Joannes Rhino's Blog, page 8

Bring Mediterranean atmosphere to Nusa Dua

Offering the finest Mediterranean cuisine, Ole Ole Tapas Bar is the newest additional of culinary optional for people in Nusa Dua area. Within a large lofty space with tiled floors, leatherette chairs and brick walls, it encompasses an authentic European texture. Owing to the famous Mediterranean colour Blue, you will notice that the interiors of this restaurant is charmingly designed in various hues of blue.
All the dishes are highly provoking and very commendable. The most popular are Tapas and Spanish Rice with originally from Valencia, seafood, vegetable and saffron. This dish is extremely flavoursome in itself, but when ordered with the Crispy Pork Belly becomes simply out of the world. Crispy Pork Belly is one of those slow cooker recipes which provides a dash of flavours altogether. While enjoying these dishes, make sure a glass of Sangria is sitting next to the meal to give a punch of Spanish origin. It is a good pick for the wine lovers. Lastly, no meal is considered complete without a dessert. Chocolate con Churros is a hit dessert in Madrid and is an apt end to a Spanish meal. This dessert is normally served with hot chocolate, while the freshly made churros are served in a platter. It is normally a fritter that will make you thirsty, so the Sangria acts as a saviour.

Credit to Ole Ole Tapas BarThis article is also published at NOW! Bali Magazine Bali Online Editor - Bali Writer - Bali Editor - Freelance Indonesia Ghostwriter - Copywriter - Scriptwriter

Smile for your Buns

Moving its venue to the new hype centre in the Lower Ground of Lippo Mall Kuta, Kukusan Steamed Buns is an alternative place to go for its fluffy and light steamed buns alongside quick bites of Asian street food. The steamed buns come in many innovative fusion fillings, such as Chinese BBQ Marinated Chicken, Seared Fish, Korean Style Spicy Chicken and Beef Rendang. They are also served with caramelised pineapple or banana with whipped cream, making it so stylish for the camera. 
If you are not into buns, you may want to lay your fingers on other distinguished Asian flavours, starting with Citrus Prawn Salad, Thai Fried Rice, Chicken Rice Burger, Japanese Ramen, Spicy Korean Ramen, and Singaporean Fried Noodles. Also don’t forget to taste a small bite inspired by Asian street food like Yakitori, Vegetarian Gyoza, and Thai Fried Spring Rolls.  
On the drinks side, they created the fresh Rantang drinks that are uniquely served in tiffin carrier or tin container to keep them cool. It comes in a simple refreshing selection of flavours, like Lychee, Tropical Fruit and Citrus Gang.
Credit to Kukusan Steamed BunsThis article is also published at NOW! Bali Magazine Bali Online Editor - Bali Writer - Bali Editor - Freelance Indonesia Ghostwriter - Copywriter - Scriptwriter

Following the tradition of afternoon tea

An afternoon tea is as important and enjoyable as a breakfast, lunch or dinner. And what better than to enjoy a well-laid afternoon tea spread while relaxing in the exotic weather of Bali. The Awarta’s Long Table Restaurant allows you to enjoy afternoon tea with your family in outdoor environment or at the classy signature communal table. The Awarta’s Afternoon Tea is a peek into the Peranakan cultural culinary theme of Awarta. The magnificent array of Indonesian-Chinese inspired fresh and hand-crafted snacks along with premium tea selection successfully refreshes and recharges your senses.
The afternoon tea at Awarta comprises of sumptuous dishes like Banana Fritters, Mini Scones (served with jam and cream on the side), Sticky Rice Cake with Javanese Sugar Cream, Pink Pearl Cake, Onde-Onde with Melted Salted Egg, Bakpao with Char Siu Chicken, Cassava Casserol, Chicken Sambal Matah on Sliced Cucumber all organized under the sun. In case you want to enjoy a royal experience, do try out the “Classic Afternoon Tea” which has a distinct royal taste. Enjoy in-house pastry and homemade delicious treats like Valrhona Chocolate Mousse, Lemon Meringue Tart, Earl Grey Creme Brulee, Raspberry Choux au Craquelin. Enjoy a mouthful of assorted cookies such as the double chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, and almond cookies. Also choose to indulge in Chicken Croissant Sandwich, Ham & Cheese Sandwich and Spinach Mushroom Quiche.
Credit to Awarta Nusa Dua Luxury Villas & Spa This article is also published at NOW! Bali Magazine Bali Online Editor - Bali Writer - Bali Editor - Freelance Indonesia Ghostwriter - Copywriter - Scriptwriter

Tummy-full Japanese Treat

Mad Ronin is for those energetic, enthusiastic nocturnal creatures who want to spend their nights eating good food and drinking good beer. Highly inspired by Japanese culture, this place is full of fine Japanese paintings and fixtures. Open for 6 PM to 2 AM, this place is contagiously full of life and vigor. The crowd keeps pouring in more after midnight, so make sure you have booked your seats in case you do not want to get disappointed. Bring your friends along and groove with live music and yummy food.
Famous for its steaming, hot ramen with mouth-licking broths and toppings this place sure fills up the hungry. Roasted, Chicken, legs on Japanese rice, Onsen Eggs on Ramen, Tonkotsu, Tori Momo, Laksa Ramen, Donburi and so many other lip-smacking toppings available just to customize your bowl and hunger. Select from a range of Japanese Craft Beers like Sapporo, Hitachino and Baird Beer or cocktails like Session Ale. Belgian and American beer can also be enjoyed here. This place is very famous for throwing parties and treating friends for no reason. On weekends there are always some offer or the other like a booze free with a ramen bowl, free third ramen bowl with order of 2 ramen bowls or happy hour option. If a fun night is what you are looking for, drop in here and have a tummy-full memorable time.
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Pairing Your Tea

Afternoon tea gets exciting and irresistible with some fun snacks on the menu. Looking for something to treat your sweet tooth? Something which is sweet, yet comes with a tang of other flavours. What’s cooking today is the very famous “Yorkshire Curd Tart”. This British baked cheesecake is an absolute delight. Curd cheese sweetened with castor sugar, blended with raisins, all ground spice of clove-cinnamon powder, lemon zest and a tinge of rose water is a blast of flavours in the mouth. You could easily pop in 2-3 tarts owing to the amazing taste and perfection with which it is prepared. 
This delightful teatime treat is a warm and delicious pudding which goes very well with tea and sandwiches. You could go for a ham, egg, tuna or turkey sandwich with buttered brown bread and a layer of mayonnaise and some mustard if you prefer. You could also choose form an array of sweet items like Victoria Sponge Scones, Battenberg Cake, Marbled Coffee Cake, Bakewell Tart or the simple, yummy English Muffins. But it is suggested to always try out the item on “What’s Cooking Today” menu as it is the chef’s choice and made with extra care and flawlessness to offer you one hit goody everyday with your tea.
You can always pair your sweet and savoury cravings with a cup of piping, hot, aromatic tea. The range of teas on offer can vary from half a dozen to over a hundred, including some very rare and obscure ones. Some of the common teas on offer are Assam Tea, Darjeeling Tea, Earl Grey, Lapsang Souchong all with a very distinctive taste and aroma. To find out the best grouping of your snacks and tea do refer to the tea pairing attachment because when combined rightly, your afternoon tea experience will be satisfying and fulfilling. This article is also published at The Leaf Jimbaran Blog Bali Online Editor - Bali Writer - Bali Editor - Freelance Indonesia Ghostwriter - Copywriter - Scriptwriter

One Magical Family Treat

One of the best way of enjoyment and relaxation is going out for a dinner with family. A vital factor in making the dinner a memorable one is to have a good atmosphere. In the chilly month of December, choosing a place which serves candlelight dinner can be an option.
The candlelight imparts a soft and warm glow known to relax the body and mind. The kids naturally become quieter in this ambience and enjoy the candlelight setup, which can be a rare dinner theme for them. Apart from the candles on the table, what lends to the magical feeling is that you can find candles of different shapes and sizes strewn all over the restaurant. Accompanied with small fairy lights, the place is scattered in an ocean of soft yellow and white light.
For a change, why not hand over the menu to your children, and, for once, watch them excitedly making decisions on what to order. Soups, appetizers, steaks, sizzlers, ice creams, puddings… let them be the judge. Enjoy your sumptuous meal while your children laugh and run around, exploring the place both well-hidden and well-lit by the candles. If there are magic shows being conducted in the restaurant, it is like an icing on the cake. The magicians entertain the children well who end up enjoying a lot by clapping and laughing out loud. You may want to order some good wine and relax with your partner, while enjoying the view atop the restaurant. If there is some music playing, do not hesitate to get up and dance with your beloved or do some rock-n-roll with your family. After all it is all about having fun and letting loose. Let the good atmosphere rejuvenate your mind and dissolve all your worries. Maybe a family dinner in a magical candlelight ambience is all that you need this weekend. This article is also published at The Leaf Jimbaran Blog Bali Online Editor - Bali Writer - Bali Editor - Freelance Indonesia Ghostwriter - Copywriter - Scriptwriter

Reverse Bungee in the heart of Kuta

“If It scares you, it might be a good thing”. 5GX Bali is bringing a new touch of Legian area with its reverse bungee that has taken the adrenaline activity to a whole new level. Designed and developed in New Zealand, this activity has been recognised as a must-do for those who have guts.
This ride is one hell of an adrenaline booster which is going to sustain for an entire lifetime, and therefore you are bound to have company in this fun ride. You will be seated and locked inside a metal ball with up to 2 people next to you, and catapulted high up into the air, slicing through the sky, bouncing and spinning wildly for a few minutes. The machine fires you 60 meters’ vertical at ludicrous speeds in just over 2 seconds, reaching up to 5G force. You will feel the wildest of excitement while being hurled in the air up and down.
The key to fully enjoy this ride is by keep laughing and screaming out loud to avoid panic attack. Give it a few seconds before you realise that there is actually nothing to be scared about. The team of 5GX Bali really makes sure the safety of the passengers. You will be locked in well to your seats using an airplane safety lap belt, and the staff will triple-check the belt. Each launch is recorded by computer, which tells the operator when the bungee cords are due to be replaced to ensure the elastic is strong and does not become too worn. Routine safety checks and maintenance are carried out daily by the team of experts. So, worry not as you are in the good hand. Set aside your inhibitions and enjoy the thrill.
The rides start in the midday around lunchtime and goes on well until pass midnight. During the night, the lights in surrounding area makes the ride very attractive. Some of the slingshot metal balls are covered in tiny lights which keep glowing in and out as you go up and down.
A few pointers you need to keep in mind is that do not take the ride on an empty stomach as it might make you nauseous. Also do not have a heavy meal since you might end throwing up. Snack light before the ride. For your comfort sake, do not wear loose clothes as you will be tumbled up and down. Pregnant women, heart patients, people with blood pressure issues should not be taking this ride. This is an extreme form of adventure sport, and utmost care needs to be taken. Last but not least, make sure to scream out loud as you will be recorded in a GoPro video.
Courtesy of: 5GX Bali This article is also published at NOW! Bali Magazine Bali Online Editor - Bali Writer - Bali Editor - Freelance Indonesia Ghostwriter - Copywriter - Scriptwriter

Uplift your soul and refresh your mind

Ayur Spa at The Kayana Seminyak characterised by the modern-day classiness of its immaculate treatment suites. Designed especially for couples, each spa suite consists of a steam room, an open-air double shower, a private gazebo and a Jacuzzi. It also has exclusive cosy double treatment rooms with spa facilities, open terrace and lounge area for post-treatment relaxation. For in-house guest of The Kayana, you can also choose to enjoy the spa experience in the privacy and luxury of your villas. In such cases, the wellbeing spa specialists prepare the villas to ensure that all the setup is done in a smooth and perfect manner giving guest no chance to complain. 
Balinese Massage is the most recommended treatment at Ayur Spa. This 60- minute type of deep massage will ensure the relaxation of every muscle in your body. The masseuse uses combination of some popular effective techniques, involving kneading, skin rolling, and thumb-palm pressure. Acupressure is believed to stimulate the body’s ability to heal itself, control blood flow, relieve pain, and relax tension. Reflexology involves putting pressure on certain parts of the body which have points that correspond to various organs and body systems. By applying pressure to these reflex points, problems with those organs get addressed. Essential oils, like jasmine or rose, play a vital role in this treatment, since they are strongly scented and helps in relaxation of the body and mind. Sometimes these oils are mixed with lemon grass, cloves or ginger to enhance the benefits and address specific body issues.
Credit to The Kayana Seminyak
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The hidden beauty that reaches your deepest soul

Water is the most perfect traveller because it becomes the path itself when it travels. Sometimes we need to follow the path to undertake the most beautiful journey of our life. There are innumerable paths in Bali that will lead you to the untouched place, and if you push yourself a bit harder to really explore the secrets that Bali has hidden far away from the commercial tourists, you will discover these places. Tukad Cepung Waterfall is one such place that you might want to consider on your checklist.
Located 30 kilometres north-west of Ubud, you will witness a rare view of a waterfall that should not be missed. Though there are plenty of waterfalls worth visiting in Bali, Tukad Cepung Waterfall is one of its kind. If you are coming from Denpasar, you can reach Dusun Penida Kelod in Bangli by car or motorbike in about two hours. Local buses leaving from Denpasar can also drop you at Bangli, and then you can trek your way to Tukad Cepung Waterfall. Alternatively, you can book a one-day tour with one of travel agencies or hire an advance driver who is familiar with roads in Bali.
Tukad Cepung Waterfall still remains as the best virgin waterfall of Bali. The fact that this spot is not known to a lot of people and still not under the commercial tourist spots, you are not under any obligations to pay anything to enter the place. However, since the area is well-maintained by the local villagers and some of them contribute in showing and/or explaining the waterfall to the visitors, it would be kind enough if you tip them some amount so they can continue to maintain this hidden spot.Tukad Cepung Waterfall by far has mesmerized anyone who have managed to spot it. Well-guarded by the cliffs, this waterfall is difficult to be spotted by a regular visitor. A few hundred stairs down the cliff is worth the effort once you arrive at the destination. The circular cliffs give you the feeling of being in a cave, while the open sky right from where the waterfall emerges, gives you the most enchanting view you have ever seen. The sunlight falls on the glistering waterfall creating a rainbow, and you will feel like the rainbow is flowing right up to you. If you have never seen water flowing from the sky, then this would be your chance. Unlike any other waterfalls in Bali, Tukad Cepung Waterfall does not flow into a river, stream or jungle, but it flows gently down the cliffs. The river can be seen from up above, meanwhile the waterfall can only be viewed once you walk down the stairs and into the cliff.
Since the water gets accumulated within the cliffs, it gets really deep in rainy seasons. For that reason, it is not recommended to visit Tukad Cepung Waterfall in monsoons. In other seasons, you can just stand and observe the water neatly flowing down and making a narrow stream inside the cliff. This place is comparatively cooler and offers an immense sense of peace and tranquillity.
Bring your bath suits when you visit this place because once you see this magical waterfall, you would definitely like to go in and embrace it. You will find some of the visitors standing under the waterfall and having a good time splashing water. Since the place is well-maintained, you won’t be surprised to see how clean and hygienic the area surrounding. Try to live in the moment by relaxing near the waterfall, listening to the water flowing and seeing the amazing rainbow of colours created by the sunlight. As a quote says, “Many quiet rivers start from noisy waterfalls, but none of them jumps and does not foam up to the sea. But it is often a sign of great peace of mind, and hidden forces.” You will feel every inch of this saying once you see or rather absorb the beauty of Tukad Cepung Waterfall.
After several hours being in total relaxation, on your way back home you can make a few stops around the area. Tukad Cepung Waterfall is close to Pura Dalem Penida Kelod, which also known as the Temple of Death. It is a place of pilgrimage for those seeking protection from sickness and evil. You can also pay a visit to the old temple of Ratu Gede Pancering Jagat in Trunyan, which is famous for its megalithic 4-meter high statue and the “Barong Brutuk” dance performance. If you wish to take away some local souvenirs, the roads around Kintamani offer you a good local shopping experience as well as eating spots. You may need this after a day-long trek in Bangli.
 Waterfalls nearbyTwo more waterfalls in this area are Tibumana Waterfall and Kanto Lampo Waterfall. Tibumana Waterfall is a 20-meter high twin waterfall with a calm pond and not too deep, while Kanto Lampo Waterfall is a new born waterfall which flows through the lush forests of Bangli. You can follow the forest trail not only to enjoy the waterfalls but to stop and fish for eels and other small fish. You can also view a cave which is normally used for meditation by local people. This is an interesting trek for family with little kids.
Tukad Cepung Waterfall
Dusun Penida Kelod, Bangli This article is also published at NOW! Bali Magazine Bali Online Editor - Bali Writer - Bali Editor - Freelance Indonesia Ghostwriter - Copywriter - Scriptwriter

Wind along the less-travelled road of Nusa Penida

There’s a quote says, “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” There are few experiences that open up not just your heart but also your mind, and travelling to Nusa Penida does that. The island offers so many awesome beaches that are still pure and untouched, such a perfect getaway for those looking to escape from the crowd and chaos.
Among a few beaches in a treasure island of Nusa Penida, Atuh Beach remains on top of the list as the most beautiful beach with killer views. The view is replenishing your soul from the core. The glistening turquoise ocean well-guarded by craggy mountain peaks, and the stretches of white sands perfectly laid out is indeed a treat for the eyes. This beach is called the “Hidden Beach” owing to the fact that it is so closely guarded by the cliffs that it is quite difficult to spot it. The fact that many visitors to Nusa Penida are still unaware of its existence makes it all the more intriguing for the those seeking either privacy or solace. This beach still away from the clutches of commercialization, making it an ideal spot to spend with your loved one.
To reach the beach, it is recommended to rent scooter, which can be arranged at the harbour when you arrive. After half-an-hour-drive in the coastal road, you can start your adventure right after your vehicle parked on the cliff. As you walk nearer to the cliff and get ready for your hiking pursuit down the cliff, you will notice a concrete staircase at the back-side. This staircase was built for local villagers who come to visit the temple nearby to worship the God of the sea. You need to use this staircase to walk up the cliff and at the end of the staircase you need to jump off the cliff, a mere height of 1 metre. And there you are, on the pristine white sands, and right in front of you the vast blue ocean waiting to be explored.
The stunning coral reefs are what brings Atuh to life, especially during low tide where you can see the rainbow of corals on the ocean floor. Suit up into your snorkelling gears and explore the ocean where you will find hundreds of colourful fish swimming all around you. The sunrays make the ocean sparkle no less than a prism. There are small caves in and around the cliffs where you can swim into and explore the rock structures. But do not swim away far from the shore since the currents can get strong. Alternatively, for those who are not keen to get into the water, they can lay back and watch the day go by.
If you are on a guided tour, they will provide you tents to set up at night, or you can also go by your own. Set the tents up away from the ocean nearer to the rocks to ensure your safety. You will be awestruck by the view at night. The sky is illuminated with thousands of sparkling stars. You can hear the soft splashes of the ocean waves against the cliffs and feel the cool breeze on your face. Light a bonfire and enjoy your time by the ocean with your friends. Eat, sing, dance and have all the fun you want. You just want the time to pause so that you can be in the euphoric mood forever. If you are a single trekker, you are bound to become a poet overnight owing to all the natural beauty around you. Do wake up early in the morning to view the sunrise from the cliffs. Be rest assured that this is one scene which you will never forget.
May to September is a good time to camp, since there are no chances of rainfall. It is recommended to put on your running/hiking shoes to make your trek faster and less painful. Be sure to carry a swimsuit, one extra pair of clothes, headlamp/torch, enough mineral water/juices, few food items and cash.
Apart from the Atuh Beach, while you are in Nusa Penida, you might want to make a visit to Peguyangan Waterfall. This incredible beauty is placed in a backdrop of a water temple. Therefore, there will be a bit of an adventure involved in getting to the waterfall as you have to traverse a path made of staircase literally hanging off the cliff edge.
You might also like to visit “Rumah Pohon Batu Molentang”, which situated on the cliffs on Tanglad village. You need to use the wooden staircase guarded by ropes to reach the top of the treehouse. Up there, you have a million-dollar view of the beaches and island around you. This is a good trekking spot where you need to ask the local villagers to find you way to the treehouse.
Visiting these places will let you enjoy peacefully without rush and give you enough time to contemplate about life, which is exactly what is needed to take a break from the mundane life. So, why wait? Mark your calendar and schedule your next trip to Nusa Penida.  This article is also published at NOW! Bali Magazine Bali Online Editor - Bali Writer - Bali Editor - Freelance Indonesia Ghostwriter - Copywriter - Scriptwriter