Then luxuriate for two more nights in your own tranquil river sanctuary
at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan (62-361/977-577), just 10 minutes from Ubud. The deal includes inter-resort transfers, butler services,
daily breakfast, and a floral bath oil arrival. Rates start from US$850, double, per night.
Surabaya, the capital of East Java, overflows with shopping and entertainment centers as well as zoos and museums.
Around 90 kilometers south of Surabaya lies Malang, one of the most attractive hill stations on Java.The cool, breezy climate is a welcome escape from the heat of Surabaya, and the town itself is a hub for well-maintained colonial architecture. When you’re done sightseeing, head to the nearby village of Batu, nestled in the foothills of Mount Arjuna and a great place to pick farm-fresh apples and strawberries.
Traditionally, The Balinese believe their mountains to be the home of the gods, while the ocean is the domain of demons. But don’t let that stop you from making the most of the island’s warm blue waters. Divers are bound to blow bubbles at the sight of the teeming marine life around the coral-encrusted wreck of a WWII-era cargo ship off Tulamben, on Bali’s east coast (contact Tauch Terminal Resort: 62-361/774-504; tulamben.com). Drift dives and the chance to spot an ocean sunfish await off the small island of Nusa Penida (contact Blue Season Bali: 62-361/270-852; baliocean.com), while Menjangan Island in Bali’s northeast offers colorful reefs for divers and snorkelers alike. For those who prefer to be on rather than under the water, Bali has plenty of thrilling surf breaks. If you’ve never been on a board before, learn how to master the waves at the Ripcurl School of Surf (62-361/735-858; ripcurlschoolofsurf.com), which also teaches advanced technique and kite surfing. Continue reading »
Australian-Born Janet De Neef,owner of Ubud’s Casa Luna Bali (62-361/973-282; casalunabali.com) and author of foodie memoir Fragrant Rice, has been feeding hungry tourists for close to 20 years. Adjoining her Casa Luna guesthouse, de Neef’s cooking school offers different daily classes that explore the intricacies of Balinese cuisine. On the island’s southeast coast, Alila Manggis (62-363/41-011; alilahotels.com) runs themed half- and full-day cooking classes, including one that sees guests pluck ingredients from the resort’s private organic garden and prepare the vegetarian feast seaside.
With Support from the WWF, the Turtle Conservation and Education Centre (62/813-3841-2716) on Serangan Island has the ambitious task of saying Bali’s turtles from extinction.
Declining both in number and species due to pollution, habitat destruction, and poaching, the island’s turtle population has dwindled despite the ongoing efforts of the TCEC team. Says operations manager Wayan Sakura, “Most people don’t realize there’s a problem, and so can’t help.” Sakura and a handful of locals educate visitors in areas of conservation at the makeshift information center, replete with a turtle hatchery, breeding tanks, and a clinic for sick and disabled turtles. Visitors who call ahead can arrange to release hatchlings into the ocean; otherwise, they can support the cause through donations or the purchase of
turtle-inspired artwork.
Luscious handmade organic soaps, made locally and scented with the likes of wild mint, vanilla and citrus fruits. J1. Dewi Sita, Ubud, 62-361/977-905. Continue reading »
This new open-air bar-cum-resfaurant features Gothic black chandeliers and cozy sofa seating. The cuisine adds a modern twist to Indian, Thai, Chinese, and Indonesian favorites. Don’t miss the “grilled” cocktails with charred citrus fruits, elderflower essence, and long pepper-infused vodka. J1. Petitenget 19X, Seminyak; 62-367/737-809.
Set amid a lush tropical garden lit with tiki torches and candles come dusk, Mozaic dishes up nouvelle Balinese cuisine augmented by an award-winning wine list. Foie gras lovers are spoiled for choice. J1. Sanggingan, Ubud; 62-361/95-768.
A relaxed open-air courtyard restaurant with unbeatable rice paddy views. After 11 years serving French Mediterranean cuisine in its current location, the establishment will take up new digs and a new name come June 2009. J1. Kerobokan, Kerobokan; 62-361/731-175.
Less Than two years Jaringan Ekowisata Desa (62-361/737-447; jed.or.id) launched a series of unique eco-tours to four very different villages: Sibetan, Tenganan, Ceningan, and Pelaga. “A lot of our ideas came from the community,” says JED manager Cede Jaya. Working with locals, Jaya has overseen the establishment of various village-based activities, from guided hikes to organic cooking classes and even a spot of seaweed farming or fishing on the isle of Ceningan. In Pelaga, an hour’s drive north-east of Ubud, visitors are guided through coffee plantations and fields ripe with cinnamon, vanilla, peanuts, papaya, ginger, and leniongrass before rubbing elbows with villagers preparing an organic meal using freshly sourced ingredients. Continue reading »
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