Island Escapes

Ever wondered what lies beyond the beaches of the Island of the Gods? For visitors wanting to get off the beaten track and away from the crowds, a trip to Lembongan Island or the Gili Islands is an easy way to experience beaches of untarnished gold, endless stretches of shimmering aquamarine waters be-jewelled with an abundance of marine life, as well as surf-breaks and the timeless charm of island life…

Lembongan Island

Surrounded by immaculate reefs and drop offs, some of the best diving, snorkelling, and surf in the area can be found on the island escape of Lembongan. Whether its snorkelling directly off the beach or the preferred short boat ride off the coast, sightings of the huge, mysterious Ocean Sunfish and large Manta Rays, including many other dive areas, are waiting to be explored. Not only is Lembongan a diver’s paradise, the well-known surf breaks have made this island a regular stop-off point for surf cruises heading east along the archipelago. With its two sister islands, Ceningan and Penida, Lembongan Island is the most developed in terms of accommodations including many resort and bungalow retreats along with temples, a mangrove forest, and an amazingly elaborate underground cave house carved out by hand, and lived in, almost a century ago. Easily accessible in 30 minutes by our BlueWater Express from Benoa Harbour, these clear water coral reefs and beautiful beaches of Lembongan Island make for great day trips or longer stays. Special offers for “island hopping” between the Bali – Lembongan – Gili travel routes provide several possibilities for voyaging at reasonably cheap prices as well. No longer will one have to wait in traffic or on long ferry rides, BlueWater Express’ direct transfers maximize time and enjoyment.

The Gili Islands

In recent years the Gili Islands have become a favourite paradise island escape from Bali. Located off the northwest coast of Lombok, these three atolls are surrounded by pure white sand beaches and clear water, with superb diving and snorkelling straight from the beach. An array of accommodations cater to a wide range of travellers; Gili Trawangan, the most popular of the islands, offer backpacker homestays to uber-chic private villas, while Gili Meno and Gili Air offer a throwback to older times with modest accommodations being blissfully quiet. All three have excellent diving and a choice of highly professional dive operators.

Accessibility to these islands is very easy with a direct daily shuttle service operating out of Benoa Harbour. Travel time is approximately two hours on the water with free hotel transfers to/from Benoa. Even better is the new two islands for the price of one “island hopping” service where a trip to the Gilis can include a stop-over in Lembongan making BlueWater Express an easy choice.

Let’s Use Closer “Windows” More

Social studies books mention concentric circles concerning someone’s relationships with his/her human environment. We begin, as educators, to teach self, family, neighborhood, town, city, state, etc… We have a lot of relationships with all of these circles. Therefore, we have some obligations regarding to those circles. That is to say, we are responsible from ourselves, our family, our neighborhood, our city, etc... However, these obligations and duties become less and insignificant when the circle become larger. The larger becomes the circles, the lesser the duties.

But, nowadays we live in a world to which Marshall McLuhan called “global village”. The world has become smaller and smaller either literally or figuratively; with supersonic planes, wireless internet, radio, television, and the other mass media.

We can watch the events in the remote parts of the world lively when we are sitting in chairs relaxed in our living rooms. We can buy almost everything via one click from online superstores in different parts of the world. Branches of the big firms and banks work together as if they are sharing the same rooms or flats.

Meanwhile, the issues being dealt in the mass media is more interesting to most people than the problems in which they confront in their near vicinities.

For that reason, we experience the geographically inverted relationships. Our behaviours are being affected by the remote factors. It is true that we are effected by the credit crisis in the United States, a territory far away from us some tens of thousands miles. But it is also true that, while following these events in a great curiosity, we tend to forget our neighbour or town. Some of us, while memorizing names of the presidents and prime ministers of the western countries, or, say in the Middle East, if asked, cannot count the names of the people living in the same apartment block.

So, while we are dealing with, say, the crises in the Middle East, Uncle Ahmet who is sharing us the same block suffers from cancer. When we watch the news about endangered species, our neighbour tries to make his ends meet and focuses his effort to support his son’s or daughter’s tuition fees in a university. When we are watching humane plight in Darfour, Sudan, aunt Ayşe waits in queues of cheap bread or coal. When describing this loneliness, some of us try to find some excuses. We blame exhausting office work, boring traffic, and etc.

But when we were in countryside, we would know, recognize, and chat, via some occasions, with those who live in the remote parts of the same village. In contrary, today, fifty families can reside in the same apartment block. It means a small village. In addition, because of the lifts, it is very easy to access the every floor. At the same time, office tasks in the city are not more exhausting than the rural areas’ agricultural works.

If this is so, concrete, cement, doors and gates, and other parts of the apartment blocks do not say us: ‘Do not visit your neighbors!’ Also, they do not prevent to our greeting to each other.
Then, let’s start saying good morning, bonjour, salam, etc. with our closest neighbors spending only few minutes. Is it so difficult smiling to those hearing adzan from the same minaret? Is it impossible to inquire someone’s health, who lives in the same street?

If we assign only tenth of time we are spending in front of TV to our relatives and close neighbours, believe me, our world will be safer and more live-able.


Taken from: www.karakalem.net

Gorgeous Grill Galore

If delicious, healthy, and affordable are not enough to describe a perfect steak, then the name of The Grill Corner is easily one of the best keywords you can remember. First opened in December 2008, breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner in this grill-specialized restaurant is sure to be a brand new experience for those who look for something different in their Bali gastronomy journey. Opened 24hours, their personalized menu is something special that makes this restaurant different from others.

Surprisingly creative and unique in zest, the staff at this restaurant know exactly what should be done to wow every customer. Lead by their award winning chef, The Grill Corner has moved forward from a newbie eatery into a must try legacy that Kuta has ever had. A destination unto itself, where relaxing al fresco dining meets international cuisine, the restaurant features a sleek lounge-style area at the front, a fully-stocked sunken bar at the centre, and a delightful view over the pool and garden at the backside. To entertain guests, The Grill Corner has the Acoustic Trio on Wednesday and Friday, Reggae band on Saturday, and Batak anthems on Sunday.

Managed by The Vira Bali Hotel, one of its signature foods is the succulent Sirloin Steak that's worth Rp98k. Served with rich mushroom sauce, lyonnaise potatoes, brown onion, broccoli, carrot and zucchini, plus tomato salsa at the top, I had the opportunity to taste this delectable fare a couple of weeks ago. Accompanied by Ms. Elrawati and Mr. Putu Ambara Putra, the sales manager and the F&B manager, having lunch at the restaurant was truly a once in a lifetime dining experience that was hard to forget. The stylish atmosphere at the restaurant was matched by the beautiful service, delightful meal, refreshing beverage, and of course… the friendly people.

Fashion Icon

While Bali may not be Paris or New York in terms of fashion, there are plenty of stylists and fashionistas abound that stroll this island as if they just walked off the runway. Bali’s history and legendary status as a designer’s paradise has long been documented with its inspirational atmosphere, it is also here where the clothing line Religion has flourished and has gone on to become one of the leading up and coming fashion pioneers around the world.

Religion’s trademark rock ‘n’ roll pieces can be seen everywhere from locals breezing down the road in Bali to celebrities rocking out from London to L.A. Their underground look started almost 20 years ago as a line of t-shirts and sweatshirts aimed at the then decadent rave scene and has blossomed into a unique and stylish brand worn by the likes of Kate Moss, Kylie Minogue, and Victoria Beckham. With such an impressive clientele list, Religion has catapulted to the top with its destroyed look where pieces have rips and fabrics are washed and treated to the utmost giving it an extremely worn and trendy appearance. Their independent attitude has also helped them in the difficult fashion industry as with so many independent labels in Bali, Religion continues to shine above the rest.

The name itself, Religion, evokes an array of images and it’s this thinking that drives their attitude. Obviously with music being a huge influence behind every collection, the carefree style in terms of cut and lines can be worn at almost any time for any occasion. Cultural and musical iconography pepper most of their graphic designs yet there is a another side to Religion with all over prints and super-thin knit wear that keeps customers coming back for their latest offerings. Not only does Religion sell itself, it also has other siblings like Buddhist Punk, which is a more premium label and cleaner design, and House of the Gods which is basically what it suggests, an iconic imagination of rock gods such as The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, AC/DC, and Blondie. Their strategy has always been to be small enough to react to different trends and changes in fashion yet known enough to set their own movement with stimulation from any place in the world.

In their own words, Religion controls and transforms lives and through the medium of fashion, it is exactly what they strive to achieve. One can visit their branded store in Bali on Jl. Laksmana (Oberoi) and take a peek at what this cult is all about.

Ma Joly Restaurant

Ma Joly is an elegant beach-side restaurant serving a fine selection of world-class French and International cuisine, as well as the freshest fish from Jimbaran Bay. Dining takes place alfresco on an open terrace or under the shelter of a traditional Balinese roof, where stylish decor is complemented by Indonesian artwork. Alternatively, guests may choose to feast within a graceful pavilion supported by Romanesque stone pillars running half the length of the white-sandy beach. The restaurant's Beach Bar stands beside a Balinese temple and an ancient holy Ancak tree. Here guests can enjoy freshly squeezed fruit juices, exotic island cocktails and superb cappuccinos.

The next best thing is probably to groove along with slight movements and appreciative nods while enjoying the sexy saxophone and thick bass sound in your comfy seats. As the new reclaimed beachfront restaurant and Lounge provides much larger entertaining area than before, from weddings, corporate events, fashion shows and now, every Thursday, Friday and Saturday Ma Joly set the mood for sunset Jazz.

Jazz lovers and fine food connoisseurs alike are invited to unwind in the seductive romantic beachfront courtyard or whilst overlooking the mesmerizing Seaboard from the terraces. With a glass of fine wine and delectable cuisines from canapes to scrumptious desserts, enjoy live jazz shows performed by prominent jazz artists. With the friendly staff and great live music, Jazz café is quite a catch not to be missed At Ma Joly.

Creating the perfect setting and mood with a unique fusion of elegant and contemporary interiors, Ma Joly restaurant hosts various jazz artists from week to week, often showcasing new and upcoming talent. Now erase all your previous notions of a typical jazz club, Majoly, and prepare your best moves!