Amazing Ujung Kulon Adventure Trip

So as I told you guys on my last post, I went to Ujung Kulon for a long weekend Vacation. and It was the most Gorgeous place EVER. This trip is totally recommended to anyone who has that inner naturalist at heart. There were 12 of us who went there and we conquered the long 7-9 hours drive (we got lost on the way there), island hopping, snorkeling, wild oyster feasting at it's own natural habitat (we literally shucked the oysters from the corals), sleeping outdoor plus stargazing and a 2 hour hiking through the jungle and seashores which was ended up being a 4 hours hiking because we got lost. We all got sunburned, got some toned muscle, and came home happy like 12 year old kids after a ridiculously fun summer camp. oohh....happy....so here it is I got some souvenirs to share :) Life is good people!!
ps: we didn't get to see the rhino at all because we were too damn noisy. Rhinos are shy and very sensitive to human smell and movement.

All photos are by Santi Alaysius

Inacraft 2010, Jakarta

Today we spent 6 hours of our precious sunday at Inacraft. Basically it is the biggest yearly Indonesian handycraft fair in Jakarta which involves hundreds of vendors from all over Indonesia. During that glorious 6 hours we practiced the art of walking thru crazy crowds in zig-zag patterns, screening thru merchandise in a lighting speed, navigating thru giant maze of vendors, juggling with shopping bags and haggling for the best possible price. The results: a $30 yellow phyton snakeskin wallet from bali, 3 embroidered linen fans at $3 each from Surabaya, and 2 stingray man's wallet I bought for gifts at $15 each from Jogja. This is a way to support the local businesses. God I love this country!
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone.

Alila Villas Uluwatu, Bali

Pictures Via Contemporist

Gorgeous newly opened villas (beginning of 2009) , Alila Villas Uluwatu in Bali. Designed by a Singapore based firm WOHA. A project with ESA (Enviromentally Sustainable Design) in mind, utilizing as much locally resourced raw materials and recycled wood timbers. Well my dears, I don't have to speak any further, I already put this property in my little black book of places to visit/stay at. I'm sold!! Click here to read further about this article.

Biyan

photos via biyan

Biyan Wanaatmadja, the darling of Indonesian celebrities and high-profile socialites for fashion. He is famous for pieces that are carefully crafted made from opulent materials such as silks, unique stones and immaculate drapings. He also owns a bridal couture house (biyan bride), pret-a-porter line ({X}SML and STUDIO 133) and a furniture/lifestyle boutique (biyan living) at the famous papillon building in Kemang area. Unfortunately, Biyan only available in Jakarta.

Alvin T

The Bell Chair. Photo Via alvin-t.com

Alvin T, Indonesia's product design community hottest talent. Graduated from Melbourne's RMIT in 2004 , Alvin T has been unstoppable since the day he graduated. The first time I saw his work, it was back in 2006 at an export furniture show in Jakarta. I was amazed how fresh his design approach and craftmenships, which in my opinion resembles what you could find from Italian manufacturer. He created the Bell Chair while he was still a student and it was selected to be exhibited in one of the world’s leading furniture fair, Milan Salone Satellite in 2005. He is currently taking a sabbatical and enrolled in a Master degree program at Instituto Europeo de Diseno in Spain. I'm very excited to see what would be the future of Indonesian design industry filled with local talents such as Alvin T. This insight is giving me a more positive note about design industry in my own country. I will be leaving US in a month from today, wish me luck now I'm ready to pursue something bigger and better in my own motherland.