The AYANA Resort and Spa Bali is proud to announce the appointment of Jusman So as Chef de Cuisine at Dava, the signature fine dining venue at AYANA Resort and Spa Bali. Jusman is founder-chef of Singapore’s much-awarded Sage restaurant, and was the winner of Singapore’s Best Rising Chef (WGS 2008). He will be introducing a new menu highlighting his signature style, which combines a blend of classic European techniques with the highest quality imports and local ingredients paired with modern presentation. The results are visually stunning dishes which will delight all the senses. Jusman’s arrival at Dava follows six years at Sage, a fine dining restaurant which he founded in 2005. The restaurant has won a slew of awards, such as Best New Restaurant at WGS 2008, one of Singapore’s Best Restaurant by Singapore Tatler, as well as being named on the prestigious Miele List.

The DAVA Restaurant at AYANA Resort and Spa Bali has welcomed a new Chef de Cuisine, Mr Jusman So. Jusman is the founder-chef of Singapore’s much-awarded Sage Restaurant, and he will bring along his signature style to DAVA. The new menu will blend classic European technique, high quality imported materials and local ingredients. All this will be paired with a modern presentation that is sure to delight. Jusman boast a long list of experience – six years at Sage, a restaurant he founded in 2005 to critical acclaim, prior to which he worked at the Hilton Hotel Singapore.

The well-traveled chef is a passionate surfer, and will be relishing the prospect of squaring up against the waves in the Island of the Gods. He also pointed to the freedom of creativity and the chance to provide a unique dining experience to guests of DAVA as his reasons for coming over. The new menu at DAVA will feature one of his all-time favorite foie gras creations, sauteed and served on raisin corn bread with a combination of beetroot capellini, dried orange and topped with black grape emulsion.

Something tasty is cooking at the Banyan Tree Ungasan. The luxury resort has combined a tour of the local wet market with cooking classes to offer to guests wanting to experience a wholesome Balinese culinary experience. The Island of Gods is well known for its stunning scenery of mountains and beaches, with its mystical dance and cultures as well as the variety of spices and ingredients in the local cuisine. The herbal marinates of Bebek Betutu, the exotic Satay Lilit and the fresh grilled seafood comes to mind.

Aimed at guests who shares an interest in the culinary world, the Banyan Tree Ungasan has come up with the ideal cooking class scheduled every Wednesday. The program starts out with an excursion to the local wet market of Jimbaran. A guide will lead you as you join the locals in the process of haggling and buying fresh seafood directly from the fishermen. Along with the main ingredients, you will also search around for herbs and spices to work your magic with later on during the day.

After that, it is back to the resort to enjoy your breakfast before embarking on a culinary adventure with the resort’s very own resident chef Ketut Sumerta. The chef will share his knowledge in preparing to cook these traditional gourmet of Bali, with a menu inspired by organic produce and small boutiques of the region.

The classes are designed to cater to students of all skill levels, so don’t be afraid to try! From novice cooks, to advanced chefs, all the recipes are easy and straight-forward to follow. The chef will also suggest various substitute ingredients and other creative means for guests to try and recreate the same tastes from their own locale.

Finally, the tour will end with a luncheon at Bambu restaurants, where guests can dip in and try a taste of their own creations. Each cooking class packages starts from IDR2,500,000, around USD250 per person.

cheap car hire new zealand Discover some of the wonders of New Zeeland. The roads are easy to find once you have a map and the scenery will have you stopping for photos regularly. Book cheap car hire new zeaaland online.

A unique concept was recently sprung on the center of Jimbaran fishing village. Kupu Kupu Jimbaran Suites was opened on the 1st of April 2011. The hotel aims to be a focal point for guests staying at Jimbaran, boasting 28 suites in 4 categories of spacious rooms in modern contemporary design fused with charming Balinese interior of bengkirai wooden floor, marble walls, teakwood furnishings, coconut shell paneling and beautiful local fabrics.

Style and Luxury

Kupu Kupu Jimbaran Suites offers the height of luxury and aesthetically pleasing Uluwatu Suite, Muaya Duplex Suite, Balangan Suite, and the Jimbaran Family Suite, complete with the luxurious amenities from À L’OCCITANE. A variety of shopping boutique within its own lobby complements the resort, making Kupu Kupu Jimbaran Suites as a paradise for stylish shopping lovers.

Top notch dining experiences await at the ground level of the hotel; Topeng Restaurant and Bar is ready to whet your appetite with the finest International cuisines with a touch of French flair by the executive chef, Yehudi. Another dining venue is the fabulous Jimbaran Beach Club that is planned to open on the 1st of July 2011.

“We are strategically located near to the sandy beach of Jimbaran, which is famed for its fish market and grilled fish restaurants scattered along the beach. Guests will be spoilt for choice, with the Jimbaran Beach Club promising an unforgettable dining experience with Mediterranean and Tapas foods, tropical cocktails, mocktails and a comprehensive wine list,” exclaimed Ketut Darmiyati, the Director of Sales of Kupu Kupu Jimbaran Suites.

The Bamboo Spa

The Bamboo Spa by À L’OCCITANE en Provence is another excellent service at Kupu Kupu Jimbaran Suites, as À L’OCCITANE’s only second spa venture in Bali. The Bamboo Spa features 14 luxurious treatment rooms for single and double occupancy, a private steam room, as well as À L’OCCITANE’s own
retail boutique.

The spa boasts an exceptional concept where body well-being and beauty-enhancing rituals are performed in Zen style, bamboo constructed spaces. Unique to The Bamboo Spa, “The Verbana Bamboo Fushion Therapy” is a specialized massage using traditional bamboo sticks associated with À L’OCCITANE’s Verbena formulas to stimulate the flow within the body. You are transported to a peaceful space in which bliss and wellness are integrated to the art of the living.

Choose the award-winning company when you check out the advantages of portugal car hire. The gorgeous coastal resorts, scenic beauty and historical buildings will be easier to enjoy.

Bali is an amazing destination that is perfect for your family holiday. But with Kuta and Seminyak filling to the brim with a slew of inhabitants, more and more people are flocking to Jimbaran. Previously famed for its cliff-hugging villas and fresh seafood, more and more establishments are cropping up in the area to serve all kinds of travelers. Could this area be the latest hip spot in Bali in the near future? Follow us, as we unearth the best Jimbaran has to offer.

Photo credit - Chrissy Olson

Eats – Jimbaran Seafood Gallery

Located on the rows of luxury villas in Jimbaran Bay, this area is a popular place with the tourists. The area consisted of around twenty or so restaurants offering fresh seafood and excellent ambiance, with the setting sun, live music and strong winds, right by the beach. Unfortunately, the popularity of the area means the price are quite exorbitant, and some restaurants are not as good as the others. Be sure to come early

Eats – Kedongan Fish Market

The smell of fresh seafood will make your mouth water as you patiently wait for your order to be grilled to perfection. At Kedongan Fish Market, you are able to pick your fresh seafood, and then simply visit one of the many stalls that helps you cook your fish before you can finally eat your catch on the shores of Jimbaran beach. The freshness of seafood and price on offer, a portion of the usual restaurant price, will leave you craving for more.

Eats – PEPeNERO Cucina Italiana

A homey and friendly spot where good times and good food reign – this is the philosophy behind PEPeNERO’s rich taste. This little Italian trattoria has now expanded and even has branches in Jakarta. But the team behind the success has not let that gone to their heads, PEPeNERO is still a cordial trattoria serving some of the best creamy goodness of Italian cuisine. Try out their daily special, and be prepared to fall in gastronomical love all over again.

Photo credit - Valerio Veo

Drinks – Rock Bar

Perched on jutting cliffs blessed with breathtaking views, and with the live music stage roosted atop a natural rock that is part of the cliff itself, the Rock Bar is an amazing feat of architectural engineering. Add to that the innovative ways of drinks and food presentation, the Rock Bar is currently the place to see and be seen, and to enjoy that magnificent Balinese sunset as you groove to the music.

Drinks – Nammos Beach Club

Nestled below rugged cliffs, placed atop soft white sand, with beach-side gazebos scattered across the shore facing the mesmerizing waves of the private beach at Karma Kandara, Nammos Beach Club not only offers a heavenly setting, but also a savory Meditteranean and pan-Indonesian cuisine all day long. Check out their international DJ events and twilight screenings of old-time favorite flicks.

Drinks – The Martini Club

The Martini Club is home to 35 classic and contemporary martini mixes, and unlike the other venues at the AYANA Resort, this one is located in the Cliff Villa complex and has an indoor club atmosphere. Drink selecti

Photo credit - Purple Butterfly

Being a place filled with transplants, Bali also play hosts to plenty other gastronomical delights, such as the Crispy Duck, Nuri’s Spareribs and plenty more. Find out all about it in our list of 12 Must-Do Things in Bali!

Do – Sea Kayaking

A good dose of sea kayaking will do your mind and body well, and Jimbaran has some of the best kayaking spots on the island for you. During the guided kayak tour of Jimbaran Bay, you’ll get to explore caves, coves, blowholes and limestone cliffs before finally riding the wild waves on the paddle back to the starting point. Plenty of companies offer tour packages of Jimbaran Bay sea kayaking, so you’ll do well to shop around and get the best possible deal.

Do – Surf Up

The Balangan beach in Jimbaran is home to one of the best swells the island has to offer. The great thing for surfers is that the beach is decent, and the break is spread out between 3 peaks, all left handers. The swells can hold up to 10 feet, so its more for the advanced surfers.

Photo credit - William Cho

See – Pura Luhur Uluwatu

The Pura Luhur Uluwatu is one of the most important temples on the island. The temple is located on top of the eastern-most cliff in Bali, with amazing views of the Jimbaran Bay all around. The temple also hosts a Kecak Fire Dance performance, a traditional Balinese dance based on an ancient Hindu folklore, the Ramayana. Visitors have to beware however, that there are monkeys all around the temple, and they are prone to snatching anything shiny and glittering.

See – Jenggala Ceramics

Jenggala designs, manufactures and sells stoneware and porcelain ceramics and tabletop accessories. Established in 1976, Jenggala is the foremost producer of quality handcrafted ceramic ware in Indonesia. not only does the compound have a production area, but also a cafe, shop, gallery and workshop space, where the public can take ceramics-making and painting workshops. Their Paint-A-Pot workshops are a fun activity for the little ones, and there are classes for adults too.

For more traveling inspirations in the Island of God, don’t forget to check out our list of 12 Must-Do Things in Bali!

Unearthing Asia is a travel zine focusing on Lifestyle, Culture and Attractions all over Asia. Don’t miss out on the best travel ideas and inspirations in the region of Asia, such as this list of divers paradise in Indonesia.

Bali, the Island of Gods, is the perfect place to spend a romantic weekend getaway with that special someone. Rekindle your romance in any of these private luxury villas featuring all the comforts and conveniences of home, with the added privilege of personalized service and various luxurious indulgences.

For more information or booking inquiries, call us at +62 21 3221 9988 or email us at info@unearthingasia.com. Alternatively, you can also fill out the booking form provided.

cforms contact form by delicious:days

Indonesia is the widest archipelago in the world, with more than 80,000 km of coastline and 3.1 million square km of marine area. With such a large marine area, it’s no wonder Indonesia is often described as a diver’s paradise. There are plenty of attractions for all kinds of marine lovers, but this time around, we will focus our attention on three small gleaming pearls – North Sulawesi’s Gangga Island, Bali’s Candidasa, and Lombok’s Gili Trawangan.

Photo credit - Ilse Reijs and Jan-Noud Hutten

The Gangga Island, North Sulawesi

The Gangga Island arises from the depth of the ocean north of Sulawesi, in the Bangka Archipelago, just off the National Marine Park of Bunaken. A volcanic island, Gangga is adorned with lush tropical trees and colorful flowers. There are several diving areas within reach from Gangga Island, suitable for beginners and experienced divers. The diving spots available in Gangga offers an astonishing kaleidoscope of life forms in more than 25 first-class dive spots in its central position between Bunaken and Lembeh Straits, which also happens to be one of the major playgrounds of paradise for macro-photographers.

Another island paradise bound to attract scuba divers is the renowned Raja Ampat, long heralded as scuba diving’s Holy Grail. Be mesmerized by the crystal clear water, white sandy beaches and pristine marine beauty in this jewel in the ocean!

Photo credit - Hagwall

Candidasa, Bali

Towards the south of the Indonesian Archipelago is Bali, the Island of Gods. At the Eastern coast of this island, far from the crowd, lies the small village of Candidasa, a key location where your choice of tours in the water, and out, begins. Bali has a superb reputation as a diving destination, and overal there is as much diversity of dive sites and marine life here than anywhere else in the region. In the eastern coast of Bali, the feature is on the Mantas, mola mola (sunfish) and tiny pigmy seahorses.

Candidasa is also home to the Bat Cave Temple (Pura Goa Lawah), an important temple to the religious locals which is home to thousands of bats hanging on the rock of cave walls. Legend has it that the cave extends all the way to Pura Besakih up at Mount Agung, more than 30 kilometres away. During various holy days, thousands of pilgrims would visit Pura Goa Lawah to join in sacred ceremonies, before heading up towards Mount Agung.

From water-sports at white sandy beaches to first-class shopping, to luxurious gourmet treats and a relaxing escapade at a hillside cafe, Bali has it all. Here are some of the must-do things in Bali, the Island of Gods.

Photo credit - Jos Dielis

Gili Trawangan, Lombok

Last but not least on our quick island hopping is Gili Trawangan, one of the three small islands off the coast of Lombok. Here, visitors can experience the serenity of a small island, the excitement of the underwater world, and the energy of island nightlife all at once. The island was renowned as a backpacker mecca in the 90s, and while it is still true to some extent, there is now a range of luxury and glamour on the island, and especially so on Gili. On one hand, you have a multitude of relaxing laid-back beach-side cafes serving home-made drinks and local delicacies, but on the other end you also seafood buffets, gourmet treats and luxurious stays.

The diving on offer is excellent, and the island is well-known as a teaching center for diving newbies. There are however, spots with strong currents and drifts better suited for the experienced, with the focus on barracudas, manta rays, sharks and hundreds of turtles.

Other than the above three gleaming pearls, the archipelago of Indonesia boasts plenty other diving attractions. Be sure to check out our list of amazing dive spots in Indonesia before you book your trip down South!

Unearthing Asia is a travel zine focusing on Lifestyle, Culture and Attractions all over Asia. Don’t miss out on the best travel ideas and inspirations in the region of Asia, such as this list of top attractions in Ho Chi Minh City.

Please tell us about yourself. What do you do? What is your passion?
I’m Dian Adriani. I run a company specializing in ready-to-wear garments where I work as the Designer and Creative Director for our brands. We have ADRIANI, a high-end ready-to-wear line, and LILOU, a youth-spirited and affordable line. Fashion and films has always been my passion since I was a little girl. It is always fun to create concept inspired by strong characters in the movies, visualizing them to wear what I create.

Share with us your love of travel. What was your most memorable travel experience?
Traveling has always been something that I look forward to, whether for work or for vacation. It’s the perfect to try new dishes, new local activities, and explore different point of views. It is important to refresh and enrich the mind. Currently, I travel frequently to Bali to supervise the Radiant Hotel in Tuban. But before, when I was doing my studies in France, I traveled even more! I love exploring the various European cities such as Barcelona, Florence and London.

One of my most memorable experience is when i visited Ile de Ré in France. Together with my cousin and her friend, we decided to do a tour around the island on bicycles. We simply rode around, being mesmerized by the warmth atmosphere of the villages and vineyards. We conveniently forgotten how far the way back was, and ended up laughing at our joint pains when we got home.

Which one is your favorite place, and why?
My favorite city is Bruges in Belgium. The medieval architectures and the canals made me feel like I’m in a children story book. What I love also is how I can wander around the city and unexpectedly find cute little boutiques.

What is your favorite activity or attractions in that particular city?
Bruges is filled with the spirit of craftsmanship. I had the chance to see amazing handmade lace-makers in process and I was truly impressed by their ability to concentrate in meticulous details. I also enjoyed tasting as many sweets and chocolates in the confectioneries. It is truly a dreamy city.

Can you share with us your perfect beach holiday? What is your idea of a “dream paradise”?
When I think of beach I always think of Bali because of the wonderful weather and the friendly local people. There are also many options whether to go in a calm beach to play with the family, to try water sports, or to enjoy sunset parties. My dream paradise is undoubtedly fictional. A fair on top of white cotton clouds full of rainbow colored hanging lanterns, countless types of sweets and pretty objects.

For more traveling inspirations in Bali, the Island of God, don’t forget to check out our list of 12 Must-Do Things in Bali, and our latest overview of Jimbaran, Bali’s Next Hip Hotspot!

Unearthing Asia is a travel zine focusing on Lifestyle, Culture and Attractions all over Asia. Don’t miss out on the best Family Holidays ideas and inspirations in the region of Asia, such as this list of must do things in Bali.

From water-sports to shopping, the island of Bali has it all. Pamper yourself with a chocolate spa treatment before partying the night away at one of its trendiest nightspots, all this while squeezing a gourmet meal in between. Here are some of the must-do things in the Islands of God.

Photo credit – Sean McGrath

Hide Away

No trip to Bali is complete without experiencing the hillside tranquility of Ubud. Fresh off winning the prestigious Conde Nast Traveler Magazine award as the World’s Best City, the small hill-side town is now abuzz with tourism and renewed popularity. However, there are still spots to relax and unwind. Head to Dirty Duck Cafe (Warung Bebek Bengil) for a tasty serving of crispy, deep fried duck with mouth-watering sambal on the side. Various trekking and cycling tours are also available for you to take through the maze of never-ending terraced paddy fields.

Photo credit – Stella Blu

Dress Up

When it comes to shopping in Bali, there is only one place for fashionable trendsetting locals who knows not to judge a book by its cover – Seminyak. This shopping area on the southern coast of Bali is filled with fashionable treasures waiting for you to unearth. BIASA is the undisputed queen of fashion, a chapel of cool selling classics for grown ups and a few flirty styles for the younger crowd too. Other local favorites are Paul Ropp, Papillion, Innuendo and Flamingo, which you can read further in our exploration of Seminyak.

Photo credit - Metal Marna

Arts & Crafts

The arts and crafts scene in Bali is well developed and highly sought after in the international market. Numerous artists have made Bali their home, drawing from the colorful culture and charming island life Bali has to offer as their inspiration. Balinese wood carving is popular amongst tourists, and you can find some of the best in business at Tegallalang, Pujung and Sebatu. For elegant ceramics, Jenggala Ceramics in Jimbaran is the place to go. The spacious gallery, just 10 minutes away from the airport, offers world-class, locally made crockery at reasonable prices, in a wide range of designs.

Photo credit – yummiec00kies

Surf’s Up

While Bali is no longer a frontier surfing destination, it still boasts some of the best surfing spots in the world. It has over 20 top quality breaks on the southwest and southeast coast of the island, and there are a wide range of breaks to cater all skill levels. Beginners can head to Kuta Beach to enroll at the various surfing schools available, while other areas, such as Uluwatu and Padang, offer world-class reef-breaks for those of higher skill level.

Photo credit - chee.hong

Dolphin Watch

Tourists can head towards Lovina, 3 hours north of Kuta, which is famed for their dolphin sight-seeing tours. These tours leave the main beaches each morning at dawn, with the price usually set at Rp75,000 per person. If you are in a group, chartering your own boat maybe a more worthwhile option.

Photo credit - ValerioVeo

Sip a Good Martini

For Bali’s best martini, drop into the legendary Naughty Nuri’s Warung on Jl Raya Sanggingan, a 10-minute drive west from the centre of Ubud. The classic chilled martini and margaritas are some of the best you’ll find on the island, and they also serve a mean pork ribs. The atmosphere is casual and relaxing, a perfect way to while away your afternoon after a tiring day.

Party Away

If partying is high on your list then the Kuta Beach area is where you want to go. Here, the party starts late at around midnight and goes on all night into the wee hours of the morning. Think noisy discotheques full of drunk tourists and locals, with various dance shows to draw in the crowd. Hulu Cafe prides itself as “the only real gay bar in Bali”, and has drag shows three times a week which can be quite fun. Casablance, Peanuts, Bounty Ship, M-Bar-Go and Sky Garden are a few of the numerous watering holes in the area ready to serve you whatever drinks you may want.

Pamper Yourself

As the bastion of luxury travel in South East Asia, Bali boasts some of the world’s best in the art of spa pampering. Kayumanis Private Villa & Spa offers the ultimate indulgence – a pampering of chocolate spa treatment. It combines traditional Balinese massage using chocolate oils, followed with a chocolate scrub, chocolate bath, chocolate facial and finally, a serving of chocolate ice cream to top it off at the end. Plenty other hotels and villas offers high-quality Balinese massage using special medicated oils to help you relax and unwind.

Photo credit - Metis

Eat Like a King

Bali is home to some of the finest restaurants in the region, offering high-end culinary treats mixed with the great island atmosphere and friendly face. Over the years, there have been a few mainstays, such as the legendary Ku De Ta, Sarong Bali, and Kafe Warisan (which is now revamped as Metis). The price is steep, but like they always said, you do get what you pay for.

Photo credit - Mr Wabu

Water Sports

Tanjong Benoa is Bali’s premier water-sports hub, with various activities available for you to choose from. Parasailing, snorkeling, jet-skis, wake-boarding and banana-boats are but a few of the choices available here. There are also white-water rafting operators further up north, near Ubud area, with the the Telagawajah and Ayung River being two of the most popular options.

Photo credit - Ilse Rejis and Jan-Noud Hutten

Scuba Diving

There are quite a few scuba diving sites around Bali. Some of the popular ones are – wreck-divingat Tulamben in the east, the serene reefs around Menjangan Island, and drift diving off Nusa Penida in the south. For beginners there are also various dive centres affiliated with PADI and SSI offering introductory courses.

Photo credit - Flashpacking Life

Climb Mount Agung

Mount Agung is the highest mountain on the island of Bali, which holds a huge spiritual significance to the people of the island and is home to the Temple of Besakih. There are three climbing routes up the mountain, and all are quite difficult and only suitable for the physically fit. The rewards however, are most definitely worth it, with some awe-inspiring views of the mountains across flat rubble plains. Getting a local guide is a must, with fees varying from USD40 to USD100 depending on how you arrange the guide, the route taken and the level of English expected of the guide.

Travel smarter! If your looking for the best deals on Bali hotel prices, head on to SmartHotelComparison.com for a one-stop portal which allows you to compare prices from over 500 booking websites!

Unearthing Asia is a travel zine focusing on Lifestyle, Culture and Attractions all over Asia. Don’t miss out on the best last minutes holidays ideas and inspirations in the region of Asia, such as this list of top attractions in Ho Chi Minh City.