Gay Surfers Net has announced its first members’ surf trip in Indonesia – a 10+ day boat trip for 10 guys and girls to surf Sumatra’s famous archipelago. The Mentawai Islands, a chain of about 70 islands and islets off the western coast of Sumatra, are about 1860 km (1160 miles) from Bali.

There are 3 potential trips to choose from, but only the most popular one will be selected.

Surfers can pick from:

• Samudra – 4-15 Sep for $3300 USD
• Mikumba - 24 Sep – 5 Oct for US $2500
• King Millenium II – 7-19 October for $3200
• Note, the break is quite challenging, so this trip is better suited to more experienced surfers.

More Information

The Gay Surfers community is developing a Travel Section on their website, which in time will reference surfspots and gay friendly businesses (surf shops, surf schools, cafés, bars, etc) for every city where there are waves.

For instance, Dee Farrell, a Gay Surfer member living in Bali, operates Rainbow Tourism Bali with information on local beaches and accommodation for visitors.  See Gay Surfers Indonesia.

Full of Life: Jewelry with Juju

Libido Bali is a shop in the heart of Seminyak’s shopping strip. It sells many brass, silver and gold plated jewelry items – including their own designs, Street Dogs and JuJu Art Jewelry.  Around the corner is the company’s flagship store lovingly called FAG.

The Folk Art Gallery is the place for art, adornment, antiques, collectible and wearable jewelry, and textiles from around the world. You’d never know from the exterior that it houses a substantial collection of museum-quality antique art. The shop specialises in Asian arts, especially pieces from Burma. It also houses one of the largest Naga jewelry collections in the world.

The owners of Folk Art Gallery Bali cater to the discerning tastes of world travellers. John, chief collector-owner and friend Linda who manages the gallery have been collecting and trading in folk art for more than 30 years. “We have a commitment to preserving the past and to offering only authentic and museum quality items. We collect all of our offerings ourselves and can relate stories about every one of the 6000 items in stock. We can put our fingers on a Navajo rug or exotic glass ring in seconds from knowing the inventory intimately,” says Linda.

Put to the test, the Rainbow Rambler inquired about Peacocks – and found motifs on a 19th century Burmese altar and on modern earrings.

FAG is hard to find off the street, but hard to forget once you cross the threshold of the duplex shop.  Seek and you shall find rare, one of a kind and perfect gifts for those special friends back home.  BTW, it’s across the  road if you’re staying at Chandra Luxury Villas, adjacent to Paul’s if you need a massage after shopping till you drop.

Short on time for your Bali escape? Make the most of your holiday with a jam-packed stay in the gay hot spot – Seminyak. It’s intoxicating.

Despite the maddening crowds on the beaches and small streets, this micro-destination has a lot of tasty bites and satisfying shopping. It is probably the best known gay hot spot on Bali, for the sparkling surf beaches, late night club circuit, and diversity of restaurants and stylish shopping. Not to mention closeness to the international airport and abundance of accommodations, adventures and attractions.

Seminyak Strip Selections

From Street Dogs Gallery to male-only Spartacvs Bali Hotel, from M2 Spa for men to massages at Paul’s Place, you might think it’s appealing only to gay men. There’s plenty of interest to women, too, and places where both are seen sipping, shopping and surfing.

In one weekend, you can do a retail therapy stroll from folksy (Folk Art Gallery) to chic (Carga) to the vibrant (Libido Bali), eat healthy at a buzzing with music restaurant (Biku) or romantically on the beachfront (La Lucciola), enjoy the beach (Double Six is busy and Canggu is quiet), and experience a spectacular sunset session at KuTeDa or at the new rage called Potato Head Beach Club. Both are steps from the sea and on top of most visitors’ must do list. When in Rome…

Most of the recommended lodging in Seminyak is within walking distance to all of the above, and the others are a 5-15 minute taxi ride. They range from Bali Mystique hotel at the budget end to Chandra Luxury Villas as the other bookend. The nearby lodging for the unhotel, relaxed home-away-from-home feeling are Moon Villas (mainly men) and Villa Turkuaz (great for double couples or families with kids).

Need a friendly bed down in Bali? Check out the Rainbow Tourism Bali Accommodation and the accommodations page on Rainbow Tourism Bali. All of them are GOO (gay owned or operated) or RTA (Rainbow Tourism Accredited).

Souvenir Shopping? Think art and jewelery.

Gay Owned Galleries: Folk Art Gallery, Street Dogs, and Jewelry with JuJu.

This is a hot meeting place for local gay and lesbian community as well as LGBT tourists staying at the hotel or wandering up from town…a 15 minute stroll from Ubud’s buzzing main road. Locals and visitors are finding this a fun place to visit after dark, for the cocktails, wine and beer selections, sexy tapas and live acoustic and DJ performances.

The environmentally friendly premises (artwork, decor out of recycled plastic water bottles) is unusual also for its unusual shape and bright graffiti painting on its exterior.

d’Omah Bali experience peace and tranquility in the heart of Ubud is a haven designed for lovers of art and craft in a beautiful tropical setting.

At d’Omah, the facilities are excellent and affordable, including the boutique villa hotel rooms and private luxury villa, intimate and casual garden restaurant, and the Round Bar with its famous Rainbow Sangria.

It also has the largest swimming pool of any boutique hotel in the area, and a spa with indoor and outdoor areas for therapeutic or relaxing treatments.

d’omah in Balinese means “at home”. The prevailing atmosphere is one of serenity, so if seeking a relaxing stay near the bustling cultural center of Ubud with galleries, shops and markets, this is the place. Stay “at home” or “venture out” for more dining, art shops and markets just 15 minute walk from the hotel.

There are garden suites, verandah suites with super sized bedrooms, and the master Jasmine Villa offers two bedrooms on two levels, spacious living area, private pool and a dining pavilion in the garden overlooking the pool and gardens.

Need something larger? D’Omah has a 5-bedroom luxury villa with its own lap pool, butler and staff service, and extensive living areas. Ideals for parties, small wedding catering and wedding party accommodation.

For more information about this Ubud accommodation, please see their website.

Bali’s boom in body, mind, spirit resorts and spas are mainly in Ubud, but many others are scattered north (Lovina) to south (Nusa Dua), east (Amed) to west (Bali National Park).

Adventurous journeys to better health begin with IGLTA member Wellness Travel Global, experts in Indonesian wellness retreats.

Their six-night Bali Island Hopping Wellness Experience allows one to discover the diversity of this legendary island, from misty Mt. Agung in the east to Ubud’s emerald rice terraces in the interior -not to mention the white-sand beaches and dynamic shopping of the south coast coast.

One of the luxury resorts is located in Ubud, one hour north of Denpasar Airport. Bali’s enduring cultural and artistic heritage is most evident in the central highlands around Ubud, where temples grace ancient villages, breezy hilltops and verdant riverbanks. The other wellness resort is located is located 20 minutes south of the capital city and situated on a stunning beach.

The package includes one specially tailored activity per wellness resort. Daily healthy breakfasts, and complimentary concierge airport service (transfer by car and customs clearance assistance).

Starting from USD 5,600 (single or double occupancy), some of the experiences include:

• Personal guided excursions
• Morning cruise
• Trekking
• Biking
• Cultural tours
• Temple visits
• Yoga
• Swimming
• Tennis
• Golfing
• Shopping
• Museums
• Private Balinese dance lessons
• Soufflé cooking classes

…and the list goes on.

Bali Island Hopping & Wellness Experience book direct

Southern Bali Coast…is there a hidden gem hotel and beach for recharging? Something for surfers, sun worshippers, swimmers, running and gym addicts, spa lovers and kids, too?

The Rainbow Tourism Concierge found one in Nusa Dua that just happens to be in the IGLTA and HRC Equality family, too. Rainbow Tourism video visit.

Gays, lesbians and gay families will easily find all the ingredients needed for a recharging Bali holiday at the brand new Courtyard Marriott Bali.  One reason is that Nusa Dua has beautiful weather and blonde beaches, which are clean and suitable for sun bathers who are looking not only for a great tan but serenity. (You can’t say that about a lot of the Bali beaches in other well-known resort areas).

The Courtyard has its own lagoon-size pool, but for those who want to lie on a white sandy beach overlooking the Indian Ocean, the hotel’s beach club is just the answer. They take you there in 3 minutes by shuttle, just behind the shopping area called Bali Collection.

Just 15 m from the shoreline there are two tiny islands, hence the region’s name. At low tide, you can reach both by foot and explore for a few minutes each before getting back to the club. Unlike some other hotels, Courtyard offers complimentary sun loungers and umbrellas along with dedicated beach facilities such as showers, restaurant and bar with sea view for sipping on a cocktail and relaxing

Peninsula Beach is also great for surfing, and you can rent a board on site. A short stroll from the sand and there are cafes selling the two favorite beach drinks – fresh young coconut and cold beer. When ready for fine dining or poolside meals, head back to your Marriott.

If there for romantic escape, try their treatment package for couples such as the 90-min exotic massage or age-defying collagen facial.

This brand new, fresh-concept and simply decorated (not traditional Balinese) hotel is a charming little hidden gem. It is also a spa destination that welcome everyone, from children to couples. There are 12 uniquely designed treatments including traditional balinese massage, bamboo massage and reflexology, as well as a fun children’s treatment package using edible ingredients.

Courtyard Marriott Bali – a place to eat, drink, stay, swim recharge at the beach club, in the gym or at the cosy C-Spa.

• Book direct for special deals
• Also see Marriott Indonesia Hotels

Marriott.com/gaytravel is the first hospitality portal tailored for lesbian and gay customers worldwide, rolling out the welcome mat for gay travellers at all Marriott hotels, including Courtyard Marriott Bali. The brand new hotel is situated in Nusa Dua near the international airport nestled between other 5-star brands and a graceful golf and country club.

This hidden gem on the edge of Ubud sits high above the Agung River, with views to the terraced rice fields on the other side.  The cottages, gardens, and private pools with these views will simply knock your socks off and set the mood for a romantic escape and uniquely Balinese holiday.

“Taman Bebek is a place to soak in the beauty of the Balinese countryside that includes rice fields and a stunning river valley. Perfect getaway for those who appreciate nature and solitude.

Originally the home of American musicologist Colin McPhee. Some areas of the gardens are now more than 70 years old, dating from his tenure. In 1993, landscape artist and writer Made Wijaya acquired the land and rebuilt the original cottages and adding 4 new villas, swimming pools and a lobby/library/cafe and corner happy hour bar. The spa has a professional trainer to help you work out or stretch by the pool, or in your room.

Sold? Ok, what’s included in the Rainbow Romantics package is 4 nights accommodation in one of the cosy cottages, a 1.5 hour massage for both, dinner or lunch served in the new Sayan Restaurant or in your villa, plus a day tour to the Elephant Safari Park in Ubud.

Plus you can relax by your private pool all day and take a 15-minute shuttle to town as you please. For information on the low season special (July 1-September 15), contact the gay concierge, a proud member of IGLTA.

Underwater digital photography is becoming one of the most fascinating activities for water enthusiasts around the world.  In beautiful Bali’s clear, warm waters, this is a great learning classroom amongst colourful coral and schools of fish.

If you are a snorkeller, scuba diver or aquatic enthusiast, you can capture the wonder and adventure of the undersea realm with any good-quality point n shoot camera.  (I used a Sony digicam in watertight housing provided by my instructor Cody, co-owner of Blue Corner Dive.)

Before donning the gear and jumping out of the boat, it’s a good idea to scan “The PADI Digital Underwater Photographer Manual,” and the bible for the Coral Triangle, “AustralAsia Scuba Diver,” which places the island’s reefs, mangroves and secret beaches with some of the best dive spots in world, certainly in all Bali.

If you want to photograph Mola Mola or Mantra Rays, go in September.  If you want to stay at a gay-owned eco-resort on paradise, try Cody and Andrew’s resort and dive centre with Oasis Bungalows and the Blue Corner beach bar.  The club on Friday nights is famous for its beach-side chill outs and Full Moon parties. For an unexpected delight, take the seaweed farming tour guided by marine biologist Andrew.

Lembongan island is a 30-minute high-speed boat trip from Sanur.  You can go right from the airport to the port and be there in time for dives, drinks and dines.

If staying on the mainland, you can go there for a day trip. Places to Stay.

Locals savour this cosy cafe.

Locals and tourists make their way to this little cafe with 6 tables and two couch clusters for cheap drinks, free wifi hotspot, and all things sugar ‘n spice.

Warung Mendez is a 15 minute stroll from town, a few paces up the hill behind Blanco Museum.  Just follow the locals or your nose to one of the best-value meals in Ubud.

The tiny kitchen and BBQ grill produce big-flavoured food with Bali and Java spices. The warung (means small restaurant) boasts a big following for its duck and goat leg dishes – both cooked in a secret Javanese spice paste then grilled to perfection.

Gay and lesbian business owners and ex-pat retirees hang out here on “Thirsty Thursdays”  and warmly welcome visitors to their “family” table.  With affable Chef Mendez on hand, no one is a stranger for long. He isn’t nicknamed Sugar N Spice for nothing.

Sampled and savoured, here are my recommendations:

Papaya Salad
Mixed greens, fresh, local papaya, snake bean, tomato and roasted peanuts, with sweet n sour Thai dressing.

BBQ
Free range duck cooked in secret javanese spice paste then grilled to perfection. Served with rice, salad and triad of chili sambals!

Goat Leg
Leg of goat cooked with ginger, clove, cinnamon and local herb then grilled to perfection, served with rice, ginger sauce, salad and three chili sauces. Hot!

Lumpia Basah (Spring Rolls a la Mendez)
Homemade crepes stuffed with cabbage, bean sprout, green shallots and chicken minced with fresh basil.