November should by rights be a pretty flat affair in the waves department and whilst the month has had it's fair share of flat spells its also seen a handful of epic days lighting up the points from Geger in Nusa Dua to Tandjungs in Sanur and off into the mystic, mountainous East coast of Bali...more
Investors and holidaying visitors looking for Bali accommodation are finding that small is definitely beautiful. Bali has been known as the home of luxury resort hotels for many years. Several of the world's finest can be found here. The big five-star hotels have graceful locations such as the beaches of Jimbaran Bay, Oberoi and Candi Dasa...more
Artist "Pablo" Gentile has been creating art here in Bali for the last 20 years, dividing his time between his studios in Seminyak and New York. His work appears in Galleries and collections in the USA, Australia, Europe and Japan. Salvador Bali catches up with him for a drink and a chat about life, his work, and things here in general...more
Historically coconut oil is one of the earliest oils to be used as a food and a pharmaceutical. Why then the negative publicity regarding coconut oil today? Contrary to what is generally believed by both the lay public and medical profession, the saturated fats found in coconut oil are actually good for you...more
Learning to dive has been near the top of my 'to do' list for a while. Fuelled by diving specials on The Discovery Channel, it was time for action. Options included Amed and the PADI Openwater Course or Gili Trawangan, off Lombok. Lombok won and it was off to Poppies Lane One to see Phil at The Gili's Islands Shop, rumoured to send guests to the islands, with a minimum of fuss and a good price...more
The 'Feast of Flavours' series of cookery books from publisher Marshall Cavendish Cuisine, now numbers ten editions and their latest book is on Indonesian cooking. Described as 'A Step-by-step culinary adventure', this is a fully illustrated series offering insights into the exciting culinary traditions of Asia and around the World. ...more