I proposed an idea to my editor about writing a column about extreme sports in Bali. The idea is to challenge many thrilling adventures all over this island and share the excitement of the jaunt as well as the fascinating acquaintance I will make during the journey. This will be the beginning of a very exciting journey...more
I often get asked by people writing books if I would be happy for my restaurant and shops to be reviewed. Of course I say I'd be delighted. Shortly after that I'm told that the cost is so many millions of rupiah per square inch. These so-called reviews turn out to be advertisements masquerading as independent critiques. That is very common. So, the first and most important thing to say about this new book, ShopSmart, is that it does not have any paid advertisements in it. There are over 1,000 contributed by just seven long term residents of Bali...more
Until a few years ago, the rule for eating vegetables in Indonesia was simple: boil it, peel it or forget it. But Bali's international population of foreign visitors and residents has encouraged a movement toward locally produced healthy food. Crisp salads of exotic lettuces, arugula, English spinach, capsicum, sprouts, cauliflower and a cornucopia of other fresh vegetables are no longer rare, often at prices far lower than in the west...more
It's the time of the year here in Bali now that really sorts out the crowds as the winds are starting to shift to onshore around the Kuta area and my home breaks on the east are showing signs of offshore life as the wet sets in...more
The Spa at the Ritz Carlton promises great things. The lavish garden surroundings and the soothing sounds of trickling water, by designer relaxing bales filled with relaxed looking guests, hint of good things to come...more
The tree of life as it is called has in fact been reported to have an amazing 23,000 or more uses. What is the tree of life we may ask? Well that would be the exotic, tropical swaying palm tree with leaves that seem to dance on the wind. It fills the tour brochures and television ads with exotic images of palm fronds and coconut drinks and dreams of fun filled days and warm nights on the beach, out of reach, lying in the noon day sun. It is the tree that spells romance - the humble coconut tree - a plant whose importance is often overlooked...more