Vol. 1/March 5-March 11, 2015

Mostly Jazz in sanur it’s Jazz JiM, but not as we know it ‘ngusaba nuuh’

ISLAND OF MUSIC

2 March 5, 2015

PT BINA MEDIA TENGGARA I EDIToRIAl AND GENERAl DEPARTMENTJl. Tukad Musi VI/17 Kav.1 renon Denpasar Bali (0361) 265 436, 265 437 Fax (0361) 223 698 Jpbali@indosat.net.id, advertisingbali@thejakartapost.com, promotionbali@thejakartapost.com

‘Ngusaba Nuuh’ Nyepi getaway

It’s Jazz Jim, but not as we know it

Virgin coconut oil Sudamala

cong Po Kong shrine

Mostly Jazz in Sanur

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from THE EdiTor

Board of Directors Jusuf Wanandi, Cherly P. Santoso, Meidyatama Suryodiningrat, Riyadi Suparno I Editor in Chief/Guarantor Meidyatama Suryodiningrat

Editor I Wayan Juniarta I Contributing Editor Rita A. Widiadana I Editorial Staff Desy Nurhayati, Bram Setiawan, Anton Muhajir, Alit Kertaraharja, Ni Komang Erviani, Luh De Suriyani, Wasti Atmodjo I Photographers Agung Parameswara, Lukman SB, Zul Trio Anggono, Anggara MahendraGraphic Designer Budhi Hartono, Sunaryo, Mohamad Soleh

General Manager Wiradiatma Wijoga I Advertising Kadek Ita Noviyanti, Ngurah Agung I Circulation Slamet Sunarno I Promotions Mirah Adi

ConTEnTs Sidembunut village

cover Photo: chris o’connor

refreshing pomelo salad

Bali has been bestowed many monikers before, most in laudatory tones, from The Morning of The World, Island of the Gods and Island of The Thousands Temples, to The Island of Peace. These are all obviously generalized ideas of an island, which, like any other island or community in the world, is not immune to flaws and contradictions.

In the last few years, the island has also seen an explosion of musical events, which, if the trend continues, are likely to earn the resort island another salutary title as The Island of Music.

This edition’s cover story focuses on Bali live Festival, a major jazz festival that further cements the island’s status as a preferred stage for national and international musical gatherings.

It is surely a fantastic development for the island, giving it another edge in the competitive world of global tourism. For the Bali-based music lovers, this phenomenon is simply heavenly.

— The Editor

Island of music

3March 5, 2015

Soul

For hundreds of years, Balinese farmers have believed that rice is a precious gift from the gods. cultivating rice was seen as much more than just planting seeds and harvesting as it encompasses

the tangible and intangible rituals dedicated to the food provider — Dewi Sri, the hindu goddess of fertility.

To honor the gods and nature, farmers conduct a series of elaborate ceremonies and festivals for every stage of the rice plant’s growth.

one unique ceremony was held in Sebatu village in Gianyar on Feb. 25.

The ceremony, called Ngusaba Nuuh or medana-danaan, is performed 60 days after the rice has been planted and is mainly focused on requesting Dewi Sri provide an abundant harvest and protection.

hundreds of Sebatu villagers gathered that afternoon

at the Pura Puseh Desa village temple to prepare for the ceremony. Women and girls had already prepared lavish offerings made of fresh tropical fruit, food, traditional Balinese cookies and colorful flowers.

at the same time, male residents were also preparing special offerings, or asagan, a large bamboo conveyance with beautiful decorations made of young coconut leaves with 22 bamboo boxes placed on it. Each box contained a pair of rectangular cakes measuring about 20 by 12 by 5 centimeters made of white and red rice and sticky rice, called lempeng. The colors symbolize harmony.

The asagan was ready to be taken from the temple’s inner court to the outer yard by 12 men assigned to be saya, the people in charge of carrying the asagan to the outer yard.

The head saya is called a pengadur. “only a married man with two children — one boy

and one girl, is eligible to become a pengadur,” explained I Wayan Kerta, caretaker of Pura Sebatu village temple.

a few minutes before carrying the asagan to the outer yard, the pengadur and a temple caretaker performed a special prayer and recited mantra from the sacred lontar (palm leaf manuscripts), then encircled the asagan three times.

The mantra is aimed at protecting the rice, which was in the final stage prior to harvesting, symbolized as pregnancy.

The pengadur carried a weapon of made of three veins from coconut leaves bound together by tridatu threads that symbolize the trinity. he

“WorShIPING DEWI SrI, ThE GoDDESS oF FErTIlITy” WorDS aND PhoToS Agung PArAmeswArA

also carried a tampag, a bamboo container filled with coconut toddy, an alcoholic drink to appease the unseen spirits.

In the outer yard, dozens of children impatiently waited for the asagan to come out and readied themselves for the peak of the ritual.

The pengadur walked out to the temple’s outer yard while repeatedly moaning as though in pain as he played the role of the rice on the verge of giving birth, leading the saya carrying the asagan. The children cheered loudly to welcome the asagan.

When the asagan reached the center of the temple’s yard, the children scrambled to get their hands on the lempeng. The saya tried to prevent the children from reaching the lempeng but the hungry boys would not give up hope. The pengadur was even harsher as he used his “weapon” to hit out at the highly amused boys.

It took less than one minute for the boys to win their way past the saya and successfully grab all the lempeng.

It was a joyful and hilarious event to watch. But deep within the symbolism, the ceremony reflects an act of devotion to Dewi Sri.

‘Ngusaba Nuuh’

4 March 5, 2015

Advertorial

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WorDS Desy nurhAyAti PhoToS Agung PArAmeswArA & Zul trio Anggono

Saturday, providing a great opportunity to spend time with your loved ones. Free access to all-day movie broadcasting is available on March 21.

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5March 5, 2015

6 March 5, 2015

last Sunday was the first performance of Mostly Jazz in Sanur, marked by an impressive collaboration between veteran

Indonesian jazz musician Indra lesmana and trumpet player rio Sidik.

In front of an appreciative audience, DJ Martin Denev, a musician and DJ from Bulgaria, opened the show and entertained guests during happy hour before the live concert took place by the beach at Griya Santrian.

accompanied by bassist Itho Kurdi and drummer Gustu Brahmanta, Indra presented “Gecko” as the first song, opening a relaxed evening of jazz-inspired entertainment.

Following a series of performances by the trio, rio appeared on stage bringing his lively trumpet playing to further brighten the evening, with its hours of musical magic. as the evening drew to a close, an open jam session was the final segment of the show.

Mostly Jazz is a live music series owned and organized by Indra and his wife, hanny lesmana. Established in 2010 and previously run in Jakarta, the program has successfully generated and supported new high-quality music performers, creative talent, records and music fans from many different genres.

Designed to serve as an inspiring music media for musicians and music lovers, to develop their artistry, expression, creativity, communication and musical skill, Mostly Jazz will provide opportunities to young talent.

Sound

“a BIWEEKly lIVE MUSIc ProGraM ThaT BrINGS NEW raDIaNcE IN SaNUr” WorDS Desy nurhAyAti PhoToS Chris o’Connor

In mid-December 2014, Indra and his family moved from Jakarta to Sanur with the goal of dedicating his abilities to the development of art and culture in Bali.

Indra plans to open the music workshop “Sanggar Musik Indra lesmana” and continue his objectives, with Mostly Jazz being one of the programs for education, social art-culture and entertainment.

“There are so many aspects of music that I believe are crucial and still need development. Transitions in the music industry require natural media to build positive synergy. I feel that those natural inspirations and life harmony are abundantly available in Sanur,”

Indra said.Ida Bagus Gede Sidharta Putra from Griya

Santrian hailed Indra as having a very long trail of successful achievements, saying he was proud to be able to work with the maestro in starting Mostly Jazz in Sanur.

“his passion for jazz will significantly contribute to the development of Sanur as a tourist destination. It proves that to enhance the value of a destination, we can present quality activities for tourists, and not necessarily have to build new accommodation,” he stated.

In the coming weeks, Mostly Jazz will feature new collaborations with select

Indonesian and foreign musicians from various genres. New york-based trumpet player Maurice Brown will perform on March 15. The following three sessions will feature Indonesian singers Marcell on March 29, Mike Mohede on april 12 and Indra’s daughter Eva celia on april 26.

Mostly Jazz in Bali promises to be different and more attractive than previous shows in Jakarta, since it will present local potential highlighting the richness of Balinese art and culture, including combining modern music with traditional rindik and jegog.

7March 5, 2015

Sight

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The smell of burning fragrant incense filled the air in cong Po Kong chinese shrine. Numerous red paper lanterns were hanging, matching beautifully

with the Balinese ornaments.The shrine was lavishly decorated in both

chinese and Balinese styles to welcome the chinese New year 2566, which fell last weekend.

“Gong Xi Fa Chai [happy chinese New year],” visitors said in greeting to each other.

Ketut Sukajaya, an Indonesian of chinese descent from Padang Sambian Kaja in Denpasar, said his family would perform special prayers on the eve of chinese New year at cong Po Kong shrine, which is situated in the innermost part of Ulun Danu Batur temple in Kintamani, Bangli regency.

The cong Po Kong shrine is part of a grand hindu temple complex that consists of nine different temples and 285 shrines and pavilions dedicated to the gods and goddesses of water, agriculture, holy springs, the arts and fertility. The principal temple, Pura Penataran agung Batur, has five main courtyards.

Kwee ong cuan, another worshipper, said visiting cong Po Kong shrine was obligatory for his family.

“We always pray here to ask for greater prosperity in the year to come,” cuan said.

cong Po Kong shrine was built to honor Ida ratu Gede Subandar, popularly known as queen Subandar, the goddess of commerce.

“People come here to ask for wealth, health and prosperity, especially during Imlek, the start of the chinese New year,” explained Martin

Wijaya, the temple’s caretaker.Wijaya said worshipers came from around

Bali and other islands in Indonesia, even from foreign countries.

“Many businesspeople come to the shrine immediately after arriving at Ngurah rai International airport to pray that their businesses will run smoothly,” noted Wijaya.

Wijaya, chair of the Bangli branch of the Indonesian council of Buddhist communities (Walubi), said that the chinese cong Po Kong shrine in Batur temple had existed since the early 16th century.

“legend says the shrine was built under the auspices of King Jaya Pangus, the king of Bali who married a chinese princess, Kang cing Wie,” he said.

currently, there are approximately 300 families of chinese descent residing in four villages — langgahan, catur, Kembang Sari and Kintamani. Wijaya is fifth generation of the pioneering chinese families.

“We live peacefully alongside our hindu neighbors. In every chinese family in Kintamani, there are two shrines — hindu and chinese. We worship both hindu and chinese gods and goddesses, as well as our deified ancestors,” noted Wijaya.

But life was not always smooth for those of chinese descent in Bali.

Wijaya recalled the dark days following the failed September 1965 coup blamed on the Indonesian communist Party (PKI).

“The families of chinese descent in Kintamani, like elsewhere in Indonesia, faced harsh discrimination and abuse. The locals

Cong Po Kong shrine“a PlacE To WorShIP ThE GoDDESS oF coMMErcE”

WorDS aND PhoToS BrAm setiAwAn

accused chinese families of being members of the PKI, which was really untrue,” he said.

The local people decided to move the cong Po Kong shrine out of the inner part of the temple.

“But it was chaotic when the chinese shrine was moved outside. Some of the people who moved the shrine got sick and some suffered from mental illness,” he said.

leaders of the hindu and chinese

communities decided to perform rituals to ask for guidance from Dewi Danu, later reporting that Dewi Danu was angry because the chinese shrine was being moved.

The cong Po Kong shrine was eventually returned to its original place, within the inner sanctum of Pura Ulun Danu Batur, and the situation improved.

The cong Po Kong shrine is living proof of religious and cultural tolerance in Bali.

8 March 5, 2015

“The Bali live FesTival — Jazz, Blues,

Funk and soul” Words and phoTos Chris O’COnnOr

It’s Jazz JIm, but not as we know It

Cover Story

9March 5, 2015

Lucky for some, Friday, March 13, has three fantastic events. The effervescent soul of Jim Larkin and the Saucy Soul Band opens the power-packed long weekend with a 4 p.m. performance at the luxury shopping mall Beachwalk, Kuta. Larkin, the Californian soul music legend, has brought together an extraordinary group of young musicians and, for soul lovers, his brand of high energy dance music will be the perfect way to kick off the night.

Later on Friday, two of Bali’s own superstars, Rio Sidik and Erik Sondhy, will perform their cool funky jazz at Le Meridien, Jimbaran. Rio and Erik are currently amongst the island’s hottest young talents. The third event features one of Indonesia’s most famous and respected musicians, the jazz pianist Indra Lesmana who, along with Maurice Brown, will be performing at the Ryoshi House of Jazz, Seminyak. Could Friday night really be any better?

Saturday, March 14, and it’s back to Beachwalk with Dice at 4 p.m., before a very special gathering at the Ayodya Resort in Nusa Dua which will present Jazz Invasion, featuring

For live music lovers who covet great traditional and contemporary jazz, blues, soul and funk, the week of March 9-15 is, without doubt, an exceptional

time to be in Bali! So why is this week so special? Well, after its

hugely successful inaugural year in 2014, the fantastic Bali Live Festival returns this month with an abundance of highly acclaimed local and international artists whipping up a storm at hot venues across the island.

From March 9, for seven days at venues across the island, culminating in a spectacular festival at the tremendous Taman Bhagawan, Nusa Dua, on March 15, the festival offers an opportunity to see some of the best in the business perform in some great locations.

Hot on the heels of Java Jazz, the week opens at the Ryoshi House of Jazz, Seminyak, on Monday, March 9, with John Primer & the Living History Band. The multi-award winning Primer, born in Mississippi, is a living legend who serves up a feast of electric and Chicago blues. Over an extraordinary career, including 13 years with Magic Slim & the Teardrops, and before that with Muddy Waters and Willie Dixon, he stands today as one of the last real blues traditionalists from the Windy City. This gig is simply a no-miss event for true blues fans!

Tuesday night brings with it a selection of performances. If acid jazz and funk is your thing, then why not make a date with Incognito at KU DE TA, Seminyak. Probably the most successful contemporary acid jazz band ever to come out of the UK, driven by the funky guitar of the unstoppable Jean-Paul “Bluey” Maunick, they are guaranteed to get you on your feet performing hits, such as “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing”.

It might be a tough choice though, because simultaneously, at the Hanging Gardens Hotel, Ubud, the renowned Indonesian jazz pianist Nita Aartsen joins with saxophonist Magnus Lindgren and the incredible jazz trumpet and rap of Maurice Brown to woo the audience at one of the most dazzling locations on the island. But don’t worry if you want to see both Incognito and this talented group as Nita and friends will also feature the following night when the trio is joined by the funky bass and vocals of Richard Bona at the Ubud Jazz Cafe.

a kecak dance and dinner, followed by the super grouping of Indra Lesmana and Maurice Brown with local superstars Gustu Brahmanta Trio.

The main show this year starts at 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 15, and is once again being held in the manicured tropical gardens of Taman Bhagawan in Benoa. The venue is probably Bali’s most impressive large outdoor venue and will feature an array of food and beverage sellers, plus masses of space to relax.

The evening will feature Indra Lesmana, Maurice Brown, Dice, Jim Larkin and Nita Aartsen, along with performances from Tulus, the beautiful Trie Utami and Fantuzzi. Fantuzzi is a true musical legend who describes his dynamic performances as a fusion of reggae, Latin Afro-funk with a mystic twist. A veteran of Woodstock 1969, his CV reads like a who’s

who, performing with Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Stephen Stills and Billy Preston, among many others.

For the Indonesians in Sunday’s throng, Tulus may well be the highlight. His blend of jazzy vocals is backed by an extraordinary ability to connect with his audience, which will have the young ladies in particular swooning. He is a great entertainer and completes the amazing line performing at this beautiful beachside oasis.

For Sunday, the tickets are priced at Rp 250,000 (US$19.23) in advance and Rp 300,000 on the door; which is seriously good value for an evening of high quality entertainment.

For pricing details on other events, more information and general booking details see balilivefestival.com.

10 March 5, 2015

Savor

Bali is renowned for its seasonal tropical fruit, ranging from mangoes, papaya, pineapple, oranges and snake fruit, to an amazing range of

bananas of all kinds of varieties.The locals create delicious meals using

fresh fruit, often served with a sweet and spicy palm sugar dressing or a spicy peanut sauce.

Rujak, the local style mixed fruit salad, is among the most popular snacks in Bali, making a refreshing treat on a hot afternoon.

a small food stall, Warung Bu Indra, located on Jl. antasura in the Darmasaba

area of West Denpasar, offers a delicious, sweet, pungent rujak cuka muntis, a mixture of pomelo and other grated raw fruit, such as ambarella (kedondong) and jicama, with a sweet and sour dressing.

Pomelo salad is very popular in Bali and East Java, where the fruit is grown intensively in large plantations.

Pomelo is a citrus fruit, similar to a grapefruit, which is thought to have originated in latin america. It is widely used in many Southeast asian countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and cambodia, as an ingredient in many delicious

RefReShIng pomelo SAlAd “ThE PoMElo IS BroKEN UP aND oThEr FrUITS arE GraTED aND PUT oN a SMall PlaTE WITh ThE VINEGar DrESSING PoUrED oVEr IT all”WorDS aND PhoToS eKA Juni ArtAwAn

dishes. Pomelo tastes slightly tangy with a hint of sweetness and is a perfect match for prawn and fish dishes.

however, back at Bu Indra’s food stall, she has a secret recipe — her salad dressing, which is made of vinegar, shrimp paste, chili and salt.

The pomelo is broken up and other fruits are grated and put on a small plate with the vinegar dressing poured over it all. It costs

only rp 5,000 (38 US cents) to taste this delicious pomelo salad.

Selling rujak muntis is actually a sideline for Indra. her main job is selling tropical fruit, including pomelo, which she procures from Madiun in East Java.

Every day, she has to peel at least 50 pomelo for her rujak muntis. “My stall opens from 10 a.m., but the rujak is sold out just a few hours later,” she said.

11March 5, 2015

Ni Wayan Nik Suriasih, 47, had never thought of becoming a successful virgin coconut oil producer.

living modestly in Banjar Sengguan hamlet, Pekutatan in Jembrana, west Bali, Suriasih has long been familiar with handling various coconut plantation products. Together with her husband, she collects young coconut leaves, coconuts and coconut husks and sells them to customers in Gianyar.

one day, her neighbor, who owns a vast coconut plantation, asked Suriasih to try producing economically viable coconut-based products.

Suriasih reluctantly agreed to participate in training to make virgin coconut oil (Vco), which had been gaining popularity for medicinal purposes and use in cosmetics and is a profitable commodity that is easy to sell.

coconut oil is often described as the healthiest oil on earth. For thousands of years, people living in the tropics have used coconut oil for food, natural cosmetics and medicines.

International researchers have conducted studies on the benefits of virgin coconut oil for a large range of conditions, including boosting the immune system, regulating the metabolism, proper digestion, hair care and weight loss. These benefits are attributed, among other things, to antioxidant and anti-fungal properties and the presence of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid.

“When I took part in the training, I was quite bored and uninterested in the topic. I thought that it wasn’t to do with me,” she recalled.

When she arrived home, she decided to try her new knowledge to make Vco. To her surprise, her Vco turned out to be the best product in the village. Thanks to the power of

bored and uninterested in the topic. I thought that it wasn’t to do with me,” she recalled.

When she arrived home, she decided to try her new knowledge to make Vco. To her surprise, her Vco turned out to be the best product in the village. Thanks to the power of

VIrgIN CoCoNUt oIL SUDAMALA“cocoNUT oIl IS oFTEN DEScrIBED aS ThE hEalThIEST oIl oN EarTh”WorDS aND PhoToS eKA Juni ArtAwAn

word of mouth, people started to recognize her high-quality Vco and she began receiving bulk orders.

“The best quality Vco is made from a mixture of eleven types of coconut meat: Sudamala, Mulung, Udang, Pudak, Kebo caling, rangda, Bulan, Surya, Julit and Bojog,” she explained.

She said she made Vco using simple, traditional methods. While coconut oil is usually derived from copra (dried coconut meat), this virgin coconut oil must be made from fresh coconut milk.

“Producing virgin coconut oil is a really delicate process. care must be taken to use as little heat as possible in the extraction of the oil. Many people fail to do this and produce poor quality Vco,” she added.

The best Vco tastes and smells very good and is laden with antioxidants and fatty acids.

Suriasih and her husband have been producing Vco for almost ten years now. “We always produce the oil on Kajeng Kliwon day, which is considered a sacred day according to the Balinese calendar, so the oil will have health benefits and cure sick people,” she stated.

To produce the best quality Vco, the couple search for different types of coconut from all over Bali.

“From 11 different coconuts, we can produce a 600 milliliter bottle of Vco. Every production day, we make 50 bottles. Sometimes, if we receive large orders, we make

up to 300 bottles,” she said.The quality of Suriasih’s Vco is without

doubt excellent. When she participated in a competition in Jakarta, the judges claimed her Vco was the best and she won the competition.

Nowadays, Suriasih’s home and workshop have become a training center for housewives in her village and the neighboring villages. Students and the public also often visit to receive training in making Vco.

“Nature has provided us with abundant resources. It depends on us to wisely use these resources to benefit lots of people. Vco is a precious gift from nature.”

Soul

12 March 5, 2015

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Sight

The vibrating sound of a gamelan orchestra echoed from the middle of the forest village of Sidembunut, around 4 kilometers from Bangli.

on a misty Saturday night, hundreds of people marched toward the village center to attend a special gathering, the Sidembunut Village Festival.

They strolled along a narrow path toward the main stage accompanied by the murmuring sound of the wind blowing gently through the canopy of towering bamboo. The cool rain and windy night did not deter them from attending this most-awaited event, which has been held for seven consecutive years.

Sidembunut is one of Bali’s ancient villages and is the custodian village of Pura Kahen temple.

The village, with around 1,000 families, has set aside a plot of land for the festival venue, where everyone is able to channel their

artistic talents and creativity.organized by Sanggar hasta Gina art

workshop, the festival brought together hundreds of village artists, housewives, children and teenagers, who performed a large variety of modern and traditional dances, gave gamelan performances, presented art and food exhibitions, as well as a parade of gebogan, the towering offerings carried atop village women’s heads.

Jero Mangku Puseh Tirtayasa, initiator of the festival and founder of Sanggar hasta Gina, said that this artistic endeavor had enabled the young people to hone their dance and music skills.

“Some of them are talented handicraft artisans, musicians and dancers. The festival has proven that creative activities can take place in a remote village,” said Tirtayasa, a graduate of the Indonesian Fine arts Institute (ISI) Denpasar.

The peak of the festival occurred last

Saturday night and was attended by Bangli regent Made Gianyar.

The event started with the loud, almost martial but very cheerful percussion music of the beleganjur, which comprises dozens of musicians playing drums, cymbals and gongs of all sizes.

It was followed by dozens of women carrying towering offerings of layers of fruit, cakes and flowers on their heads in a long, beautiful procession, ushering in a series of dance performances.

Next up was a Baris Gede, a warrior dance once performed during temple celebrations. The word baris means line or file, referring to the formation of the warriors who fought for the kings of Bali.

happy children followed the Baris Gede dance troupe with their Barong Ngelawang, a lion dance that usually travels around a village asking for small change from the audience.

The culmination of the dance

performances was by a troupe of young artists performing their own dance choreography, in which an ISI Denpasar student collaborated with local youths to present an adaptation of the Sanghyang Dedari, the sacred nymph dance.

The dance had been modified from a sacred dance, only to be performed in temples, to a profane performance that can be danced anywhere.

rows of artisans also showed off their creations during the event.

“The festival is a place for creativity. But actually we always have a music event, just on smaller scale, every year,” said Tirtayasa.

This year, Kelola Foundation and lITE Institute jointly supported the event.

For the local people, this festival bridges the gap between rural and urban arts, while serving as a place to display their work and creations.

Sidembunut

“crEaTIVE ENDEaVorS IN ThE ForEST”

WorDS aND PhoToS luh De suriyAni

vIllAge

13March 5, 2015

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Island Buzz

indonesianresidence rateidr 1,100,000 nett/room/night

• A luxury stay in a Suite• Breakfast whenever/wherever for two persons• Free Wi-Fi internet access everywhere in the hotel• 24 hour use of room• Valid for Indonesian citizens and Kitas holder

Offers valid from now until March 20, 2015 with the period of stay between February 20 - July 14, 2015 minimum 2 nights stay. Rate inclusive of:

Advertise with us! Call : 0361 265 436/7 or email to advertisingbali@thejakartapost.com

Life is about living each moment of the journey. At Komaneka at Monkey Forest, Ubud, we understand there’s nothing as comforting as enjoying the things you love, without having to ask. If you want to ensconce yourself in Ubud, enjoy our 16 remarkable, refreshed new look suites, which are a mix of traditional and modern design.Our secluded tropical garden view accompanies your meals or afternoon tea at the Garden Terrace restaurant and we have even introduced a departure lounge to provide an extended experience in the resort.With a convenient location right in the center of Ubud, all your favorite places are close at hand, including museums, shops and restaurants. Before you skip town, remember to take a look at all the comfort and quality of our new suites at Komaneka at Monkey Forest. To celebrate their new look, we are offering a one-night experience with a 60-minute Balinese Massage at Komaneka Spa. See komaneka.com for more details.

New suites for Komaneka at Monkey Forest

The Mulia – Nusa Dua, Bali has recently been featured on an episode of the US romance reality series The Bachelor, which was aired on Monday, Feb. 23. The episode featured romantic overnight dates on the Bali property with the newest Bachelor, Chris Soules. Soules, handsome and successful, has become known as “Prince Farming”. He introduced himself to last season’s Bachelorette, Andi Dorfman, and female fans fell hard for the soft-spoken man with a heart of gold. Now, this dreamboat farmer and wealthy businessman from Iowa is looking to fall in love and find a wife — and bring her back home to share a life with him in the small Iowa town of Arlington. With the support of his family and the state of Iowa rooting for him, Soules believes he can find the right woman to share a life with. Follow Chris Soules’ search for his soul mate in the 19th edition of The Bachelor on Mondays on the ABC Television Network.

Mulia – Nusa Dua featured on US TV show

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Bali Spirit FestivalMar 31 – Apr 5

www.balispiritfestival.com

Promote your event with us! Call : 0361 265 436/7 or email to promotionbali@thejakartapost.com

Events

Calendar of EventsThe Union – Akira Performance Mar. 6Starts 8:30 pmAkira featuring the healing harmonics of his water drum. Entrance fee Rp. 50,000 including welcome drink.The UnionJl. Raya Pengosekan, Ubud

R.O.L.E Foundation – International Women’s Day Masquerade Mar. 6From 7 p.m. till lateLive band, silent auction and plenty of fun and gamesSanur Paradise Plaza HotelTickets from 0812 8285 2057 or events@baliwise.org

Seminyak – Voices for The Jungle by Orang Utan Republik Foundation Mar. 6From 8 p.m. - lateFirst Bali fundraiser, excellent prizes, art auction, dance show and jungle sounds.RSVP @balifundraiser @orangutanrepublik.org

JENJA presents The MekanismMar 7Starts 11 p.m.The Mekanism aka Damien Roussel, best DJ house music performanceJENJA Townsquare SuitesJl. Nakula 18, Seminyak

KU DE TA Presents Incognito LiveMar 10Starts 7 p.m.Celebrating 35 years of music soaked in soul, coated in jazz, with a twist of fun and dance: (0361) 736969info@kudeta.net www.kudeta.net

Jazz and Blues Session Every Thursday, Friday and SaturdayFrom 9 p.m. – 11:45 p.m.Mannekepis Jazz and Blues BistroJl. Raya Seminyak, Kuta: (0361) 8475784

The Lights of Faith - Theater show From Monday to SaturdayStarts 8 p.m.A cultural theater show to feel the magic of Bali in every story!Kuta TheaterJl. Kartika Plaza, Kuta: (0361) 762750 or Robert 0878 617997

Limbo Hip – Where The Night StartsEvery SaturdayStarts 8 p.m.Get together with friends, mingle and get down to our DJ’s music.La FincaJl. Subak Sari No. 77, Batu Belig, Kerobokan

Made’s Warung Live Performances Balinese Dances Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, SundayLive MusicEvery Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, SaturdaySalsa DanceEvery SundayMade’s WarungJl. Raya Seminyak, Kuta: (0361) 755297

Metis Friday Aperochic Every FridayTrue indulgence at the new Metis Lounge with delicate tapas and cocktails!Jl. Petitenget No. 6, Kerobokan

Sunset Beach Bar & GrillEvery SaturdayChill-out music, snack-style menu, true Balinese hospitality.Intercontinental Bali ResortJl. Uluwatu 45, Jimbaran: (0361) 701888

Watch Worldwide Sports Events Live sports coverage at Meads, watch live AFL, NRL, Super Rugby, cricket, tennis, F1. Meads Boutique Villas HotelJl. Pratama No. 99, Tanjung Benoa: (0361) 776604

Food & Drinks

Canggu Groove Mini café with healthy and delicious snacks.Jl. Pantai Berawa No. 34, Canggu

Paris Baguette Boulangerie Patisserie French-style bakery in Canggu.Jl. Subak Sari, Canggu

denpasarKelle Angkringan-style restaurant with a variety of Indonesian foods.Jl. Tukad Batanghari, Renon

Paphio Coffee and Patisserie New hangout in Denpasar with excellent service.Jl. Tukad Yeh Aya No. 112 A, Denpasar

JimbaranJBay Gourmet Ice Cream The best ice cream on the island! Jl. Bantas Kangin No. 2, Jimbaran: (0361) 701650

Nasi Ayam Bu Oki Balinese food at a good price.Jimbaran: (0361) 8052059

KeroboKanHabitual – Quench & Feed Cozy restaurant famous for breakfast and lunch.Jl. Umalas, Kerobokan: (0361) 9181801

Scratch Serving up Bali’s best comfort foods. Famous for their burgers!Jl. Pengubengan Kauh, Kerobokan: (0361) 737914

KutaK22 Izakaya Japanese restaurant specializing in yakitori and seafood, shochu and vodka cocktailsJl. Nakula No. 6, Legian: (0361) 7472324

Master Singapore Famous for the Singaporean ice cream!BeachwalkJl. Pantai Kuta, Kuta

sanurDusk BlueFresh, health-conscious menu of tasty food.Jl. Duyung No. 3, Sanur

Soya Japanese restaurant with a casual vibe.Jl. Danau Tamblingan, Sanur

seminyaKCorner House Stylish, cozy restaurant with great food and coffee.Jl. Kayu Aya No. 10 A, Seminyak: (0361) 730276

Babar Café Serves Indonesian, Asian and Mediterranean foods.Jl. Raya Basangkasa No. 17, Seminyak

ubudKismet Café Healthy, organic food.Jl. Gautama No. 17, Ubud

Activities

Courses

Adjani Bali Learn to prepare a variety of dishes, presentation and garnishing.Kaliasem, Lovina, Singaraja: 081236232019www.adjanibali.com

Centrestage Music & DramaMusic lessons, music studio, drama and musical theater, musical productions and DJ workshops, hip hop and V street dance.CentrestageJl. Dukuh Indah, Umalas, Kerobokan : 082144815165

Gamelan Course – Mekar BhuanaLearn more about Balinese culture and music.Jl. Gandapura III No. 501X, Denpasar: (0361) 464 201

Gaya Ceramic Arts Center Private tutelage for individuals and small groups — potter’s wheel throwing techniques to hand-crafted sculptures.Jl. Raya Sayan, Ubud: (0361) 7451413 or 976220

Nirvana Batik CourseLearn the traditional art of batik making. Jl. Gautama No. 10, Padangtegal, Ubud: (0361) 975415

Diving

Absolute Scuba Dive paradise in the middle of the Indonesian archipelago and at the westernmost end of the Lesser Sunda Islands.Jl. Pantai Silayukti, Padang Bai: +62 (0363) 42088Email: info@absolutescubabali.comabsolutescubabali.com

Fitness

Celebrity Fitness Lippo Sunset PlazaJl. Sunset Road, Kutawww.celebrityfitness.com

Paragliding

Bali ParaglidersJl. Bypass Ngurah Rai No. 12 A / 99 Blok A5, Kuta: (0361) 704 769Email: info@baliparagliders.comwww.baliparagliders.com

Timbis Aero Club Paragliding operations, flight instructors and tandem pilots.Timbis Beach, Ungasan: 0812 391 6918 (Ketut Manda)

Shopping

Perum Dalung Permai Pertokoan A.11 – A15, Kerobokan Kaja Jl. Raya Seminyak No. 17, KutaJl. Raya Campuhan No. 45, Ubud

Nirmala Supermarket Jl. Uluwatu II no. 10 Jimbaran - Phone (0361) 81470919Jl. Uluwatu Ungasan - : (0361) 705454Jl. Uluwatu Pecatu - : (0361) 7472303Jl. Uluwatu II no. 10 Jimbaran

: (0361) 81470919Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai 81 Jimbaran

: (0361) 4729081

Spa

Eastern Garden Martha Tilaar SpaLuxurious, holistic, and culture blending.Jl. Camplung Tanduk No. 5A, Seminyak

: (0361) 731648

Papaya Fresh GalleryJl. Mertanadi, Kuta

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Gilimanuk

Tanah LotKerobokan

CangguSeminyak

LegianKuta

Jimbaran

Nusa Dua

Benoa

Sanur

Ngurah Rai Int’ Airport

Penida Island

LOVINA

SINGARAJA

BANGLIAMLAPURA

KLUNGKUNG

GIANYAR

DENPASAR

TABANAN

NEGARA

Menjangan Island

Besakih

Mt. Sangiang

Pulaki

West BaliNational Park

Sangeh

Pura LuhurUluwatu

Pura Rambut Siwi

Mt. Batur

Pura Batu Madan

Mt. Agung

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Where to go

1MÉTIS Restaurant, Lounge & GalleryJl. Petitenget No. 6, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta

: (0361) 4737888 info@metisbali.com metisbali.com

6Bali Live Jazz Festival 2015 March 9–15Taman Bhagawan & various locationsbalilivefestival.com

Jazz Invasion Bali Live International Festival goes to

AyodyaSpecial room rates, tickets to Bali Live

International Jazz Fest, Jazz Invasion Dinner and more

For more details please contact:Ayodya Resort Bali

: (0361) 771 102info@ayodyaresortbali.com

ayodyaresortbali.com

Nyepi Package at Maya Ubud or Maya SanurRp 1,750,000 net per room per nightValid from March 20 to 22 Maya Ubud Resort & Spa

: (0361) 977 888Maya Sanur Resort & Spa

: (0361) 849 7800

Tjakra 7 Spa Pullman Bali Legian NirwanaJl. Melasti No. 1, Legian. : (0361) 762500pullmanbalilegiannirwana.com

We’re Turning 4 Feat. Chez Damier Chez Damier (Chicago); Sophy Robson Nail Artist; Fireworks; Lightshow; Free EntryMarch 7Sunset till lateW Retreat & Spa Bali. Jl. Petitenget, Seminyak

: (0361) 4738106

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