The Punch Projects - Volume 1
Uncovered Bali
40+ Impactful Stories • Coming Soon
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Celebrating Local Heroes,
Inspiring Global Change
Uncovered Bali is a collective project showcasing the sustainable journeys of carefully selected Bali businesses to a global audience. Each story highlights the unique impact these enterprises have on preserving Bali’s cultural and environmental heritage while driving positive change. Through this project, we aim to inspire global leaders, travelers, and communities to embrace more sustainable practices and appreciate the powerful role that local businesses play in shaping a better future.
WHY UNCOVERED BALI
Bali’s Transformation:
The Cost of Progress
on a Sacred Island
Bali’s Transformation:
The Cost of Progress on a Sacred Island
Bali was once a hidden gem known only to a few surfers in the 1960s. With the opening of Ngurah Rai International Airport in 1968, the island transformed, becoming a global destination by the 1990s. Now, after a pandemic-induced quiet, Bali is surging ahead with rapid development, leading many to wonder if anything distinctly Balinese remains amidst the flood of villas, resorts, and digital nomads.
The island, once revered for its natural beauty, spirituality, and culture, is being reshaped by tourism and property development. This booming tourism sector brings economic gains, but at the cost of cultural and environmental erosion. Some view this as a chance for progress, while others lament the cultural dilution and environmental degradation. Bali is at a critical juncture—if unchecked development continues, what will remain of the island's unique heritage?
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Balancing Progress
& Preservation: 40+ Authentic
Stories of Impact & Hope
Balancing Progress & Preservation: 40+ Authentic Stories of Impact & Hope
Through the "Uncovered Bali" project, we celebrate over 30 exemplary businesses—from hotels and restaurants to local brands and sustainable projects—that are leading the charge for positive change. These local heroes show that a balance between progress and preservation is possible, inspiring a hopeful path forward for Bali. Their stories are a call to action for stakeholders to prioritize best practices, cultural preservation, and a future where Bali’s beauty and essence can endure.
The choices made today will determine whether Bali remains a paradise of deep significance, or whether it succumbs to the pressures of rapid development. The project invites us all to reimagine a Bali where innovation respects tradition, and where progress honors the past.
SUBSCRIBE TO FOLLOW THE PROJECT
PROJECT PARTICIPANTS
Meet Bali's Sustainable Heroes
Cynthia Hardy
Bambu Indah
Since 1990, Cynthia Hardy and her husband have made Bali their home, creating Bambu Indah to blend luxury with nature. The resort features sustainable bamboo construction, natural mud walls, and advanced water filtration, combining traditional wisdom with modern eco-solutions.
Weda Sugama
Bisma Eight
Weda Sugama’s Bisma Eight celebrates Ubud’s heritage with eco-friendly practices, including composting kitchen waste and managing rainwater sustainably. The boutique hotel’s organic garden and environmental efforts enhance guest experiences and support the local community.
Gary Bencheghib
Sungai Watch
Gary Bencheghib, co-founder of Sungai Watch and Sungai Design, addresses Bali's waste challenges by cleaning rivers and upcycling plastic into stylish furniture. His initiatives demonstrate the value of repurposing waste.
Tobi Klanner
Altarize
Tobi Klanner, founder of Altarize, revolutionizes construction by upcycling discarded materials into high-quality products. His approach embraces circular economy principles, reducing waste and supporting a sustainable future for the environment and communities.
Jude Manu Vincent
Bokashi
Jude Manu Vincent co-founded Bokashi in Bali, inspired by Japanese eco-practices. The restaurant and store focus on zero-plastic policies, sustainable packaging, and composting waste for their farm, merging wellness with responsible consumption.
Stefan Magnus
Heveya Mattresses
Stefan Magnus, founder of Heveya, creates sustainable bedding with a focus on organic materials and environmental conservation. Heveya uses organic latex and a circular system to minimize waste and extend product life cycles.
Jeremy Bleszynski
LYD Organic
Jeremy Bleszynski, Head Chef of LYD Group, leads LYD Organic Farm, which pioneers regenerative agriculture with practices like crop rotation and soil enrichment. The farm supports local venues and promotes environmental resilience through sustainable farming.
Matthias Blonski
La Brisa
Matthias Blonski, LYD Group’s Creative Marketing Director, leads La Brisa, known for its sustainable design using recycled ships and local materials. The venue’s closed-loop system prioritizes waste reduction and environmental impact.
Anja Kukofka
MySayang
Anja Kukofka, founder of MySayang Bali, transitioned from fashion to create a brand committed to slow fashion and sustainability. MySayang uses locally sourced fabrics, plant-based dyes, and supports Indonesian artisans, blending environmental and cultural values.
Sebastian Mesdag
TianTaru
Sebastian Mesdag, founder of Tiantaru, combines his fine arts background with a passion for natural dyes and sustainability. Tiantaru specializes in indigo dyeing, reforestation, and community engagement, reflecting a deep connection to nature and cultural heritage.
Naomi McDougall
Alive Wholefoods
Naomi McDougall, who has lived in Bali for over a decade, began with Alive Wholefoods in 2017. The store prioritizes health, sustainability, and community with local sourcing, minimal waste, conscious packaging, and supports tree planting, organic farming, and plastic reduction.
Michael & Sara Agah Franti
Soulshine Bali
Michael and Sara Agah Franti, co-owners of Soulshine Bali, integrate music, wellness, and Balinese philosophy in their eco-conscious retreat. The resort features reclaimed materials, energy-efficient systems, and supports local communities and organic farming.
Brandon Van Slyke
Hideout
Brandon Van Slyke designs bamboo retreats at Hideout, blending his art background with Balinese culture. The eco-friendly retreats use renewable bamboo, honor local traditions, and enhance guests' connection to nature.
Karunia Fischer
Rimmba
Karunia Fischer, founder of Rimmba, creates handmade silk dresses dyed with natural plant colors. The brand focuses on zero-waste practices, including using restaurant by-products for dyes and minimal plastic packaging, reflecting a strong bond between women and nature.
Amanda Marcella
Desa Potato Head
Amanda Marcella, Sustainability Director at Potato Head, integrates luxury with sustainability by using recycled materials and supporting local craftsmanship. She leads initiatives for waste management and carbon neutrality, focusing on environmental conservation and innovative solutions.
Satria Ngetis
Yogi & Boo
Satria Ngetis, Director of Yogi & Boo, advocates for ethical and sustainable fashion using ethically sourced materials and fair trade principles. The company focuses on transparency, supports local artisans, and upholds values of integrity and environmental respect.
Andy Grant
Spring Spa Bali
Under CEO Andy Grant, Spring Spa Bali merges luxury with eco-consciousness, incorporating sustainable materials and practices. Spring Spa Lembongan extends this with recycled teak, local ingredients, a self-sufficient water system, and community-focused sustainability education.
Orin Hardy
ChopValue Indonesia
Orin Hardy leads ChopValue Indonesia in advancing sustainability by recycling used chopsticks into high-quality products. This Bali-based initiative supports a circular economy, reducing waste and bolstering local craftsmanship.
Lisa Chedanne
Cove Island Essentials
Co-founded by Lisa Chedanne, Cove is a sustainable lifestyle store in Bali that offers future-proof products and a warm ambiance. It supports local artisans, empowers women, and promotes community engagement.
Valerine Chandrakesuma
WeDoo
Led by Valerine Chandrakesuma, Wedoo is a Bali-based consultancy advancing the circular economy. They specialize in creating waste processing machines that turn waste into valuable resources, aiding environmental recovery.
Sacha Aguila
Treelogy
Sacha Aguila, founder of Treelogy, integrates global insights with a focus on regenerative agriculture. Treelogy produces premium Moringa, supports local farmers, and promotes environmental responsibility through regenerative practices.
Guillaume Carnevale
Kaltimber
Guillaume Carnevale, founder of Kaltimber, uses recycled ironwood for decking and flooring to reduce CO2 emissions and combat illegal logging. The company also invests in tree replanting and circular production methods.
Amanda Syrowatka
Viceroy Bali
Amanda Syrowatka at Viceroy Bali integrates local traditions and eco-friendly practices, eliminating single-use plastics and using advanced water and energy systems. The resort also offers community training and supports regenerative travel.
Troy Sinclair
Batu Karang Resort & Spa
Troy Sinclair's Batu Karang in Nusa Lembongan focuses on sustainability with water treatment, minimal plastic use, and local recycling partnerships. The resort also features a hydroponic garden for fresh produce and composts organic waste.
Sean Nino
Eco Mantra
Sean Nino of Ecomantra integrates his Bali connection with environmental engineering to drive innovative, sustainable projects. The consulting company sets new standards by minimizing impacts through design, waste reduction, and community engagement.
Sayan Gulino
Waterbom
Sayan Gulino, CEO of Waterbom Bali, combines environmental harmony with leisure, leading the park to global sustainability leadership. Under his guidance, the park incorporates cultural and botanical design elements while using closed-circuit water systems, advanced waste management, and solar energy.
Christine Manson
Terra Water Indonesia
Christine Manson, founder of Terra Water Indonesia, addresses plastic pollution and water quality. The company supports zero-waste practices and local economies, driving community-wide positive change.
Josh Nielson
Fivelements
Josh Nielson, GM of Fivelements Retreat Bali, celebrates his global hospitality experience with Balinese healing and modern wellness. The retreat offers plant-based cuisine and a mix of traditional and contemporary therapies for health and sustainability.
Wendy Thomas
Kevala Ceramics
Wendy, founder of Kevala Ceramics, has spent 17 years advancing sustainable ceramics with a low-impact approach. Kevala uses local materials, minimizes harmful chemicals, and recycles clay scraps.
Sara Howard
Circular Ceramics
Sara Howard leads in circular ceramics by reclaiming waste materials and cutting water and energy use. She supports coral propagation and environmental education. Partnering with Kevala Ceramics, she promotes a circular model by repurposing industrial waste and integrating post-consumer glass from Bali’s rivers.
Will Goldfarb
Room 4 Dessert
Will Goldfarb, founder of Room 4 Dessert, blends innovative cuisine with Balinese traditions and ecosystems. The restaurant supports female-led businesses and emphasizes sustainability through forest conservation, edible gardens, and community engagement.
Ray & Eelke
Locavore NXT
Ray Adriansyah and Eelke Plasmeijer, co-founders of Locavore NXT, prioritize sustainability with a fully local ingredient sourcing, no imported spirits and innovative conscious practices to offer a unique dining experience.
Ola Nechyporenko
Olamii
Ola Nechyporenko, founder of Olamii, creates nature-inspired jewelry using locally sourced materials and plastic-free packaging. Motivated by her ocean connection, she supports local communities and generational artisans with a made-to-order model. Olamii also contributes to coral reef restoration efforts.
Nic Vanderbeeken
Apéritif Restaurant
Nic Vanderbeeken, chef at Aperitif, blends Indonesian flavors with European techniques using local ingredients. The restaurant practices include sustainable sourcing, waste reduction, solar energy, and minimizing plastic use. Aperitif ensures that every dining experience supports environmental conservation.
Panji Wisrawan
Pinstripe Bar
Panji, at Pinstripe, crafts zero-waste cocktails that showcase his expertise in sustainable mixology. By using locally sourced ingredients and repurposing waste, he creates inventive drinks with minimal environmental impact.
Alessio Schiavon
Mule Malu
Alessio, founder of Mule Malu, is dedicated to sustainable hospitality through eco-friendly practices. Under his leadership, the hotel emphasizes energy efficiency, water conservation, and comprehensive waste management.
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