There was something that night at La Lucciola. I would've dearly blame glasses of wine I drank or other quite classy excuses, but alas I only drank a bottle of bear, clearly not enough to make me "influenced".
I was never the one to hit such fancy places for dining. My trade is local joints where I can relax and get loose of my self, or fast-food kind of place where I can grab a meal and run like crazy to my latest appointment (which can range from meeting with clients to sunset seclusion over the beach). The idea of dining in a place where rules apply is somewhat frightening for a carefree beast such myself, but alas, the promise of delightful delicacies and a new dining experience won me over, and off I went with the media team and AirAsia HSBC team after their delightful bike tour.
We have come there in the magical sunset hour, the lights and candles are newly lit but the last remnants of sun light still painted the sky with beautiful orange colors. The wooden bridge in which we use to pass to the restaurant creaks delightfully as we pass. As we sat in our table, the view of neatly manicured lawn which ends in small stretching mound greet us, and afar you can see the ocean waves crashing. Not too near that we were bothered with the wind and sounds of waves, but no too distanced that we can't see a thing. It was perfect. And all a while the soft fragrance of tuberose which placed neatly in our napkins and around the candles on the table (which were protectively covered by banana trunk, thinly sliced and shaped into a cylinder) tantalize our olfactory sense; and the music played tantalize our auditory sense.
For some, this restaurant might not attract them. Yet for a sensualist like me, it was a very pleasurable experience. All my senses were invoked, triggered. The candle lighting leaves everything warm and hazy, the ocean breeze makes its perfect companion; the tuberose fragrance muddled with my brain, and when the food came their aroma overpowered me as well; and the food was perfectly made: such creamy mashed potato with delicious pork tenderloin and currant sauce, and with garlic cooked whole which add a burst of flavor in my mouth, deliciously sweet and only a bit garlicky; the music plays ever so cozy; all the while with the waiter move silently to fill in our glasses and assist us. I lean a little bit closer than I should to the man next to me, listening intently to his lengthy explanation about travel writing (I am indeed interested, but in normal condition certainly I can do it in a more civilized way. Or at least I think so. Okay, I hope so. Happy?) When we walk out of the restaurant and await our car, the spell broke.
People may have other opinion about dining here (or places like this), but for me it was a really delightful experience. If you wish to dine here, apart from choosing the right clothes (as it was quite a well-known place) and preparing a hefty budget (as it was definitely not cheap), I'd recommend to carefully choose who you're dining with. As one reviewer wrote in BaliEats: Just be careful who you take as your guest, or you may finish up by proposing marriage over coffee. But then again if that is your actually intention, by all means go get 'em tiger.
Acknowledgement: - Tons of thanks to Triski Nurani for allowing me use her beautiful photos! - Also for everyone at the dinner, for not professing undying love to each other over dinner. That would be awkward. - Most importantly, to the team of AirAsia HSBC for the treat. Such a delightful event indeed!!
Excitement was mounting. I gaze warily to Kuta Bex parking lot, where numbers of bike are parked neatly, ready to be used by AirAsia HSBC bike tour. Cameras were flashing, we grin and smile and took turns to capture our each other in camera and videos, and not a glimpse of anxiousness to be seen though deep down I was rather nervous. After a short warm ups, we were told to get the bicycle we feel comfortable with. Fingers were brushing against the bikes, hands firmly set upon the handles as we’re trying to make ourselves comfortable with the saddle. And what seems to be just a fraction of a second later our guides give orders, and off we go!
When I was contacted by AirAsia HSBC to join their bike tour, I was ecstatic. The promise of seeing to all-too-well-known Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak in different point of view (i.e. bike) leaves me so excited I can barely work straight days before the event. It was when seeing all those bikes that realization suddenly hit me: It’s been years since I took a full blown bicycle ride, and I’m not talking about 4 or 5 years, the last one I took was approximately in my elementary school. Of course, being a motorcycle driver for the last 3 years help with my balance, but even so I’m still having difficulties in navigating through the traffic. Luckily it only lasted a while. A tour companion drove past me gracefully, videoing us while he’s still on bike (a feat that if done on motorcycles and/or cars will earn you some well-deserve shouts and regal middle-finger salutes, not to mention some heavy bruises if you happen to hit other vehicles while doing this stunt; where as on bike, people will just smile and the only thing that might get heavily damaged if accident happen is your ego and self-esteem); the traffic congestion dissolve at certain point of our route (5 minutes later to be exact); and the best of the area began to unravel. I broke a smile. This is gonna be fun.
As promised in their tagline (Experience Bali Like No Other), the tour provides us with satisfying view and ample surprises when we discover the unknown area along the route. The first area was the beach in front of Padma Hotel and even my companions, the seasoned-tourists that claimed they had seen enough of Kuta-Legian-Seminyak, was surprised to see such well-kept pedestrian along the Padma hotel and beyond, stretching all the way till the Double Six Street. It was in fact, close for public and only opened upon request for the tour and during the last 2 Kuta Karnival (but it’s covered with booths and people, so even though I know the road exist I had no idea how gorgeous it is during the day). Cheers and laughter was heavy on the crowd when we pass this area, as it was the first time most of them ever saw the famous night club area during the day (party on fellas;)). But on we continue our journey to the Champlung Tanduk beach (though some of us seriously considered to take a break at Cocoon… Just kidding :D). During our few minutes break there we take group shots, and several journalists that joins us takes loads of shots because the location was just so good. Pillows mounting for a nearby beach bar, also a small stage and neatly rows of chairs and tables for their crowds. Hawker sells beautiful beads and small Balinese kites (and other knick-knack you could think of). And throughout the break time my fellow journalist, a contributor for Jakarta Post, keeps saying: “I don’t know Kuta has this kind of beach!”
Leisurely strolling on the beach with our bikes was definitely a refreshing experience, but to stroll along the cool yet quiet Seminyak was another thing altogether. The route through Drupadi Street that we took on our way to Kayu Aya Street was filled with nice shops and restaurant and quiet villas, but without the vivid display. This is where you go if you want to spend some cool and quiet shopping time. Trees and ivy on the wall poking out and pleases our eyes, and also some patches of rice fields. People might not notice how beautifully quiet the area is, but on bike, we can almost smell the sweet frangipani fragrance en route, and can see the details in the leaves and flowers. The quietness was almost magical, I got into semi-shock when we hit Kayu Aya Street where it was filled with cars and motorcycles. Here the display was more edgy and tantalizing, and I spend some precious second absorbing the details of a certain white lace dress from the window display (which I can never did on motorcycles), and spend some precious minutes reminding myself to not de-tour to the shop and purchase the said dress (hey, I get to park wherever I want or even carried my bicycle in front of the shop’s door instead of trying to park through the jungle of vehicles, a true advantage indeed!). I was already filled with all the beautiful and unique details of the shops and restaurants (which some considered finest in Bali) when we stop at Seminyak Square for refreshment and shopping time. The media team sat together at Aviary Restaurant, sipping our cold drinks while getting to know each other; needless to say I am saved from shopping madness though I have to confess they kinda wrestled me out from Periplus afterwards. No worries, I already got my copy of Bartimaeus by Jonathan Stroud by then.
But cycling does not only give the opportunity to view everything in more details; it also gives opportunity to get to know each other during the trip. Not long after we depart to Petitenget beach I already engrossed with conversation (on our bikes) with a member of AirAsia HSBC team, and find ourselves talking about everything: my writing, his thoughts, the AirAsia HSBC program, should we make that de-tour to Ku De Ta (which I’m sorely tempted, even though it’s just to annoy the security guard). It’s a thing that we probably won’t do when we just sat in a café or in a car. And to my heart’s annoyance (and my legs’ euphoria) we arrive at Petitenget beach. Being Sunday and almost sunset, the beach was crowded with Balinese. I am quite used to it, but it was really nice to see my tour companion excited about the local view. Jagung Bakar (Grilled corn on the cob), Balinese kelepon, musculous men in tattoo and Sarong, and even a number of people who practice Falun Dafa. When we were gathered back to the parking lot a few minutes later, the draw for the souvenir and surprise gifts was on. I have never really believe on this kind of drawing, and am never tempted to join events just for the door prize because I think they are all rigged. But when I saw that iPhone 4 being handed to a lucky contestant as the main door prize from AirAsia HSBC tour I vowed to myself: I definitely going to join another event.
I did hear snippets that AirAsia HSBC will do more bike tours like this in another area. If it’s near your area, by all means join it. Cycling is really an excellent way to view things differently, and if you’re already a seasoned biker, getting to know more people is quite fun actually ;). Now all I wish is that iPhone 4… (joking, I already got AirAsia voucher during quiz time at Champlung Tanduk Beach, so I shouldn’t grudge over the iPhone LOL). All I wish is travel organizers starts to think and arrange more bike tours in the future. Us city dwellers really enjoy the trip, and with more bikes and less motored vehicle we can minimize the traffic congestion and the pollution as well. Besides, everyone wave cheery hands during our pass, so it is fun for everyone. In Bali right now? Go bug your travel organizer to arrange a bike tour through Kuta-Legian-Seminyak. Have fun!
Note: - Many thanks to Lukman Simbah from HiFatLoBrain Travel Institute for allowing me embed their fun video! - Another great story (and more photos) of the event can be found at Triski Nurani's blog - And yeah, thanks to AirAsia HSBC for the invitation and the doorprize. I'll fly away soon!!!
It's holiday time, you're in Bali, and you have no idea what to do next (or first!). Why not grab a bike and explore other side of Bali? And when I say Bike, I mean the old version bike, the delightful human-powered ones as opposed to the gas-guzzling motor bikes with (what seemingly) drivers who didn't pass the diving test. Unwind and let loose of yourself, get some fresh air (and a nice exercise while you're at it), and enjoy Bali at its best :).
AirAsia HSBC will be having a bike tour in Kuta this Sunday, September 4 2011, and the route covers Kuta Beach, Legian Beach, Seminyak area, and ends during sunset at Petitenget Beach and Temple. Thinks you already know these area like the back of your hand? Think again, as visiting it on bike is way nicer (and cooler) than visiting it inside a closed air-conditioned vehicle or on loud motorbikes with people swearing around you. You wont have to deal with the traffic, that's for sure, as the route takes shortcuts along the beach so you get to see the gorgeous beach and delightful shops, even some patches of rice field (Yeah, we still got some in Seminyak. Don't believe it? Join the tour then).
I think this is the first time anyone do a bike tour in Kuta, though it's a regular in Ubud, and that's why I'm so excited about it. It costs a mere IDR 300,000 (that's more or less USD 36/AUD 33), and it already includes bike for the tour, snack, and a nice t-shirt. The tour team includes mechanic, medic, guide, even a car to bring your shopping bags. Didn't I mention? They have special photo and shopping session in the route, one of Bali's best area to shop (and eat!). So get your camera and cards ready ;).
You can get more info and registered for this tour in AirAsia HSBC booth at KutaBex (just before the Kuta's McDonald by the beach). If you are in Bali and happened to stay around the area, I think you really should come and join the tour. Hopefully the tour can be a good start for other biking tours to come in the bustling Kuta Area. Biking is so much greener and so less noisier than other mode of transportation; we're not so alienated as when we're in cars or motorbikes, yet not too "involved" as one might feel when traveling on foot; it offers a different point of view;it's just perfect. Being the first to experience this new and unique side of Bali doesn't hurt either :). Hope to see you this Sunday with your bikes and gears on!
Pernah dengar tentang indahnya Legian? Atau asyiknya Kuta? Atau kerennya Seminyak? Buat yang pernah (apalagi sering) ke Bali pasti sudah akrab dengan ketiga daerah tersebut. Tapi pernahkah anda mengunjungi daerah tersebut dengan sepeda? Yup, it's gonna be fun!!
Beberapa hari lalu saya mendapat telepon yang mengajak saya ikutan tur sepeda di daerah Kuta dan sekitarnya. Pada awalnya saya cukup garuk-garuk kepala, memang ada yang menarik di sana? Kalau tur sepeda di Ubud saya sering dengar, tapi tur sepeda di kuta benar-benar baru pertama saya dengar. Namun rasa penasaran saya tergelitik, dan jadilah saya mencari tahu lebih banyak.
Info resminya: tur ini diselenggarakan oleh AirAsia HSBC, dan akan dilangsungkan pada tanggal 4 September 2011 dengan starting point mall KutaBex, dan menempuh rute Kuta > Legian > Seminyak > Petitenget. Info tidak resminya (dari saya): rute (dan acara) ini asyik banget. Benar-benar asyik.
Sesuai tag linenya: Experience Bali Like No Other, tur ini diselenggarakan agar wisatawan bisa melihat Bali dari sisi lain. Yeah,pasti kebanyakan wisatawan sudah pernah ke daerah-daerah tersebut, tapi sensasi mengunjungi rute tersebut diatas sepeda pastilah berbeda. Saat saya ikut mengecek rute, imajinasi saya langsung menggila.
Bayangkan mengendarai sepeda di sepanjang jalan pantai Kuta, namun kali ini anda tidak akan terjebak dalam kemacetannya; lalu beralih ke pedestrial/jalan setapak di dekat pantai Legian, bersepeda sambil menikmati deburan ombak dan luasnya lautan di kejauhan; pemandangan kemudian beralih ke toko-toko dan restoran hip di Seminyak, beserta sepetak-dua sawah yang memberikan kontras yang indah dari segenap gemerlap modernitas; sampai akhirnya anda sampai di poin terakhir, menikmati sunset di Pantai Petitenget, yang juga memiliki bangunan Pura yang kuno dan indah. Wow.
Tentu saja, rute ini bisa dengan mudah anda tempuh dengan kendaraan bermotor (plus semua kemacetan dan emosi jiwa nya ya), namun bersepeda membuka sisi lain. Anda tidak terlalu "terpisah" sebagaimana bila anda di kendaraan bermotor, namun anda juga tidak terlalu "terlibat" sebagaimana bila anda berjalan kaki. Biking is just perfect.
Info lebih lanjut dan pendaftaran bisa dilakukan di booth AirAsia HSBC di KutaBex. Jangan khawatir, ini terbuka untuk umum lho. Pendaftaran Rp 300ribu sudah include sepeda saat tur, kaos, pin, dan snack. Kalau kebetulan anda pengguna AirAsia HSBC yang akan terbang ke Bali tanggal 27 Agustus - 3 September 2011, maka bisa jadi anda termasuk yang beruntung untuk mengikuti tur ini secara gratis. Tim yang dipersiapkan sudah termasuk mekanik, paramedis, bahkan special car yang dialokasikan untuk barang belanjaan anda. Yup, di rute tur ini bakal ada sesi belanja plus sesi foto, so get your camera and cards ready!
Bali itu indah banget dan banyak banget sisi menariknya yang mungkin anda belum tahu, bukan cuma tarian pendet/kebudayaannya atau resort-resort mewahnya atau lokasi hiburan seperti klub malam-waterbom-bali safari-dan kawan-kawan. Take a chance, get to know it more, and flaunt it like crazy! Sampai bertemu hari minggu tanggal 4 September!!
