A Time Capsule Culinary Journey Through Indonesia’s Legendary Spice Islands

A New Chapter in Tugu’s Cultural Indonesian Dining Series

CANGGU, BALI — Hotel Tugu Bali proudly unveils its newest cultural dining experience: The Spice Odyssey — a theatrical gastronomical journey that immerses guests in the rich and colorful history of the Indonesian archipelago through food, performance, and storytelling.

Blending cuisine, culture, and history, The Spice Odyssey is designed as an immersive dining and performance experience — a living time capsule that traces Indonesia’s spice journey across four distinct eras. Guests are transported from the mystical origins of sacred plants, to the golden age of powerful trade empires, into the struggles and shadows of colonization, and finally toward a bold, global future of Indonesian cuisine.

Each act of the journey unfolds as both a feast and a performance, where heritage recipes are reimagined into a theatrical dining experience. Spices take center stage not merely as ingredients, but as symbols of power, faith, and resilience — weaving together centuries of cultural memory. More than a dinner, The Spice Odyssey invites guests to step into history itself, savoring flavors that carry the stories of generations and the enduring spirit of the archipelago.

The story begins in the first millennium BCE, when spices were more than ingredients — they were sacred gifts from the earth. Island communities used them in rituals to honor life, death, harvest, and healing, treating every root, leaf, and seed with reverence. This sacred connection to nature will be brought to life through Tari Kipas Pakarena from South Sulawesi, a graceful dance symbolizing harmony between people and the natural world.

By the 7th to 15th century CE, traders from Persia, Gujarat, and Arabia arrived, turning Indonesia’s ports into vibrant cultural crossroads. Spices became symbols of prosperity, faith, and unity, weaving together traditions from distant lands with local heritage. This golden era will be reflected in Tari Tortor from North Sumatra, a dance of prayer, respect, and communal harmony.

From the 16th to the early 20th century, the age of colonization brought fierce struggles for control over these prized treasures. While foreign powers claimed the trade, the people preserved their identity in the kitchen — using food as a quiet act of resistance, with flavors carrying hidden stories of survival. This spirit of resilience will be captured in Tari Topeng from Java, where each mask tells a story of hidden identity and defiance.

In the 21st century, this journey continues in a bold new chapter, where traditional recipes meet modern techniques, and the flavors of the archipelago are reimagined for the world. The legacy of Indonesia’s spices lives on — not just remembered, but celebrated and shared with pride.

This immersive experience joins Hotel Tugu’s series of cultural dining traditions that celebrate Indonesia’s diverse heritage:

• Megibung from Bayung Gede
  An exotic Balinese feast from the ancient village of Bayung Gede, once reserved for royal ceremonies and village gatherings. Guests sit in long rows without chairs, from eldest to youngest, dressed in traditional attire, sharing abundant dishes from one spread. Still preserved in only a few corners of Bali, Megibung reflects the Balinese philosophy of unity, equality, and togetherness.

• Grand Rijsttafel
  A magnificent recreation of the Colonial-era “rice table,” once celebrated by Dutch plantation lords for their honored guests. At Tugu, this feast unfolds in the Bale Puputan Museum, adorned with royal memorabilia from the Puputan wars. A parade of servers in elegant uniforms present heirloom recipes passed down for generations, showcasing the rich diversity of Indonesian cuisine.

• Royal Tugudom
  A theatrical spectacle retelling the royal expeditions of King Hayam Wuruk of Majapahit. Attendants parade lavish palace dishes alongside humble coastal fare, amid exotic leaves and frangipani. This performance captures the grandeur of the Majapahit empire, when royal processions once crossed islands on foot, carts, horses, and elephants.

• Balinese Rajadom
  An intimate royal feast inside Bale Puputan, built to honor Balinese heroes of the Puputan wars. Guests dine at the country’s largest 19th-century marble table, once belonging to Bali’s last Dutch general, surrounded by heirlooms, statues, and treasures of royal families. Each dish, prepared from noblewomen’s palace recipes, is both culinary and historical heritage.

• Waroeng Tugu
  A journey into the everyday life of Javanese and Balinese households. Waroeng Tugu recreates the warmth of a family kitchen and village hut with heritage recipes, vibrant condiments, and age-old rituals. More than dining, it is a window into the soul of Indonesia’s humble yet flavorful traditions.

• Selamatan Jaranan
  One of East Java’s most festive traditions, “Selamatan” means celebration, held for happy occasions like birthdays or circumcisions. Its highlight is the Jaran Kepang dance — trance-riding bamboo horses and cracking grass whips to gamelan rhythms. At Tugu, this unfolds at Waroeng Tugu with rustic long-table dining, terracotta plates, and the glow of coconut-oil lamps, immersing guests in Javanese village festivities.

With The Spice Odyssey, Tugu Hotels continues its mission to preserve, honor, and celebrate the cultural soul of Indonesia — not just as a dining experience, but as a journey through history, heritage, and flavor. And this is only one of the many cultural dining journeys awaiting at Tugu.

A Living Tribute

“The Spice Odyssey” is not just a dinner. It is a living archive of Indonesia’s past and a celebration of its future — where every spice holds a story, and every dish becomes a vessel of memory. From sacred forests to bustling ports, from quiet resistance to international acclaim, this journey honors the enduring soul of the archipelago — a spirit that continues to flavor the world.

About IWA Restaurant
Located within the cultural sanctuary of Hotel Tugu Bali, IWA Restaurant is dedicated to preserving the heritage of Indonesian cuisine through storytelling, artful presentation, and historical depth. With “The Spice Odyssey,” IWA continues its mission to celebrate the spirit of Nusantara through unforgettable culinary narratives.

Cultural performance dinner every Thursday, 7.30 PM

📍 IWA Restaurant at Hotel Tugu Bali, Canggu

📧 bali@tuguhotels.com | 📱 +62 813 3702 0904

🌐 www.tuguhotels.com

Impressively, Waterbom Bali outranked global heavyweights like Disney’s Hollywood Studios (USA), Legoland Billund (Denmark) and Universal Studios Singapore — not bad for a little boutique, botanical waterpark on a small island in South East Asia.

Waterbom CEO, Sayan Gulino announced that this award is a true reflection of the passion, dedication and heart the team put into every experience and the care given to each guest:

“This award means so much to us because it comes directly from our guests and we’ve always worked hard to be more than įust a waterpark – we aim to reimagine traditional expectations, delivering an experience with a strong focus on care, a boutique approach, with respect for culture and environmental responsibility. To be recognised on the world stage like this is a credit to the passion, energy and hard work of our team” said Gulino.

With over 17,375 Tripadvisor reviews and an average rating of 4.6 stars, Waterbom Bali has long been celebrated for delivering unforgettable days out for all ages, since it opened in 1993, with a core focus following International safety standards, offering premium quality combined with the warm spirit of Balinese hospitality. This global victory is perfectly timed as the 5.1 hectare park has just finished a major redevelopment of its Kids and Family area, offering a wider range of fun for all ages.

Receiving the number one spot is a testament to Waterbom Bali’s commitment to delivering world-class experiences, made possible by the loyalty of its guests and the dedication of its passionate team.

Top 10 Amusement & Waterparks Worldwide 2025 according to Tripadvisor:

1. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates)
2. Beto Carrero World (Penha, Brazil)
3. Waterbom Bali (Kuta, Bali, Indonesia)
4. Heide Park (Soltau, Germany)
5. Puy du Fou (Les Epesses, France)
6. Beach Park (Aquiraz, Brazil)
7. The Web Adventure Park (Wigginton, United Kingdom)
8. Paultons Park (Romsey, United Kingdom)
9. Drayton Manor Theme Park (Tamworth, United Kingdom)
10. Escape Penang (Penang Island, Malaysia)

About Waterbom Bali

Beyond Waterbom Bali’s 28 world-class slides, built and maintained to strict international safety standards, lies a carefully landscaped sanctuary of gardens and water systems proudly representing the beauty of Bali.

The park spans just over 5 hectares and was designed to provide memorable experiences for a range of guests from thrill seekers looking to take on the park’s extreme slides; to families enjoying the expansive Kiddy Area or those simply wanting to relax on the Lazy River and escape the outside world. This boutique waterpark offers a range of premium quality food and drink options from 5 dining outlets, with all dishes made fresh daily, from locally sourced ingredients. After sliding, indulge in a tropical cocktail in one of the 2 swim-up pool bars, or nestle into your own private gazebo with family and friends.

Recently voted as the Leading Waterpark in Asia in the World Travel Awards 2024, and recognised for the 9th year in a row as 1 Waterpark in Asia by TripAdvisor’s Travelers Choice awards, Waterbom provides the ultimate fun day out in Bali.

Waterbom take their environmental responsibilities seriously and endeavor to minimize any adverse environmental impact of their operations to the lowest practical levels, while nurturing, encouraging and developing an environmentally responsible culture amongst their team members and guests. The company is pioneering toward achieving Net Zero by 2033, an ambitious but achievable goal, and has a robust sustainability program built into every layer of operations since 2017. As a testament to their dedication, they were honored with the prestigious Grand Title Award for Sustainability and Social Responsibility at the 2023 Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Gold Awards, as well as the PATA Gold Award in 2025 for Best Climate Action Initiative (Industry).

www.waterbom-bali.com

This summer, we’re turning up the heat—and the luxury.
BB52 proudly presents CAVIAR NUGS, the latest drop from our Summer Specials series.

Crafted for those who dare to indulge, Caviar Nugs take our crispy golden chicken nuggets to the next level. Each bite is topped with 10g of premium Bester Caviar, a dollop of silky creme, fresh chives, and a hint of lemon for that perfect citrus kick.

It’s bold. It’s indulgent. It’s fuel for the fearless.
No second thoughts, just first class.

Whether you’re celebrating something big or just vibing through summer, this one’s made to impress.
Available for a limited time only—don’t miss your chance to flex your nugget game.

The Summer Specials are available throughout summer at all BB52 locations across Bali.

For more information, visit BB52’s Instagram @bb52burgers or drop by the nearest store in Canggu, Uluwatu, Ungasan, or Ubud.

About BB52 Burgers

BB52 Burgers is a next-level burger joint with fresh and modern take, where craft burgers are served in a no-fuss vibrant atmosphere. At BB52 Burgers, craftsmanship is our trade! A little bit geek, a little bit artist, we’re obsessed with quality and celebrate creativity in everything that we do. We take the common burger concept to new heights by crafting burgers that stand for exceptional quality and taste. We achieve this by adopting an artisan approach, producing as much of our ingredients as possible in-house, and by delivering flavor-packed burgers that can be thought of as chef-driven.

Learn more about us: www.bb52burgers.com

About Tavolo Group

TAVOLO GROUP is a Bali-based boutique hospitality group that specializes in the creation and management of concept-inspired venues. We thrive on developing cutting-edge culinary experiences and innovative brands, setting up new standards to casual lifestyle dining and drinking. Combining a warm and personalized, yet impeccable, approach to service with the highest quality – as much as possible homemade – food, we aim to consistently create unique, memorable experiences for our guests.

Tavolo’s portfolio of brands includes The Avocado Factory, The Goat Father, Uma Garden, Hippie Fish Pererenan Beach, BB52 Burgers, Sandwich Lab, Shun Omakase, Piccolina, and a series of exciting new projects in the pipeline.

Learn more about us: www.tavologroup.com

Bali, July 2025 — This summer, BB52 Craft Burgers is turning up the heat with an exciting new release that speaks to the bold and the adventurous. Known for pushing flavor boundaries, BB52 introduces its Summer Specials campaign with a spotlight on the all-new Pastrami Burger — a fearless creation made for burger lovers seeking something extraordinary.

The Pastrami Burger is built around BB52’s newly crafted, house-smoked beef brisket, smoked low and slow to perfection. Weighing in at 160 grams, the brisket is stacked with homemade mustard sauce, cucumber pickles, and served in the brand’s signature fresh-baked pretzel bun, made in-house daily. The result is a burger that’s smoky, tangy, juicy, and unmistakably BB52.

But the summer indulgence doesn’t stop there.

Adding a sweet twist to the campaign, BB52 also launches a brand-new dessert: the Limoncello Cake. Light, zesty, and refreshingly indulgent, this citrus-forward cake offers the perfect ending to a bold meal, capturing the essence of summer in every bite.

The campaign, titled Fuel for the Fearless, reflects BB52’s core spirit — crafted for those who explore life with appetite and attitude. Whether you’re fresh from the surf or exploring the streets of Bali, BB52 invites you to take a bite out of summer.

The Summer Specials are available throughout July at all BB52 locations across Bali.

For more information, visit BB52’s Instagram @bb52burgers or drop by the nearest store in Canggu, Uluwatu, Ungasan, or Ubud.

About BB52 Burgers

BB52 Burgers is a next-level burger joint with fresh and modern take, where craft burgers are served in a no-fuss vibrant atmosphere. At BB52 Burgers, craftsmanship is our trade! A little bit geek, a little bit artist, we’re obsessed with quality and celebrate creativity in everything that we do. We take the common burger concept to new heights by crafting burgers that stand for exceptional quality and taste. We achieve this by adopting an artisan approach, producing as much of our ingredients as possible in-house, and by delivering flavor-packed burgers that can be thought of as chef-driven.

Learn more about us: www.bb52burgers.com

About Tavolo Group

TAVOLO GROUP is a Bali-based boutique hospitality group that specializes in the creation and management of concept-inspired venues. We thrive on developing cutting-edge culinary experiences and innovative brands, setting up new standards to casual lifestyle dining and drinking. Combining a warm and personalized, yet impeccable, approach to service with the highest quality – as much as possible homemade – food, we aim to consistently create unique, memorable experiences for our guests.

Tavolo’s portfolio of brands includes The Avocado Factory, The Goat Father, Uma Garden, Hippie Fish Pererenan Beach, BB52 Burgers, Sandwich Lab, Shun Omakase, Piccolina, and a series of exciting new projects in the pipeline.

Learn more about us: www.tavologroup.com

Each dish at Tsune Uluwatu is a perfect blend of traditional Japanese techniques and a contemporary twist. From our Sushi Box featuring selections like Spicy Otoro, Crab Tempura, and Prawn Honey Roll, to indulgent dishes like Rib Eye MB5+ and Salmon Atama Spicy Miso, every bite is a journey that celebrates the craft of Japanese cuisine. Every plate is thoughtfully prepared by our experienced chefs, turning every meal into a gastronomic ritual that touches all your senses. 

Modern Japanese Cuisine with a Zen-Inspired Connection to Bali’s Spirit 

At Tsune Uluwatu, dining is not just about taste—it’s an emotional and spiritual journey. The Japanese cuisine here doesn’t just satisfy your appetite; it invites you to connect with inner stillness, inspired by the zen philosophy of Japan. With every dish—whether it’s sushi or grilled specialties—there’s a perfect balance between tradition and innovation, guiding guests to reconnect with themselves and the spiritual energy of Bali. Take, for example, our Ginging cocktail—a signature blend of gin, ginger beer syrup, and lime, offering a perfect metaphor for how Tsune encourages guests to savor every detail, with awareness and intention.

A Design that Transcends Space, Inspired by Nature and Harmony 

The design of Tsune Uluwatu reflects peace and balance at every turn, blending organic elements with minimalist elegance. The soft lighting, natural materials like wood and rattan, and an open-air layout create an atmosphere that calms the soul. Tsune Uluwatu is not just about visual beauty – it’s about creating a space that immerses you in the balance of nature, where every corner invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and enjoy the present moment. 

Every detail—from the open structure to the expansive views—creates a sanctuary, allowing guests to relax into the peacefulness of their surroundings. It’s more than a restaurant; it’s a place where the harmony of beauty, flavor, and spirit meet to create a truly holistic experience.

Why Visit Tsune Uluwatu? 

Tsune Uluwatu is more than just a place to eat. It’s a place where breathtaking views, modern Japanese cuisine with a deep Balinese spirit, and a serene, calming design come together to create an unparalleled dining experience. It’s a place where you can find peace, balance, and a spiritual connection with yourself and the world around you. 

Why should you visit? 

• Exclusive views from a hilltop overlooking Bali’s ocean, offering an unmatched dining experience.
• Modern Japanese cuisine with deep Balinese influences, creating a zen-like experience with every bite.
• Tranquil interior design blending Japanese minimalism and natural Bali beauty. 

Make Tsune Uluwatu your place to escape the hustle, find tranquility in every moment, and experience the perfect harmony of taste, nature, and spirit. 

Key Highlights:

• Elevated dining with breathtaking ocean views for a completely immersive and personal experience.
• Modern Japanese cuisine with a zen-inspired connection to Bali, creating a deep emotional and spiritual experience with every dish.
• A design that blends elegance and tranquility, where organic textures and open-air spaces harmonize with nature to create a sanctuary for the soul.

Follow us on Instagram @tsunebali curated by @wonderspaceid to discover more about our unique offerings and book your next experience.