Sleek & Chic ~ Luna 2 Private Hotel, Bali

By Dian Hasan | November 28, 2009

The first glance you take of Luna 2 Private Hotel, and you’d be forgiven for thinking that this a mid-century Neutra-esque mod house plucked in from Palm Springs and planted in Bali. It looks nothing like virtually all other Villa-type accommodation in Bali.

And with its ocean-front location, the modern structure feels more like a Hollywood Celebrity’s weekend retreat in Malibu than an idyllic private villa on the Isle of Gods, Bali. The 4-bedroom Villa is rented in its entirety, and is quickly gaining traction as a Party House among the well-heeled glam crowd.

Sleek & Chic ~ Alila Villas Soori, Tanah Lot, Bali

By Dian Hasan | November 28, 2009

The Singapore-based Alila Hotels & Resorts, has never forgotten its Indonesian roots, where it started during the challenging times of the Asian Crisis, in the late 1980s. Positioning itself as a hotel company that values the immediate community and environment, as much as it understands the need to create a compelling stay experience, through its exquisite hotels, that never fail to make a bold design statement. Giving Bali their latest luxe villa property, Alila Villas Soori, that is making its debut next month. 

Bali’s Colorful Jukung Race: Supporting Fishing Community in Tulamben

Jukung, Balinese outrigger sailboat

On October 11^th, fishermen will set off into the wind with multi-hued sails, competing each other for a coveted prize. It’s for precious money to feed their families and serve community needs. Simon Pridmore gives us the history behind the fascinating Jukung Race, and tells how we can help boost the income of the poor.

Bali’s Dreamland, where surfers dream no more

Dreamland is a beach located in Bali’s Bukit Peninsula, in Indonesia. An excellent beach for surfing, sunsets and solitude. Dreamland started life when surfers discovered it enroute to the other nearby surfing spot of Uluwatu and Padang Padang. Now that the “secret is out”, Bali-based expatriates and visitors alike have converged upon it.

The white sandy beach and the world-famous surf-break for long rides, coupled with its remote setting, makes for the perfect escape from all the worldly cares.

Sampling Indonesia’s exquisite cuisine ~ Anthony Bourdain (5 of 5)

Sampling Indonesia’s exquisite cuisine ~ Anthony Bourdain (4 of 5)

Sampling Indonesia’s exquisite cuisine ~ Anthony Bourdain (3 of 5)

Sampling Indonesia’s exquisite cuisine ~ Anthony Bourdain (2 of 5)

Sampling Indonesia’s exquisite cuisine ~ Anthony Bourdain (1 of 5)

Wanna dive to find Mola-Mola?

Nusa Penida is a diver’s playground with numerous sites worthy of exploring and home to the rare Mola-Mola and Manta Rays.

I shudder at the thought of hypothermia.

At a chilly 19° Celsius and 30 metres down, my three-millimetre wetsuit is no match for the brutal thermocline: the wild temperature variations as steep as 8° Celsius in the space of mere metres. I rub my arms vigorously in an attempt to maintain my body temperature. We are on a hunt. Photo hunt, that is.

“When I dive, I feel alive. Everything else is just a surface interval”, said Dr. Phil Nuytten, a renowned Canadian ocean explorer.