ENVIRONMENT
1—Kopernik x Akarumput x Potato Head: Pulau Plastik
Potato Head are throwing another event in the name of opening eyes to Bali’s plastic pollution problem. This time it’s a launch screening of Pulau Plastik (Plastic Island), a documentary series starring Robi Navicula, the rebel do-gooder from the Indonesian psychedelic-grunge band, Navicula.
The screening is at 6:30pm, but there’ll be zero-waste tours and workshops from 4:30pm. They’ve also gotten Denpasar Governor Rai Mantra on board for the event — he’ll be making a speech after the launch, and Navicula will play a live acoustic set from around 8pm. The event is free and no tickets are necessary, but if you want to secure a spot, RSVP by emailing: pulauplastik@kopernik.info.
3—Sustainable Sundays: Upcycled keychain making
Here’s one for the kids: keychain-making. This free two-hour-long workshop will lead participants through a crafts session, with a focus on using sustainable materials such as bamboo, seashells, wood, and recycled plastic. It’s all part of Sustainable Sundays, co-organized by Potato Head and the Green School in Ubud. Starts at 4pm, and held at the brand new Sustainism Lab, which is next to Canaan and Studio Eksotika, at the entrance to Potato Head Beach Club.
Yup, this one’s pretty self explanatory — it’s the largest cleanup operation on the island, covering all eight regencies, and it’s all carried out by volunteers. Last year’s event saw 20,000 people pick up 65 tons of plastic in 120 locations. This year, naturally, they’re looking to top those numbers. Help out by becoming a clean-up coordinator, or check the One Island One Voice website to find out about a cleanup near you.
FOOD
20—Purnama by Salon Bali x Salted & Hung
Salon is the signature restaurant of Hotel Indigo Seminyak, and Purnama is its monthly four-hands dinner series. The idea is to invite chefs from Bali and beyond to collaborate in creative, out-of-the-box dining events. This month, it’s the turn of Chef Drew Nocente from Singapore’s Salted & Hung, a venue known for all things cured and grilled. The menu and pricing wasn’t out at the time of publication for this article, so we’ll add the info here as soon as we get it.
22 & 23—Api Jiwa Culinary Takeover: Chef Adam Liston
If you love robatayaki (the theatrical Japanese style of cooking where the chef grills everything in front of the diners), then you might like Api Jiwa at The Capella, Ubud. It’s an intimate chef’s table type of affair with about 12 seats overlooking the grill and the wild Ubud jungle.
This month, they’re kicking off their “Culinary Takeover” series with Adam Liston of Adelaide’s Shobosho, who will be whipping up eight to ten artful morsels customized to each guests’ preference. At IDR1,200,000 (about US$85) per person, it’s not cheap, but if you’re a lover of fine food and fine views, then it’s worth it.
MUSIC
Remember Tyga? The Grammy-winning Californian rapper who’s collaborated with musicians like Lil Wayne, Drake, and Chris Brown. No? What about his music videos that are rampant with bootylicious babes, twerking wherever possible. Still no? OK, Kylie Jenner’s ex. They dated a year or two back. Yup, that’s him. Well, Tyga’s making his first appearance in Bali this month at The Lawn in Canggu, and apparently folks are feeling it, since early bird tickets are already sold out. Second release ones are still available for IDR1,050,000 (about US$75). Grab them here.
CHINESE NEW YEAR EVENTS
4—Infinite Fortune CNY Dinner, Sofitel Bali, Nusa Dua
If luxe buffets float your boat, then Kwee Zeen at Sofitel Bali is doing a Lunar New Year dinner that fits that bill. Bring in the Year of the Pig with a feast of Chinese food and holiday-themed entertainment — including an on-site fortune teller. And at IDR 499,000 (about US$36), it’s an all-you-can-eat steal.
5—CNY Peranakan Dinner, Hotel Tugu, Bali
With all of its antique East Asian decor, we reckon Bali’s Tugu Hotel must be one of the best locations for a Chinese New Year dinner. This year, they’re hosting a seven-course Peranakan (Malay-Chinese) dinner in their Bale Sutra, a 300-year old Chinese temple. In addition to all the holiday fare, there will also be a live barongsai performance (traditional “lion” dance). Seats cost IDR600,000 (about US$73) per person.
VALENTINE’S DAY EVENTS
They say seafood is the ultimate aphrodisiac. Is it true? No one can really say. But, if you’re a believer, then this one will make a lot of sense to you: Seasalt, Alila Seminyak’s beachfront eatery, specializes in seafood with a Japanese twist, and they’re carrying that theme through to their 4-course V-Day menu. The price? IDR650.000 (about US$46) per head, and you can book it here.
1-28—The Month of Romance, Bridges Bali
Venues don’t come a whole lot more romantic than Bridges, one of Ubud’s iconic fine-dining venues. With views of the jungle and river below, it’s a charming spot for a Valentine’s lunch or dinner, with menus that are a lot more creative than most. All month long, the chefs are offering four-course vegetarian and non-vegetarian set menus with optional wine pairings. Prices start from a (relatively) wallet-friendly IDR450,000 (about US$32) per person. You can also preorder a “love lock” padlock and leave a memento of your V-day in Ubud — a bit cheesy, but still a nice sentiment. Find out more and see the full menus here.
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