Monthly Archives: August 2015

When the trade winds hit Bali in the middle of the year the kites aren’t far behind to follow the currents up into the air. All over the island there are thousands upon thousands of kites of all sizes and descriptions flying high in the breeze without a care in the world. There is worry, however, and it is all down on the ground in the nation’s electricity provider‘s, (PLN), offices as they deal with the inevitable power outages that occur when the kites go rogue. During 2014’s windy season, no less than 57 blackouts occurred when kites short-circuited power lines, so PLN is urging local governments and kite enthusiasts to not leave their kites unattended overnight and to try to localise kite flying at organized festivals where better control and monitoring can be put in place so we can keep the lights on.

From the wrecks of Amed and Talumben and the impressive macro sites around Kubu in the east, to the artificial Bio-Rock reefs and underwater sculpture gardens of Pemuteran and the pristine cliffs of Menjangan Island in the west, North Bali has an impressive array of dive sites and underwater opportunities. To help celebrate this diversity, in October from the 23rd to the 26th, the Pemuteran Bay Fest will be celebrating all things aquatic with endless activities on land and below the waves, including an underwater art parade, conservation workshops, art exhibitions, a culinary bazaar, and expos of all kinds for divers and landlubbers of all ages. So book early and head to the north of the island to enjoy a Bali you never new existed. www.pemuteranbayfest.com

Speaking of tattoos, an unforeseen side effect of fashion has crept into the world of tech, which has
Apple Watch users with wrist tattoos complaining that their ink is interfering with the device’s ability to detect contact with their skin. The Apple Watch features green and infrared lights on the underside that rapidly flash on a wearer’s skin to measure their heart rate and determine whether the watch is being worn, but some inked-up users say the device does not read their skin and constantly locks itself whenever the screen goes dark. When tested it was indeed found to be true that the tattoos are interfering with the promised functionality; a condition that was probably hidden and left unread in the user’s agreement somewhere.

Taking cue from the daylight success of Watercress Café, along comes the highly anticipated after-dark dining counterpart that is Watercress Malam, a bar and restaurant concept that is proving one of the most popular haunts on the Batu Belig Strip. The laudable partnership of Jordie Strybos and Pablo Fourcard, in successful collaboration with talented chef and expert sommelier, Josh Davies, brings you a delectable menu that will leave you thoroughly impressed with enticing starters and hints of Asia with seafood and meat plates of extravagant worldly flavours, to sinful desserts that will leave you believing in a higher power. Combine this with the elegantly rustic surroundings and an effervescent crowd of fellow diners and it creates the perfect recipe for a very good night out. Don’t just read this, try it and see for yourself.
www.watercressbali.com