Amid the mighty mountains and volcanoes, and centuries-old temples and ruins that surround Amanjiwo, Hashirin Nurin Hashimi discovers the cultural heart of central Java.
AS WE WALK DOWN A SMALL alleyway through a path illuminated only by the flickering lights of paper lanterns, a traditional bamboo thatched house comes into view. We’ve come to the residence of Pak Bilal, whose three-generation household runs a home industry producing palm sugar, for a special dinner arranged by our host Amanjiwo to cap off our sojourn in central Java. The elfin octogenarian warmly takes our hands in his, leading us into the cosy, candlelit dining room, as the aromas of an authentic Javanese meal tickle our senses.
The food is prepared and brought over from the Aman resort, but some dishes such as the ayam bumbu panggang (grilled chicken marinated with lemongrass and chilli) and pepes tahu (grilled marinated tofu wrapped in banana leaves), which we devour with steamed rice, are finished over hot charcoal here. While it may not be fancy by Michelin standards, the dining experience is heart-warming, more so when a teary-eyed Pak Bilal sends us on our way, grateful that we’ve come to his humble abode.
Pak Bilal’s is just one of the many homes we’ve visited in the rural Javanese heartlands of Borobudur. The beautiful smiles and warmth of the villagers followed everywhere we went. But nothing beats the legendary Aman hospitality we enjoyed at our home base, Amanjiwo, one of Aman’s five properties in Indonesia.
Bu hikaye Singapore Tatler dergisinin April 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Singapore Tatler dergisinin April 2017 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Mathew Leong
As the Norway-based Singaporean chef celebrates a milestone year both personally and professionally, he opens up about the toughest moments of his career and why failing is not an option
Asian Inspirations
Chef Ace Tan on his second restaurant, Asu-his love letter to regional Asian cuisine
State of the Arts
Arts nominated member of parliament Usha Chandradas discusses growing the creative economy by focusing on both supply and demand
Through a Curator's Lens
Circe Henestrosa, a fashion curator and the head of the School of Fashion at Lasalle College of the Arts, University of the Arts Singapore, merges her personal connection with artist Frida Kahlo with her extensive curatorial experience to explore intersecting themes of identity, disability and cultural heritage
Second Nature
Poet and educator Yong Shu Hoong brings fresh perspectives to the helm of the Singapore Writers Festival, from interdisciplinary perspectives to multilingual programmes
Wine Down
Nothing wraps up the day like a nice glass of vino. From flashy hedonistic escapades to geeky watering holes, these new wine bars promise celebrated viniferous pours that will please even the most discerning of oenophiles
A Legacy in Silhouettes
Kristina Blahnik, CEO of the designer shoe brand Manolo Blahnik and the niece of its legendary founder, shares her insights on preserving the house's heritage and introduces the new Manolo's Silhouettes campaign
To Have and to Hold
With its sumptuous textures, Loro Piana's elegant autumn/winter 2024 collection is a chic celebration of craft, quality and the universal appeal of tactility
Scent of Strength
Hermès unveils its first chypre perfume, Barénia―a captivating fragrance crafted by renowned perfumer Christine Nagel that embodies bold femininity and celebrates the brand's rich heritage
Nocturnal Revival
Nighttime skincare rituals will get a boost of supercharged restoration with La Mer's new Rejuvenating Night Cream