Warm greetings from AlamKulKul Boutique Resort.

I am delighted to present the latest edition of KulKul Beat. This newsletter has been created to keep you updated with all the very latest news, events and special promotions from our resort here on the island of Bali.

Firstly, I would like to take this opportunity to wish our readers a very Happy New Year. Bali recently welcomed a record number of visitors over the festive season and we are looking forward to another great year ahead.

Kuta Beach is currently undergoing a dramatic transformation with the establishment of a new lifestyle complex as well as a 5-star hotel. These facilities will certainly revitalize the entire area and draw more travellers than ever before. We are excited to be located amidst all of these changes and hope that they will have a positive impact on the tourist playground of Kuta.

Throughout 2012 AlamKulKul will be continuing its award-wining environmental programme by planting trees in an effort to re-green the island of Bali. Although we are only a small property, we are determined to show others that together we call really make a difference! This year we will be encouraging our in-house guests and suppliers to join us on our eco-friendly crusade.

Kind regards,

Hery Andizar
Executive Assistant Manager

A new year has begun and so too has another cycle of festivities and special celebrations. The island of Bali has its own unique calendar system of ceremonial dates; however, international holidays are also taken into consideration given the nature of the island’s tourism industry.

The first major event for 2012 will be Chinese New Year on 23rd

January. The Year of the Water Dragon is expected to be a time of prosperity and happiness. In the ancient practice of Chinese astrology the dragon is a symbol of strength. Hopefully the global issues that dominated much of last year, including the chain of natural disasters and civil unrest, will be left behind.

On a cultural note, the island is preparing for the most auspicious religious holiday on the Balinese calendar. Galungan will take place on 1^st February and will incorporate a number of symbolic ceremonies to appease the Gods. This is a great opportunity for visitors to venture into rural villages and see different aspects of Bali’s traditional way of life.

The spirit of romance will be celebrated on 14^th February with Valentine’s Day as couples spoil each other with loving gestures. It is a day for candlelit dinners, spa treatments for two, chocolates, flowers and of course moments of intimacy. AlamKulKul will host its own special evening for in-house guests with a passion-inspired set dining experience and a special gift for each lady.

Seared Sea of Love Scallops

With Lobster Spinach Risotto, Tomato Tarragon Relish

This is a very simple, classic way to prepare scallops. First I sprinkled them with kosher salt and pepper, then seared them in a hot skillet and finished with a little butter. I served them over sautéed spinach and Risotto for dinner

You will need:

• 4 jumbo sea scallops
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or enough to lightly coat the bottom of the pan you are using)
• Kosher salt and pepper
• 1 tablespoon of butter
• 200 g Risotto Rice
• 100 g spinach
• 20 g parmesan
• 30 g tomato

1. Place scallops between two paper towels and gently pat dry. (Note: It is very important that they are dry so they don’t steam when you cook them.) Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. In a skillet large enough to fit all of the scallops without overcrowding them, heat oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, lay the scallops in gently. Cook 4 minutes per side. (Note: Non-stick pans aren’t the best for this; I used a cast iron skillet. You may notice the scallops sticking, just be very gentle with them they will pull up).
3. Once your scallops are cooked, reduce the heat to medium; add the butter to the skillet. As it melts spoon it over the scallops. Remove the scallops to a platter.
4. On stock pot olive oil risotto rice cooked until ¾ cooking add parmesan and spinach, ready to served with scallop on top.

Deep-fried Batter-dipped Prawns Tossed

Served with Fresh Lime Dressing

Rp. 68.000,-

Grilled Lamb Cutlet

With Lemon, Capers, Shallots Chips, Black Pepper Gorgonzola Sauce

served with Glazed Baby Potatoes

Rp. 160.000,-

Pan Seared Filet Mignon

Truffle Pate, Wild Mushroom and Glace Dutch Carrots

Rp. 150.000,-

January 2012

Tumpek Wariga
7^th  January 2012

The Balinese calendar is filled with special days to honour tangible elements that are deemed useful in daily life. Tumpek Wariga pays homage to local trees, especially the humble coconut palm. Ceremonial blessings take place across the island involving offerings of flowers, incense and holy water. Prayers of gratitude are expressed to God Almighty for providing a bountiful supply of natural resources such as trees.

Siwaratri
22^nd January 2012

Siwaratri is a night-long ceremonial ritual that was once limited to the circles of high caste priests and religious literati. Nowadays Bali’s student community participate in this rite at the Jagatnata Temple in central Denpasar. It is a time to reflect on humanity through personal prayer and meditation.

February 2012

Galungan Day
1^st February 2012

Galungan is celebrated by Bali’s Hindu community to commemorate the victory of righteousness against evil. It is a three day holiday filled with ceremonial rites and rituals involving elaborate offerings of fruit and flowers to appease the Gods and defied ancestors. It is a time of great festivity as the Balinese return home to their ancestral villages to reunite with family members and pray and feast together.

Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday
4^th February 2012

The global Islamic community will honour 4^th February 2012 as the birthday celebration and also the anniversary marking the death of the Prophet Muhammad. This occasion is observed by striving to adhere to the principles of the Islamic faith and making charitable donations to those less fortunate.

Kuningan Day
11^th February 2012

Kuningan marks the end of the Galungan holiday. It is celebrated with a ceremony performed before midday to farewell defied ancestors and spirits as they return to heaven following a ten day period dwelling on earth. The Balinese express their gratitude through prayers and offerings to God Almighty for his eternal blessing.

The Barongsai is a traditional lion dance that is usually performed on auspicious occasions such as Chinese New Year as a symbol of prosperity. It is a vibrant performance of acrobatic and martial art movements involving two dancers inside a colourful costume. The dance is accompanied by loud drum music along with cymbals and gongs to create a pulsating beat.

Chocolate

Chocolate is a popular holiday gift that, along with flowers, is commonly associated with Valentine’s Day. It is an energy-rich treat that is known to possess a number of positive health benefits. Dark chocolate consumed in moderation is believed to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems as well as lower blood pressure. Originating in the jungle of South America, chocolate was introduced to Europe in the 16^th century as a hot beverage. Today the production of this sweet treat is a highly lucrative world-wide industry.

Ni Ketut Patmawati

A brand new recipient of our ‘Employee of the Quarter’ programme was appointed recently. Congratulations are in order for Food and Beverage Department staff  member, Ni Ketut Patmawati, also known as Patma.

Patma joined AlamKulKul Boutique Resort in 1^st of  September 2008 as a waitress  where she made up for her lack of hospitality experience with enthusiasm. Committed to improving her self and always willing to learn Patma’s efforts were rewarded with a Human Resources  promotion where She continues to excel. Patma is a role model for all other staff  members and She certainly deserves get this award in this year. Well done Patma!

A privileged retreat nestled within the confines of a traditional compound. Alam Villa was created as a private haven where time is of no consequence.

• Delightful thatched roof villas blending Balinese design with contemporary amenities
• Features a choice of 7 Queen Beds and 13 Twin canopied Beds
• Room: 25 m2
• Terrace: 13 m2
• Bathroom: 17 m2
• Outdoor Bathroom
• Location: Landscaped Garden

• Private Garden Villa decorated with Javanese antiques and traditional touches
• Room: 33 m2
• Terrace: 5 m2
• Bathroom: 19 m2
• Outdoor Bathroom

Alam KulKul Boutique Resort is delighted to announce that it was chosen by a distinguished panel of international judges as the winner of the PATA Grand Award 2010 for its ongoing commitment to environmental preservation.

This award recognises the achievements of AlamKulKul’s ‘Jantung Hijau’ or ‘Green Heart’ programme, which our own initiative to re-green the island of Bali. In an attempt to counteract the impact of mass development, the resort has planted more than 25,000 trees. Mass plantings take place on a regular basis and it has become a highly anticipated activity for in-house guests.