Looking For A Villa? (From Bali With Love)

I just came across this beautiful open air villa online and yes, it's for SALE! 

It's located in Canggu, the south of the Bali. It has 4 bedrooms, a swimming pool and views of the beach and the Indian Ocean! Nice!

If you were buying a villa, what features would you want it to have?

Photos taken from HERE.

The Latest

Ok, so I just posted about where I've been...so let's talk about where I'm going! :)

The latest for the site: is the soon to be open and much anticipated online shop as well as a new homepage/landing page. I know what you are thinking...why continue to work on the setup of the site, if I MAY be switching over to Wordpress. Well, the answer's easy! Because this is my "job" and I want to keep readers happy and coming back so everything needs to be "pretty".

The latest of my travels: I have some upcoming trips planned again for Singapore and Malaysia, as well as a little island hopping here within Indonesia's many places to explore. I'm also hoping to get over to Tokyo before the end of Spring so please stay tuned on those trips.

Now, for the major latest! If you are on my LinkedIn, you probably read my status yesterday, but for those that have NO CLUE as to what I'm talking about. One of my new projects has been to work on not ONE, but TWO different book deals. I've had several opportunities come my way and in exploring all my options, I've decided to commit to two of them at the moment. Things have been quite busy and my HardDrive is currently "unavailable", and by that I mean, I dropped it on the floor and it's not working so again, please be patient for time being. There are many changes to be made in both my personal and professional life. I plan to take you all along on the journey with me, so don't worry and stay tuned for more!

From Bali With Love,

Anna

Bali Arts Festival (From Bali With Love)

If you are in Bali this month, you definitely don't want to miss the 33rd Annual Bali Arts Festival. There are an estimated 15,000 Balinese artists performing...not to mention more than 1,500 participants from 7 different countries, such as the US, Japan, Australia, Malaysia and India...as well as 16 neighboring provinces of Indonesia including: Java, Sumatra, Sulawesi, Maluku, Kalimantan and Nusa Tenggara.

The festival's purpose to is “maintain harmony and prevent conflicts by nurturing universal values from different cultures”. Read more about this festival at The Jakarta Post and I plan to go myself, weather permitting with my little one, so I'll have more pictures to come later this month! EXCITING!

Image taken from The Jakarta Post.

Back to Bali! (From Bali With Love)

Hello all! I'm not dead....I promise. 

I'm sorry I've been away. I did some traveling, for 3 months, to Sulawesi, Malaysia and Surabaya. Then, my daughter become terribly ill with pneumonia and I spent a good bit of 3 weeks in and out of hospitals and doctor's offices getting her the appropriate treatment. Now, I'm back to Bali and trying to get back into the swing of things. I want to say a special thank you to my top countries still visiting my blog this past month, even though I was away. So, thank you to:

-Indonesia

-United States

-Australia

-Japan

-Malaysia

-Canada

-United Kingdom

-Sweden

-Germany

-Iran

YOU ALL are the reason, I love blogging! THANK YOU! :)

Now, let's gear up and get back to blogging! I have many upcoming posts about Bali News and my recent travels, so stay tuned for more!

Small Tsunamis Hit Northeast of Indonesia

After Japan's tsunami yesterday, many islands in Indonesia were on alert for evacuation, particularly North Sulawesi and Maluku Islands. Indonesia, luckily, remained untouched, but late last night small tsunamis were reported in Northern Papua, New Guinea.

All was well on the island of Bali, as well as the rest of the Indonesian archipelago.

You can read the articles on Papua's tsunami hits HERE and HERE.

Earthquake & Tsunami Struck Japan (From Bali With Love)

Taken From NY Times

A massive earthquake struck Tokyo today rating 8.9 and causing a 10 meter high tsunami. Hundreds of people have been injured and numerous buildings have been carried away.

Taken from Indian Express

A tsunami warning went into affect for all surrounding areas, including here in Indonesia. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by this disaster and I ask you all to please pray for all the people affected.

You can read more on the reports at the following links:

NY Times

Reuters

The Jakarta Globe

Voice of America

BBC News

Indian Express

Times Live

View LIVE VIDEO Coverage HERE and HERE.

Villas in Bali (From Bali With Love)

I tell you, it's hard to get back into the swing of things, and catch up on EVERYTHING, after a vacation...whhheww! BUT, I have been happy to see that my Japan readers have remained high on the charts for page views...so Thank you very much to Japan and all of my wonderful readers, worldwide!

I wanted to share with you today, a villa I came across through a friend, Mutiara Bali in Seminyak. He stayed there for one month over Christmas holiday and paid out $5,000 USD, which is about $160 something a day. Now, keep in mind, all hotels and villas here in Bali are much more expensive August-February, which is the HIGH season or PEAK season here...

 Seminyak is a popular area for foreigners to stay...

 there are various eateries in the area...

 many nightclubs and bars...

 numerous shops within walking distance...

...and of course, beautiful beaches where surfers, family and all in between bask in the sun!

 Looks so quiet and peaceful...

All images taken from their website.

Head on over to their website for more photos and information.

Do you know a great place in Bali to stay, shop or eat? Email me so I can share the best finds with all of FROM BALI WITH LOVE readers!

Ayana ROCK Bar (From Bali With Love)

So I've showed you Ayana's Resort, Spa and Restaurants......Now, I saved the best (and my favorite) for last...The Ayana ROCK BAR, literally, a bar on the ROCKS! Ayana opened the award winning Rock Bar in 2009. 

The bar is nestled along with cliffs, 46 feet (14 meters) above the Indian Ocean with a 360-degree view. There is also an outdoor, inclined elevator that takes you down to the Rock Bar. 

The bar was designed by Yasushiro Koichi from Japan's Design Studio SPIN. 

You can enjoy drinks with friends or have a romantic evening while listening to a LIVE band on the weekends and a DJ on weekdays.

(Click on images to be taken to their source)

What to see more of Ayana Rock Bar? Just go HERE and Enjoy!

Visit Ayana's website and see all of the GORGEOUSNESS for yourself!

Thank You! (From Bali With Love)

I just want to say thank you to all of my followers here at From Bali With Love. My Japan number's have been WAY up again and now, Turkey readers are on the rise. 

Thank you! Thank you! 

Thank you for taking YOUR TIME to visit From Bali With Love. 

Have a great day everyone!

Ayana Resort & Spa - Restaurants & Bars

So, I showed you the wonderful Ayana Resort & Spa HERE.

And I showed you their wonderful spa facilities HERE.

Do you still want some more of Ayana's wonderfulness today?

Ok, ok. Let's look at the MANY restaurants and bars they have to offer.

Padi

Pan Asian Cuisine

Comprising four open-air, thatch-roofed pavilions, this Bali restaurant features an open Asian heritage-style kitchen where guests can watch the native Indonesian, Indian and Thai chefs working alongside each other with fiery flair and fast-paced action, to prepare favorite dishes from their respective home countries. Surrounded by terraced lotus ponds reminiscent of rice fields, Padi is also where AYANA’s buffet breakfast is served each morning, with separate food stations offering European, American, Thai, Japanese, Chinese and Indonesian specialties.

Sami Sami

Italian Cusisine

Serving trattoria-style Italian cuisine, this stylish open-air Bali restaurant is located on a bluff overlooking the Indian Ocean, offering brilliant views any time of day and at sunset. The rustic Italian cuisine includes a complete selection of antipasti, sandwiches, wood-fired pizzas, fresh pastas, seafood, meat and desserts.

Kisik Bar & Grill

Seafood

Bali seafood restaurants don't get any better. Take the inclinator down the cliff-face and choose your favorite seafood from our ice-cold display, fresh from the boats! Kisik's team of chefs will cook it to perfection and serve it with a delicious array of accompaniments. An organic salad bar is also available. The dining tables are situated on the sand, surrounded by glowing tiki torches and the iridescent Ocean Beach Pool.

Dava

Modern International

This ultra-chic Bali bar and restaurant serves an innovative array of modern international cuisine with stunning Indian Ocean views. A floating garden leads you into a world of refined elegance, with two sleek air-conditioned dining rooms, an outdoor terrace, and the Martini Bar for pre- or post-dinner refreshments.

Honzen

Japanese

Honzen serves spectacular Japanese cuisine in a contemporary setting with Sushi & Sashimi Bar, Teppanyaki, Japanese Barbecue and Grill, and private Tatami rooms. Honzen offers a broad range of a la carte items in an ultra-stylish two-storey venue with indoor and outdoor seating, overlooking lush gardens and beautiful vistas.

Langit Theatre

This is an authentic Bali restaurant with an open-air terrace accompanied by traditional dance performances. Enjoy an elaborate buffet of Balinese cuisine under a star-lit sky, as beautiful Balinese dancers and singers depict legendary stories from the Island of the Gods.

The Rock Bar

Bar

Located on natural rocks 14 meters above the Indian Ocean at the base of AYANA's towering cliffs, this innovative open-top bar is Bali's most glam sunset and after-dark destination. Soak up the chic ambience and superstar views as the rhythm of the spot-lit ocean merges with the funky tunes vibing from the DJ booth carved into the cliff-face. Please note the Rock Bar has a dress code. To find out more, visit the Rock Bar.

Damar Terrace

Indonesian/Bar

Surrounded by terraced lily ponds,this vibrant Bali bar serves beverages and Asian favorites throughout the day. Its offerings include afternoon tea, snacks, sunset cocktails, evening cigars and after-dinner drinks in an exotic open-air courtyard terrace, lounge, cigar bar and relaxation pavilion. A live quartet performs every evening.

C-Bar

Outdoor Bar

This trendy outdoor Bali bar and lounge features opium beds where you can enjoy modern international cuisine prepared by the chefs at Dava Restaurant. Alternatively, take a seat on stylish bar stools for a selection of magical cocktails, as you enjoy the tropical sunset.

The Martini Club

Bar

Spectacular as a sunset or after-dinner venue, this modern Bali bar serves perfectly shaken Martinis and fashionable cocktails. The superb menu of over 50 classic and contemporary Martini selections and sublime drinks are served either in the contemporary glamour of an intimate club atmosphere or at the open-air terrace tables.

Kubu

Beach Bar/Picnic

The best Bali restaurants invite you to come as you are. There’s no need to interrupt your bathing, swimming and general relaxation at our private beach. If you need a snack or refreshment, simply order from one of our beach attendants and enjoy it right on the sand at your sun bed, or on a chaise lounges under shaded bamboo cabanas. For an added treat, order a picnic hamper lunch. There are 184 steps down to Kubu Beach.

h20

cafe

The café on the Cliff Villa poolside deck provides refreshing beverages and a day-long menu of snacks and light meals.

Spa Cafe

Cafe

Conveniently located within the Spa Complex, the healthy Bali restaurant enables you to stroll over between spa treatments and enjoy light spa cuisine while still leisurely attired in your kimono and slippers. The menu includes homemade fruit and vegetable juices, irresistible smoothies, coffee, teas, herbal and aromatic infusions and a variety of low calorie meals including organic salad, soups, sandwiches, low fat yogurt, fruit salad and dips.

See more at Ayana Resort and Spa here. 

All information, pictures and descriptions taken from the wonderful Ayana site! Click on over to their site and enjoy the beautiful images they have there. If you have an interest, book a room and be pampered at one of their lovely spas.

ENJOY!

Dubai & Saudi Arabia (From Bali With Love)

Have any of you been to Dubai or Saudi Arabia?

Map taken from HERE.

I need a holiday and have been seriously thinking of visiting these places.

Taken from HERE.

Dubai has an estimated population of close to 3 million people.

Taken from HERE.

I have some friends, from the UK, living in Dubai and they have invited me to come and visit and stay with them.

Taken from HERE.

What a wonderful opportunity that would be to take a break, sightsee and do some shopping!

Taken from HERE.

And, I saved the best Dubai pictures for last. The World's largest water foundation. It sprays over 22,000 gallons of water into the air, features over 6,600 lights and has 50 different, unique color projections.

Taken from HERE.

Taken from HERE.

Taken from HERE.

Taken from HERE.

Taken from HERE.

NOW, Saudi Arabia is Dubai's neighbor. 

Taken from HERE.

Saudi Arabia has an estimated population of 28 million people and is home to the largest oil reserve and oil exporter in the world. 

Taken from HERE.

I actually met someone in Bali a few years ago who is from Canada and working in Saudi Arabia with an oil company and also, someone from Malaysia who worked there teaching English. 

Taken from HERE.

I would love to meet with both of them again, if I decide to visit there. It would be great to catchup and get insider recommendations to the best spots to see while there...maybe even tour the oil company and see how they operate. Exciting!

Taken from HERE.

It's always great knowing people when you travel. 

Taken from HERE.

That's one of the things I love so much about living in Bali is the opportunity I have to meet people from all over the world. 

Taken from HERE.

You just never know when your paths will cross again or when you may need them for something.

Exotic Fruits (From Bali With Love)

Just found THIS awesome post and beautiful pictures on the "Top Ten Must-Try Exotic Fruits".

1. Rambutan - Native to Malay Archipelago, Southeast Asia
Coming from an evergreen tree, Rambutan fruit resembles the Lychees, have a leathery red skin and are covered with spines. Rambutan is a popular garden fruit tree and one of the most famous in Southeast Asia. The fruit is sweet and juicy, being commonly found in jams or available canned.

2. Jackfruit - Native to southwestern India, Bangladesh, Philippines and Sri Lanka
Jackfruit is a common fruit for Asia and Australia and considered as one of the largest tree borne fruit in the world. The juicy pulp around the seeds have a taste similar to pineapple, but milder. Apart from canned jackfruit, it's available as sweet chips. The wood of the tree is used for making various musical instruments, while the fruit is a common ingredient for many Asian dishes.

3. Passion Fruit - Native to South America, grown in India, New Zealand, Brazil, etc
The passion fruit has a soft, juicy interior full of seeds, being commonly found in juices to boost their flavors. There are two types of passion fruit: the golden one (maracuyá), similar to a grapefruit and the dark purple passion fruit (gulupa), comparable in terms of size with a lemon. However, latter ones have been reported as being mildly poisonous.

4. Lychee - Native to southern China, found in India, Taiwan
Coming from an evergreen tree, the lychee or litchi are small white flesh fruits, covered in a red rind, rich in vitamin C and with a grape-like texture. The fruit has started making its appearance in markets worldwide, refrigerated or canned with its taste intact.

5. Star fruit - Native to Indonesia, India and Sri Lanka
The star fruit comes from the carambola, a species of tree with pink flowers grown even in the US. The golden-yellow fruit is crunchy, sweet, with a taste of pineapples, apples and kiwis combined. There are two kinds of star fruits – acidulate and sweet, both rich in vitamin C. The fruit is particularly juice, some even making wine out of it.

6. Mangosteen - Native to the Sunda Islands and the Moluccas
The mangosteen is another evergreen tree that produces oddly shaped fruits. The fruits are purple, creamy, described as citrus with a hint of peach. It is rich in antioxidants, some scientists even suggesting it can lower risk against certain human diseases, such as cancer. There are even legends about Queen Victoria offering a reward to the one that brings her the fruit.

7. Kumquat - Native to China
The kumquats or cumquats are small edible fruits resembling oranges that grow in a tree related to the Citrus. As with most of the fruits in the Citrus family, the kumquats are eaten raw. They are often used in marmalade and jelly but also in alcoholic drinks such as liquor. The Taiwanese add it to their teas, while others boil it and use it as a remedy for sore throats.

8. Durian - Native to Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia
Also known as the “King of Fruits,” Durian has a very particular odor, a unique taste and is covered by a hard husk. Having a disagreeable smell, compared to skunk spray or sewage, the fruit is forbidden in hotels and public transportations in Southeast Asia. Still, the whole experience is worth it, considering the absolutely divine taste of the Durian.

9. Dragon Fruit - Native to Mexico and Central and South America
Dragon fruit, strawberry pear or pitaya is a fruit of several cactus species with a sweet delicate taste and creamy pulp. The most common dragon fruit is the red pitaya, but other varieties include the Costa Rica pataya and the yellow pataya. Juice or wine can be obtained from the fruit, while the flowers can be eaten or used for tea.

10. African cucumber - Native to Kalahari Desert, Africa
The African cucumber, horned melon or melano is a fruit that can be best described as melon with horns. It originated in the Kalahari Desert and is now present in California and New Zealand. The dark green pulp reminds one of bananas, limes, passion fruit and cucumber. It is often used for decorating food but also in smoothies and sundaes.

All information and images taken from HERE.

I've seen all of these fruits here in Indonesia, except for the Kumquat and African Cucumber. That's not to say that these fruits aren't here, I just haven't seen them. Funny note to add for number 5, the star fruit: many people in Indonesia use this fruit to clean out their fingernails. I'm serious! And it works! Just pick one piece of star fruit straight from the tree, poke your fingernail slightly into the flesh of the fruit's skin and brush it side to side. All dirt will be removed from your nails, leaving them clean and sparkling! :)