Begawan Biji is a fine Indonesian restaurant founded by Bradley T. Gardner and Debora Gardner. They are also the founders of the famous Begawan Giri Estate, named one of the top hotels in the world by Conde Nast Traveler in 2002. The Gardners were known not only for their unique hospitality, but also for their deep concern for the environment and their dedication to the common good.

On their first visit to Bali, the Gardners discovered that a rare species of Balinese starling was endangered, with fewer than ten remaining in the wild. With a mission to protect this endangered species, they founded the Bali Starling Conservation Society (Begawan) to do everything possible to save them and protect Bali's unique ecosystem. This initiative is not only the starting point for their public welfare work, but also an expression of their love for the land. There is also a strong sense of social responsibility in regenerative agriculture, the preservation of cultural heritage and the provision of free education to the local community.

After the sale of Begawan Giri Estate, the Gardners did not stop, but increased their investment in the preservation of Bali's nature and culture. Over the next two decades, their efforts have borne fruit - more and more birds have been rereleased into the wild, the need for education has increased, and innovative regenerative farming techniques have spread to local farmers. These growing influences made the Gardners decide to reinvest in their proud hospitality business, and Begawan Biji was built near one of their estates.

Begawan Biji Restaurant is located among Bali's famous rice paddies, with a unique green landscape that offers a peaceful beauty unlike any other. This land is no longer a simple sightseeing place, but a place that integrates ecological protection and cultural inheritance. Inspired by the documentary Kiss the Ground, the Gardners replaced chemically damaged soil with new, carbon-rich, nutrient-rich soil to support regenerative rice cultivation, making every inch of land imbibed with endless regenerative power.

Begawan Biji was designed by Balinese architect Conchita Blanco (Blanco Studio) to blend in with its natural surroundings: The design of the two-storey open-air pavilion is inspired by Bali's Wantilan (a two-storey open pavilion) or public building and is made entirely from recycled ironwood, bamboo and sandstone. The efforts of Eco-Mantra, an environmental engineering consultant, ensure sustainability in design and operations.

Begawan Biji is filled with a warm atmosphere, using custom natural fabrics, cutlery and ceramics, wicker furniture, rugs and Indonesian antiques to create the feeling of being in a chic living room of a friend's home. The downstairs lounge overlooks the rice fields, while the upstairs restaurant offers 360° views of the farmland.

In running the restaurant, the Gardners stick to locally grown organic ingredients to support Balinese farmers and reduce their carbon footprint. Every ingredient used in the restaurant is carefully selected to ensure both quality and a continued respect for the land. Each meal is carefully designed not only to convey authentic Indonesian flavor, but also to showcase the Gardners' deep understanding of food and nature.

Every employee here is professionally trained not only to pass on service and enthusiasm, but also to share their stories of conservation and inheritance. Every visitor is encouraged to learn about Begawan's conservation projects and even have the opportunity to participate in the release of the Balinese starlings.

Begawan Biji not only shows the Gardners' unique vision of blending business and philanthropy, but also creates a unique dining experience and a place to reflect on the connection with nature. It is not only a restaurant, but also a cultural platform with protection and inheritance as the core, so that every guest can experience the core of Bali culture.