T
he Tugu is a remarkable hotel, practically unique Bale Puputan, the memorial room to the Balinese martyrs
in Asia and the result of one visionary individual’s of the 1900’s or at Bale Sutra the Babah Peranakan dinner
passion for Indonesia’s heritage. Disenchanted with in a 300 year old Kang Xi Buddhist temple (that had been
his medical studies, Anhar Setjadibrata turned to the law scheduled for demolition, but which was saved at the last
and from there to the hospitality industry which he was minute by Mr. Anhar Setjadibrata).
only too delighted to combine with his hobby as collecting
antiques. They are a joy – intimate characterful and defiantly sexy,
two in particular stand out the Walter Spies Pavilion, which
Describe as the art, soul and romance of Indonesia the was built in tribute to the renowned German painter for
Tugu (opened in 1997, but parts of which are centuries his great contribution to Balinese art, and Puri Le Mayeur
old) occupies a hushed corner of Canggu, near Tanah Lot which was dedicated to the Belgian painter Jean Le Mayeur
with its own little used beach and rice field for neighbors. and his beautiful Legong Dancer Ni Polok, photographs of
Some 22 suites, no two of which are alike, are scattered whose gorgeous undraped curves, adorn the walls.
around the property, whose focus is a magnificent lobby
which is dominated by a 4-9 meter Garuda, the mythical With imaginative simplicity as the watchword here, the
transport for Lord Vishnu, which was carved from a single Waroeng Djamoe Spa incorporates elixirs and potions
tree. Nothing is remotely casual about this entrancing made from plants and flowers grown in it’s own garden.
hotel, whose every aspect is redolent of history and And anyone who thinks this hotel might be a bit snooty
purpose. That said there is no formal dining room as such, need only pop into Waroeng Tugu, a simple hut with rustic
with guest encouraged to eat wherever, whatever and benches serving traditional Indonesian food consumed
whenever they feel so inclined, be it a grand Rijstaffel at using only your finger of course.
23
The Amazing East | vol 1 issue 4
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