Latest news with #Balinese
News18
12 hours ago
- News18
This Island In Asia Is Named The Most Beautiful In The World
Last Updated: With waterfalls, volcanoes, and a rich cultural history, this Asian island has emerged as the world's top island destination among tourists. When it comes to relaxing and unwinding, nothing compares to a beach vacation. Whether you're chasing sunsets, surfing waves, or simply unwinding by the shore, the magic of an island getaway is undeniable. Recently, an online travel company, carried out a study to determine the world's top beach destinations. Customer reviews, sales popularity, and the distinctive attributes of each location were among the hundreds of millions of data points it took into account from its platform to calculate its rankings. Bali, a province of Indonesia, was ranked as the world's top island destination after a thorough analysis of all the data. What makes Bali so irresistible? Bali provides an experience that few places can rival, from its picture-perfect white sand beaches and turquoise oceans to its captivating sunsets and verdant surroundings. Bali welcomes many types of tourists, whether they are looking for off-the-beaten-path seaside gems or are soaking in the sophistication of Seminyak or Nusa Dua. The island's thriving surf culture is another major draw. Friendly locals, laid-back vibes, and world-class waves make Bali a paradise for surfers, novices included. Places like Goddess Retreats provide welcoming surf camps that cater to beginners looking to catch their first wave in an idyllic setting. Looking to discover Bali beyond the usual tourist trails? Here are some lesser-known gems worth exploring. Sidemen Valley: Nestled amidst verdant rice terraces and undulating hills, Sidemen provides a tranquil haven in stark contrast to Bali's busy tourist destinations. Awaken to crisp, foggy mornings and stroll through fields adorned with vibrant shades of gold and green. Unspoiled nature and a glimpse of real Balinese village life are promised in this hidden gem. Tegal Wangi Beach: Tucked away along the cliffs of Southern Bali's Bukit Peninsula, Tegal Wangi is one of the island's best-kept secrets. Known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, natural sea caves (which are accessible during low tide), and quiet shores, this beach is perfect for those looking to escape the crowds. Here, you can bask in the sun, explore hidden nooks, and enjoy the gentle lull of the waves. Pura Paluang: The Car Temple: Set within a lush monkey forest and overlooking the vast Indian Ocean, Pura Paluang stands out as one of Bali's most unique temples. Carved from white sandstone, the temple's inner sanctuary is home to two unexpected shrines—stone replicas of a jeep and a Volkswagen Beetle. This quirky blend of spiritual reverence and creativity makes it a must-visit for curious travellers. First Published:
Sydney Morning Herald
a day ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
New Bali jungle resort is beyond the tourist crowds and traffic of Ubud
I'm having a ginger tea and a toes-up on the expansive deck of the new Anantara Ubud Bali Resort. With an enormous angular water feature designed to look like a swimming pool, and a dozen or so couch and table-settings shaded by decorative sun umbrellas, you might say it's a tad OTT for what is essentially a patio. That is, until the clouds part and you clock the view. In the big blue yonder, sacred Mount Agung, Bali's highest mountain, juts into the sky like an arrowhead. The supporting peaks of Mount Batur and Mount Abang point to the Balinese heavens next to it. Such views aren't usual for resorts with Ubud in their name. Accommodation in Bali's spiritual heartland – known for its yoga retreats, holistic therapies and holidays to reset mind and body – is more often 'immersed in bamboo jungle', or 'overlooking rice paddies', or 'hidden among traditional village houses and temples'. But those familiar with the terrain will know Anantara Ubud is a good 40-minute drive (about 20 kilometres) from Ubud, closer by way of address to the traditional hillside village of Banjar Puhu in Payangan. Not long ago, my preference for an overnighter (or a staycation, given I've lived here for nearly four years) would have been as close to Ubud's heart centre as possible, somewhere within a leisurely walk to the galleries and artisan shops along Jalan Raya Sanggingan perhaps, and a quick Gojek ride to the Campuhan Ridge walk. But like Bali's busy southern beach communities, Ubud has had its share of overtourism, failing infrastructure and standstill traffic. Resort stays well beyond the city centre are increasingly looking like a great idea. Part of Minor Hotels hospitality group, Anantara Ubud opened in October last year. It has an admirable hilltop-down design with a sprawling lobby level and main public areas taking full advantage of that, and the 85 suites and pool villas tiered down the hillside.
The Age
a day ago
- The Age
New Bali jungle resort is beyond the tourist crowds and traffic of Ubud
I'm having a ginger tea and a toes-up on the expansive deck of the new Anantara Ubud Bali Resort. With an enormous angular water feature designed to look like a swimming pool, and a dozen or so couch and table-settings shaded by decorative sun umbrellas, you might say it's a tad OTT for what is essentially a patio. That is, until the clouds part and you clock the view. In the big blue yonder, sacred Mount Agung, Bali's highest mountain, juts into the sky like an arrowhead. The supporting peaks of Mount Batur and Mount Abang point to the Balinese heavens next to it. Such views aren't usual for resorts with Ubud in their name. Accommodation in Bali's spiritual heartland – known for its yoga retreats, holistic therapies and holidays to reset mind and body – is more often 'immersed in bamboo jungle', or 'overlooking rice paddies', or 'hidden among traditional village houses and temples'. But those familiar with the terrain will know Anantara Ubud is a good 40-minute drive (about 20 kilometres) from Ubud, closer by way of address to the traditional hillside village of Banjar Puhu in Payangan. Not long ago, my preference for an overnighter (or a staycation, given I've lived here for nearly four years) would have been as close to Ubud's heart centre as possible, somewhere within a leisurely walk to the galleries and artisan shops along Jalan Raya Sanggingan perhaps, and a quick Gojek ride to the Campuhan Ridge walk. But like Bali's busy southern beach communities, Ubud has had its share of overtourism, failing infrastructure and standstill traffic. Resort stays well beyond the city centre are increasingly looking like a great idea. Part of Minor Hotels hospitality group, Anantara Ubud opened in October last year. It has an admirable hilltop-down design with a sprawling lobby level and main public areas taking full advantage of that, and the 85 suites and pool villas tiered down the hillside.
Tatler Asia
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
Island Fever: Canggu is officially Bali's most exciting dining destination
Sazón Photo 1 of 2 Sazón's showstopping paella bejewelled with Iberico pork and mushroom sofrito (Photo: Sazón) Photo 2 of 2 A seductive blend of handcrafted timber, volcanic stone, and artisanal ceramics fills the main dining hall (Photo: Sazón) Award-winning chef Andrew Walsh's audacious Spanish fever dream comes to life in Canggu's impossibly hip Batu Bolong strip. Under the stewardship of head chef Javier Vicente, a man who takes paella so seriously that he co-owned London's Paella School, Sazón delivers unflinching authenticity. The space itself, a collaboration with architect Nick Derickx, is a seductive blend of handcrafted timber, volcanic stone, and artisanal ceramics; by day, it filters Bali's relentless sunshine; and by night, it glows like a gastronomic lighthouse attracting the hungry on the island. Feast on fat-stacked Spanish tortillas, luscious scallops in ajoblanco chilled almond soup, 28-day dry-aged Txuleta beef, and the showstopping paella bejewelled with Iberico pork and mushroom sofrito. Beat the heat and wash the grub down with a glass of rosemary-kissed sangria with cranberry, peach, and rosella or sakura-infused white wine sangria with lychee and a splash of tonic. Sazón Address Jl. Pantai Batu Bolong no.93, Canggu, Kuta Utara, Badung Regency, Bali 80361 In case you missed it: Butcher Boy by chef Andrew Walsh opens in Salcedo Village Origen Photo 1 of 2 The extensive Mexican spread at Origen (Photo: Origen) Photo 2 of 2 The transportative interiors of Origen (Photo: Origen) Husband-and-wife restaurateurs Alvaro Rosales Machado and Casandra Escamilla Frutos have crafted a thematic space where traditional Mexican recipes come alive through Balinese ingredients. Thanks to executive chef Alejandro Urbina Andrade, formerly of award-winning restaurant Maison Couturier in Veracruz, Mexico, authenticity comes in the forms of fresh corn tortillas, guacamole prepared à la minute, and six homemade salsas of varying Scoville units. Fresh local seafood, especially prawns and barramundi, make great additions to ceviches and tostadas. The hearty brunch special of chilaquiles, boasting layers of refried beans, onions, salsas and creamy avocados, pairs best with grilled beef. Tacos are obvious headliners: a trio of porky pleasures begins with taco lechon, stuffed with juicy shredded pork and its glorious gelatinous bits; tacos pastor, with thin strips of marinated pork enlivened with sweet pineapple and salsa fresca; and taco chicharron, liberated with crunchy pork belly and guacamole. Boozy cocktails are all based on Origen's extensive agave spirit collection, which is one of the most impressive on the island. And if the night is still young, head up the stunning stone spiral staircase and adjourn to Casa Mezcal, where the party doesn't stop till the wee hours. Origen Address: Jl. Pantai Pererenan No.123, Pererenan, Kec. Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80351, Indonesia Longtime Photo 1 of 2 The alluring feature bar in the main dining hall (Photo: Longtime) Photo 2 of 2 Curious burrata by executive chef Tyler Preston (Photo: Longtime) Slick 50s espionage-esque interiors that scream sexy? Check. Chic small plates packed with unapologetic flavour? Check. Longtime is quickly becoming Berawa's hottest date night spot. Helmed by executive chef Tyler Preston, an alumnus of Chin Chin Melbourne and Bang Bang Byron Bay, Longtime attempts to rewrite the rules of modern Asian cuisine. Take the Curious Burrata for instance, where fresh, locally sourced burrata is dressed with a lip-smacking chilli crunch, paired with crispy roti. Or the crowd-pleasing eggroll, which is reworked into a hunky beef rendang stuffed crispy spring roll that tangoes with homemade sambal hijau. Otherwise, the braised short rib, sporting a caramelised crust of sweet fish sauce, does enough to warrant a bowl of rice. At the bar, celebrated bartender Jacob Sweetapple presents forward-thinking Asian- inspired tipples with creations like the green mango-laced martini, miso-kissed grapefruit tequila highball, and lemongrass and basil-infused gimlet. Longtime Address: Jl. Pantai Berawa No.13, Tibubeneng, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia Ghost Photo 1 of 2 A wood-fire spread with chic cocktails at Ghost (Photo: Ghost) Photo 2 of 2 Owners Tim Stapleforth and Jodi Langford at Ghost (Photo: Ghost) A playfully rebellious dining experience, Ghost juxtaposes the rustic charm of a wood-fired grill with the nostalgic warmth of vinyl records. The brainchild of cerebral chef-owner Tim Stapleforth and hospitality maven Jodi Langford, the couple (in both life and grind) bring alive flame-kissed plates that deconstruct their culinary core memories with surgical precision. Stapleforth recalls his growing-up years in Queensland, New Zealand, with the hand-chopped beef tartare with a potato scallop—a nod to Queensland's chip shops. Other highlights include the tender grilled octopus dancing with spicy nduja and sambal; juicy jerk pork chops rubbed with Indonesian spices and paired with smoked pineapple; and the deliriously witty reinterpretation of Bali's favourite babi guling (pork dish), presented as an amuse bouche crumpet that is rich, textural and zingy. Save space for dessert; the chocolate mousse is a luxed-up version of the Snickers bar. After the meal, get cosy by the vinyl-walled DJ booth, and do yourself a favour by ordering a clarified mezcal negroni to complement the warm groovy tunes. Ghost Kitchen & Record Bar Address: Jl. Pantai Berawa No.99, Tibubeneng, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Rakyat Post
a day ago
- Sport
- Rakyat Post
Kneading To Victory: Malaysia Wins Gold At European Massage Championship In France
Subscribe to our FREE Getting a massage is a pretty common pastime in Malaysia. That's why there is a massage parlour at almost every corner of the country be it in the cities or the outskirts. With it being a widely practiced form of physical therapy and relaxation, it's no wonder that Malaysia is home to some of the best massage therapists. We even get to choose massage styles from all around Asia too like the traditional Malay urut , Thai massage, Balinese massage, Chinese reflexology, or Ayurvedic massage from India. Malaysian team from Terengganu wins first place at a European massage competition One Malaysian massage team managed to stand out from the rest at the European Massage Championship held on 23 to 25 May in Paris, France. Representing Malaysia, Fahmi Hotblenz Spa won first place at the competition which saw contestants from Asia, Europe, and America, participate in various categories. The categories included freestyle massage, sports massage, well-being massage, and Eastern-inspired techniques. Although most of the participants were from Europe, the Kemaman-based massage team succeeded in grabbing the jury's attention with their outstanding technique and performance. Videos of their victory garnered praise on social media, with many Malaysians expressing their pride towards the team representing the country. 'Malaysia, I'm proud of you,' one user commented. 'Congratulations Malaysia, the prize-giver was surprised seeing the winner's manners when she kissed her hand. Bringing good manners and culture to the eyes of the world,' another person said in the comments. urut for men and women, problem point massage, head relaxing massage, cupping, herbal foot bath, and many more. Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
