“You don’t have to say everything to be a light. Sometimes a fire built on a hill will bring interested people to your campfire.”
His name is Abadu R., but to the world—especially in Gili Meno—he is known as Mr. Pak Man!
I am sure if you’re in Bali, you most definitely hop on one of the ferries and visit Gili Trawangan and Gili Air. But of course, you can only find the delicious Warung Pak Man right smack in the middle of both Gili Islands, and it’s an island people tend to miss out on. I spent a few days in Gili Meno, and I thank my good Irish friend Damien for suggesting the place for our dinner. Being one of the best places to taste good local food, I am even more grateful to have met such a kind and inspiring soul.
Yes, Mr. Pak Man is not only an amazing cook—cheffing it up in the kitchen all day making delicious meals like Gado-gado and my new favorite, Urap-urap.
He is a retired architect from Jawa, Kudus, who, along with his wife Sili Buati, has been living for six years in the beautiful Gili Islands of Lombok, Indonesia.
He has lived in many other countries like Japan, China, and Belgium, where he studied architecture. He has worked in places around Indonesia like Jakarta and Bali. He also studied the many styles of Tai Chi. When I spoke to him about my chronic pain due to fibromyalgia, he immediately spoke to me about the health benefits of Tai Chi and offered me a healing massage.
Thank you, Mr. Pak Man, for allowing me to share a piece of you with the world. You are a face and a place I will never forget. Thank you.
