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Keen Creative Marketing x Begawan Biji Collaboration

begawan
biji

BRANDING  •  CREATIVE  •  WEBSITE  •  SOCIAL  •  SEO  •  PAID ADS

BALI,  INDONESIA  •  2024

Launching a destination restaurant dedicated to the future of Bali

Keen’s branding and visual storytelling for Begawan Biji, a regenerative restaurant in Ubud, Bali.

THE STORY

Begawan Foundation is a grassroots organisation that has empowered communities in rural villages in Bali for more than 20 years. Bradley and Debora Gardner, Begawan's founders, approached us with an exceptional project: a regenerative restaurant that would serve as a platform for community development. 

A permaculture garden and three hectares of Mansur rice fields were the setting for the new restaurant, named ‘Biji’ or ‘seed’ in Balinese. 

The Gardners envisioned an open-air dining venue made to the highest environmental standards, that would provide a window into Begawan's regenerative farming initiative and its work in conservation for the  critically endangered Bali Starling. 

THE BRAND

We began by defining the foundation's core purpose: to be here for Bali. We tied this  statement we tied into the foundation's work in agriculture, conservation, and education with variations on the tagline: Here for the farmers, Here for nature, Here for the next generation.

With the help of Bali-based creative director Andre Plaisier we crafted a complete brand universe around this idea. In a stroke of genius, Andre presented a logo inspired by the two-tiered roof the restaurant, which resembles a Balinese wantilan, or outdoor pavilion.

We chose a contemporary typeface from Connary Fagen, and an earthy colour palette inspired by the fires in the kitchen and the fertile greens and browns of the farm. Underpinning it all was a sense of elegance, artistry, and calm. 
Elegant corner from Begawan Biji, part of Keen’s marketing strategy for hotel and restaurant branding in Southeast Asia.
Branding logo for Begawan Biji, one of Keen's past clients.
Brand guidelines for Begawan Biji by Keen Creative Marketing, showcasing logo design, colors, typography and photo direction.
Folded food and drink menus for Begawan Biji with earthy tones and modern design, crafted by Keen Creative Marketing.
Elegant business cards for Begawan Biji featuring earthy tones, minimalist design, and branding by Keen Creative Marketing.

THE VISUALS

Once the restaurant was ready, we began planning pre-opening photo shoots and scripting videos to create buzz around the launch of the restaurant.

We engaged talented documentary photographer Jonathan Fontaine to capture the entire project, from the garden beds to the oversized Sri Lankan daybed, sunrise in the rice fields to cocktail hour.

Begawan's in-house videographer Ihsan stepped up to film the restaurant's breathtaking architecture, and create our pre-opening welcome video, introducing the restaurant's sustainable ethos, interiors, and location.
Begawan Biji restaurant nestled in tropical greenery of Ubud, Bali, captured during a branding photoshoot by Keen Agency.

THE PLATFORMS

Our team accompanied Begawan Biji throughout the preopening period. We designed brochures, menus, road signs and stationery, built a simple yet effective website centered around our lush visuals, told the story of the restaurant and the foundation behind it through social media platforms.

Our team led hiring and training for the foundation's digital marketing team, and began targeted storytelling around our key content pillars through paid ad campaigns. Before the opening, we contacted Google to add a road on the map to the new venue, and did full search engine optimisation for the restaurant.

To date, Begawan Biji has more than 600 five-star reviews on Google, and is widely loved by guests as one of the most atmospheric and captivating restaurants in Bali. The project, built on a shared sense of value for natural beauty, craftsmanship, and sustainability, is one we're immensely proud of.

www.begawanbiji.com
Website design for Begawan Biji by Keen Agency showcasing elegant hospitality branding and responsive layout.
Bartender at Begawan Biji preparing a cocktail under Keen’s creative direction and branding concept.

"We worked together closely with Esther on the branding and image for the pre-opening of our restaurant in Bali. All aspects were covered, from the gorgeous web page to setting up all the social media. I certainly would not hesitate to recommend Esther." 

DEBORAH GARDNER, CO-FOUNDER, BEGAWAN

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