When thinking of Melbourne, it's the little streets tucked off the main streets which creates the charm of the city. Small coffee shops, eclectic shops, tattoo parlors and bars hole in the wall add an "edge" refreshing away from the bustle of major shopping centers, brash and stores that inhabit this urban sprawl. It was therefore refreshing to find a little laneway culture of Melbourne located in the heart of the rapid growth of Seminyak.
Seminyak today is far from where it was just a few years, with major streets now populated by many large Western brands that line the congested roads pedestrians and traffic as thick molasses oozing along the clogged arteries.
Gang 14 is perhaps not the sexiest name for a small street off Jl. Raya Seminyak, however, we must take, but walking in this small street to be away from the noisy, crowded sidewalks and large intrusive box stores. It is a virtual oasis of calm.
Take a charming area, rather running, add a caring owner, ten or twelve small traders from all walks of life, sprinkle in a dash of creativity and voila! A new original area was born. You will not find big brands lining up this charming little street, rather it is a treasure trove of household goods shops, restaurants, cafes and a small bar that goes by the name of Jealous Lovers.
A second output St. Lukas also live here, building on the success of their flagship store in Batubulan and they are the owners of this shop who encouraged me to come down and meet their fellow traders .
The street itself is made up of two-story buildings lining each side of the aisle and traders worked together to make the "common" areas retreat pleasant noise and traffic Raya Seminyak. What I like Gang 14 is that marketers themselves are a virtual league of all nations having landed in this small place on the island, bringing with them a vibrant and charming slice of life.
Walking from store to store I welcomed with open arms and food and beverage offerings from those who run small warungs and cafes. Their enthusiasm is boundless and one can see that these people are determined to make the hustle and bustle in the world that Seminyak has become cutthroat.
I begin my mini tour by entering Warung Jogi, led by a former pro surfer Andrew, who is from Jogjakarta and Dutch and Javanese decent. An unfortunate viral complaint, which cost him an eye, ended his surfing career and so he and his wife decided to take the plunge and offer a traditional Javanese cuisine in this small street and, so far so good. I come away from their restaurant with a 'do it yourself' package Wegang Uwuh , a health drink made from leaves of the trees that house the tombs of the kings of Yogyakarta. It bodes well for the rest of my tour!
Across the way, the effervescent Presi ushers me into her all day dining emporium named Brazilian Fayola, meaning luck. His parents were from Ambon and Manado and gently washed ashore on Bali eight years ago and quickly married and English! This is an activity the whole family with mom there when she's in town.
Next door is the tiny speakeasy with the rather catchy name, Jealous Lovers (named I think after jealous lover, victoria famous racehorse), led by Mace and his longtime partner Catherine. Leaving the environment focused on Melbourne rule three years ago, they set up camp at the end of the road and a lovely watering hole would be difficult to find.
This is small; to about 10 customers inside and the place would be considered packaged! Mace probably one of the most relaxed people I have had the pleasure to meet and it flows through the atmosphere of the place. And, if after a few whiskeys well-stocked bar, you decide to get a tattoo, take the stairs to the second floor where one minute tattoo parlor will ink you up.
and Cave Cove is another tiny homeware shop that designs and manufactures their own jewelry, carpets and many other items, led by a Canadian, Cole and his wife Sabrina. The two met in Jakarta four years ago and drifted south of Bali and started a family and this charming little business. Cole is from deep in the mountains of Canada, where winter temperatures fall to a cold 60 degrees Celsius, so we can not really see them heading north at any time soon.
I return behind St. Lukas and a final discussion with Leo and Liz owners whose small shop always seems to be filled with laughter and creativity. They design their own brands and are constantly reviewing, changing and discussing new designs for T-shirts, caps and more.
Their infectious spirit embodies all that this small alley "secret" is all about, and after spending an afternoon there, one might think that this group of "gypsies" who have set up camp Gang in 14 will add some charm if necessary in Seminyak constantly expanding.
If you are out and about in this part of the world, do not miss, as if you do go, you'll never know.
Gang 14, Jl. Raya Seminyak, Bali