Passionately Curious

Think of any destination you’ve been to and one of the main tourist attractions there. That same destination will be remembered in a variety of ways depending on your experience of the day as a whole. For me, almost any destinations’ experience can be ruined before the day has even begun by being crammed into a minibus like a sardine with a driver so bored they drive like a maniac to make up for it, only to be told once you arrive at your destination, ‘ok, you have 12 minutes until we leave, enjoy.’

I’ve just returned from the incredibly beautiful island of Cebu in my home nation, the Philippines. Renting a car from JT Car Rental Cebu and without doubt, those journeys made the overall experience!

When you land in Cebu you’ll arrive at Mactan International Airport, up in the North East of the island. If like me you’re in Cebu to enjoy all the beautiful scenery and adventures that are to be had on the island, you’ll need to head down toward the South and the West as you can see from the incredibly detailed map below!

Cebu isn’t a small island and to get to the South there is just one main road which runs along the east coast, before switching over, across the mountains in the center of the island before running south and hugging the coast line all the way round (and back up again if you want to do a full lap!), all of this means it isn’t a short drive, as you can see.

Once leaving the city, the road is almost exclusively a single lane each way with various villages dotting the way, each with their own interesting quirks that slow traffic, whether it’s blocks in the middle of the streets near schools to slow the traffic, the local village taxi’s which are in fact bicycles with sidecars attached and someone pedaling away at about 5 mph or of course the hundreds of awesome dogs which feel quite at home taking a nap in the middle of the street and having you go round them the journey isn’t exactly a smooth highway ride, more a constant start stop of interesting surroundings.

Of course with all these interesting surroundings, you sometimes want to stop, take a picture, explore or simply find a bathroom! Now put yourself in the back of a minibus with several other people and tell me if this is the holiday experience you are looking for?

Not really hey?

Which is why renting our car was what made the trip special! My boyfriend and I could set off at whatever time we wanted, to wherever we wanted. We stopped at scenic viewpoints, we found tiny little road side bakeries with incredible treats for only 1 peso each, we had our own music playing, the aircon at the level we want, snacks galore and best of all our own beautiful brand new Hyundai Accent which served us valiantly for our week in Cebu!

So what did we get upto with our trusty car whilst in Cebu?

Having spent a full day making the drive down in a very relaxed manner with various stops along the way, we arrived at our accomodation in Malabuyoc.

The next morning we woke up bright and early (or so we thought) at about 545am to head down to Oslob and swim with the Whale Sharks. The Philippines location and time zone means that the sun rises at about 5am each morning, and as such so do most of the people! The flight is almost 4hrs due East from Singapore and Malaysia yet they share the same time zone.

The Whale Shark experience is an interesting one, for me filled with conflicting emotions. Firstly it’s incredible that a town where the economy previously survived on fishing, fishing which saw numerous whale sharks either caught up accidentally or illegally fished has now turned to conservation to fuel it. This conservation is bringing in so much more money to the surrounding area that it is even featured on the banknotes nowadays. Which goes to show that all our planet’s animals have so much more value alive than dead! The only drawback to this however is that the place is packed. Your half an hour with the whale sharks will also involve an hour at least waiting for a boat to become free and most of your time in the water being kicked in the ribs by those slightly less competent swimmers and paying 1500 peso for the pleasure. If like my boyfriend you’ve swam with Whale Sharks before, or like me, you’d already visited Oslob before then frankly this might be one to miss on the list, however, if you haven’t. The chance to swim with one of our planets truly awe inspiring creatures, regardless of the environment is not one that you should pass up on!

So how did we spend the rest of our time adventuring around the southern parts of Cebu?

Easy…. Waterfalls!!!

The amount of spectacular yet completely diverse waterfalls on the island is incredible! We decided to try and do at least a couple each day as well as visit Osmena Peak, the highest viewpoint on the island.

In total we visited 6 waterfalls. Each and every one of them completely different, from blasting torrents to gentle trickles, single pools to multiple levels, busy with tourists to completely empty. The one thing they all had in common however was the tough roads up to them.

Cebu is a very mountainous island. To get from the West coast to the East isn’t simply a case of drive across, rather, you need to travel all the way round the coast to stay on a proper road. The moment you head in land the roads get steep, unmaintained and in some cases, dangerous!

All this means 2 things. 1) The landscape for waterfalls is incredible. 2) Having the right transport is a must! Many people choose to use motorbikes. If you have a lot of experience with bikes & you’re travelling on your own or with another experienced bike rider then great! You’ll love the challenge these roads have to offer. However, if you’re like the majority of us, renting a bike with limited experience is extremely dangerous. Not only is the main road filled with hazards but as soon as you venture inland you are on dangerous roads, miles from any potential first aid and with limited to no mobile phone signal. Take the extra expense and do so with peace of mind and comfort for your entire stay.

Our first day of waterfall adventures saw us venture to 3 incredible locations, all completely different, providing all together different experiences even when located nearby each other!

Our first stop was Tumalog Falls;

Tumalog is a beautiful gentle flowing waterfall set slightly inland. The drive up mirrors this gentle flow with twists and turns as you head upward followed by stunning views out over the sea and over to neighboring Negros Island. You reach a car park and then have the option of either a hilly 15 minute walk or to hop on to the back of one of the locals bikes who will run you down to the falls.

Once there, relax. The gentle falling water, Swift’s and other birdlife darting around make Tumalog the perfect spot to chill out for a while and bask in the beauty of the nature surrounding you.

Of course, if you’re anything like me, you’ll also be heading to these waterfalls to release your inner Lemming and launch yourself from great heights into the pools below! So on we went.

Next up was Aguinid Falls.

Aguinid is a slightly busier waterfall, set in a little village just away from the main road. When you arrive and do the customary sign in and entrance fee formalities you’ll also be assigned a guide per person.

Guides are quite customary at the waterfalls in Cebu, so please go expecting them and also be prepared to tip them. There isn’t much in the way of industry in the South of Cebu and people there also tend to remain in their particular village for their entire life. As such, if they live in an area with a waterfall, there is a good chance this is almost the only tourist or industry opportunity available to them. In places like Aguinid, everyone capable of being a guide is a guide. Locals only take it in turns and are only allowed to guide 1 group per day. They do so without any pressure put on you to tip well, but boy do they put in a great job and deserve every penny! Our unlikely duo consisted of June & Jai Ho (sorry if I spelt that wrong but she did say, ‘like the song!’)

They were amazing, guiding us through the 7 levels of the waterfalls, taking pictures for us each step of the way, guiding us along the safest routes, or in the case of June challenging my boyfriend to the most difficult routes whilst making them look easy skipping up the rocks. We had an incredible time scaling the falls, jumping off ledges, exploring the small caves and laughing every step of the way with this fantastic pair!

Our final stop of the day was Binalayan falls, just a few minutes drive from Aguinid and not far from the main road. A sleepier atmosphere our guide showed us along the 1.5km path until we reached the falls which we had all to ourselves. Having had a splash around and jumped in a few times from the main ledge we could find our guide asked if we want to see him jump? ‘Sure’ we said. Not realising what he had in mind. What happened next was one of the craziest things i’ve ever seen. So crazy that my boyfriend who filmed it pretty much missed the shot as he gazed on in shock! Check it out!

https://www.facebook.com/jidienneibanez/videos/10219196711935593/

That is a 90 foot jump into only 7 feet of water! Standing on the bottom in that exact spot my arms were out of the water! Insane!

Throughout the week we then travelled to incredible spots such as Inambakan Falls with it’s powerful fall and multiple layers. Osmena Peak with stunning views out across the island in a full 360°! And finally Cambais Falls where as you arrive children seemingly appear from nowhere, interested and excited to meet you and all desperate to be your guide! We chose 2 who guided us up to the entrance to the falls before wishing us goodbye and returning back to ‘protect’ our car with their friends for the next couple of hours whilst we relaxed and enjoyed this truly stunning waterfall!

Upon our return the kids were all still there, thankful for the food we offered out to them and even more so for the small amount of money we were able to give each of them. The smallest amount to some people means the world to others and whilst unfortunately i’m not in a position to be dishing out anything near what i’d like to have given them their faces still lit up with pure gratitude.

We ended our action packed adventure in the South with an absolute must, CANYONEERING!!

Returning to my old friend’s who’s homestay I visited some years ago on my last trip, RAYMUND Canyoneering took us out for one of the most fun, action packed days you can imagine! Starting with a briefing and finding you suitable safety equipment you make your way down into the canyon following the river the whole way down. Where it goes, you go! Whether that’s left, right, or DOWN!

We did jump after jump into the perfect blue waters below with jumps ranging from just a couple of meters up to about 12-15m! Don’t worry if the larger jumps aren’t for you, you don’t have to do any as there are always alternative ways around or down, just do whatever you feel comfortable and if you’re like me then that will involve some thrilling leaps, sliding along natural rapids, dipping into small crevices and relaxing as you gently glide along the river. Right the way down until you reach Kawasan Falls!

Kawasan is the most popular and by far the busiest of the waterfalls, and whilst in certain points it is packed full of people and quite uncomfortable, making your way up along the trails can lead you to some absolute gems!

We finished our trip with the drive back up, stopping at various points along the way until we reached Cebu City again. Here we made what turned out to be a great choice! Rather than jump straight onto a plane exhausted we spent 2 nights relaxing in the lovely, Bai Hotel. Here we relaxed in the biggest comfiest bed you’ve ever seen, chilled by the beautiful rooftop pool and ate! Boy did we eat! Most notably at the in house all you can eat buffet at Cafe Bai! Food as far as the eye can see from every corner of the world and all of it delicious! We returned our trusty car to Jonathan who will take amazing care of you with JT Car Rental Cebu and finished what was just about as fun a week as you can have! So if you’re looking for beautiful scenery, friendly people & adventure, head to Cebu! And tell Jonathan Jidie says hi!

Rent a car with JT Rental Lapu-lapu City, Mactan, Cebu, Philippines Book here: http://jtcarrentalcebu.com/ Contact: +6332 233 5543 Email: [email protected] Price Range: $$ Social Media: Facebook, https://web.facebook.com/jtcarrentalcebu/

I had the absolute time of my life! The people, the scenery, the weather, the activities, the food, the wine, the wildlife - Each and every one of these aspects made this undoubtedly the trip of my life and South Africa top of my list on places I want to go next, despite only just being there!

However, more about my trip in the future.

For now we’re going to focus on how I got there. A relatively lesser known airline in this part of the world, Ethiopian Airlines, and what an experience it was.

My trip of a lifetime began with the journey of a lifetime. Flying on Ethiopian Airlines Cloud Nine from Kuala Lumpur to Cape Town with brief stops in Singapore and Addis Ababa along the way.

My boyfriend and I were greeted at the airport by two of Ethiopian Airlines incredibly friendly, energetic staff, Mr Jaya and Mr Nizam who surprised us with access to the lounges in both KLIA and Addis Ababa.

Despite flying regularly, I’d never used the lounge at KLIA before, in part due to the fact most of my airport experiences are mad dashes to the plane (always my boyfriend’s fault) leaving you feeling exhausted and anxious prior to whatever flight you’re about to embark on. The lounge experience however was incredibly relaxing. Despite it being a busy airport lounge there was still plenty of huge comfortable seats to sit back and relax whilst grazing your way through the buffet. Just a modest 3 portions for me given I knew I was about to eat my entire way to South Africa! (Yep, don’t let this small frame deceive you, I can eat!)

The lounge also had a full range of beer, wine and spirits for those of you who like a drink prior to flying and after a couple of very relaxing hours we made our way to the plane.

Every time I’ve ever boarded a plane with business class available I’ve glanced left as I enter the plane with a sense of awe, intrigue, and let’s face it, jealousy. Well this time, I finally got to turn left.

The Ethiopian Airlines Business Class experience is known as Cloud Nine, and for good reason. As you enter you see the perfect seating layout configuration (certainly for us flying as a couple) of 2-2-2. Seats 1L & J were our designated seats and as we approached them our incredibly friendly British pilot awaited us. We chatted for a while as the Boeing 787-8 plane began to fill and learned so much about the lesser known aspects of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia which he had called home for 9 years and absolutely loved. This conversation along with an extremely informative in flight video on Ethiopia’s wildlife and national parks has left us also wanting to visit Ethiopia very soon! Have a look for yourself, the more you research, the more you’ll want to go…. You’ll see what I mean.

The other reason to visit Ethiopia, the food, which we were treated to throughout our journey!

Prior to take off, the incredibly elegant Cloud Nine hostesses offered a selection of Orange Juice, Champagne or water as well as presented us with a menu. The KL > Singapore flight is so short that where possible they take your order prior to take off so as you have time to eat your Canapé. I’m Vegetarian and although that of course limited the options I had to choose from, I still enjoyed a delicious selection.

We travelled extremely comfortably down to Singapore for a brief stop where you disembark before almost immediately returning to the plane and carried on our journey. Just over 8.5hrs to Addis Ababa. As soon as we were back on board, offerings of Champagne or Orange Juice were presented, along with my favorite; Hot Towels! Where as most people go to town on the Champagne, I did with hot towels! The Cloud Nine seating arrangement meant that as a couple we were completely undisturbed by any other passengers, free to relax and enjoy the comfort provided as well as in flight entertainment systems. The huge screens in row 1 pull out from under your seat and the adjustable lie-flat seats are incredible. I dare you not to grin like a maniac as you press a button and glide your way from sitting upright to laying horizontal at 38,000 feet. Let’s face it, most flights are simply an endurance event of waiting it out whilst you get from point A to point B, but this was an experience. Whether it be the incredible comfort of the seats, the huge screens and wide array of Movies, Shows, Games & Audio available, the service or the food and drinks.

After getting plenty of sleep on our night flight from Singapore to Addis Ababa we landed as the sun was just beginning to rise. Stepping off the plane into a brisk 9°C certainly gives you a quick wake up.

From there we entered the Cloud Nine Lounge in Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. The first thing you notice, it’s huge! Whilst of course it’s not quite as luxurious as KLIA, there was again a lovely buffet spread with an egg chef available for those in search of a hearty breakfast, a bar (though not yet open at 7am) and lots of large leather seats and TV’s to keep you entertained.

After a couple of relaxing hours we were ready to board our final leg of the journey, onwards to Cape Town! Amazingly the luxury of our first flight was in fact matched and bettered by our second flight. The slightly more modern Boeing 777-300ER Jet also comes with newer seats, even bigger built in TV screens and acres of space.

There were two highlights to this flight. Firstly the amazing local Ethiopian Lunch which was served from a buffet trolly with the knowledgeable stewardesses giving us great explanations of not only what each dish was but it’s place in the Ethiopian culinary world. My advice, be a pig and try everything! The other highlight was the spectacular scenery flying between Ethiopia and South Africa. From stunning mountain ranges in Southern Ethiopia to the Kalahari Desert as you fly over Botswana, stunning lakes and salt pans as you go over Zambia and Zimbabwe and the incredible rolling mountain ranges as you head over South Africa, all capped off by your approach into Cape Town International Airport which is overlooked by the sensational Table Mountain.

My blog has never previously gone into detail on the flights of any of my previous trips, but this time it truly was an experience and one which I would love to repeat one day! I can’t thank Ethiopian Airlines enough for offering me the chance to enjoy this incredible experience, the hospitality they provided and of course, ruining flying for me forever as I once more turn right on my future voyages!

So why choose Ethiopian Airlines?

For those of you who have known me for any amount of time, you’ll know that the cause closest to my heart is the environment and being Eco-Friendly.

Ethiopian Airlines leapt out to me when I started researching some of the amazing initiatives they have put into place.

Most notably the FLY GREENER campaign is an incredible push to replace Ethiopia’s massively declined tree population. Over 60% of the land mass of Ethiopia was once covered with forest but sadly, that has now been reduced to less than 3%, with undesired consequences on the health and wealth of its people. Ethiopian Airlines has dedicated resources to bringing trees back to Ethiopia disseminating seedlings of multipurpose trees that are certain to bring sustainable livelihood values to farming communities.Since launching the greener initiative, 7.5 million seedlings of multipurpose and indigenous trees have been distributed to various communities in the Southern part of Ethiopia. And taking this initiative further, Ethiopian has now pledged to plant one tree for every passenger flown.

Of course one of the biggest deciding factors for most of us before deciding which airline we choose is price. For readers based in SE Asia like me, you might think, great, it sounds amazing but how on earth do I get to a place like Cape Town!? I did at first as well. But Ethiopian Airlines makes a long haul journey like this completely possible with it’s industry leading rates for both Economy & Business Class seating.

Don’t just take my word for it, go to Ethiopian Airlines Website and check it out for yourself!

Ethiopian Airlines allowed me to experience Africa for the first time in my life visiting Cape Town, but this isn’t the only destination they fly to, literally anywhere in Africa you want to go, as the continents biggest Airline, Ethiopian Airlines can take you there, they even fly to Europe and the US too!

My advice, go and take a look at the amazing places you can now get to surprisingly easily and very reasonably. Ethiopian Airlines opens up destinations that aren’t just on our doorsteps here and gives us a chance to experience completely new ways of life in stunning places like Cape Town! Just make sure you do plenty of research for your trip wherever it might be, take into account the various seasons that can have a huge effect on your trip, the incredible array of events that take place throughout the year and of course with Africa, the peak times of year to see the various beautiful animals that call this incredible place, home.

Book a flight here: https://www.ethiopianairlines.com/ Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

But what about experiencing this paradise on a budget, is it still worth it?

Let’s start with a bit of information on The Maldives itself before digging into the budget question. Situated in the Indian Ocean to the south west of Sri Lanka and India it’s unique geography is unlike anywhere else in the world. The Maldives consists of a chain of 26 natural coral atolls (a word in the english language derived from the Maldivian word “atholhu”). In brief an atoll is a ring shaped coral reef structure formed over millions of years of volcanic activity leaving islands which surround a central lagoon. For those interested, this video explains in much greater detail > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRD8ZwdPYsY   

There are around 1200 islands interspersed throughout the atolls, about 200 of which are inhabited. Perhaps the most incredible and slightly worrying stat is that The Maldives at its highest point above sea level is only 2.4m.

The amazing luxury resorts you see tend to be situated on private islands that aren’t deemed inhabited. For those of you looking to travel on a budget, you’ll most likely be on one of the inhabited islands where you’ll meet friendly locals who engage in a quiet and peaceful way of life which is wonderfully relaxing.

So back to the main question, is paradise available on a budget? The first consideration of any budget travel holiday is of course the travel costs. There’s no point seeking a budget trip if the flights are crazily priced, and they are, only they are crazily low at the moment depending on where you’re travelling from! My flight from KL (about 4.5hrs journey) cost less than $80USD return! A tip for when booking your flight, book a window seat!! The aerial views of the blue seas and atolls as you approach are incredible!

Accomodation and living expenses whilst on your trip are the next considerations. For these let's look into them whilst asking 3 questions; How much? What do you get for your money? And crucially, what is it competing against in terms of budget travel and how does it compare?

Decent rooms start from about $30-$50 per night and will get you a beautifully clean modern room with aircon and all the modern amenities, a balcony and most likely include a buffet breakfast!

At this point I think opinion could be split amongst you, depending on where you are reading this and how much travelling you’ve done. For example those of you that have backpacked SE Asia or S.America probably feel $50 is quite a lot. Whereas the rest of you have probably stopped reading and booked your trip already!

Budget travel has a different meaning to everyone but for clarity on my point of view, backpacking and budget travel are different. I love backpacking, but the ability to spend $10 a day and stretch travels out for months is not what we’re talking about here. We’re discussing taking a trip for a certain period of time, experiencing things whilst there and doing so at a suitable level of comfort. Basically, ask yourself, ‘would my mum stay here?’

As mentioned Maldivian budget travel probably means you won’t be on a private island with perfect white sand, but even if your island isn’t blessed with these gorgeous beaches they’ll still be very nice and rival most parts of the world. You’ll also have multiple options to go and visit sandbars for those picture perfect moments on the beach! But here’s the point that differentiates The Maldives from most places on earth. The waters! I’ve never seen so many shades of blue, such clear visibility and so much abundance of marine life, literally 2 feet from shore in some cases!

My trip to The Maldives unfortunately timed to just as it was being hit by the tail end of a huge storm working it’s way down from Sri Lanka, but despite this we saw Blacktip Sharks galore! Stingrays, Lobsters, large schools of Jacks, Barracudas and every type of reef fish you could imagine! My boyfriend also went Scuba Diving (I have Asthma so unfortunately couldn’t join him!) and also saw 3 more species of Shark, Manta Rays and Turtles galore, despite the awful weather it was the best diving he’s done in 20 years of diving around the world. Scuba Diving starts from about $40 per dive in The Maldives and we stayed and dived with the incredible Rasdhoo Dive Lodge.

The final consideration is of course, how does it compare to the competition in terms of budget travel? It’s hard to pinpoint what ‘competition’ would be, but in terms of geography and price there’s only really SE Asia that you can draw a comparison. One of the things I love about SE Asia is the versatility, you can experience jungles, mountains, waterfalls, cities, beaches and oceans, and sometimes several of these in a day! Tailoring a holiday here has a lot more considerations

So the question. Is it possible to do the Maldives on a budget. Yes, definitely and you absolutely should but only if you know what you're stepping into. You won't get the truly amazing resorts. You will get a nice room, usually with decent food. And be just a tiny boat ride away from being somewhere worthy of a postcard like an amazing sand bank. Despite the awful weather during our trip the diving was still bucket list worthy. The snorkeling was also amazing. The boat rides are beautiful. The people are lovely and the peaceful quiet way of life is so relaxing. But whereas in SE Asia you can select your budget, then select your type of holiday, I.e. I want mountains, jungle, city, beaches, party, chilled, adventure etc and find all of the above in one trip, in the Maldives you will be going for a beach based chilled getaway.

If you're still thinking ahh that sounds like heaven, then go! Go now! Flights are extremely reasonable (Don’t forget to book that window seat, you'll want to watch the views as you fly over stunning atoll after atoll) And tell the guys as Rasdhoo that Jidienne says hello!

Basic Information:

Rasdhoo Dive Lodge Price Range: $ Location: Rasdhoo - Madivaru, Rasdhoo, Maldives - CLICK FOR MAP Distance from Airport: 1 hour boat ride from Male Airport, Male Where to book: Direct Booking or Booking.Com (or better yet drop them a personal email saying you found them through Jidienne!) Social Media: Facebook, Instagram Website: http://rasdhoodivelodge.com/ Email: [email protected] Tel: +(960) 9577111 

Arena Hotels Price Range: $ Location: Ziyaaraiy Magu, Maafushi 08090, Maldives - CLICK FOR MAP Distance from Airport: 2 hour boat ride from Male Airport, Male Where to book: Direct Booking or Booking.Com (or better yet drop them a personal email saying you found them through Jidienne!) Social Media: Facebook, Instagram Website: https://www.arenabeachmaldives.com/ Email: [email protected] Tel: +(960) 7933231 

I know you’re scared to fail. So much so, you’re striving for perfection and you beat yourself up every time you fall short. You’re your own worst enemy and I’m here to tell you, you don’t need to be.

I know you’re worrying and thinking too much. And everyone is telling you to relax. But you can’t seem to.

I want you to know, it shows a sign of strength caring as much as you do. This is not a weakness but a virtue of yours. You have a heart that doesn’t want to hurt people. You come off as paranoid but I know you just want to make the right choices. Know that you already are. You’re doing great.

I know your heart is racing but you disguise it with a smile. In those moments where anxiety is controlling you, take a deep breath. Do whatever you need to that will calm your nerves. It’s okay to be like this and you don’t need to change. Just learn to breathe through it. To accept it, and conquer it.

I know you hate yourself for breaking down and crying in private because of something you couldn’t control even if it was something small. Stop hating yourself. Stop beating yourself up. It’s okay to have those moments as long as you don’t let them define you.

There is so much more to you than your anxiety.

So when your anxiety is getting the best of you and you’re hating yourself for it, I want you to remember this: It will all be okay. Your entire life is going to be okay. The relationships and the people who belong in your life will not leave you.

No one thinks you are a burden as you run over details a million times of things playing out in your mind. You do whatever you need to, to live with this. Everyone else will learn to adapt also.

Remember, you are loved. You are needed. You are cared about. And your anxiety does not define you, so don’t let it.

Credit: Kirsten Corley

Boho Bingin itself is a beautifully unique place that meant something different and special to me. Boho, short for Bohemian, was something I passionately associated myself as a year or two ago and in many ways continue to do so.

A quick summary; I went through a chapter of a bohemian-gypsy-hippie lifestyle a year or two ago. (I’d like to think I still am somewhat!) It was an important part in growing up for me, finding myself, who I want to be and who I can be. From what I thought about life, to what I choose to wear and eat. From meditation and yoga to all things colourful and covered in patterns and florals!

Boho Bingin brought back these vivid memories. From the architecture of the buildings to the detailed decor throughout the boutique and the overall atmosphere of peace and serenity. One of the things I loved the most about this whole place was the doors! (a peculiar thing to pick out I know!) But they were all stunning! Every entrance made you feel like you are entering to a magical bohemian heaven-like getaway. It felt like I didn’t walk around Boho Bingin as much as I did float!

The vibe of Boho Bingin is laid-back and friendly, as are the staff, who were all helpful and wonderful. We made friends with several of them in our short stay. Each of them had a lot of interesting stories about both themselves and Boho Bingin. This friendly vibe isn’t just a happy coincidence but more of a lovely Boho Binging culture. Take for example, the restaurant which revolves around a huge communal table, the idea being that guests sit together for meals which leads to people getting to know one another, sharing stories and making friends at the table.

Funnily enough that’s where we met Daphne, one of the owners of Boho Bingin who was sitting with her friends as we all got talking. Daphne is an incredible lady and who seemed to have more talents than almost anyone i’ve ever met! Originally from France, Daphne is a renowned painter, a jewelry maker, an expert in gemstones, fluent in 5 languages and plans to start selling her amazing hand crafted sculptures. I was secretly hoping she might adopt me!

The Bohemian stylings position Boho Bingin beautifully as the perfect environment for anyone who isn’t either looking for the travel experience of backpacking on a shoestring or seeking super bank breaking luxury on their next holiday. Therefore most of us!

At the heart of Boho Bingin you’ll find a beautiful pool with retro classic sun umbrellas surrounding it. There is also a children's pool, both of which offer views of the garden and wooded land next door. There is also a poolside bar on site where guests can unwind after either a hard day’s surfing or relaxing with a drink.

Bingin Beach is just a short walk away and all of the popular tourist destinations of Uluwatu are just a 10-20 minute taxi ride away. The area is also popular for cycling so you can also rent bikes and explore.

Some Uluwatu Advice….

A couple of words of caution before you go, firstly GrabCar and traditional Taxi’s such as Bluebird have been kept out of the Uluwatu area by local groups of unmarked taxis who charge extremely high rates! Use the communal table of Boho Bingin to make friends even if it’s to share costs of local taxi rides alone! You’re probably going to the same places anyway!

Secondly, the most popular tourist destination nearby is undoubtedly Uluwatu Temple. It’s a beautiful place and well worth a visit, even if just to tick it off your to do list. Be warned though, it is absolutely packed with tourists most days. Taxi’s back are tricky so see if your driver there can collect you after! If you are carrying glasses or sunglasses beware of the local Monkey’s whose favorite pastime it seems is to steal them from tourists and destroy them. The best advice I can give you though is to discover one hidden gem and skip one complete rip off.

As soon as you arrive you’ll be told to come to the Kecak Fire Dance at sunset, we weren’t particularly bothered about it but decided ‘seeing as we’re here we might as well’. DON”T! We were crammed into a dangerously overfilled small stadium with people literally packed on top of each other, even in what is meant to be the stairways (so there’s no escape). You sit waiting for ages in the blistering heat before being presented with a ‘fire dance’ which had next to no dancing and the only fire was when they set light to some hay and kicked it around. The show took over an hour and was filled the entire time with the relentless repetition of the ‘dancers’ chanting “chak, chak, chak”. The whole arduous process will also cost you Rp.100,000 which is extremely expensive for this part of the world.

But i’m not here to moan about such a beautiful place, so let’s get to the hidden gem! As you walk around the cliff walk there are several sensational views and photo opportunities. You’ll reach the end of the cliff section of the path before it turns back in land. I must admit by this point my attention had started to wander and instead of clambering for the best view here I was looking over the wall where on the other side was some open grassland, and A PUPPY!!! The guys working here noticed and said it’s fine for me to hop the wall and go play with him, so of course I did! Here’s me and the little pup who’s owner came and chatted to us and told us this little guys name is ‘Paper’.

He also walked us to another pathway which leads to a small restaurant. This is where we discovered the hidden gem. Gazing over the wall hundreds of feet down to the rolling waves of the untouched bay below you can see crystal clear waters, and in these waters, Turtles galore! We sat there enchanted by them as they surfaced and plunged between each wave! Skip the dance, enjoy the Turtles and the sensational sunset views. Uluwatu Temple was worth the trip for this alone!

Boho Bingin enchanted me during my stay there and I can’t wait to return. I’m also extremely excited that later this year they plan to open a second property in Canggu which I also can’t wait to see! If you’re heading to Bali this definitely should be right at the top of your list of places to visit, just make sure you say hello to Daphne and the rest of the incredible Boho Bingin time from me when you’re there!

Eco Initiatives:

Bamboo Straws & Paper Straws

Water Refill Stations

Water source from ocean

Hand towels instead of tissue rolls in their public restrooms

Where to book:

Website Agoda or better yet drop them a personal email saying you found them through Jidienne!

Why to book:

Environmentally friendly

Beautiful rustic, colourful decors

A laid back environment

Calm and chilled atmosphere

Every staff members make you feel right at home

You feel relaxed

Good food

Cool music playing at the communal area

Friendly staff members

Perfect location

Walkable distance to Bingin Beach

Wi-Fi friendly

Has a garden

Features a library and a terrace for you to settle in and relax with a good book

Free WiFi is available throughout the property

Bike or car hire

Getting there:

Journey time: 9km/30 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport Taxi: Rp 500,000 - Rp 1,500,000 Grab Car: Rp 300,000 - Rp 350,000

*Grab Car’s will only come in if they are dropping you off from, or, taking you to somewhere outside the area*

The property is 3.7 km from Uluwatu Temple

Basic Information:

Price Range: $$ Location: Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali - CLICK FOR MAP Distance from Airport: 20.2km via Jalan Raya Uluwatu, 45 minutes Where to book: Direct Booking or Agoda (or better yet drop them a personal email saying you found them through Jidienne!) Social Media: Facebook, Instagram Website: https://www.bohobeachbali.com/ Email: [email protected] Tel: +62 812 4696 4598

Growing up with hormonal acne and constant oily skin, my passion, instinct and intensive research on pure, raw, organic ingredients lead me to create, use and see amazing positive effects from homemade 100% natural skincare products.

Each product introduced in the opening collection was at first a part of my everyday skincare routine at home and whilst I was travelling. The curiosity of friends and family on my transformed and now glowing clear skin brought The Mineraw into action. Currently based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Everything is handmade by me in small batches using the purest high quality, natural, cruelty-free ingredients, and packaged in reusable/recyclable containers.

My lifestyle requires that all the products on The Mineraw are sustainable, organic and effective. I also spend a lot of time traveling, if you’re an avid traveller like me, don’t worry, we got you covered! All our products are travel-size friendly!

I am so happy to now be able to share with you these incredible natural products that worked so well on my skin after years getting nowhere trying all sorts of counter products, I hope you enjoy everything we have to offer on The Mineraw as much as I do.

THEMINERAW.COM > Shop | Facebook | Instagram

If not using a body moisturiser because it takes too long to apply sounds like you, then you can count yourself among the 35% of women in the UK. We know, life’s too short for waiting. Which is why the NEW fast-absorbing Body Yogurts take just 15 seconds to absorb into your skin. Finding time in our busy schedules to take care of our skin is hard, right? Well, now just 15 seconds a day is all it takes for a healthy-looking glow.

Next Level of Body Moisturising

25 years ago, The Body Shop revolutionised body moisturising from a squirt to a scoop, introducing the first ever Body Butter. And now, here comes another game-changing formula – one you can smooth on - and it’s set to completely transform the way you moisturise.

What makes Body Yogurts so special?

Gives your skin a healthy looking, year-round glow

Works on damp skin

Dermatologically tested

Suitable for all skin types

Without paraffin and mineral oil

Fast Absorbing The refreshing gel-cream formula sinks into damp skin in seconds, providing 48 hours of lightweight moisture. Which means you can go from shower to jeans (or pyjamas) in 15 seconds.

No Sticky Finish It’s perfect for a morning or night routine, and is ideal for balmy summer days when you don’t want a sticky finish, or drizzly winter days when you can’t wait to get into your warm flannels

Moisturising Contains biofermented hyaluronic acid to help keep your skin moisturized and quench dry, sensitive skin 

100% Vegan

Infused with vegetable derived glycerin to help retain moisture on the upper layer of the skin, helping it maintain its smoothness and moisture.

Made with community trade almond milk & fruit extracts. These wonder ingredients mean these dreamy, lightweight yogurts can be 100% vegan!

Scent Options Almond Milk Moringa British Rose Strawberry Banaba

Ethically Made

Body Yogurts are all made with Community Trade organic almond milk sourced from Mañán in Alicante, Spain.

The Body Shop have worked with Mañán since 2016.

They provide stability for the cooperative of local, small-scale farmers who extract their almond milk, using low-intensity farming methods.

They use broken nuts that aren’t sold for food and turn unwanted almond husks into compost to help minimise waste.

Community Trade Moringa extract comes from Rwanda. Community Trade English rose essence from Herefordshire. Community Trade organic banana puree is from Ecuador.

Ingredients

Aqua/Water/Eau, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Parfum/Fragrance, Phenoxyethanol, Carbomer, PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Extract/Shea Butter Extract, Musa Sapientum Fruit Extract/Banana Fruit Extract, Dimethiconol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Linalool, Coumarin, Eugenol, Denatonium Benzoate, Ascorbic Acid, Isoeugenol, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Extract/Sweet Almond Seed Extract, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, CI 19140/Yellow 5, CI 15985/Yellow 6

Shop Body Shop HERE Social Media: Website, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube

Hemp 101

What is Hemp: Hemp is the fiber and seed part of the Cannabis Sativa L. plant, opposed to the flower part of the plant which is “legally considered” marijuana. The fiber and seeds are incredible valuable and is why hemp is often called a “cash crop”. Hemp is a very hearty plant and grows very quickly in very diverse soil conditions.

What can you make with Hemp: The two main categories are products made from:

The Fiber and the Stalk of the plant - Can be transformed into a wide variety of textile based products like hemp socks, hemp tee shirts, and more.

The Seed - Can be used to make oil for natural beauty based products, or foods

How is Hemp made:

The Fibers would need to go through multiple stages of processing depending on the end results.

The Seeds would either need to be pressed into oil, or other finishing steps are also available for other applications.

The difference between Hemp vs Marijuana: https://ministryofhemp.com/hemp/not-marijuana/

Where does Hemp come from:

Hemp comes from all over the world. Many countries grow hemp on various scales, from a few acres to a few hundred thousand. 

Some of the largest hemp producing countries are China, Romania, Finland, Canada, Australia, and the United States. As countries, and in the US individual states, continue to remove legal barriers for cultivation of hemp, growth numbers are increasing at significant rates year to year.

Why Hemp:

Naturally UV ray resistant

Wicks moisture

Odor resistant

Mildew resistant

Hemp fabrics are exceptionally durable

It’s the lowest carbon footprint around

Antimicrobials

Farmer’s best friend

Environmentally friendly

Better than cotton

It’s a superfood

It could save the trees

Can be made into bio-fuel

Can build carbon-neutral buildings with it

Can replace plastic

Biodegradable

Sustainable

Ethically made

Incredibly nutritious

Reduce the risk of heart disease

Benefits skin disorders

Great source of plant-based protein

Reduce Symptoms of PMS and Menopause

May aid digestion

Every item you buy made with hemp helps the environment. While one item may seem insignificant, every bit helps.

Uses of Hemp:

What is Hemp Authority?

Hemp Authority is your source for the highest quality hemp apparel, accessories, beauty products, and more. From hats to hemp socks, they got you covered from head to toe. Even hemp tee shirts for in between!

Based out of Orange County, CA with partners across the United States committed to helping them reach their vision. Their primary goal is to establish and expand products in many areas with a commitment to all US based products.

Products sold on Hemp Authority:

Apparels: T-Shirts, Pants, Leggings, Shorts, Socks, Beanies, Accessories: Jewellery, Headbands, Belts, Hats, Bags, Wallets, Footwear, Sandals Beauty: Lip Care, Body Care, Hair Care, Make Up CBD: Supplements & Oils Home: Hand Towel, Wash Cloth, Diaper Liner, Coffee Filter, Wicks, Pouch, Apron, Dream Catches Food: Coffee, Mustard, Hemp Seeds, Teas Paper & Crafts: Notebooks, Yarn, Art Packs, Adhesive Labels, Envelopes, Post Cards

And many more to come! Start shopping HERE

Sustainable & Ethical Initiatives:

Their packaging and shipping follows along with their sustainability practices, it does not end with just hemp.

All invoices and order copies are emailed to you upon placing, no duplicate invoices are printed and put in orders just to be thrown out

All goods are packaged with directly recycled products, mainly newspapers and packaging materials they receive from manufacturers

Products are labeled and packaged as minimalist as they can

Hemp Authority continuously look for new partners in North America for products and services to cut down on shipping within their value chain and reduce the overall carbon footprint of their products.

More FAQs: CLICK HERE

Sign this Petition to Legalize Marijuana: 

https://www.thepetitionsite.com/en-gb/899/827/139/legalize-marijuana-right-now./

Basic Information:

Contact: 323-992-HEMP (4367) Opening Hours: Monday - Friday (9am - 8pm EST) P.O. Box: 10184, Santa Ana, CA 92711 Social Media: Website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

What I love most about this place is the privacy and tranquility. It’s an incredible place to relax and potentially recuperate during your busy trip to Bali and keep every day of your vacation feeling (almost) like the first day you arrived. If you read the reviews on Vivo Villas, surprisingly you see a few criticisms, these are most certainly unjust!

Here’s why; Before you stay anywhere you should take the time to read up a little on the place. Anyone looking to stay at Vivo should therefore definitely be aware of where it is located. The area Vivo Villas lies on is a private property with very little surrounding it. Be sure to rent a scooter or a car if you plan to head out more often. But please be careful if you’ve never ridden a scooter or motorbike before! There is a cafe and a mart about a 10 minute walk away (be sure to do it in daylight) but there are no walkable restaurants nearby, no shops, no bars. You are isolated. However, that’s exactly what I wanted after several days exploring the hustle and bustle of the more touristy areas in Bali. Regular readers may be noticing a theme to my preferences by now; quietness, character, modern amenities and stunning views.

With isolation, you can relax. Read a book or catch up on tv all day (satellite TV is provided) or relax by the pool whilst food is delivered to your door. Considering there are no nearby restaurants to eat, Vivo Villas offers a menu of western and balinese dishes at your disposal. I definitely thought their complimentary breakfast could use more lively ingredients but their pasta selection was pretty good. I love pasta and I am fussy about my pasta, therefore kudos Vivo!

Given how isolated this villa is and the repetition that comes with any extended stay to a location such as this, it might be helpful if the management could perhaps send emails advising on things to do and places to explore, or, provide bicycles for free to explore.

There’s a Billy Connolly phrase I love which says, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes.” And that could be applied here. If you do your research on a place then you should know what you are getting yourself into, therefore what happens after that is all on you. So disregard the negative reviews you might see on Vivo Villas and be aware of where you’re going! A stunning villa which is located in beautiful yet secluded surroundings. If you’re looking for wild nights out this really isn’t for you! Although at one point we did see a Chicken, a Duck and a Dog walking down the road together, so i’m certain wherever they were heading would be great fun!

In my opinion, this is a perfect option for people either looking to end their trip in Bali in a relaxing way, or, alternatively a great getaway for either couples, large groups of friends (maybe take some duty free & entertainment), or even families in search of beautiful villas for a quiet break or a place they won’t be disturbed.

How could you complain when this is your view. A stunning ocean view overlooking the Indian Ocean with its own private pool

Note: Part of their expanding villa complex is still in the construction phase. Available villas for booking are running well. Villa rate in this first-year-trial opening period is 70% of normal rate.

Key Features:

Free WiFi

Dining Area

Kitchenette

Simple yet luxurious bathroom

Infinity Private Pool (some with jacuzzi)

Gazebo to chill whilst staring out into the Indian Ocean

Free Parking

Street parking

Concierge

Air Conditioning

Security Parking

Guest Laundry

WiFi Internet

In-house restaurant

Where To Book:

Website Agoda or better yet drop them a personal email saying you found them through Jidienne!

Why To Book:

Quiet

Secluded

Perfect for a group of friends or family bonding sesh

Relaxing

Comfy bed

Pool and jacuzzi with a view!

Getting There:

700 meters to the West from Pandawa Beach, then follow Vivo Villas' sign

Here’s a few options for transportation on getting to Vivo Villas. My recommendation is to use Grab where possible, it’s just about as efficient, but cheaper than taxis and personal drivers when it comes to moving around in Bali with your suitcase. However, Grab drivers are not overly welcomed in parts of Bali so do be careful.

Journey time: 30 - 45 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport

Grab Car: Rp 70,000 - Rp 90,000 Grab Bike: Rp 30,000 - Rp 50,000 Taxi: Rp 100,000 - Rp 250,000

Basic Information:

Price Range: $$$$ Location: Jl. Karang Pandawa V, No. 8  Bali, Ungasan, Kuta Selatan, Kutuh, Badung, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80364 Indonesia - CLICK FOR MAP Distance: 15-minute drive from Jimbaran and 30-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport How to book: Direct Booking or Agoda (or better yet drop them a personal email saying you found them through Jidienne!) Social Media: Facebook, Instagram Website: https://www.vivovillas.com/ Email: [email protected] Tel: +62 821 2778 8870, +62 812 2000 330

What is it:

A sanitary menstrual pad, but reusable not disposable like the ones you buy at the convenient stores. They are a type of reusable feminine hygiene product, and are an alternative to disposable sanitary napkins or to reusable menstrual cups. 

Made from:

Generally they are made from layers of absorbent fabrics (such as cotton or hemp) which are worn by a woman while she is menstruating, for post-birth bleeding or any other situation where it is necessary to absorb the flow of blood from the vagina, or to protect underwear from regular discharge of vaginal fluids.

Why switch:

• Reusable • Less expensive $$$ - You don’t have to buy sanitary pads ever again! • Good for the environment - Eliminates unnecessary sanitary product waste. • You no longer expose yourself to the potentially harmful chemicals and synthetic materials found in most disposable pads and tampons. • It’s compact and you only need to carry one when you travel unlike disposable ones • It's sanitary, doesn't leak and easier to clean than you think • Have health benefits • It’s empowering.

How to use it:

Just like your old disposable pad but clip the back this time instead.

When to use:

Your last days of your period when it’s not overflowing. Use a menstrual cup for heavier days.

How to wash:

For lightly soiled, just toss them in the washing machine with your other laundry. For moderately to heavy soiled, pre-rinse in cold water to remove as much stain, then toss them in the washing machine with your other laundry.

Where to buy:

7pieces Set 1pc Mini Wet Bag - &15.99 - BUY HERE 6pieces Charcoal Bamboo - $13.99 - BUY HERE 5pack with Charcoal Absorbency - $14.99 - BUY HERE

Further investigation: CLICK HERE

Why:

Scientific point of view: • Plastic consumption is increasing worldwide. Annual consumption of plastic bottles is predicted to exceed half a trillion by 2021. Recycling initiatives and efforts are making progress, but they can’t keep up • One million birds die and 100,000 marine mammals and sea turtles die every year from plastic • By 2050, some studies suggest there will be more plastic than fish in the sea • One in two camels in the UAE dies from consuming plastic • About 4% of the world’s oil production is utilised as feedstock for making plastic products, making plastics manufacturing a large source of greenhouse gas emissions. • Study shoes seafood eaters ingest up to 11,000 tiny pieces of plastic every year (Plastic bottles -> Landfills -> Ocean -> Melts into the ocean -> Fishes eating plastic or breathing in plastic chemicals -> You eating seafood)

The Stainless Steel or Glass bottles itself: • Environmentally friendly • Stainless steel don’t contain harmful chemicals • They keep mold and bacteria at bay • Sustainble • They don’t retain flavours • They keep your water cold or hot longer • Drinking from these bottles are cheaper when you think about it. Try counting how much you spend on plastic water bottles in a year • It’s just pure water from these two options that is fresh and taste better

Clearly, it’s time for everyone to look for alternatives to plastic bottles. Quit living out of convenience! Don’t be lazy!

PS: Reusable plastic bottles even if its BPA free isn’t healthy for you or the environment.

How to clean:

1. Pour hot water 2. Close the lid 3. Shake to rinse 4. Drain out water 5. Let it dry * Hot water kills bacteria and unwanted smells*

Where to buy:

Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Double Wall  (4 Sizes in 40+ Styles) - BUY HERE - Stainless Steel Sports Bottle Jug for Cyclists, Runners, Hikers, Camping 34OZ - BUY HERE - Zulu Atlas Glass Water Bottle with Flip Lid, Teal, 20 oz - BUY HERE - Contigo Purity Glass Water Bottle, 20 oz, Smoke with Silicone Tether - BUY HERE -

Now onto those details I mentioned;

Located on top of Sumberkima Hill, this stunning retreat offers beautiful individually designed private luxury villas, each one carefully planned and crafted to harmonize with its rugged surroundings. The villas provide a wonderful Balinese contemporary atmosphere whilst still having all the services of a top line resort at your disposal. Sumberkima Hill Retreat offers incredible 360° views; to the North, the Bali sea, to the West the famous Barat National Park and to the South & East, the mountains & valleys of North West Bali. If you’re lucky, on a clear day, you can even see a line of volcanoes located on Java 60-70 km away! With such breathtaking views every way you look, you’ll gaze in awe at your surroundings with an overwhelming feeling of enlightenment each and every day of your stay!

The name “Sumberkima” itself, is a seaside village next to Pemuteran and close to Menjangan Island (Deer island!). Located in West Buleleng Regency, in the North-West corner of Bali.

The retreat is a 3-5 hour drive from Denpasar (yes, Bali traffic can be that unpredictable) initially making your way past the more tourist packed areas before you emerge into my preferred version of Bali, consisting of paddy fields, small villages, smiling Balinese locals, coastlines, mountains and waterfalls.

As you arrive at the retreat, you will enter one of the narrowest roads imaginable, with flora and fauna surrounding you, it’s as if you are entering a portal into the unknown. I felt a rush of excitement knowing we were traversing into somewhere comparatively untouched for such a popular tourist destination. As soon as you park you’re overwhelmed by the sights surrounding you as you step out of the car. Once you make your way down to reception, the first thing you see is the yoga space with a view, it’s absolutely jaw dropping!

Each villa has its own private infinity swimming pool, the perfect setting to relax and take in the stunning and diverse views of the ocean, mountains and islands.

The versatility of the villa selection is such that it is suitable for families, couples & even groups of friends. But no matter which category you fall under, be sure to stay for more than 1 night as you’ll hate yourself if you don’t! A minimum of 3 nights in my humble opinion!

Sumberkima Hill offers great food at reasonable prices in it’s very own, Suma Restaurant. Suma is housed in an open Javanese joglo with a gorgeous panoramic view. The menu caters for all tastes, from Indonesian food to Western & Pan Asian. Being a vegetarian, there were plenty of options to choose from! Even vegans would be proud! My favourite dish on the menu was the Alfredo Pasta with mushrooms instead of meat (you’ll need to ask to swap in the mushrooms on it), and any of the iced teas are a must! I’ve never seen anywhere that does Lemongrass Iced Tea so well! There’s even a specials board every day, created by Sumberkima’s very own on-site chef who was brought in by the owners due to his creativity!

Speaking of the owners, Sumberkima Hill Retreat is run by the incredible Bernard & Jane. As soon as we arrived they gave us a wonderful warm welcome and we immediately felt at home. Throughout our entire stay they proceeded to not just be great hosts, but by the end we consider them to be true friends! (it’s even Facebook official now!) Jane’s warm bubbly personality and Bernard’s charming relaxed demeanour, combined with a shared cheeky sense of humour make them the perfect companions as you get to know all that is Sumberkima. 

How Sumberkima Hill Retreat came to be:

I'll try and keep a long story short on just how Bernard & Jane created this incredible retreat;

Having fallen in love with the North of Bali, Bernard & Jane connected with the area so much that they moved there about 10 years ago. One fine day, they were told about some land on Sumberkima Hill, going at a reasonable rate. With it’s special atmosphere, natural beauty, amazing views and the renowned kindness of the local community, the couple said yes, but still had no plans on creating the retreat you see today.

Bernard’s ingenuity, resourcefulness and eye for design was noticed soon after he had constructed the beginnings of the first property there, with the idea being to build a house for the family with good potential on the rental market. Seeing what a great idea this was, a friend asked Bernard if he could also make them a property there?  

The couple decided to take on the project, a.k.a. build villas for people on their land. At first they had no intention of creating the amazing place you see before you today. Both Bernard & Jane joked with us about how they initially discussed how incredible it would be if they could achieve 3 or 4 villas there.

Today there are 25 spectacular villas either completed or in the process of being completed at Sumberkima Hill and the land is so vast and contoured that even 60 villas wouldn’t feel overcrowded. Sometimes the best ideas and businesses come about organically and Sumberkima epitomises this!

So much so that the Retreat has now developed into a much bigger project, a project they can invite other people to join, a project that you yourself can join! (Scroll down for more details on how to own Holiday Home at Sumberkima!)

The goal for this project is to create an environment that they love to spend time and where they can invite other people to be part of a memorable experience.

To achieve this, they wanted to create something special, something remarkable, and that’s exactly what they have done. Sumberkima Hill now develops a private villa community with stunning views and location, it offers you the amazing opportunity to co-create your dream home to live in as much or as little as you want and handles rental whilst you are away, it then caps everything off with great staff and services that make this picture perfect retreat complete!

Sustainable Initiatives:

• Sumberkima’s water is provided by their very own wells with a filtration system • They use natural spring-water • Use of Paper Straws at the restaurant • Reusable water bottles (refilled everyday by the cleaning staff)

• Reforestation Sumberkima Hill have initiated a reforestation program for the hill to the south of the retreat. This hill is part of the Barat National Park. Trees there have been cut down in the past to be used as firewood. The leader of the local banjar is part of this project that is also supported and maintained by the community. As this is a dry area for large parts of the year, young trees need extra support in the first three years. You can adopt and sponsor a part of this project if you wish. Contact them HERE

• Reef Restoration Together with local dive instructor Totok, Bernard & Jane are working on a reef restoration for the bay of Sumberkima. Totok is a Sumberkima local who has been involved in the setting up of a the Bio-rock project in nearby Pemuteran. He knows the Bay area very well and is extremely concerned about saving the reef for the future generations. The project is in development with bio reef art pieces being designed around the theme of “Change” by the locals. This project is open for sponsorship, volunteering and contributing if you as an artist would like to contribute an art piece. Contact them HERE

Bernard & Jane were kind enough to take me out to see the bio reef up close for myself. Years of Ocean mismanagement have seen waters in this area (and around the world) deprived of their former beauty. Initiatives like this one however that provide the reintroduction of corals and bio reefs as well as equally importantly, educating the local community, can go a long way into restoring their former glory! Upon snorkelling the site, already we could see various fish species calling the first few sculptures that have been placed in the water their home and thriving there!

Upcoming Infrastructure at Sumberkima Hill:

Shops, restaurants, roads, underground electrical cables.

What To Do:

This retreat is heaven for those searching for some quieter times whilst still providing plenty of activities for those looking for more adventurous entertainment around the hill.

RELAX!

Lounge around at your very own private pool

Watch both the sunrise and sunset (To the East, watch the sunrise over the coast and nearby valley & mountains. To the West you can watch the beautiful sunset behind the volcanoes of Java)

Get a balinese massage or Ddo some yoga with a gorgeous panoramic view

Diving and snorkeling tours on Menjangan Island

Cooking classes

Kayaking

Village Walks

Boat Tour in the Bay

Guided Trekking in Bali Barat National Park

Bird Watching

Temple Tours

Horse-Back Riding

Buffalo Races

Surfing Medewi beach

Explore Menjangan Island

Explore the Sumberkima Reef and Pemuteran Reef

Turtle Conservation Project Perancak

Visit Bio-Rock Pemuteran

Other Facilities & Services:

Custom Tours

Private Mini Bar

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner at the on-site restaurant, Suma

Laundry & Ironing

Taxi & Airport Driver

Getting There:

Distance from Airport: 142km - 145.2km The journey: 3 - 5 hours from Ngurah Rai International Airport through some of the most interesting landscapes in Bali

Option 1: Organize with the retreat for a car and driver to pick you up at the airport or your hotel and drive you to Sumberkima Hill. Cost: around Rp 800.000

Option 2: Use Grab where possible, it’s just about as efficient, but cheaper than taxis and personal drivers when it comes to moving around in Bali with your suitcase. Cost: Rp 500,000 - Rp 600,000

Option 3: The usual Bali taxis or local drivers who tend to have fixed rates Cost: Rp 1,000,000 - Rp 2,500,000

Option 4:

If you plan on driving yourself and you’re coming from the south: • The route through Munduk will take you past the beautiful scenic lakes & the mountains • The route through Pupuan will show you amazing rice terrace panoramas

Coordinates (for GPS): 114º36'33" E, 8º9'0.66" S Detailed driving information: CLICK HERE

Looking to Invest in a Holiday Home?

As I mentioned, you can build your very own villa at Sumberkima Hill!

As their popularity increases and the North of Bali becomes more renowned amongst tourists you too can own a property that not only is beautiful, but also has the potential of being a wonderful investment (NOTE: I am not an investment property expert, I have no clue on the matter so please don’t simply take my word for it! However, the villa owners I was lucky enough to meet seemed delighted with their choice.)

There are several options available, from 1 bedroom apartments to large 6 bedroom villas. Of course, one of the key features for any villa at Sumberkima is the sensational views.

The building quality is high with a clear focus on durability and sustainability and of course several community oriented initiatives. Along with the multi talented Bernard you can design your ideal property! The villas will be fully managed and offer interesting investment, both on the level of value increase and yearly rental income.

Once your holiday home is complete you can stay there as often or as little as you want and Bernard & Jane handle management of the villas whilst you’re away. One rule Bernard & Jane live by with this project is that they only want to build villas that fit people who are equally passionate.

For more information, CLICK HERE

Help Out:

Volunteer: Reef Restoration Project Reforestation Project

Contribute: (for Reef Restoration Project) Art Pieces Marine/Conservation knowledge Dive Instructor - Dive instructors would be welcomed for teaching diving and marine conservation to the local community

Sponsor/Donate: Reef Restoration Project Reforestation Project (Open for a tree adoption)

For all the above, contact Sumberkima Hill HERE

Basic Information:

Price Range: $$$ Where to book: Website, Agoda (or drop them a personal email saying you found them through Jidienne!) Distance from Airport: 142km via Jalan Singaraja - Gilimanuk Location: Jalan Sumberkima - CLICK FOR MAP Coordinates (for GPS): 114º36'33" E, 8º9'0.66" S Social Media: Facebook, Instagram Website: http://www.sumberkimahill.com/ Email: [email protected] Tel: +62 823 4004 9363 / +62 813 3863 9909

As someone born and raised around South East Asia, I find it hard to believe that we are amongst the worst culprits for being ignorant about our usage of single use plastics. Just a few weeks before I arrived in Bali, this now viral video was filmed;

In fact during the course of writing this post yet another immediately viral post (picture below) from Bali exposing the issues with plastics here has emerged. And it's not surprising when not only the majority of consumers, but also (arguably more importantly) those responsible for providing these single use plastics are seemingly ignorant to the issue. Let me put it this way, when you buy a drink, it (POINTLESSLY!) comes with a plastic straw, a few sips later you bin it, it gets thrown away and then on to a landfill for “sorting” (well, that’s what they claim to be doing), it unfortunately all too regularly ends up in the ocean, polluting the water and then fish & other marine life. You may then eat this seafood which ends with you consuming microplastics. Read more about consuming plastic here: http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-42270729

We are so ignorant to the issue! It bothered me to the point I started making changes to how much plastic I consume at home. You can check out the changes I’ve been incorporating here:  http://jidienne.com/tagged/consciousliving

I carry a stainless steel straw with me wherever I go and always order my drinks "no straw" and yet out of sheer bad habit, almost every time my drink arrives with at least one straw in it. The reaction is then ‘ooops, I'll bin it’ which is the entire reason I didn't want the straw initially. To come full circle on this story; I love Bali, but throughout my time here that has been a huge issue, except in one place, Puri Dajuma Eco Beach Resort.

This resort is a dream for every eco-conscious being with numerous eco friendly and conscious living policies that don’t impact upon your stay as ignorant naysayers assume, but in fact improve upon the experience! Let’s start with the basics; The resort comprises of luxury accommodation right on the beach surrounded on all sides by nature. Having the beach at your doorstep allows for great activities such as surfing or bodyboarding during the day and with it’s westerly facing views sunsets are the best way to end the day!

Enjoy a sunset dinner at one of Puri Dajuma’s selection of restaurants each with a varied (vegetarian friendly) menu & serving beautifully cooked fresh food! If you go, make sure you ask for Yudi who’s casual chilled persona sets you right at ease.

With a fantastic view of the beach, the boats and the ocean, their spa & yoga center will keep you in peak form, both physically & mentally! I opted for a Medical Massage which is more than an hour of full body massage that eliminates your skeletal and muscular pains performed by qualified masseuse in the pure Balinese tradition. After the massage, you will be served a cup of tea of your choice between Ginger or Green Tea with the view of the ocean in their lounge area.

The resort is now 16 years old but has been maintained in such a way that it still feels luxuriously modern. Those 16 years however have allowed it to grow into its natural surroundings so as to almost feel naturally part of them with rooms neatly intertwined with trees, flowers & gardens.

Set in the quiet regency of Jembrana this resort is great for those seeking to escape the more hectic south. In my opinion, ideal for couples, honeymooners, families and those just need a little luxury weekend away in quiet chilled surroundings.

Puri Dajuma is well known in the region as being eco friendly and is very proud of that fact. Their marketing manager Rondy was kind enough to sit down with me and run me through more of their eco friendly policies.

Eco-Policies:

Composting Organic Waste • To be used as fertiliser for gardening on the grounds.

Glass & Plastic Recycling • Recycled to Bank Sampah Abukasa and the money is then donated to the local community

Energy Saving • The whole resort uses low consumption of lighting and limit their use of air-conditioning

Rainwater Collection • Then used to water the plants around the resort

Social Staffing Policy • They pride themselves of only employing 99% local staff

Support of local communities & projects • Active donations to local orphanages and sea turtle protection projects

Green Procurement • Only purchasing organic and fresh food from the local farmers and fisherman

NO PLASTIC STRAW POLICY • They purchase locally made Bamboo straws which are used in the drinks served

Water Refill Stations near all rooms • They try not to hand out plastic bottles but instead provide a jug in every room to be refilled with water from nearby stations

Green Friday • Once a month, Puri Dajuma holds a beach clean up with staff members taking part to make a difference in their surrounding area

What Puri Dajuma Offers:

• Environmentally friendly policies • Beachfront Restaurants - 4 Dining choices • Bars - 4 choices in the restaurants and by the pool • Spa & Wellness Centre - Yoga, Massage, Beauty Treatment • Hall - Yoga, Meditation, Meetings • Pools - 2 infinity Swimming Pools, 3 kid’s pools, 60m swimming lane, jacuzzi, waterfall & slide for swimming • Beach Activities - Surfing Lessons, Stand-Up Paddle Boarding, Body Boarding, Sea Kayak, Off-Shore Fishing, Motorboating or Sailing • Dajuma Activities - Cycling around, Cooking Lessons, Massage Lessons, Dance Lessons, Ping-Pong, Badminton, Petanque, Volley-Ball • Tours - CLICK HERE • Relaxing areas - Along the beach, in the garden or on the pool decks, hammocks, sunbeds, sun loungers and gazebos await your visit • Free Home Cinema & library - Large screen satellite TV with a selection of movies and cartoons, books in several languages • Shop - Selection of fine handicrafts and utility products • Free parking • Baby sitting service • Room service • Laundry service

Where to book:

Website Agoda or better yet drop them a personal email saying you found them through Jidienne!

Why To Book:

• Environmentally friendly initiatives • Options of cottages, suites or villas • Beachfront dining • Quiet, away from the hustle of touristy area • A local touch of Bali at it’s finest • Asian, European, American & Vegetarian food • In touch with nature • Sandy beach at your feet! Just a few steps from your room, enjoy the softness of volcanic sand which color changes every day from glittering grey to coral powder depending on the tide. Ideal for strolling around and enjoy stunning sunsets! • A POOL SLIDE,  A SLIDE, A SLIDE, A SLIDE !!

Getting There:

Journey time: 2 - 3 hours from Ngurah Rai International Airport Taxi: Rp 500,000 - Rp 1,500,000 Grab Car: Rp 300,000 - Rp 350,000

The Cottages, Suites & Villas:

35 Rooms in total spread around a 1.5 hectare tropical garden, comprising:

18 Cottages Deluxe Cottages:

Garden View

King or twin beds

Bathroom with indoor bathtub and shower + outdoor shower in private garden

Private terrace

Typical Balinese decor

Ubud paintings

VIP Cottages:

Ocean View

King size or twin Beds

Bathroom with indoor bathtub and shower + outdoor shower in private garden

Private terrace

Typical Balinese decor

Ubud paintings

2 Suites Silver Suite:

Ocean View

Family Suite

Living room with kitchenette

1 Bedroom with king size bed

1 Bedroom twin beds

Bathroom

Terrace

Satellite

Gold Suite:

Ocean View

Great for Honeymooners/Couples

King size bed + living room

Bathroom with jacuzzi

Indoor & outdoor shower

Terrace

5 Villas Pondok Segara Villa: “Pondok Segara” means “hut on the beach” in Balinese

Authentic wooden villa 2 bedrooms on the beach

Panoramic view of the ocean

Master Bedroom with a king size bed

Ensuite bathroom with bathtub, outside shower & private garden

Living room with terrace

Junior bedroom with 1 king size bed & 1 double

Bed on mezzanine

Ensuite bathroom with outdoor shower

Terrace

An original Jineng (Rice Barn) architecture typical from Bali

Direct access to the beach

Bendega Villas: “Bendega” means “fishermen” in Balinese

3 bedroom villa

Breathtaking view of the ocean for all

A nice, original & comfortable design respecting the Balinese tradition

The 4 villas edge a 60 metre long swimming pool which looks like a river flowing to the ocean. Pool consist of a jacuzzi, waterfall, slide & 2 kid pools

A pool deck + Bar & grill

1st floor

1 bedroom with King size bed and balcony

Ensuite bathroom with bathtub & shower

Ground floor

2 bedrooms + 2 bathrooms

King size or twin beds

1 living room with toilet

3 terraces

Basic Information:

Price Range: $$ Star Rating: ★★★★ Location: Pekutatan, Jembrana Regency. North West of Bali - CLICK FOR MAP Distance: Beach front! Less than a 3 minute walk to the beach Where to book: Direct Booking or Agoda (or better yet drop them a personal email saying you found them through Jidienne!) Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter Website: http://dajuma.com/ Email: [email protected] Tel: +62 811 388709 | +62 365 4501211

(** I know most of my posts are straight to the point, which you guys enjoy, but trust me, this guesthouse is worth a bit more reading. For those of you with a slightly shorter attention span, scroll down for the bullet points on whether Kembali Lagi Guesthouse could be the place for you! **)

Part of the beauty of Kembali Lagi is it’s character which is a true embodiment of owners, Camille & John. Their passion, enthusiasm and wonderfully warm spirit makes you feel right at home! Originally from Washington, D.C. but with plenty of SE Asian experience, Camille & John relocated about 6 years ago and have called Sanur home ever since. With a history back in the States of undertaking housing renovations, they transferred their knowledge and skill in this field over to Bali, transforming Kembali Lagi Guesthouse into what it is today! Their stunning design and premium furnishings add character to every room! Their warm character shines through the Kembali Lagi Staff who Camille intentionally selected with relatively little hospitality experience and trained up to provide exactly the type of service they expect (and I for one loved!) I was treated so well, it’s as if you are guests in their own home.

I also know that this was a truly genuine feeling and one that you too would walk away with following a stay at Kembali Lagi Guesthouse. How do I know this? Because Camille, John & all of the staff there care about each and every creature that enters their premises. For example, a few weeks prior to my stay someone dropped a heavily pregnant cat in front of the guesthouse. Camille who could have walked past it without thinking twice instead decided to house it in one of the rooms that they could have been charging for! But refreshingly, the bottom line isn’t the dictator of their decisions and as such, 5 adorable kitties have since been born! Camille has since had them vaccinated and staff members will be adopting them just as soon as they are big enough!

Where to book:

Website , Agoda , or better yet drop them a personal email saying you found them through Jidienne!

Why to book:

• Kembali Lagi Guesthouse treats their guests as though they were guests in their home! • It provides genuine luxury at an affordable rate. • All the rooms use premium furnishings, bedding and amenities normally found in 4-5 star hotels. • The Pool is at your doorstep. • Free breakfast with fresh ingredients and gourmet coffee. • Great free Wifi in the rooms and throughout the property. • Excellent location (In the heart of Sanur’s Batu Jimbar beachside tourist district just a 5-7 minute stroll from cafes, shops, spas and the famous Sanur beach) • Near to a variety of restaurants: Italian, Indian, Japanese, Western, Balinese • Insider knowledge! Not only did Camille recommend great places to go but also useful practical information such as don’t go to a money exchange on a Sunday when the banks are closed which see’s others drop their price. If you ask nicely she might even recommend the specific changer where telling them Kembali Lagi sent you will get you the absolute best market rate! • They take care of you! (Airport transportation, 24 hour check in, Restaurant and Spa recommendations and reservations, customized Tours and Excursions, boat tickets to neighbouring islands..etc)

Getting there:

Here’s a few options for transportation on getting to Kembali Lagi. My recommendation is to where possible use Grab, it’s just about as efficient, but cheaper than taxis and personal drivers when it comes to moving around in Bali with your suitcase.

Journey time: 30 - 45 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport Taxi: Rp 100,000 - Rp 250,000 Grab Car: Rp 70,000 - Rp. 90,000 Grab Bike: Rp 30,000 - Rp. 50,000

The Rooms:

Superior I

Huge king size four-post canopy bed (Super Comfy!)

Lovely indoor sitting area overlooking the pool and Koi pond

Air Conditioner + Ceiling Fan

Flat-Screen TV, DVD Player, Fridge, Safe, Armoire

Lovely clean bathroom with a powerful warm shower

FYI, Can be combined with the family suite to accommodate larger groups

Superior II

All the beautiful aspects as Superior I room, plus;

Private poolside patio with cocktail table & a traditional Balinese bench.

FYI, Can also be combined with the family suite to accommodate larger groups.

Family Suite

Incredible spacious & airy two-story house

Full-service kitchen with breakfast bar, fridge, stove, microwave & water cooler.

Living room overlooking the pool.

Master bedroom with king-size four-post bed and sitting area shares an over-sized bathroom with the nearby child’s room with a traditional Javanese daybed (suitable for two small children)

Air Conditioners + Ceiling Fans in each bedroom as well as the living room/kitchen

2 Flat-Screen TV’s & DVD Players

Deluxe Rooms

All the trimmings including Aircond, Ceiling Fan & each appointed with a Queen-size bed & Flat-Screen TV

Marble tiled bathroom with pebble floor shower, separate vanity/sink & a private poolside sitting area Fan

Standard Rooms

Queen-size bed, Aircon, Ceiling Fan, Flat Screen TV, Fridge, Safe

Marble bathroom with pebble floor shower, separate vanity/sink

Jidie’s Hot Tip:

If like me you like to travel around & explore each destination you visit then begin your Bali trip with Sanur and more to the point, Kembali Lagi Guesthouse. Conveniently located a short ride from the Airport, right on the beach and with a nice relaxed atmosphere it’s the perfect way to begin your trip!

Basic Information:

Price Range: $ (Affordable luxury!) Location: In the heart of Sanur, on Jalan Kesari, No.36 - CLICK FOR MAP Distance: 5-7 minute stroll from cafes, shops, spas & the famous Sanur beach Where to book: Website, Agoda, or better yet drop them a personal email saying you found them through Jidienne! Social Media: Facebook, Instagram Website: http://www.kembalilagi.com/ Email: [email protected] Tel: +62 361 281766

To let go of fears that prevent the metamorphosis of dreams into existence. To appreciate home. To appreciate the various kinds of beauty. To realize the limitation of your own view. To illuminate the multitude of colors that is the core of your being. To unearth the parts of your reality buried deep under the comfort blanket of the mundane. To release all that you have suppressed. To be able to look in a mirror and stare at yourself straight in the eye. To break free from the rut, from the monotony of it all. To let go of the convoluted stories and fallacies that cloud your truest self. To nurture the parts of yourself that need more love. So that you can love yourself, your whole self, unconditionally.

Travel, a fast track to enlightenment.

Whether it’s money, grades, promotions, popularity, attention, or just plain material things we want, scientists agree: seeking out external rewards is a sure path to sabotaging our own happiness.

Some people want a huge house filled with luxuries and cars. Others just want a tiny cabin alone in the woods away from those kinds of people.

Pollution originates from human desire. As people have endless greed and desires, they keep wanting more and are never content. This had led to irreparable environmental problems worldwide.

What would a society without work look like? Post-work, the radical idea of a world without jobs, has become popular with a new generation of thinkers. While work shapes our routines, they believe unethical working conditions and unstable wages is affecting our social mobility and self-worth.

Why HARA?

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These intimates are created consciously and sustainably to have zero impact on the earth

They are packaged in reusable cloth bag and in a paper box which is biodegradable.

HARA is great for days when you just want to chill in bed or on the couch watching Netflix wrapped up in a sweater or a blanket.

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