconsul@bali-ntb.com

Jl. Hayam Wuruk 188, Denpasar Tel: (0361) 233-605, Fax: (0361) 222-426 E-mail: amcobali@indosat.net.id

■ ROYAL BRUNEI

■ HUNGARY

Tel: (0361) 757-292

■ SINGAPORE AIRLINES

Marintur, Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai 219, Sanur.

Tel: (0361) 287-701, Fax: (0361) 287-456 Email: huconbali@telkom.net

Jl. I Gusti Ngurah Rai, Airport Tel: (0361) 936-8388, Fax: (0361) 936-8383

■ INDIA

■ GARUDA Jl. Jalan Sugianyar, 5 Denpasar

Jl. Raya Puputan 163, Renon - Denpasar Tel. (0361) 259-502/259-503 Fax.(0361) 259-505

Wisthi Sabha Building, 2nd Floor Ngurah Rai International Aiprort Call Centre: 0804-1-888888

■ CONTINENTAL MICRONESIA

Tel. (0361) 227-824, Fax: (0361) 226-298 24-hour access: 08071-807-807

■ MERPATI Jl. Gatot Subroto Tengah, 26 Denpasar Tel: (0361) 411-364 Airport Tel: (0361) 9351-011, ext. 5240/5242 Hotline: Tel: (0361) 722-740, 722-741

■ MANDALA AIRLINES Komp. Plaza Kertawijaya Jl. Diponogoro No. 98, Denpasar, Reservation Call center 08041234567

■ NGURAH RAI AIRPORT Tel/Fax: (0361) 759-761

HEALTH&MEDICAL

■ ITALY Lotus Enterprises Building Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai, Jimbaran Tel: (0361) 701-005, Fax: (0361) 701-005 E-mail: italconsbali @italconsbali.org

■ JAPAN Jl. Raya Puputan 170, Denpasar Tel: (0361) 227-628, Fax: (0361) 265-066 E-mail: denpasar@dp.mofa.go.jp

■ MALAYSIA Alam Kulkul Boutique Resort Jl. Pantai Kuta Tel: (0361) 752-520, Fax: (0361) 766-373 E-mail: info@consulmalaysia-bali.com

■ THAI INTERNATIONAL Grand Bali Beach Sanur, Tel: (0361) 288-141

■ QATAR AIRWAYS Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel, South Kuta Beach Tel: (0361) 752-222; Fax: 753-788. Departure International Terminal, 2nd fl. – Room OP.II.8 East Wing Ngurah Rai International Airport Tel: (0361) 9360274; Fax : (0361) 9360275 ■ DEPARTURE Arrive at the airport two hours prior to departure. A Rp. 150,000 international departure tax is required. Domestic departure fee is Rp 75,000. No Fiscal tax-exempt to pay for Indonesian and expatriates holding KITAS for International departure. Ngurah Rai Intíl Airport, Tel: (0361) 751-011

■ MEXICO PT Puri Astina Putra Building Jl. Prof. Moh. Yamin 1A, Renon, Denpasar Tel: (0361) 223-266, Fax: (0361) 244-568 E-mail: consulmex@astinatravel.com

Call an ambulance by dialing 118, but it is a lot more practical and quicker to hire a taxi. Most hotels have on-call doctors on standby. For “Bali Belly”, Lomotil and Imodium eliminate symptoms, but not gastro-related infections. A fever along with symptoms requires doctor-prescribed antibiotics.

Drink as much liquid as possible. Isotonic drinks under various brand names are widely available and are known to replenish body hydration and replace fluids. For discomfort, diarrhea and cramping, drink strong, hot tea; avoid fruits and spicy foods.

Some day-biting mosquitoes carry dengue fever, but this is not a problem in tourist areas.

Bali is non-malarial and prophylaxis is not required. Mosquito bites, cuts or abrasions easily become infected in the tropics. Treat them immediately.

Drink only bottled or boiled water. Peel fruit before eating; avoid raw vegetables except at reputable restaurants. Ice in restaurants is safe.

Protect yourself from the intense equatorial sun.

Use high SPF sunblock and a hat.

AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases are increasing in Indonesia. Local sex workers have multiple partners from around the world.

They are not checked for sexually transmitted diseases. Act responsibly and use condoms, available over the counter at pharmacies.

■ NETHERLANDS

■ ROYAL DANISH Sunset Road No. 89 Ruko Sunset Indah I Kav. 3 Tel: (0361) 821-6979, Fax: (0361) 7666-38 E-mail: danishconsbali@gmail.com

CLINIC&HOSPITAL 24-hour emergency medical clinic services, medical evacuation, multilingual staff.

Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai 505X, Kuta 80361 Tel: (0361) 710-505, Fax: (0361) 710-515

(ARMA) Ubud, Tel: (0361) 976-659, Fax: 974-229.

Jl. Pengosekan, Ubud, open daily 8 am-6pm

■ ABIAN KAPAS Jl. Nusa Indah, East Denpasar Tel: (0361) 227-176

■ ANTONIO BLANCO Ubud , Tel: (0361) 975-502, 975-551 open daily 8 am-5 pm

■ ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM Pejeng, Tel: (0361) 942-352 Open 8 am - 3 pm weekdays

■ GEDONG KIRTYA HISTORICAL LIBRARY Tel: (0362) 25141, Jl. Veteran, Singaraja. Open 7am - 3pm Monday Thursday, until Fridaynoon, closed on weekends

■ GALLERY SENIWATI Jl. Ubud Raya, Gianyar. Tel: (0361) 975-485

■ MUSEUM BALI Tel: (0361) 235-059, 222-680, Jl. Let. Kol Wisnu, Denpasar

■ MUSEUM LE MAYEUR Tel: (0361) 286-164, Jl. Hang Tuah, Sanur.

Open 8 am - 2 pm, Tuesday - Sunday.

■ MUSEUM MANUSA YADNYA Mengwi, open daily, but often unattended

■ MUSEUM NEKA Tel: (0361) 975-074, 975-034, Jl. Raya Campuan, Ubud open daily 9 am - 5 pm.

Tel: (0361) 975-136, 971-159, Jl. Raya Ubud, Ubud, www.mpl-ubud.com

■ MUSEUM RUDANA Tel: (0361) 975-779, 976-479, Peliatan, Ubud

■ MUSEUM SUBAK Tel: (0361) 810-315, Jl. Raya Kediri, Desa Sanggulan, Tabanan

■ BIMC Hospital Kuta ■ POLAND

■ BRITAIN

■ SPAIN

■ BIMC Hospital Nusa Dua

Jl. Tirta Nadi 20, Sanur, Denpasar Tel: (0361) 270-601, Fax: (0361) 287-804 E-mail: bcbali@dps.centrin.net.id

Istana Kuta Galeria, Blok Vallet 2, No. 11 Jl. Patih Jelantik, Kuta Tel: (0361) 769-296, Fax: (0361) 769-296 E-mail: espana_bali@blueline.net.id

24h Accident and Emergency Centre, 24h Medical Centre, international standard hospital with fully equipped ambulances, emergency room, intensive care unit, operating theatres, radiology and pathology, ward rooms, international and multilingual team of medical experts, CosMedic Centre, Dialysis Centre, Dental Centre.

Kawasan BTDC, Blok D, Nusa Dua 80363, Tel: (0361) 3000-911, Fax: (0361) 3001-150

NEW ZEALAND Jl. Tantular No. 32, Renon - Denpasar 80234 Tel: (0361) 241-118, Fax: (0361) 221-195 E-mail: bali.congen@dfat.gov.au www.bali.indonesia.embassy.gov.au

■ AGUNG RAI MUSEUM OF ART

■ INTERNATIONAL SOS CLINIC

Jl.Gunung Agung 93, Denpasar 80118 Tel: (0361) 426-171, Fax: (0361) 426-477 E-mail: konsulslowakbali@yahoo.com

■ AUSTRALIA, CANADA,

MUSEUMS

■ MUSEUM PURI LUKISAN

KCB Travel, Jl. Raya Kuta 127, Kuta Tel: (0361) 761-502, Fax: (0361) 752-777 E-mail: dutchconsulate@kcb-tours.com

24h Accident and Emergency Centre, 24h Medical Centre, international standard hospital with fully equipped ambulances, emergency room, intensive care unit, operating theatres, radiology and pathology, ward rooms, international and multilingual team of medical experts, CosMedic Centre for non-invasive and invasive cosmetic and aesthetic treatments.

Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai 100X, Kuta 80361 Tel: (0361) 761-263, Fax: (0361) 767-701

CONSULATES

■ RUMAH SAKIT UMUM PUSAT SANGLAH (General Hospital): Jl. Diponegoro, Sanglah, Denpasar. Tel: (0361) 227-911/15

Jl. Raya Petitenget No. 11, Block I/C, Banjar Umasari, Kerobokan Tel: (0361) 732-165, Fax: (0361) 732-165 E-mail: consul@balipolandconsulate.com

■ SLOVAKIA

TOURIST INFO. ■ INTEGRATED TOURISM INFORMATION CENTER (ITIC) A one-stop tourist information complex of ten provinces in Indonesia comprising Bali, Lampung, Jakarta, Banten, West Java, Central Java, East Java, Jogjakarta. Jl. Raya Kuta 2, Kuta, 80361; Tel: (0361) 766-188

■ NGURAH RAI INTERNATIONAL

■ BRAZIL Jl. Raya Legian No. 186, Kuta Tel: (0361) 757-775, Fax: (0361) 751-005 E–mail: brazilconsul@bali.net

■ SWEDEN & FINLAND Segara Village Hotel, Jl. Segara Ayu Tel: (0361) 282-211, Fax: 282-211 E-mail: sweconsul@yahoo.com

■ CHILE Jl. Jl. Pengembak Gg 1 No. 3, Sanur, Denpasar Tel: (0361) 756-781, Fax: (0361) 756-783 E-mail: chilehonconsulate@bali-villa.com

■ SWITZERLAND & AUSTRIA Jl. Ganetri 9 D, Gatot Subroto Timur, Denpasar Tel: (0361) 264-149, Fax: (0361) 243-747 E-mail: bali@honrep.ch

■ CZECH REPUBLIC Jl. Pengembak 17 Sanur.

■ THAILAND Jl. Puputan Raya No. 81,

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■ SILOAM HOSPITALS 24-hour emergency 779-911 Jl. Sunset Road No. 818, Kuta, Badung, Bali Tel: +62-361-779-900 E-mail: info.bali@siloamhospitals.com

BALI&BEYOND MARCH 2016

AIRPORT Tel: (0361) 751-011

■ BADUNG GOVERNMENT TOURISM OFFICE Jl. Kuta Raya 2, Kuta Tel: (0361) 756-175/76 ■ BALI GOVERNMENT TOURISM OFFICE Jl. Supratman, Niti Mandala, Renon, Denpasar Tel: (0361) 222-387 ■ SINGARAJA TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICE Jl. Veteran 23, Singaraja Tel: (0362) 251-41

■ UBUD TOURIST INFORMATION SERVICE Jl. Raya Ubud, Gianyar Tel: (0361) 96-285, 973-285; 8 am - 9 pm

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