Vivian Yeung

Equation Festival

Bali

I spent a lot of time there with my family on a beautiful slope of Batukaru. The setup is natural and architecturally well-done. We don’t really think about what we are going to eat; they harvest whatever is available, mostly Indonesian food and mostly vegan. They definitely have good coffee beans and their own nice blend. The surroundings consist of 10 hectares of coffee fields, and the owners are around all the time. The owner, Kentri Norberg, self-healing cancer survivor, especially spends most of her days in the kitchen. Perfect for a retreat, they don’t provide programs, but you can create your own with your family or friends. A yoga shala is provided, and there are natural pools; just make sure you visit during the rainy season because the river might be dry as well.

One of the few natural pools and waterfalls created by the crates. It can be quite touristy at times but is still considerably less commercial and well-managed. It's best to visit early in the morning on weekdays rather than weekends, and avoid holidays and ceremonial days as it is considered a sacred spot. Bring your swimwear and waterproof protection for your camera, as it can be quite damp and soggy. It’s not very far walking. 

One of the few conservation centers for Lepidoptera, housing both moths and butterflies. They have around 25 species, mainly native to Bali, with almost half of them protected and endangered according to the IUCN. The reason I chose the butterfly park is because it plays a key role in our sustainable future. Don’t expect to see a ton of butterflies; yes, you will see them, but you cannot take pictures with them unless they have just emerged from their chrysalis. There’s also a local water playground and a restaurant.

I curated this place. The owner is Ni Wayan Srilaba and has been in the orcids industry for 25 years, and we are together as a board member of Indonesian Orchid Society. The orchid garden consists of 400 species of orchids and another fifty hybrids that bloom throughout the year. It's an agritourism space where you can find guides and QR codes for self-information. It's advisable to visit every two to three months because the flowering seasons may vary. Peak flowering periods are February-March and August-September. Indonesia is considered one of the richest countries in orchid species and varieties. Here, you'll find most of the Old World orchid species as well as new world orchid hybrids. Arundina Restaurant is a place to go if you want to try East Balinese cuisine, featuring their special dish 'Tipat Blayag' (Chicken Curry), without having to travel to Karangasem. 

I operate this place, established by Blair and Ben Ripple in 2002. It's one of the longest-running horticulture farms, where you can witness the growth of Potato Head’s overview. Sharing the Bali culinary revolution's mission, like Potato Head, we introduce new crops while preserving staples and native varieties. The farm boasts over 250 different varieties. As it's not primarily agrotourism-focused, appointments are necessary, and guided tours may not always be available. The area is dedicated to agriculture production, showcasing a wide array of crops and innovations.

The cave itself, carved by the relentless waves over centuries, offers a glimpse into Bali's natural wonders. Inside, the echoes of the ocean resonate, creating a serene atmosphere perfect for reflection. Don't forget to explore the hidden beach and soak in the breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. Suluban Cave is not just a destination; it's a journey through Bali's rugged coastal beauty and rich cultural heritage.

Uncovering Bali’s Sustainable Adventures and Natural Wonders with Ramadani Yuhda Prasetya 

Melbourne

Excellent resource for niche interest books and publications, as well as architectural, art, design and esoteric stuff. New and out of print material. Located in the city's iconic Chicago school Nicholas Building.

There's hundreds of fancy wine and food bars in Melbourne, but Embla just always seems more delicious.

Also housed within the Nicholas Building, this is Melbourne's latest and greatest new record shop. Experimentally focussed, superbly curated – vinyl, CDs and publications.

Situated in a weird, grimy walk-through arcade in Preston, cooking homemade dumplings and noodles with delicious slow-cooked broth.

Stunning 100 hectare arboretum of both native and exotic species, not far from where I live, in the Dandenong Ranges. You'll probably find me walking my dog here or foraging for something. Beautiful sequoia plantations and lush native fern gullies. Good place to picnic or just meander around and get lost.

A mysterious, strange and eerie clustered rock formation on Wurundjeri/Dja Dja Wurrung/Taungurung country just outside of Melbourne. Truly interesting, beautiful energy to literally get lost in.

Not technically in Melbourne, but if you've made it this far, you may as well go an extra couple of hours for the most beautiful, varied, sometimes alien landscapes that Victoria has to offer. Home to my favourite Victorian beach, Fairy Cove. A really nice (long) day trip, but the overnight camping situations here are even better for the secret secluded stuff.

Amazing, delicious tapas and no frills vibe situated near my place.

For all your drip requirements! Located in the iconic Curtin House in the city – once home to Melbourne's communist party.

CS + Kreme’s Ultimate Guide to Melbourne

Crete

I started this festival in 2019 on the southern tip of Crete in hopes of nurturing a space for collective manifestation and esoteric self-exploration in the spirit of freedom of being. I see Nature Loves Courage Festival as an extended family affair and every year I invite friends and peers to be part of my version of a psychedelic sonic playground. The tiny village of Sougia where the festival takes place carries its free-spirited hippie legacy since the 60s, featuring a beautiful, unspoiled nudist beach with translucent turquoise waters which I've been visiting since my childhood.

A beautiful hike away from Sougia lies the secluded ancient hub of Lissos which used to be a town on the south coast of ancient Crete. It features the sanctuary of Asklepios, the God of Healing, which contained not only a temple and sacred area but also special rooms for treatment, healing and resting, since the water of Lissos was considered to have medicinal qualities and it was frequently used to cure many illnesses. There, you can also visit an ancient necropolis scattered with dozens of arcosolium tombs. Definitely worth visiting to witness its interesting remains dating all the way back to the Minoan times.

Another treasure of Crete, Knossos (aka the Palace of King Minos or Minoan Palace) was a major centre of the Minoan civilisation – the oldest civilisation of Europe – and is known for its dark myth featuring the mighty Minotaur. I love the intricate and playful designs of its frescoes demonstrating the artistic excellence of the Minoans, found within its labyrinth-like and carefully-designed architecture.

The only museum in the world featuring Minoan artefacts, the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is a journey into the mystical and fascinating world of this ancient civilisation, where one can witness the legendary designs of their pottery, jewellery, sculpture, frescoes and mosaics. An absolute must see if you plan on visiting Crete.

This is one of the largest caves in Crete. This cave is an archaeological site – 160 metres deep and 36 metres wide – that served as a place of worship in the Minoan period. The cave features impressive complexes of stalagmites and stalactites. Definitely bring a flashlight if you wish to go deeper into the cave.

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