Joannes Rhino's Blog, page 9

Learning a new skills & knowledge every day

There is a quote says, “The journey of a lifetime starts with the turning of a page.” Indeed, reading offers us the pleasures of wisdom, knowledge and simply a way for us to spend our spare time. Ubud may be known as the cultural heart of Bali, but few people know of this little gem nestled in a quiet area in the central Ubud. With a well-signposted path leading to it, Pondok Pekak Library and Learning Centre is open daily from 9AM to 5PM. It is relatively easy to get there, either by car or motorbike, unless you stay in central Ubud, which affords you the option of walking. To avoid the crowds, it is advisable for one to arrive in the morning when the library is just open. You can easily spend up to 2 hours without participating in any of the classes or activities, and more so if you intend to do so.
The library was founded in 1995 by an American expatriate who was also an avid reader, and shocked to find the paucity of books in Bali. Originally, the library was designed primarily as a place for expats' children to study, and hence frequented by expats. However, the founder mission was to raise the literacy rate of the local children by making reading and books more accessible to them. With some support and funding, a bilingual children’s library was eventually constructed in 2001, separate from the adults’ library.
As its name suggests, you can read and borrow books for a fee. The two libraries combined hold over 30,000 fiction and non-fiction books in about ten languages including English, Indonesian and German. The books also cater to different readers from beginners to avid readers. And you are blessed with a conducive reading environment at the terrace upstairs where you can enjoy views of the football field and lush greenery. Free Wi-Fi serves to augment the experience. Children are of course, not neglected. The children's library is made a very comfortable place with soft pillows for the young ones to cuddle while reading. Educational games are also available for children who need a break from reading and wish to exercise their minds.
Of course, as the place is also a learning centre, classes are also conducted, and one popular one for foreigners or expatriates is the Indonesian language class. Specifically tailored towards beginners of the language, lessons are either conducted privately or in a group of between 3 and 8. A private lesson for one person costs IDR 175,000 for one lesson of 1.5 hour and the per lesson cost declines if you sign up for more lessons. A full four-week intensive group course costs IDR 1,000,000 per person for a total of 12 lessons of 2 hours each. All lessons are only conducted by qualified, patient and dedicated instructors. It is, however, important to note that advanced payment is required for the registration of these classes and no refund is offered after payment should you cancel them.
As a place active in promoting local cultural awareness and understanding, many other cultural activities are also conducted there in the form of classes. Those into music and dance will like either the Gamelan or Balinese dance classes held for people of all ages. If you prefer arts and crafts, you would enjoy a class of Balinese offering making, woodcarving, Balinese painting or fruit carving. Woodcarving and fruit carving are two forms of art unique to Bali. You will be amazed in particular when you see how beautiful figures can be carved out of fruits like watermelons, not to mention the opportunity to taste the sweet fruits while you work on your pieces. Fees are reasonable at below IDR 300,000 for a one to three-hour lesson.
Finally, you will also be glad that by signing up for the classes, you are also doing your part to support the centre financially in its mission to raise literacy and cultural awareness. Besides participating in lessons and getting to learn something new, you are also welcome to purchase or donate books for their good cause. Other resources or funds can be donated too. So if you have some extra time while in Ubud, consider visiting this small place where you can spend away your time easily while gleaning knowledge and helping to serve a good cause.
Pondok Pekak Library & Learning Centre
Jalan Monkey Forest, Ubud
+62 361 976194 This article is also published at NOW! Bali Magazine Bali Online Editor - Bali Writer - Bali Editor - Freelance Indonesia Ghostwriter - Copywriter - Scriptwriter

Wellbeing Holiday for a Healthy Soul

Being responsible for your health is the biggest commitment you will ever make in life, and taking a wellbeing holiday can mark a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. Different people have different personal wellbeing goals, and the diversity of one wellbeing holidays reflects that. A spa vacation may offer pampering and indulgence, meanwhile wellbeing holidays focus on your health and the kind of treatments to heal you inside out.
The outcome of practicing a wellbeing holiday on a regular basis is the fact that you will not only feel rejuvenated, rebalanced and de-stressed, but you will also get the benefit from having a glower or younger-looking skin, a leaner body and loads of energy. Just a few simple changes to your lifestyle can make a huge impact to your health and wellbeing.
There are a lot of treatment you can practice to achieve your wellness aims. You can do detox break to purify your system, join on a weight-loss holiday to slim down your body, satisfy yourself with a restorative spa treatment, start to do yoga regularly to strengthen your mind and body, eat all-you-want-raw-food retreat, and so many more. Whether you are looking for a mindfulness retreat, a stress-management and stress-reduction program, or a complete health reboot, you need to choose the programs to suit your needs.  This article is also published at The Leaf Jimbaran Blog Bali Online Editor - Bali Writer - Bali Editor - Freelance Indonesia Ghostwriter - Copywriter - Scriptwriter

Breach the sea of Bali

Bali is surrounded by crystal blue sea water, and therefore, water activities in Bali become an important part of the island experience. If you are a thrill seeker, Bali offers such daunting, stimulating and mind boggling adventure rides on water. Seabreacher is one of the activities that you should add on your bucket list. This exciting water activity has gained much popularity in Bali and still rare to find in Asia, and is highly recommended for everyone who wants to get high on life.The Seabreacher is going to make you glide in the depths of Bali ocean. Riding the Seabreacher is pretty complicated, and it is advised that only the appointed pilots do that. All you need to do is sit back in the cockpit of the semi-submersible and watch the sky disappear through F-16 fighter grade glass as the Seabreacher descends into a dive underwater for about 5 seconds and then launches the entire 18 feet of the shark into the air. You can choose what you want your Seabreacher to do for you, and the pilot delivers it like a Hollywood action flick to create an exclusive experience personally designed to suit your adventure level. You can roll on a 90-degree angle, do tight doughnut turns, dive 5 feet or even 18 feet under water. With top speeds of 80 km/h on water, this ride is guaranteed to make your heart skips a beat. For the sake of your own safety, please follow all instructions given before you take the ride. Keep in mind that it is not going to be a smooth ride. Never remove your helmet during the ride as you will be bounced extremely hard inside the vessel. You will have a very limited space behind the pilot’s seat, even just to move your legs a little bit, and therefore this activity is not recommended for those who suffer from Claustrophobia. Make sure to inform the pilot whenever you need to take picture inside the vessel or any reason to slow down the speed. Seabreacher is suitable for ages 6 years and above. There is also a height restriction of 193cm and weight restriction of 110kg to ensure utmost safety. With no worries about the safety factor and full assurance that you will be under professional training and supervision, there is absolutely no reason to not give it a try. After all, “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing”.

Courtesy of Serangan Water Sports
Jalan Tukad Punggawa Pantai Melasti Serangan Denpasar
www.serangan-watersports.com 
This article is also published at NOW! Bali Magazine Bali Online Editor - Bali Writer - Bali Editor - Freelance Indonesia Ghostwriter - Copywriter - Scriptwriter

The Ultimate Uluwatu Trekking

Uluwatu has an actual twilight buzz. Many surfers from all over the world flock here every calendar year merely to have a go in the waves. When it comes to discovering hidden beaches, Uluwatu provides more than enough unique spots in Bali, ranging from limestone beaches to calm and remote beaches. In fact, the beaches are the strongest magnet that pulls people to visit Uluwatu area. Trekking across the route into these secluded beaches is indeed a true adventure.
Nyang Nyang Beach is well deserving of the title ‘hidden beach’, and therefore trekking is a must to access this beach. You will need to check out a dirt road near to Uluwatu Temple and keep a lookout for an indicator stating “Nyang Surfing Beach”. Next, you cross a field where you will see a beverages stall before alighting the 500 steps over the cliff that covers the beach to finally see it with naked eyes. The cliff itself is covered with forests and will take about 15 minutes to go down. Now, here comes the difficult part, involving walking down a narrow and sometimes steep flight of stairs that leads to the beach. Bear in mind to make your way back to the top of the cliff before dark as the journey back over the steps and the field will become difficult in the dark.
 About 15 minutes south of Nyang Nyang Beach, Green Bowl Beach is relatively easy to locate, but quite remote and off the tourists’ radar. The road is quite straight forward and signboards are everywhere. You will need to follow a convoluted path towards the entrance of the beach. A small fee is required either for the entrance or parking space. You will be directed to a derelict staircase surrounded by trees filled with monkeys. The trekking comes in this part, to conquer the hundreds of steps down to the beach before you reach at a very clean, rocky beach. You can continue the exploration at the cave nearby, but keep alert from the bats.
 You can also explore the abandoned plane at Gunung Payung. It is a 30-minute walk from Pandawa Beach where you will find this massive Boing 737 abandoned plane lies in the sideway of the main street of Gunung Payung, hidden behind a huge fence of steel. Please bear in mind that this is not an official tourist spot, and therefore to get inside is a bit tricky, involving climbing and jumping off the fence. Once inside, you can get on the plane, and even climb on top of it. 
Still located in Ungasan Village, Balangan Beach has a different irresistible charm. Peace and quiet, this beach offers secret access to the more secluded part of the beach. You can trek along the beach to discover these spots, but be sure to leave the beach before the sunset, or otherwise the high tide will trap you until the next morning. 
All the way down until you reach Jimbaran, Jimbaran Bay Beach delivers the most romantic trekking experience in the southern part of the island. You can walk along the shore, while enjoy the calming sounds of the ocean caressing the shore. If you go for a sunset treat, you can witness the last rays of the day’s sunshine disappear into the horizon. 
Along the seaside road that goes from Jimbaran to Uluwatu, you can find Bingin Beach. The beach is not easy to spot on for first time trekker, and therefore bringing a friend who knows the area would be beneficial. The road distance is about 15 minutes after which you reach a cliff with steep stairs that will take you down to the beach. Finding the stairs is a bit of a challenge as you need to walk and make a few turns around houses and local establishments. The stairs itself are very steep, and can be a bit tiring climbing down. However, once you are on the beach, you will thoroughly enjoy the breathtaking view. It is recommended to visit Bingin Beach during low tide as during high tides the beach gets subdued in water.
Suluban Beach is a home to surfers, and you'll find almost everyone surfing around here. To reach the beach is quite a hard work, as you need to make a long walk passing through local eateries and surf shops. After that, you need to hike down via stone stairs, passing through the bridge into the cave before finding a small beach that will lead to the heaven of the surfers. 
Finally, the last area you can trek is the clifftop views of Uluwatu Temple. Situated on top of a very tall ocean cliff, the trek offers relaxation and peace as you ascend the stairway. The stairway showcases Bali’s crafty and unique handiwork which was built by its ancient dwellers. It is caressed by trees at both ends so you are adequately shaded the entire way. While you are walking along the stairway, you will definitely notice monkeys around you, which are believed to guard the temple from bad influences. Uluwatu Temple offers visitors an unforgettable stunning view of the horizon that you will not want to miss. Once here, do stay for a bit longer to watch Kecak Fire dance performance arranged against a backdrop of Uluwatu’s breathtaking cliff advantage views. 
The most important thing to note before you start trekking to these places is you need to have a good pair of walking shoes. Climbing the 500 odd stairs down and back forth will put some strain on your feet, and you need to get used to that. Don’t waste your time using GPS to find the place, better to stop every once in a while to ask local people. It is also recommended to drive a scooter instead of a car or big bike, as the access road to some of these places are not friendly for big vehicle. 
This article is also published at NOW! Bali Magazine Bali Online Editor - Bali Writer - Bali Editor Ghostwriter - Copywriter - Scriptwriter

Nusa Bay Lembongan

Nusa Bay Lembongan is a stunning island in Waka-style. Enclosed by four famous surf breaks and a number of Bali’s most famed dive sites, Nusa Lembongan is Bali’s concourse. Daily breakfasts are prepared using fresh and simple ingredients. From freshly baked pasties, a variety of tropical fruits, eggs and cereals, herbal teas and the typical much wanted cold coffees, guests enjoy the views of the blue bay while indulging in the freshly prepared continental breakfasts. The lunch is famous for its barbeque menu prepared with a wide range of salads and sides, home-made breads and fruit and sweets to finish. Dinner is served at cozy, beautifully decorated candle-lit tables overlooking the bay in the sparkling moonlight. You can choose from an a la carte menu of Indonesian and Western dishes, all prepared fresh in the adjoining kitchen. The bar operates throughout the day preparing fresh juices, alcoholic beverages and a range of cocktails.

Formerly known as Shorea Beach Resort, NusaBay Menjangan is famous for its classic blend contemporary, rustic style with warm and friendly Balinese hospitality. It is strategically located on the shores of “Tanjung Kotal Bay”, to bring the best natural beauty of West Bali National Park to the tourists who dine in this restaurant. More than just a restaurant the Waka Beach Club Bar and Restaurant is a sanctuary which is surrounded by nature and offers fresh food and refreshments throughout the day. Tourists visit the restaurants to experience the Bar and Restaurant which is housed within a renovated ‘Joglo’ where beautifully presented dishes sparkle with freshness and highlights a local approach to dining. An international menu is offered during the day with a selection of signature mocktails, cocktails, fresh juices and local favorites while fresh seafood is the focus for dinner. This is a space designed to unwind as well as enjoy local dining served with warm hospitality. Authenticity and home cooking along with the spectacular view of the unspoiled white sand beaches, crystal clear water and nature at its most virgin state is the philosophy that guides Waka’s dining experiences.
By John Grotti (Guest Writer)

Best Modern Modular Kitchen Designs 2016

Modular Kitchen refers to the kitchen that is constructed by using pre-created cabinets or cabinet parts. Apart from being able to choose from already prepared designs, the modular kitchen design sets cost a lot less than customized kitchens as everything is already fabricated. Modular Kitchen Design is a success in terms of all types of families as they offer splendid designs at lesser rates. Modular Kitchen Designs are also space efficient due to a large number of compartments tailored with full efficiency. Here, we bring to you the top 5 Modern Modular Kitchen Designs of 2016.
ASAP House
This Modular Kitchen Design is produced by the company with the same name as the design. ASAP house is one the leading Modern Modular Kitchen Design companies and their designs are highly appreciated inside the United States of America. With their key business being refurbishing whole houses, their Modular Kitchen Designs prove to be their X factor. Sleek and efficient cabinets, with a simple yet classy marble look and elegant looking shelves, make it an appropriate design to bet on.
Celebrate Cooking Kitchen
Design in India Kitchen has been a very big name in terms of creating Modular Kitchen Designs in the subcontinent. Their out of the box thinking and reasonable prices are some of the few reasons people choose the firm over other leading Modular Kitchen Designers. Celebrate Cooking Kitchen is another simple yet sophisticated and stylish creation by the enterprise, which is a big affirmative among the people of the nation.
PEDINI MAGIKA
A foundation of the minds of the people from Pedini Kitchen USA, Pedini Magika stands out from a number of designs to be inducted in the list of best Modular Kitchen Designs. Pedini has been in the business of producing modern and elegant designs for kitchens for almost six decades. The Italy-based firm’s Magika creation is one of the highly appreciated ones. A soothing environment with simple designs that look nothing less than those which cost a fortune to make, what more can a person demand? Pedini is determined to create a name for them around the planet if such Modular Kitchen Designs keep popping out; they surely will hit their mark.
DODD KITCHEN Some designers come up with such creations that dazzle the witness, and create an impression in their mind which takes a long time to fade away. Mal Corboy, the creator of DODD Kitchen, a Modular Kitchen Design appreciated by numerous people all over New Zealand. Mal has been awarded numerous times for his designs and is believed to be one of the top kitchen designers in the country. DODD design embarks the phenomenon of high-class equipment and top class materials with a pinch of fashionable lights all around the design to keep the kitchen, as well as the person in it enlightened.
Passive House Retreat Zero Energy DESIGN, unlike their name is a source of immense energy to hundreds of people who have implemented their designs in their homes. When a firm provides you with beautiful looking and energy saving designs for your kitchens, why go somewhere else? The Passive House Retreat has an efficient and voguish design makes the owner spends more time in the kitchen than someplace else. This beauty is present on the coast of New England, and a number of people have paid the firm to recreate this Modular Kitchen Design in their homes.

By Sue Ann Klosterman Becker (Guest Writer)

Discovering Yourself in Trekking

Ubud is one such place in Bali offering umpteen beautiful places waiting to be explored and enjoyed. Not only the tourists, but also the local people of the island are still on this never-ending journey of discovering exquisite spots and soaking in its serenity. Though it is popularly known as the “Town of the Artists,” Ubud is also famous for its trekking trips through the rice fields and deep – dense forest. It is a highly recommended activity owing to the fact that there are amazing journeys to undertake and unbelievable destinations to reach.
The famous trekking spot is the Campuhan Hill Ridge. To be on the safe side, start your morning or afternoon walk at the temple near Warwick Ibah Hotel. You will be entertained by tropical forests, charming houses and villas perched on the steep embankments of the river gorges. The trail surges along the open ridge line for about 2 kilometres before leading to a wide, broken road. The road then passes through a housing area and small art galleries, before finally emerges into few stunning terraced rice fields. The road continues on until meeting a main country road, and from there you can make a circle by turning left and following the main road back down into Ubud or else backtracking along Bukit Campuhan. Backtracking is the discreet, most charming route. You just need to stick to the path and you will be just fine.
 Elephant treks are also arranged around Ubud. You can experience the feeling like a king atop an elephant trampling its way through the tropical, dense jungles. The jungle trails are steep in some places so you need to hold on to your seats tight. You can get off the elephants near the streams, lakes and take a quick dip. The same trek can also be experienced at night. This is a completely enchanted elephant experience through the dimly lit forest.
Taman Sari Temple is another trekking spot you may want to consider if you are up for rice fields view. Go for a short walk in the lush, green, terraced rice paddies to see villagers planting and harvesting rice as well as the traditional Balinese irrigation system. As you hear a numerous little birds chirping, you can absorb the greenery and freshness of the paddy fields. Continue your walk through the lush forested areas, plantations full of Balinese staples and cash crops like cloves, coffee, cocoa, vanilla, tapioca, taro, local vegetables and exotic tropical fruits. You will definitely come across some traditional craftsmen at work producing exquisite craft items tirelessly.
 Tegallalang Rice Terraces can also be your trekking spot. Internationally well-known for its beautiful scenes of rice paddies, involving the traditional Balinese cooperative irrigation system called Subak, Tegallalang is one of the most splendid terraced landscapes in Ubud region. The roadside location is cool and breezy, perfect combination for trekking. However, if you are looking for a quiet and peaceful surrounding, this is not the place to be as you will see tourists taking photos as well as numerous art kiosks and cafes near the ledge offering their ware.
 The best time to trek in Ubud is the dry season. Rainy seasons make the mountains as well as the forests a dangerous place, and trekking is not recommended. Always aim to start a trek very early in the morning so that you can complete it by noon before the sun is up. Sunrise treks require you to be up all night, so a good sleep is recommended before it. You definitely need to carry sum woollen clothes since the mountains can get really windy and chilly. The sunset treks are also equally beautiful, but it is better that you come back in a car and not by walk for your safety in the dark. Ensure that you stay hydrated at all times to fight fatigue. Try the Balinese sweet coconut water to hydrate yourself.
 Alternatively, you can always create your own trekking spot. Simply put on your walking shoes and start exploring the area. As a quote says, “Not all those who wander are lost”, the idea of walking around Ubud is to meet a lot of villagers, farmers, craftsmen who are very friendly and ready to interact with you. This way you can explore the Balinese lifestyle and culture very closely. At the end of the day, trekking is all about discovering places and yourself. So, be a traveller! Bring out the kid in you and plunge into trekking to see a new side of the island.
This article is also published at NOW! Bali Magazine Bali Online Editor - Bali Writer - Bali Editor Ghostwriter - Copywriter - Scriptwriter

Ultimate culinary indulgence on the beachside

There is something special about dining next to the beach or by the sea. A backdrop view of the ocean is definitely a perfect treat that will tantalize your taste buds. Be it seafood grill, Pan Asian cuisine, home-made local favourites, or even with a mix of Middle Eastern flavours, anything served on the table will promptly awake the palates of both young and old with the coastal vibe of the island. Now, with your appetite well and truly whet, ease yourself into the gourmet marathon ahead.

Beach Bar & Grill Spend your day by the beach gazing at the gorgeous Indian Ocean, feel the breeze and watch the sun sets in the west of the horizon. A perfect place for family, couples and a group of friends, Beach Bar & Grill at The Sofitel is blessed with a strategic location on the prettiest calm beach of Nusa Dua, offering a niche atmosphere of a day on the beach. Take your time sitting under a shaded spot with views of the resort’s beachfront coconut grove, regain your unconditional love with the island. Serving live barbeque snacks and a long-list of cocktails, you can only wish if the day would last longer.
 Eight Degrees South Having a warm and intimate ambiance, capturing the smell of sea breeze, Eight Degrees South at Conrad Bali will remind that you are in the paradise. Offering romantic beachfront dining with a dazzling backdrop of Tanjung Benoa’s stretching sands and water sport activities, this restaurant delivers a first-class culinary journey with a dynamic reflection of Bali's coastal life. Be tempted by fresh seafood and classic grilled dishes that served with a contemporary presentation, transform it into a memorable tropical-dining adventure. Choose your best wine to pair with the food, while watching the reddish sun about to fall beneath the glittering horizon of the sea, to take your day to an epic end. 
Lagoona
Cooling by a soft ocean breeze along the prettiest white sand beach of Nusa Dua, the iconic restaurant of Lagoona introduces a formal fine dining next to the beach within the Ayodya Resort. With a seating capacity of more than 100, the contemporary décor of the restaurant showcases wooden chairs and tables with glass windows facing out the ocean and pool view. To greet the evening, the restaurant transforms into a more private and romantic environment, prompted by the rich engraved woodwork and the cool glow of the rising moon. Browsing the menu, the venue bears a classic vibe of the magical island by serving a variety of grilled item as well as a good selection of steak and seafood that will seduce the palate of all ages. While you are admiring the glistening tableware and the familiar surroundings, you will feel at home with professionals serving you.

Nelayan RestaurantOff to a busy road and turn on a narrow lane in Jimbaran area, Nelayan sits elegantly by the beach of the renowned Jimbaran Bay. Facing to the friendly waves of the ocean and the giant-size pool, the venue is perfectly dedicated for guest with little kids. Stroll along the shore to find the local fishermen in action and continue to the traditional fish market where you can buy fresh seafood. Nelayan itself only serves an extensive range of freshly caught fish and delicious Mediterranean-style cuisine, combining Western techniques with Indonesian spices. With a flawless 360-degree view, the culinary team of Nelayan will cater you to the beginning of a very memorable culinary adventure.

Paon Doeloe
Sitting by the sea within the large complex of Taman Bhagawan, Paon Doeloe is an authentic Javanese Joglo beachfront restaurant located on a vast stretch of Tanjung Benoa's white sand beach. Showcasing elegant colonial-style table settings and pleasurable sofas for a low-key evening, this semi open-air venue is steeped in history and highly appreciates the traditions of the past. Traditional ornaments from Java specifically and vintage décor of the place will travel you back in time while at the same time embrace your present life. Paon Doeloe serves exotic flavours of Indonesian and Asian cuisine in the cosy indoors or under the shades of tree with impressive views of the ocean and a luxurious garden. The beach, garden and culture – such a perfect combination to get all at once.
 Sakala
Providing impeccable service in luxury experiences of Tanjung Benoa’s coastal life, Sakala ’s poolside and beachfront features a dramatic design with high ceilings and A 30-meter crystal clear infinity pool as the centerpiece. Soak in the sun on the lounges spreading around the main area or chill at a sunken swim up bar sipping a fresh ingredients of delicious cocktail, while be prepared for the spectacular sunset on the sky deck or sea terrace. Once the sun has left its reddish mark on the sky, indulge yourself to delight in the fine delicacies prepared by well-trained chefs. Serving contemporary cuisine as modern art, Sakala’s dining experience focuses on fresh seafood from local fishermen, bright and vibrantly flavored – a true ode to the sea. Spare some room for other mouthwatering dishes that promise to dazzle your taste buds.

Starfish Bloo
This W Bali’s signature restaurant offers a non-formal but fancy seaside dining destination on a calm coast of the island. Taking a bold concept from the sea, Starfish Bloo showcases a one-of-a-kind semi open-air private tables with a long banquet table surrounded by giant blue pillars and jellyfish-shaped lamps, facing to the hypnotizing view of Seminyak Beach. Take your time relaxing on a colourful bean bag or dreamy daybed while feeling the gentle ocean breeze tinkling your skin, before have much a treat for your palate. Offering Pan Asian cuisine with light Western essences, Starfish Bloo’s culinary team will seduce the palates of both young and old, providing the best dining by the sea experience imaginable.

Sundara
Stand for its name, meaning “beautiful” in Sanskrit word, Sundara is Jimbaran’s most exclusive dining destinations wrapped in panoramic ocean views across Bali's southern coastline. Spend your day by the sea on sun lounges viewing the exotic curve of Jimbaran Bay in the afternoon, or lounge on daybeds by the 57-meter infinity pool. Get a few sips of Sundara’s crave-worthy cocktails at the Sundara bar in the ground level beachfront area, while making an intimate attachment your surroundings in a relaxing seaside vibe. After the sun has taken its leave for the day, the fire pits on the beach are lit and transforming Sundara to be more elegant, a perfect time for a fancy dinner. Offering customized dining of Asian dishes, mixing with classic Middle Eastern, Spanish and Australian flavours, have your dinner in individual portions or sharing with a group. End your perfect day with a perfect dessert that will wow your taste buds instantly.

Tamarind Kitchen & Lounge
With all encompassing perspectives of the Lombok Straits and the Indian Ocean, this newest addition to the exquisite dining experiences offered by the Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa is grasping the way of life and relishing the flavors to imitate the wealth of nature. Cover up to 150 people under the spectacular thatched roof Bamboo structure pavilion, Tamarind Kitchen & Lounge offers a delightful mix of culinary joys, cognizance to guarantee the prosperity of their recognized guests. Check out the ocean view at the lower and upper level floors, while choosing your home-made favourites, from light, crisp and heavenly plates of mixed greens to new grilled fish and delectable side dishes – all seasoned with hand-picked local herbs.

Tepan Noodle
Making the most of its prime location of the legendary Kuta Beach, Tepan Noodle guarantees a remarkable oceanfront view with the warm breeze of the southern island and the sound of the calm waves. Presented nicely under the palms and plum trees, the restaurant serves up Japanese delights with international cooking styles to create Pan-Asian flavours. Located next to the main pool of Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel, you will be treated with the best Teppanyaki, Sushi and Sashimi in the outdoor terrace seating on the beach. A number of smoky, barbecued hot plates and sizzling tempura variations are also an available treat for your eyes as well as your taste buds. Complete your al fresco experience with live performance on the Theme Nights Dinners every Tuesday to Saturday.


The Shore Restaurant and Bar
Offering a rare semi fine dining set up inside Grand Nikko Nusa Dua’s resort, The Shore promises a cool spot to lounge with friends and romantic treat for your loved one. Choose your seat at the Aqua Mezzanine in the second level to get more formal dining experience, on the Marina Deck at the front row seating to experience the island’s tropical lifestyle, or even sit casually on the beach to feel a gentle touch of sea breeze – any spot in the restaurant deserves an equal breathtaking view of the glittering pool and Indian Ocean. Go unwind and satisfy your palate with Asian dishes and The Shore's signature smoothies by day, while some fresh seafood, imported meats and a long list of wine is ready to savour your dinner time. BBQ by the beach is also available every Wednesday to cater your late night euphoria under the stars.  
This article is published on the July issue of NOW! Bali Magazine Bali Online Editor - Bali Writer - Bali Editor Ghostwriter - Copywriter - Scriptwriter

Escaping the Egyptians with Totem Room Escape

“Slaves of Egypt, you are buried forever in this Dark Pharaoh Ancient Tomb, there is no way to escape... Except…” Yes, this is an adventure game; a rare and very interesting one. If you are running out of idea of where to take your kids on a fun day trip during weekend, you should consider this venue with its fun activity. Take a momentarily break from the typical island attraction and get ready to enter into a world of nerve-wrecking mystery. 
Kids by nature are adventurous and curious creatures. They have a wild sense of imagination and are outright daring. Their minds are always ready for a challenge. For this reason, Totem Room Escape is the perfect place for them. However, this fun place is not limited to kids interest only. Adults can also have their sense of adventure and curiosity at the same level as the kids. At the end of the day, everyone will have a good time in this place.
Originally founded in Jakarta, Totem Room Escape is the first and the biggest reality room escapes game in Indonesia. Here, puzzles are mixed with high tech gadgets, enclosed in themed decorated rooms to provide you an unexpected experience. This is an exciting indoor adventure which requires participants to stretch their imagination beyond level and use their problem solving skills to escape a series of rooms, while the clock ticks away. Children and parents both will be put to test, and only the best will survive. It is a total family entertainer. The steps to play the game are very simple. Make a team of minimum 2 persons and choose your challenge room. You only have 50 minutes to escape from the challenge room. 
Totem Room Escape offers four challenge rooms to choose from. Though equally intriguing and stimulating, the difficulty level of each room is different. The four challenge rooms are “Locked in Darkland”, “Egyptian Secret”, “Mission Impossible”, and “Kidnapped” in ascending order of difficulty level. It is recommended that you do not play these games in case you suffer from Nyctophobia or Claustrophobia. The Egyptian Secret is particularly famous among the kids and appropriate for them. But, by all means continue to the higher level once you have crossed this one.
Initially, you will initially be taken to a video room where the game master will explain to you the rules of the games. You are not allowed to carry anything to the room. You need to keep your bag, wallet, phone and camera in a locker provided. You may need to choose a group leader who will be the first to enter the room. The foot gets automatically locked with a padlock. Now, the clue to open the lock of the group leader lies in the room. You need to find it and open the lock of the leader. Once the leader is free, he goes on to finding the other clues/keys to free his teammates. But since the room is super dark and you are only provided with a very small torch, finding the key quickly is a challenge. 
As the game is Egyptian Secret, you will strongly feel the Egyptian ambience around you. A coffin is placed in the last room with a mummy inside. The floor is covered with a lot of sand, which makes you feel that you are in the Egyptian desert. Treasure chests make you believe that you are in a land of gold and jewels. The background score and the dim lighting is quite spooky, making you feel a little scared and successfully distracting you from finding the keys. Choose to use your clues wisely, not many at a time because in case you successfully escape this room, you would need the remaining clues to play the other levels. Please note that all the clues are in English, and therefore kids might require more time to understand the puzzles.
Totem Room Escape is a fulfilling experience for your family. You get to exercise your brain and learn a lot about teamwork. It is a good change for kids, who nowadays are glued onto their mobiles phones and iPads playing meaningless games. With Totem Room Escape, kids are actually put into the heart of adventure. It is both enjoyable as well as a learning experience for them. It doesn’t really matter whether or not you manage to escape the room, because at the end of the day what matter is everyone is having a great time inside the room.
 Totem Room Escape Jalan Kayu Aya 27 (near Seminyak Square, landmark Starbucks)
This article is published on September issue of NOW! Bali Magazine Bali Online Editor - Bali Editor - Bali Freelance Writer

Feed your soul with sunset

A glorious sunset is the symbol of a true beauty. The sky performs a spectacular color for a few minutes, and then it’s gone. However, the psychological effects of adoring the sunset may persist long after the phenomenon has over. Studies indicate that honoring natural beauty may boost your wellbeing, enhance generosity and increase life satisfaction. The key is to actively take part in some experiences. To obtain the rewards from sunset, you need to stop whatever else you’re doing and simply look at the sky.
Here are some of the psychological benefits of sunset gazing as follow:
 •    Emotional wellbeing
People who are connected with nature, always feel happier and having more positive emotions. Researchers found that some people get more joy from an hour in the park than others.

•    Concern for others
Another research found that the positive emotions evoked by natural beauty led to increased feelings by concern for others. It is not just looking at the nature that put people in a generous mood, but receiving the beauty of nature does that. And a sunset happens to be the best example.

•    Satisfaction with life
Beauty enriches life, making it more precious. Greater engagement with beauty is associated with higher levels of life satisfaction and gratitude. The beauty of nature is so powerful. There’s a natural tendency that we normally do when we walk during sunset; we tend to stop, stare at the sunset, and being caught up in that situation. In that moment, your mind gets a solid break from thinking about all the problems you have. You will have a feeling that life seems a little better now.
 So, on your next sunset hunt, you may want to try these tips:
 •    Grab a camera
This is not to do a selfie pose with sunset backdrop, but to really see the sunset and capture the second-to-second experience.

•    Enjoy cocktails
Admire a glorious sunset while enjoying cocktails with family and friends is a perfect way to finish the day and start the evening.

•    Do a meditation
Take several slow, deep breaths to relax your body and calm your mind. Then look at the sunset, focusing on the colors, light, the changes in the sky, the intensity and then the disappearance. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “When I admire the wonders of a sunset, my soul expands in the worship of the creator.”

This article is published at The Leaf Jimbaran blog Bali Online Editor – Bali Editor – Bali Writer