A Sydney-based chef was killed in a Bali motorcycle accident in early February, sparking widespread grief from friends and colleagues who remembered his enthusiasm and drive.
Davide Vulpis had been traveling with companions on the Indonesian island when the crash happened. Originally from Terlizzi, Italy, he had been living in Sydney for at least a year, working at Cibaria Italian restaurant located inside the Manly Pacific Hotel on the Northern Beaches.
His brother, Christian Vulpis, launched a GoFundMe to cover cremation costs in Bali and return Davide’s ashes to Italy. The fundraiser described the tragedy as sudden and deeply painful.
Christian emphasized how important it was for the family to bring him home. The fundraiser quickly reached its $12,000 goal within hours, surpassing $11,000 before being paused. The money will help with cremation, legal matters, and administrative fees. Vulpis will be cremated in Bali, and his ashes will be sent back to Italy.
Before moving to Sydney, Vulpis worked in Ibiza as the head chef at Aparthotel Playasol Mogambo. He also provided private catering while living on the Spanish island. His last Instagram post featured him cooking steak at the Manly restaurant, captioned “Chef life.”
Other recent posts showed him visiting iconic Circular Quay attractions and vacationing in Thailand. These posts captured highlights from his travels across Southeast Asia in the weeks leading up to his death.
Friends shared tributes online after learning of his passing. One woman, who said she had been his teacher, wrote about the difficulty of losing a student unexpectedly and mentioned his habit of drinking 10 cups of coffee during class.
Another friend remembered him as a loving uncle and the best man at a wedding, noting how his presence left a lasting impression on everyone around him.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade stated they were not providing consular assistance because Vulpis was not an Australian citizen. A spokesman confirmed the department had no consular role in the situation.
Bali continues to attract tourists from Australia and other countries with its beaches, culture, and relatively affordable lodging. Millions of visitors come each year, many renting motorcycles or scooters to get around. Crashes involving tourists on two-wheeled vehicles occur frequently due to varying road conditions and unfamiliar traffic habits.
Indonesian officials have increasingly emphasized road safety in tourist zones, though enforcement remains inconsistent. Many incidents involve riders lacking proper licenses or experience with motorcycles in tropical environments. Helmet use is legally required but not always followed, and road infrastructure in some regions is less developed compared to Western nations.
The tragedy happened just weeks after another Australian died in a scooter collision in the same area. Bryce Alexander Black, 33, from the New South Wales Central Coast, was riding a scooter in North Kuta when he hit a car head-on on December 28. His partner, Samantha Baillie, also 33, sustained critical injuries.
The culinary community in Sydney’s northern beaches has lost a committed professional who brought Mediterranean influences to Australian dining. Cibaria Italian restaurant offers traditional Italian dishes in a beachfront setting, known for its dedication to authenticity and fresh ingredients — values Vulpis carried from his European training.
Vulpis’ journey from Terlizzi, Italy, through Ibiza, and eventually Sydney reflects the global nature of the culinary world, where chefs often move internationally to refine their skills and share their expertise. His global experiences shaped his work in Sydney.
The swift response to the fundraising campaign, which hit its target in mere hours, shows the strong impact Vulpis had on those who knew him. Friends, coworkers, and former students gave generously to help return him to Italy for final arrangements.