Inside Feby Jabrik's life on the island

Meet our good friend, inspiring business woman, mother of two and Balinese beauty Feby Jabrik. Also well-known for her tall and gorgeous appearance and radiant smile. Her husband -mixed Balinese, Austrian, who also grew up in Bali- is famous pro-surfer Tipi Jabrik. Tipi and Feby are an absolute power couple on the island, running successful hospitality concepts and being involved in the surf scene. We met Feby in 2009, through mutual friends, at the time they runned Mantra cafe in Seminyak (best times!).  

Let's step into Feby's life on the island; where we talk about family, Bali life, Covid, projects and her favorite Bali beaches and spots.

Tell us a little bit about your family

Well what can I say about my family haha. I am a mother with two beautiful children. Both my husband, Tipi Jabrik and I are both born and raised in Bali. Our children, Suri, she is 12 years old and Shia, he is 7 years old. Both of them share our loves for the ocean & the nature that Bali has given us and forever be grateful for it.

Can you tell us how it was to grow up in Bali and seeing it evolve over time?

It does change a lot over time. We can see many changes and also development in every part of Bali. I believe the people in Bali whether local or expat, will have mixed feelings about it. In a way it's great for the economy, giving more area of work and jobs for the local people. But on the other hand, it's also sad that it has been moving too fast. Sometimes the people will say that they miss the old Bali.

But I guess, I still think Bali is a magnet. There is no island like Bali. Such a beautiful mystical, traditional, exotic island with its culture and people, yet it has international flavor. It's really one of a kind.

What do you find most inspiring about your culture and traditions?

What is most inspiring for me about Bali its actually no matter how international and more modern it gets, the Balinese will always try to honor and take a moment to pause, showing gratitude. No matter if you are coming from different professions, family background, social status. The Balinese, will come together for ceremony to celebrate some upacara (ceremony/ holy days) where they believed this is their way to keep the balance of life and of course the island itself.

Tell us about your recent project, Kosta Berawa and plant-based restaurant Good Mantra! 

We have always been busy with several businesses and projects within the hospitality and hotel business in Bali. But right now we are just focusing on a few selected projects (cause we do need our quality family time too haha). Two years ago we opened Ninety One, a middle eastern-inspired restaurant in Canggu. And recently we opened a second Kosta Hostel in Berawa, after the first one in Seminyak. Tipi (my husband) and i are also involved in Indonesia's surfing team and running the ASC Grom Patrol, a surf training camp for young surf athletes in Bali.

Our newest concept Good Mantra is opening this October at the same location where Kosta Hostel Berawa is located.

It’s a plant-based restaurant - conscious cocktails with toot to table concept. From an all-day breakfast to dinner served with local craft beers & wine. A community hang out with familiar faces. At Good Mantra we work with local farmers, producers & artisans. We use organic whenever possible, to cook up the freshest and most flavorful dishes. We choose to work with the seasons and to support our local community and farmers.

On a weekday, what’s your daily routine?

Well, my daily routine seems so good these days. I think Covid at least giving some positive impact for sure. We don’t really have an exact routine every day except my morning exercise ritual haha. I start my day with always being active whether it’s a beachwalk, exercise at the gym or yoga. Most of the time breakfast with kids at home or at our favorite cafe in Berawa. We are opening a plant based cafe called Good Mantra this end of October. You will see me almost there every day haha. Sometimes we do bit of work, and just do things the family love mostly going to the beach and surfs. So yeah we do that almost every day.

Pre Covid I would start my day to do exercise in the morning, and just prepping the kids, drop off the kids to their school, and just daily routine of works like everyone else. At the moment schools and sportclubs are still closed.

And what do weekends with the Jabriks look like?

On weekende we love to do a few nights out from the Canggu and just explore places in Bali, like Candidasa, Ubud, Uluwatu, Medewi or wherever there are surfs and beach.

How are you seeing COVID-19 effecting Bali at the moment?

It doesn't look good at the moment like everywhere in the world. I feel a sad, as most places are still closed because the border is still closed. Bali depends a lot on international tourists, and tourism is one of the main areas of business for the locals here. It has a big impact on the economy for the locals and business operators. Hopefully December will bring us fresh air.

“It has to be a collective effort such as keeping the island clean and doing a more ethical way of doing business.”

What are your hopes for Bali?

I hope that soon the border will open, slowly everyone can resume their normal life, even though we are aware that it will be the “new normal”. And once the border open and the tourism slowly bounced back, every single individual, all people no matter where they are from, for those who have called Bali their home, and also those who love being in Bali. They will support each other and take care of Bali together by doing and realize that this island can't take care of itself. It has to be a collective effort such as keeping the island clean and doing a more ethical way of doing business. As we can't grow alone. And hoping Bali can be a more sustainable tourism destination, and its legacy can go for long way.

You’ve also been volunteering lots with Nasi Bunkus Tetangga, how was it for you to do this?

Thank you for mentioning this. Actually, it started from one of my good friends Fitri. Back in March when most businesses are starting to close, more people lost their job and source of income, day by day. It was a small act of kindness, to support people in our neighborhood (that is why she called it tetangga, tetangga means neighbour / people in the neighborhood) by giving them meals so they can save a little. It started with only 20 packages of rice and it grew to almost 10,000 overtime. The idea is actually very simple, we are not trying to be a hero, it was more to inspire other people or group of people to do the same/helping their people in their area where they live.

I feel very touched, and feel very happy to be able to also shares something for those who needs. Especially when you see that simple smile in their face after they get some meals.

Where should travelers explore who want to experience the authentic Bali?

II would say, if you really want to see more of Bali, you would have to pack your bag and jump on your scooter, get out from the hustle bustle of Canggu and Seminyak and just drive and stop on a destination that interests you. I still think that’s the best way to travel!

There are many places outside the area that still are very interesting. I would recommend go up north to go to Menjangan Island for its underwater beauty, or east of Bali such as Candidasa for the old Bali charms. A mix of hills and its beautiful beaches. Bukit area such as Uluwatu, Bingin, Padang Padang and Balangan for its best waves and white sandy beaches. Canggu area of course for its varieties of flavor they offer in restaurants and its best beaches to surf.

Ubud is definitely also one of the places in Bali that attracts many tourists. Try to avoid the crowded center as there are many small local places in the jungle and by the river, and beautiful water spring in Sebatu.

Lately I love also to spend time in the mountains such as Pupuan and Jatiluwih, which is amazing for its organic  produce and biodynamic farms and farm stays and incredible waterfalls!

Any places still free from tourists?

This I need to explore more. Bali is already well known internationally. I am sure on particular time/days we can still find some simple luxury to visit places with less people/tourists.

Favorite beach

Bingin Beach and Legian Beach where all my kids first learned to surf, as did my husband Tipi.

Where to learn how to surf for the little ones (as your kids are close to pro already!)

There are plenty of places to learn. Legian beach I still feel is the best for the little one to learn to surf. It’s a beach break and it’s safe. There are great local Legian certified surfing instructors available and also through Bali Kids Surf Academy.

Best way to enjoy the sunset

Berawa sunset is my favorite place! Sunset walk, lay out sarong on the sand, drink coconut or beer! Gaze at the  ocean, watch the sun go down is a simple luxury for me.

Your all-time favorite restaurants?

Best Nasi Campur at Warung Melati
La Lucciola, beachfront restaurant, all time Bali favorite
Good Mantra for my morning rituals, wholesome goodness & plant-based dishes
La Barraca is my fave Italian restaurant
Dahana in Seminyak for the best sushi and Japanese food

Best place(s) to stay?

Pondok Pisang to disconnect from the hustle bustle, and our busy life. Best place to reconnect with your partner or family. And just “be” there.

Favorite local dish?

Pepes Ikan & Tempe Manis

Any special plans on the horizon?

Surf trips and explore beautiful islands in Indonesia such as Rote & Mentawai, and some beautiful untouched beauties and secret surf spots that Tipi and the kids are drooling to go haha.