If you have spotted a super sleek, beautifully crafted motorbike cruising the streets of Bali, there's a good chance that it was created by the team at Deus Ex Machina. You don't have to be a bike enthusiast to admire these customised creations, that go by names like 'Deus Ulu,' the 'Silver Streak and the 'Rocco.' Each bike is a work of art and built to ride like a dream.
If your curiosity is roused, visit the Deus Temple of Enthusiasm which rises from the rice paddys of Canggu, and step out back to find a long line of bengkel (motorbikes workshops in Indonesian) with dozens of motorbikes being repainted, refitted, redesigned and revamped a la Deus Ex Machina. But a whole lot more goes on at Deus than motorbikes, because these boys also love to surf, and apply their expertise to the crafting of surfboards direct to your specifications. Check out the shop inside the main building where you will find the unique Deus retro style of boards plus plenty of bikes, accessories and cool clothing.
There is also a funky art gallery with revolving exhibitions related to the Deus genre. The Single fin exhibition was highly memorable, a tribute to the first legendary surfers who came to Bali and hit the waves with their single fin boards. Being a child friendly space, kids can also get involved in art activities such as silk screening, while their parents enjoy Saturday Brunch (washed down with plenty of Sangria.) As for music, Deus Sunday Sunset Sessions are definitely where it's at for anyone looking for a bit of nightlife in Canggu, with various bands and artists performing to a regular, up for it crowd of Deus enthusiasts. Tuesday nights are also a lot of fun, as 'Taco-n-Tattuesday' kicks off with tacos, tattoos, tequila and Margarita specials, complete with a serenading Mariachi band.
The menu is global but draws heavily on Asian inspiration. Appetisers include healthy options, such as the Duck Salad, shaved and sautéed duck sprinkled with sticky rice and served on a bed of greens, basil and mint. The sauce is Thai style made with lime, chili, and tamarind. The lightly seared Zero Hero comes from the specialty sushi range created by Chef Tyler Mars, a warm, delicious mix of avocado, spicy crab and tuna rolled with rice and nori seaweed. Sushi is served daily but for a more in depth experience, a sushi bar is set up on Thursdays and Fridays starting at 5pm.
Malee Yum Pla is a deboned fried snapper with lemongrass, mint and coriander sauce. The fish is so flaky and tender that it falls into pieces while the taste is an explosion of sweet and sour. The Beef Basil is thinly sliced, wok sautéed and cooked in sweet soya sauce with onion, long beans and basil, served hot with a bowl of warm white rice. Sweet favourites include Chocolate Lava Cake which has a crispy outer shell but a super soft and juicy filling, with melted chocolate making a gala appearance from deep within. The ice coolness of the Vanilla ice combined with the warmth of the fresh-from-the-oven cake creates a mouthwatering delight.
With so much going on at the Temple of Enthusiasm you want to allow a few hours to take it all in, then maybe finish up in the spacious backyard that celebrates the great Australian tradition of beer gardens for a long cold drink or two. \MA
