Feby & Suri In The Tropics

Lovers of Leisure

Feby and Suri Jabrik

Photography by Anna Pihan

A conversation with Bali natives, creative entrepreneur Feby Jabrik and her pro-surfer daughter Suri Jabrik. Nurtured in a world rich in art and cultural heritage, Feby and Suri find endless leisure in nature’s beauty, exploring lush jungles, and the best waves within the azure waters of the Indonesian archipelago.

“Leisure time is a necessity - losing the notion of time to create space for creativity.”

Hi Feby and Suri! Can you tell us a little about yourselves?

Feby: My name is Feby Jabrik, I am a Balinese from Gianyar. I’m a wife and a mother of two passionate young surfing athletes. I am also an entrepreneur — my husband and I have a few lifestyle brands and hospitality businesses called Good Mantra, and Earth Island, and a surfing development company called Asian Surf Co. My recent personal passion project is teaming up with my good friend Fiona to make both our dreams come true — building Arke Interior Studio here in Bali. I love to create and activate anything that gives a spark in my life, to keep learning from my experiences, and to expand from there.

Suri: Hello, my name is Hanasuri Jabrik. I am 15 years old and I am born and raised in Bali, Indonesia. Right now I am still in school but also pursuing my career as a professional surfer.

How do you spend your leisure time?

Feby: We are very blessed to be In Bali and surrounded by its nature. Beach time hanging with friends and family, or staying somewhere in the middle of the jungle, rice paddies, or anywhere with nature’s natural beauties is how I love to spend my leisure time.

Suri: I usually surf or hang out with friends. I love being near the beach so that’s where I would usually go.

“Our newest venue, Earth Island, is a lifestyle brand that captures the surfing journey and coastal living around the archipelago of the world.”

Why is leisure time important to you?

Feby: It’s a necessity, creativity comes when there is space. I believe we need to create space for ourselves, losing the notion of time and space to be able to flow in life.

Sunrise, midday, or sunset?

Feby: I love both Sunrise and sunset. Sunrise marks the start of each day, and I feel that brings hope and positivity. Sunset reminds me to give gratitude and that I have spent the best way possible each day.

Suri: I love all because I can surf at any of those times but I especially like sunrise because it’s the start of a new day.

What project was inspired by your leisure time?

Feby: I would say all the projects that we are doing are based on our personal experiences of our travel. Our newest venue, Earth Island, is a lifestyle brand that captures the surfing journey and coastal living around the archipelago of the world. And Good Mantra is inspired by all the things that make you feel good about your well-being, for an everyday well-balanced life. They all have a story from destinations that we have visited. Travel will always be part of our lifestyle and it’s important to keep us inspired.

Your favorite hotel stay?

Feby: Ubud Village Resort. It has genuine Balinese hospitality and great service. And Pondok Pisang - a hidden gem - a hideaway, a space that allows us the freedom to just be. I love smaller boutique hotels with intention.

Suri: I don’t have one favorite, but one of them is HT in the Mentawais because of the blue ocean, white sand beaches, and magical waves, a dream destination for surfers.

“Sunrise marks the start of each day, bringing hope and positivity. Sunset reminds me to give gratitude.”

What’s your favorite leisurely destination and why?

Feby: I do not have one favorite, all destinations we have been to have their own persona, and offer unique experiences that make us want to go in the first place and become memorable after visiting. Whether it’s city, mountains, island, or beach destinations.

I would say, traveling around the Indonesian Islands is one of my favorites. Indonesia is so rich in its culture, traditions, and natural beauty in those remote places. For me, those islands give the feeling of freedom, and that’s what makes them a luxury destination.

Bali, however, is always been on top of my list. Its people and culture, the Balinese will always try to honor and take a moment to pause, giving/ showing gratitude. No matter if you come from different professions, family backgrounds, or social status. The Balinese will come together for a ceremony to celebrate some upacara (ceremony/holy days) which they believe is their way to keep the balance of life and of course the island itself. Even though I was born and raised in Bali and it is the place I call home, I can always create a good work & leisure-balanced life.

Suri: My favorite place that I have been so far is Australia. I love it because it has good waves, I have many friends over there and I love the shopping!

If you could spend a day with any artist, who would it be?

Suri: Drake. I love his music and I’d love to know how he writes the lyrics for some of his songs and where the ideas come from.

Most treasured souvenir

Suri: Probably my trophies from competitions I’ve been to because it reminds me of the memories and fun times I had.

If you could teleport to any place in the world right now and stay for 1 day, where would you go and what would you do?

Suri: I would go to Hawaii go to the beach and be there from sunrise to sunset with friends and family and surf until I’m too tired.

Feby: To go back in time to the magical Bali in the 1930s.

What do you appreciate about each other?

Suri: How she (Feby) always thinks about other people before herself. And her cooking skills, her pasta feels and tastes like eating in an Italian restaurant.

Feby: That Suri is so independent, she is funny, she is a good singer, she is very caring, stubborn — so she knows what she wants and is a good surfer.

“Magique is everywhere.”

What is magique for you?

Feby: Magique is everywhere if you allow yourself to have access to it. When there is a moment where an honest and simple experience happens, it fills your heart.

Suri: A good surf session. Being able to do what you love with purpose.