January 1
The Gaya Art Space - Ubud will be the host for the latest exhibition of Made Wianta entitled 'Sharp Objects' until the 20th. Sharp objects are a part of everyday life. Steel, the plough, the rake, the dibble, the spur, the dowel, the sickle, scythe and cow-bar, all are familiar in agrarian societies. In this perspective Made Wianta is striving to create a platform on which to reconsider these sharp objects, (T: 0361 979 253)
January 3-4
Julius Papp and Miguel Migs, two of the most sought DJ/producers from San Francisco grace the shores of Bali join the star-studded line up of djs to rock another sunset at Ku De Ta. Julius Papp takes to the decks on the 3rd for what promises to be a sunset like never before. Then on the Friday it's the turn of Miguel Migs joining the Ku crew to do it all again… Starting 4 pm, (T: 0361 736 969)
January 5
'Pearl Sensation, The Natural Beauty of the Island' is an exhibition to promote the natural beauty of pearls and the environment where they are farmed. In conjunction with Swiss luxury brand HODEL this exhibition can be viewed at Alila Ubud until Jan 12th, (T. 0361 765 656).
January 8
The plastic, consumerist society of the 21st century is the focus for I Wayan Suja's 'Plush Tick' exhibition at Komaneka Gallery, Ubud until 22nd January. Litter, pollution, crass consumerism by the affluent and a lifestyle of disorder all falls under the watchful gaze of the renegade Suja, (T: 0361 976 090).
January 10
Bali Culinary Professionals has several exciting events scheduled for 2008. First up are the finals of the 'MLA Black Box Competition' with last year's winning team from Bvlgari, Bali running against the Shangri-la Jakarta in mid January. For more information on the Black Box Competition contact the BCP, (T: 0361 284 095).
January 17
Kamandalu Resort & Spa is staging 'Peace in Motion', a painting exhibition showcasing various authentic Balinese traditional paintings of eleven artists. The exhibition is being held at the resort until the 31st. You will find fascinating original artworks of those Balinese artists which emphasize the natural and traditional side of life, revealing the sense of peace in living harmonious lives in this island of Gods. (T: 0361 975825)
January 23
One of Bali's most important festivals, Galungan, is celebrated today. It is a feast and festival held throughout the whole island and occurs every 210 days on Budha Kliwon Dungulan (next festival on January 23rd). It is believed that during this ten day period all Balinese gods will descend to earth for the festivities. Barongs prance from temple to temple and village to village in celebration of Galungan. To the Balinese, Galungan is the most important holiday period as it symbolizes the victory of Dharma, or virtue, over Adharma, or all that is evil.
January 25
Joe Rosenberg is performing at Jenggala Keramik Jimbaran at 8 pm. Soprano saxophonist and composer Joe Rosenberg is a unique and compelling voice in today's jazz. His music has a foundation of jazz improvisation which is combined with compositions that incorporate ideas and principles from both Western and Eastern contemporary classical music. Other artists who will perform are Masako Hamamura, the pianist, US born bassist Peter Scheer, Edward Perraud, and Steve Bolton, (T: 0361 703311)
east
of eden
Alila Manggis is delighted to be part of East Bali Poverty Project's (EBPP) educational milestone by supporting and actively taking part in the children's first ever heritage study tour. For children living in the isolated mountain communities of Bali this extraordinary field trip was not only an eye opener about the history of Karangasem but also a celebration of the first generation of children ever from Jatituhu village to pass the government national exam's, after only two-and-a-half years partaking in the EBPP integrated education programme, launched back in January 2005.
sanur
celebrates
Segara Village Hotel (T: 0361 288407) on Sanur beach, commemorated its 50th anniversary on December 23, 2007. Ida Bagus Kompiang and his wife, Mrs. Astuti Kompiang, founded the original Segara Beach Hotel at a time when tourism was just beginning to emerge in Bali back in the 1950's. Observing the growing popularity of Sanur Beach, the Kompiang's pooled all of their family resources and purchased property on what are now the southern-most cottages of the Inna Grand Bali Beach. It was an early precursor for the new wave of development in Sanur that lead us to the present day with more villa and resort projects slated to commence in 2008.
bar
rumba
Stunning beaches, exotic coconut trees, and the beauty of this paradise island inspired Sector Bar & Restaurant to create one of the most fun and memorable New Year's Parties of 2007/8 - 'Hola Salsa Party'. A different Hawaiian nuance built with Hawaiian music combined with Salsa, Cubana style. The crowd wore casual bright colors clothes with flowery accessories and got into the spirit of the Hula and Limbo dancing bringing tiki torches, garlands, and more palm trees to add a little Hawaiian vibe to Bali. More parties are scheduled for 2008. (T: 0361 287733)
wet 'n wild
What would the best all girls surf shop in the world be without the best all girls surf s'cool? Fun was key for the lucky invitees on December 15 as Surfer Girl Surf S'cool launched a great day of surfing and bodyboarding lessons in the warm waters of halfway Kuta. Harris Resort, home of the S'cool put on a fine lunch and if that was not enough, the lucky delegates all left with a cool S'cool goodie bag. For more information on learning to surf with 'the Girl' contact the guys on 0361 737383.
food for thought
Mario, Marcia, and Jojo from Ketumbar restaurant have created 'Food for Life', a wonderful book of recipes from some of the great restaurants in Bali. On sale for IDR 50.000 this book is a charity project for Calvary Hospital in Wamena, Papua. This hospital is in desperate need of financial support so Mario and friends were driven to put their energies into finding a way to help thus 'Food For Life' was born. Calvary Hospital sees about 20 to 30 patients a day. At least one new case of HIV infection or AIDS is diagnosed each day the clinic is open with many of the HIV patients coming from fairly remote villages. If you want to lend a hand and indulge in some of the island's best culinary secrets then grab a copy, 'Food For Life' is available at Ketumbar Restaurant, Zanzibar and many other outlets and restaurants in Bali. (T: 0361 7425098)
wrong call...
We got a few numbers mixed up in the December issue of hello bali so to put the record straight here's who you should be talking to if you want to stay at any of the following properties or enquire about ownership. Le Jardin can be booked through Paradise Villa Rentals, 0361 773 540, the photo used in Urban Beautiful Seminyak, December issue is courtesy of Le Jardin. The Calyx, overlooking the heady shoreline of Bingin and Dreamland is available, again through Paradise Villa Rentals on 0361 773 540. For The Layar, as used in our fashion photoshoot in December, all enquiries direct to Paradise Property on 0361 773 540.