FRV Bali 12.1 Jun-Aug 2015

FA S H I O N R E S TAU R A N T S & V I L L A S BALI & SOUTHEAST ASIA

PROHIBITION CLIO

FAS H IO N

REPUBLIK 1945

T RAV EL

BEACHGOL D

ARNALAYA

I

7 DAYS TO KOMODO

CANGGU CAFÉS

E

BIKINI F

WINDU SARI

UIS

Vienna and Bratislava

D INING

CR

BA L REK EAT NSIDE S H I WIT HECK C

Y DA

PULLMA N

V IL L AS

N! I W 12

NUSA L EMBONGAN

Rp. 75.000

EDITION 12.1 JUNe - AUG

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Lo cat i o n : T h e Ima n V i l l a

M o d e l : Krist in a C

Ph oto : Ph oto graF IO

COVE R F RV

FA S H I O N R E S TAU R A N T S & V I L L A S B A L I & S O U T H E A S T A S I A n st y le

EDITION 12.1 JUNE - AUG

CONTENTS

F E AT U R E S

40 REPUBLIK 1945 I N D O NES I AN FOOD G E TS A C LASSY MAKEOVER

90 FASHION BIK IN I F AT T H E IM AN V IL L A

44

126

134

SOFITEL DINING

FLORES BOUND

GETAWAY

going th e full 1 2 rounds with A bali brunch

Pinisi C RU IS ING W IT H S E AT R E K

B RAT IS L AVA & V IE NNA

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28

MURNI SURBAKTI a ch at w it h this jazz singer extrordinaire

34

CANGGU CAFES five of th e best breakfast breaks

46

bistrot FR E NCH D I NING IN EATS STREET

48

32 MADE RAYMOND a family h eritage in dining

nalu bowls BOWLS OF FRESH GOODNESS

50

prohibition tw enties gangster style F&B in jakarta

54

publik marketTE

56

tasting medan

deluxe MA LL style dining in jakarta

Villa windu SARI

w ill meyrick on good food and where to eat it

70

clio Apartments

72

royal purnama

ArnalaYa BEACH HOUSE OCE A Nfront paradise in Canggu

78

lu x u ry and C lass near t h e beac h in seminyak

affordab le style and comfort in seminyak

stylis h new hotel on bali's east coast

74

66

86 TUGU LOMBOK

VILLA JUKUNG

Heritage , style and soph istication in Lom bok

a stunning holiday villa in candi dasa

104

Fashion Bali ADAM T h e pullman is the backdrop

128

LEMBO NGAN ISLAND S UN FI S H & COC KTAILS AC ROSS THE bali STRAIT

136

BRENDA COOPER

paul ropp

a ch at w it h AN emmy award winning designer

16

Bits & Pieces

30

Haruku

60

Wine

62

Cheese

82

Insight Hotelier

84

Overnite

102

Fa s h i o n B i t s

114

Fa s h i o n F l o o k

140

Directory

154

L a s t Wo rd

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112 IS L AM IC D ES IGNS FO R ID U L F IT R I

116 BEACHGOLD e x clu sive resort wear in bali

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P T K ubu Dua M edi a J l. Petitenget 12A, Kerobokan, Bali, Indonesia Te l. +62 361 746 3751/52 | Fa x. +62 361 847 5458 email: info@frvbali.com www.frvb a li.c om Di recto r Guna wa n I nd rob a skoro Graphics Coordinator Te guh Ana nta (artwork@frvb a li.c om) P ho to g raphy Moc h. Sulthon, R a ma d ha n, Ad a m Ra syid Di stri buti o n Ii n I nd ra p utra , I ma m, Ma d e , Pur na i nfo@frvb a li.c om Fi nance Sri W ita ri, B a gus Oka Mark eti ng Oc hy, Ma rio, De wi (oc hy@frvb a li.c om | sa le s@frvb a li.c om) A dmi ni strati o n T he re sia , Poojie , Swa n Co ntri buto rs T homas Jones, David Trauts, Erza ST, Veronika K, Herman Von Be r nha rd i Agua yo, R a tih DP. S ubscri pti o n Yearly subscription available in Indonesia - Rupiah 280,000 Conta c t: sub sc rib e @frvb a li.c om Send e-mail to the above for details.

Consulting Stua rt D W ilford (stua rt@frvb a li.c om) L eg al Asso ci ates Nyoma n Ge d e Anta guna SE, SH, MH ACS La w Offic e J l. Mertanadi 88A, Kuta, Bali.

Te l: 082145689996 Fashi o n Restaurants and Vi l l as Bal i mag azi ne i s an i ndependent, q uarterl y publ i cati o n. N ex t edi ti o n deadl i ne Aug ust 15, 2015

FRVBali

FRVBali

FRVBali

FR V B a l i m a g a z i n e i s p r i n t e d u n d e r l i c e n s e d t r a d e m a r k . N o p a r t o f t h i s m a g a z i n e s h o u l d b e re produ c e d with ou t th e wr itte n pe r m ission of th e pu blish e r.

A l l r i g h t s re s e r v e d . A r t i c l e s re f l e c t t h e o p i n i o n s o f t h e a u t h o r s , a n d n o t n e c e s s a r i l y t h o s e of t h e p u b l i s h e r s . F R V B a l i m a g a z i n e i s p r i n t e d b y P T M e g a I n d a h ( T: 0 2 1 - 6 1 9 0 5 2 9 w w w. m e g a i n d a h o ff s e t . c o m ) a n d d i s t r i b u t e d b y ; P T K u b u D u a M e d i a ( I n d o n e s i a ) , P e r i p l u s - J a v a B o o k s ( I n d o n e s i a ) , a n d P T I n d o p ro m ( I n d o n e s i a ) .

Con ta c t th e e -m a il a ddre sse s a bove f or f u r th e r in f or m a tion .

F R V B ali Mag az ine

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E dit io n 1 2 . 1

J une - A ug ‘1 5

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Editor’s Note FRV Bali – It takes you places

Welcome to the new FRV Bali. FRV has always been evolving since first publishing eleven years ago and with this edition we have made another slight shift by becoming a quarterly publication. The girth is a little wider - there are more pages and stories, and the shelf life is longer - three months, giving more eyes the chance to see what our writers and editors have come up with in their travels over the past weeks and months. Fashion has taken on new importance over the past editions in this magazine and this one has more fashion content than ever. There are a multitude of fashion designers on this island and many of them have international recognition as well as boutiques around the Seminyak area. There are also many talented photographers and stylists and FRV Bali is continuing to celebrate their work through this publication. We are proud to be part of it and I hope you like the results.

hotels and destinations here on Bali and around the region. We hope you enjoy savouring the taste of the abundance of quality & style this region has to offer.

Food, accommodation and getting away on fantastic holidays are also still high on the agenda for the FRV team, don’t worry about that. In this edition we again experience many of the best restaurants, villas,

Any comments, suggestions or gripes direct to this email: editor@ frvbali.com

Since this magazine is now running through until the end of August we would like to wish you all a very happy high season on the island.

Look out for all the events coming our way online or check The Beat magazine for all the details. Many venues on Bali have been busily renovating and improving their venues over the past months and now it’s time to enjoy them.

There is something for everyone in this edition. We trust you will enjoy the ever changing and evolving FRV Bali magazine. Read on...

F RV C O N T R I B U TO R S

David Trauts

Rajendra

Nick Walton

This English correspondent

Travel writing is an

Nick has been writing on

founded The Beat

admirable and important

travel for over 10 years,

magazine and then the

profession that takes a lot of

including most recently

group’s flagship, FRV.

dedication, hard work and a

as the travel editor for the

He always enjoys new

smidgen of luck to make it

South China Morning Post.

experiences and the freedom of the getaway - sometimes

pay. Yet despite the hardships, Rajendra sees it as a calling

From his home in Hong Kong he regularly travels throughout

far, sometimes close, but always fun. Good food, good

to take the opportunities that arise and share the lessons

Asia and beyond, looking for new experiences, trends and

wine, good people and times are the essence of an

learned with the FRV community. So this issue it’s villas,

destinations, both for his travel pieces in over 60 magazines

enjoyable life—you don’t need many or much, it’s the

hotels and a sea cruise from Bali to Flores to help get you

globally, as well as his weekly radio show.

quality that counts.

motivated for the high season ahead.

Erza S.T.

Salvador B

Veronika K

Spring is a busy time for

New Yorker, U.S.A. Moved

Veronika is not only a

this opera lover and winter

to Bali in 1983 - painter,

journalist, but also a

traveller. Not only he just

writer, musician and

professional mermaid and a

accomplished his annual

songwriter. Through the

travel junkie. Prague-based,

opera gala, but beforehand

years he has been noted as

she has been living life in

he also managed to do a trip to Vienna and Bratislava to

a true renaissance man in that respect. As a writer he has

flip-flops since 2008. If not on her laptop forging words,

see what these two cities have to offer. Even more, he

contributed many an article on the lifestyles of Bali as well

she can be found playing in the ocean or practicing her

came back just in time for quick review to a cool 1920s

as interviews, openings, fashion and food reviews.

headstands. Vero’s hobbies are breakfast, lunch & dinner

theme new establishment in Jakarta called Prohibition.

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and writing about herself in the third person.

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bits&PIECES The Iman The Iman Villa is a fabulous modern minimalist villa surrounded by scenic rice paddies in Bali’s peaceful and much sought-after district of Canggu. At the heart of the villa is a stylish sunken outdoor living area designed for the perfect holiday. This convivial space overlooks the villa’s 20-metre pool by day and creates a spectacular bar and dining area for entertaining at night. The villa’s interiors are designed using luxurious materials, including beautiful teak

wood, to create a warm soothing space, while outside, terraced gardens are landscaped to mimic the surrounding rice fields. The villa’s five en-suite bedrooms are individually designed and furnished, and fitted with state-of-the-art technology to provide a luxurious modern ambience. The Iman Villa is ideal for small groups and families, and its sweeping lawns, dramatic roof terrace and tropical vista also make it ideal for weddings and events. www.theimanvilla.com

K U D E TA

I’m AN ANGEL KDT will present the 13th Anniversary of their annual charity event, I’M AN ANGEL, which will be held on Saturday 11th July 2015.

With the ongoing support from their friends they have previously helped fund many programs around the beautiful island of Bali.

This year KU DE TA has shifted gear to something fresh, fun and exciting by introducing the I’M AN ANGEL STREET FESTIVAL. This will be a fundraising day party from 2pm - 11pm with a line up of various bands on stage and 16 l FRV Bali

international renowned DJs to accompany as guests dance for a good cause. With day long silent auctions, a bazaar and food stalls by Bali’s top restaurants serving fresh handheld food to help further raise money for the many causes and programs Asana Viebeke Lengkong directs on the island.

So come and join this wonderful event to help change the lives of Bali’s most neediest children and families. With your support, KDT will be able to spread the love and give something back to the island.

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BITS&PIECES

WIN!

The Beauty of Eastern Indonesia Awaits

What better way is there to explore the vast reaches of the Indonesian Archipelago than from the decks of a 12-cabin, traditional Indonesian pinisi schooner, offering five star service and unrivalled access to one of the most beautiful and hard to reach places on the planet.

FRV Bali and SeaTrek Sailing Adventures are offering two lucky people the chance to win a twin or double cabin on a 12 day / 11-night cruise on the Ombak Putih from the 26th September to the 7th of October, from Flores to Ambon, following in the trails of the historic Spice Trade.

A total value of approximately US$ 12,000.

All you have to do is visit both the FRV Bali and SeaTrek Sailing Adventures Facebook pages, click LIKE, and then SHARE to be into win.

The winner will be drawn at the end of August and notified by email.

Prize includes: * One twin or double cabin for two persons * All meals, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages * Transfers to and from airport to the boat * All on-board activities and island tours Terms and Conditions apply. Entrants must be over 18 years of age. Prize is for a 12 day / 11-night cruise from 26 September – October 7th, 2015 and includes one twin or double cabin for two persons, all meals, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, all on board activities and island tours, activities and transfers to and from the airports of Labuan Bajo (Flores) and Ambon (Maluku). Winner agrees to name being used for publicity purposes by FRV Bali and SeaTrek Bali. *Airfares to and from start and end destinations not included.

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BITS&PIECES

T he E v olution o f K U D E TA

Since its debut in 2000, KU DE TA has been one of the pioneers in the food and beverage scene in Bali in regard to design, architecture, food, music and service.

They have been a leader in fine-dining and outrageous summer parties since the beginning, however, KU DE TA is constantly in the process of redefining its spaces to accommodate its continuously evolving and increasingly sophisticated clientele. Its latest evolution is the largest scale renovation undertaken during its 15-year existence. Razed to

the ground, the right-hand side of KU DE TA has been totally rebuilt and redesigned as an innovative two-story restaurant and bar space called Tuile, which is due to launch this high season 2015.

Named after the wafer-thin, curvy French cookies that derive their inspiration from the roof top tiles of Provence, Tuile offers an entirely new aesthetic and dining and cocktail experience at KU DE TA. Situated above the newly refurbished Fidel’s Bar, Tuile was designed as a modern concept space for

Ombak Bali Returns

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eating, drinking and sunset communing. With a capacity for 80 seated pax and up to 250 standing, it features an air-conditioned bar and an exposed deck offering a tantalizing view of the sun as it settles in the Indian Ocean.

Tuile’s cocktail bar will offer an exclusive menu of delicious gourmet items and a number of distinctive drink selections created especially for Tuile using state of the art bar equipment.

The changing availability of seasonal ingredients means that the drink menu will rotate often, keeping the choices original and fun.

For all you surfies - young and old, the exciting Ombak Bali Surf Film Fest is on its way back to the shores of Bali for the eighth time this August 6, 7 and 8, 2015. This year, right in the middle of the high season, it should be another amazing array of the best surf flicks available from around the planet. It’s held at the Seminyak beachside cafe, La Plancha and it is sure to be another feast of quality surf action and the perfect place to have a beer and good time with your buddies in those early evenings. See you there.

An elegantly designed staircase descends to the ground floor dining area and Fidel’s full service bar and a longer and wider communal deck dining area that stretches out to the beach and will offer selections from KU DE TA’s ever popular grazing menu.

Young Italian architect and designer, Alessandro Napoli, created the remarkable Tuile structure using materials including aluminum, steel, glass, wood and tiles in a way that emphasizes the uniqueness of the space while making sure it integrated seamlessly with KU DE TA’s existing structure.

Subdued lighting will illuminate Tuile by night and their custom Funktion One sound system will put you in the mood for dining, drinking and dancing the night away.

Open from 5pm till late, Tuile will cater to the sophisticated aperitif set that are looking for the perfect spot to enjoy a predinner drink or congregate over bespoke cocktails before a night out on the town.

The upstairs bar at Tuile will also serve as a cozy ‘after hours’ environment that will feature KU DE TA resident and visiting guest DJs from Thursday through Saturday in an intimate setting.

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BITS&PIECES

‘MOZAIC BRASSERIE’ NOW OPEN N e w r e l a x e d d i n i n g c o n c e p t a n d m e n u at M oz a i c B e ac h c l u b Looks like Mozaic Beachclub is the place to get some casual drinks around the pool and a casual feed upstairs later this coming high season. ‘Mozaic Brasserie’ has replaced ‘The Dining Room’ upstairs at Mozaic Beachclub to create a more relaxed, contemporary and affordable Brasserie setting at the Batubelig venue. Distinctive Indonesian flavours and ingredients are combined with classic Brasserie dishes and cutting

edge culinary techniques to create a truly unforgettable dining experience. Formalities are left at the door with a broad range of à la carte menu items and family style sharing dishes, with something for every taste.

Look out for regular day events around the pool, too. www.mozaic-bali.com

T ake a B ow n e x t t i m e yo u ’ r e o n B at u b e l i g BOW restaurant on Jl. Batubelig has just introduced three new additional menus to complement their existing quality selection. Try the “Our Asian Favourites”, “Organic Garden Only” and the “Tapas and Meze” selections. Everything is tasty and good value down at BOW so you can be rest assured you will be enjoying your next trip to BOW even more. www.bowbali.com

Grab a Crab!

at T h e S to n e s L e g i a n Every Thursday night, you can leave aside your knives and forks as Big Fish Bar & Grill lets you eat a potful of the freshest crab around. You can choose your own and enjoy them with a selection of various cooking styles; Louisiana cajun crab, crab thermidor, Singapore chili

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crab or black pepper crab.

If you’re not feeling too ‘crabby’, you can savour the rest of the restaurant’s grilled seafood instead. Prices are like this; 800g mud crab at IDR 650,000++, 500g mud crab at IDR 380,000++. www.stoneshotelbali.com

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BITS&PIECES

N ew T astes at Metis L ounge Metis Lounge has stepped it up for summer with new dishes to celebrate being one of the best pre-clubbing venues in town. To complement their very popular Mediterranean Bites, Caviar, Oriental and Must-Try selections, they are now presenting these new small dishes; Galicia 1st Choice Anchovy Bruschetta (pictured), Norwegian Trout Gravlax, Organic Chicken Yakitori and Warm Soft Beef Tacos. Be sure to try these new morsels any night of the week at Metis Lounge. www.metisbali.com

WAT E R B O M

p h a s e t wo Waterbom Bali has always been on a never-ending quest to improve; in 2013 Waterbom Bali began part 1 of 2 phases and committed to the biggest renovation and innovation enhancement project since it opened in 1993. Phase 1 was completed in May 2014, introducing four brand new slides that use the latest slide path designs as well as innovative fibreglass technology. Waterbom works with the leading waterslide manufacturer in the industry, WhiteWater, which works with the likes of Disney and many other famed waterparks around the world. Phase 2 focused on the thrills segment of the park, and by thrills we mean high-pumping adrenalin boosters guaranteed to leave you with a scream or a shout.

DOUBLE TROUBLE: A speedy drop followed by a double loop provides a combination of speed, twists, turns and thrills.

FAST N’ FIERCE: Two open slides, line up side by side with a guaranteed to

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offer nothing short of a rush.

TWIN RACERS: The name of the slide says it all, race your friends and get the fun competitive spirit rolling together.

SMASH DOWN 2.0 The famous smash down of old has gotten that much better. Its predecessor started at 21 metres high, and this one starts at a staggering 25.9 metres. Smash Down 2.0 has everyone enter a capsule only to have a trap door open from underneath and have you bullet your way to the finish point in a matter of seconds.

FLOW RIDER DOUBLE is the first on the island. Yes you read it right, not a single but a double. It’s a five foot stationary wave.Two riders will be able to surf the wave at the same time with the choice of a stand up board or a laydown board. It will be situated at the brand new Thai Italian theatre kitchen concept. www.waterbom-bali.com

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BITS&PIECES

T h e U b u d F o o d F e s t i va l A t h r e e - day c u l i n a ry a dv e n t u r e w i t h I n d o n e s i a n fo o d a s t h e s ta r festival to Indonesia, which she hopes will shine a spotlight on the incredible diversity and richness of cuisine and culture the country has to offer.

“We’ve been wanting to launch a food festival for even longer than we’ve been running the UWRF, which celebrates its 12th birthday this year. I can’t wait to see the amazing talent of the culinary community come to life and take form.”

DeNeefe says it’s not just about tasting different cuisines, however, but understanding food in all its forms, and the journey from the supplier to the plate.

The extraordinary culinary diversity of the world’s largest archipelagic nation will be showcased in a brand new concept descending on Bali’s cultural capital: the much-anticipated Ubud Food Festival (UFF). A sibling festival of the world renowned Ubud Writers & Readers Festival (UWRF), the UFF will kick off a three-day culinary adventure from 5-7 June, serving up a program rich in food mythology, authenticity and of course, taste.

Bringing together some of Indonesia’s culinary greats, international chefs will display their unique style of food-fusion to the archipelago and industry heavyweights in Southeast Asia and beyond, the UFF is set to delight and inspire both 26 l FRV Bali

participants and audiences alike. The program will feature a range of ticketed and free events, spanning cooking demonstrations, workshops, food forums, markets, food tours, wine tastings, film screenings and much, much more.

Heading the line-up are the stars of Indonesian culinary landscape including global icon Sri Owen (sponsored in partnership with Garuda UK), TV personalities Bara Pattiradjawane and Bondan Winarno, cult hero Rahung Nasution, and culinary expert William Wongso. From the burstling Bali food scene comes Room4Dessert’s Will Goldfarb, Mozaic’s Chris Salans and Locavore’s Eelke Plasmeijer, El Bulli-trained chef Kevin Cherkas of Cuca, as well as some of island’s

finest culinary establishments including Hujan Locale, Bridges and Fivelements.

The UFF will also bring together industry heavyweights working in Southeast Asia and the globe. With their restaurants recently named in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, Australian BBQ fanatic Dave Pynt and former head-chef of Melbourne’s Vue de Monde Ryan Clift (supported by bridges) will be bringing their expertise to the table, along with one of the world’s most celebrated pastry chefs, Janice Wong (supported by Pipiltin Chocolate) and Malaysia’s acclaimed Chef Wan. Founder and Director of the UFF, Janet DeNeefe, said she is delighted to finally be bringing this long-awaited

“As well as just showcasing great food, the UFF is about taking a journey, to understand its past, present and future. We also want to strengthen links within the local and international culinary community, cementing Indonesia as one of the best food destinations in the world”.

The full program is now available via the UFF website, where tickets for the event are on sale. Due to the limited availability of ticketed sessions, the UFF is encouraging people to purchase early to avoid disappointment.

When: 5 - 7 June, 2015 Where: The program will take place at two main venues in Ubud, Bali: Indus Restaurant and Taman Baca, both located on Jl. Raya Sanggingan. www.ubudfoodfestival.com

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INSIGHT MUSIC

Murni S ubahti

A l l T h a t J a z z When I first heard Murni Subahti singing in Ubud, I had to take a step back. Singing in a low register with that kind of sultry jazz-of-yesteryear, somewhat grave kind of intonation and the likes of what I call, real jazz. Songs sung with a sensitivity and notes that emphasise every phrase with the feeling she’s been there.

M.S. My name Murni Subahti, from Sumatra, Batok Karo, married to Amir Rabik.

never stopped, so there were lots of singing competitions, plus the International Olympics Choir, in Linz in Austria.

S.B. At what age did you start singing?

S.B. On that note, did you sung professionally?

S.B. Show time.

M.S. I have loved singing in front of people since I was seven years old, also during my school days during which I entered many a competition. When I went to college I studied airline business for a year, but I knew that wasn’t my calling.

S.B. Did you have musical influences along the way?

M.S. Yes, my father. He used to sing keroncong and makay.

My father sold accordions in Indonesia. My competitive edge 28 l FRV Bali

M.S. Yes indeed. In 1993 I started in Sydney with my trio and sang throughout Asia.

S.B. Just Asia?

M.S. By no means, sorry, New York, where I recorded a single with Patrick Grant, then to Amsterdam, then to Portugal for the Boom Festival, Indauha Nova singing in calibration with African singer Celina Pereira, then Houston, Texas, Rome, and Milan, Italy. Yes, you could say I travelled about internationally.

S.B. Have you recorded anything on your own?

M.S. I recorded an album in 2002 with jazz composer Ella Siona called Pesta Dansa, or Dancing Party.

S.B. Do you play an instrument?

M.S. I would not by any means consider myself as a musician, but I have learnt enough on piano to accompany myself with basic stuff. I did learn to play conga, but I stopped playing that.

S.B. Do you have future recordings in mind?

M.S. Yes, but not standards.

I’m going back to my cultural roots with traditional Batak

Karo. There’s been many ups and downs, and then getting married, then moving, and I stopped singing from 2002 2006 and I found myself going crazy without music in my life.

S.B. Your philosophy on life?

M.S. Anything can and will happen in life, it’s all just about the timing.

S.B. To your fans out there?

M.S. Music is universal and I’ll keep singing until I can’t sing anymore.

S.B. Thanks Murni, if there ever was a lover of music, you’re it. You can catch Murni singing around Ubud Jazz spots. FRV

FRV Bali l 29

AHOYH a ru k u !

A

day o n

t h e

o cean

is

a l ways

a

g reat

ca l l

Your thirst is easily quenched.

And the dining supreme.

The Haruku anchored off Nusa Penida.

If you are wondering what to do next on your wonderful Bali holiday, Pulau Luxury Charters may have the answer for you. A day trip to Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Penida, just off the coast of Bali, could be exactly what you are looking for and how do I know? Because I just did it.

We were a large group of 15 vivacious, fun-loving holidaymakers and we were going to board the Haruku; a 22 metre, twin-hulled cruiser, formerly designed for long-range travel to remote locations in safety and style. We weren’t going so far, but definitely going in style. After being picked up from the hotel at around 8.30am, we arrived at the Serangan Island jetty and were ferried out to our vessel to begin the day trip. Met with champagne and yummy breakfast type snacks we all knew that we were in for a special day. Firing up the diesel motors, 30 l FRV Bali

we were off into the wild blue ocean. With an abundance of refreshments going down on the hour trip across to Penida, we were in fine form by the time the anchor was dropped just off the northern part of the island, and in deep blue water. The crew prepared the water sport toys for us to lay on, play on or see the action beneath the sea. Some of our group were off on the four sea kayaks they have on board, while others laid about on the enormous inflatable sea mattress floating from behind the boat.

Snorkelling and dive equipment are also provided and some were taking full advantage of that checking out the large fish and coral below.

Lunchtime came along fast and what a spread of culinary goodness it was before us.

Catered on this occasion by famed caterers, Fabulous Foods, it was like a five star restaurant

had just landed on the stern deck. Shaded from the sun, the conversation and laughter subsided momentarily as we began devouring the succulent dishes laid out before us. It was a beautiful moment in the sun, sea and surf with great company and a delicious lunch. The drinks were still continuing to flow even as the gear was being packed up and we started the trip back to the Bali base.

kept on picking up speed as we watched the sun go down.

The cruise back was a little more subdued with some folk sunbathing on the forward deck or huddled around in groups in jovial conversation. Snacks and drinks continued to be offered right till we got back to the dock pontoon in Serangan. What may have appeared to be the end of the trip just became the next part of it. With the sun setting in the west and the sound system cranking up some great tunes on the floating dock, the party just

Pulau Luxury Charters have seven vessels for private charter (no shared trips available) to suit all sized parties and budgets.

They can go just about anywhere you want to go, just let them know and they can sort it out.

Contact them direct to find out more. FRV

It’s a great day out on the Haruku and costs start at around $3,200 for 10 people, and $100 a head till a maximum 20 day trippers. The rates are subject to tax. If you have a spare few dollars in your pocket and you are looking for a truly memorable day out on the sea this one is ready to go right now.

+62 361 847 6757 www.pulauluxurycharters.com