A Sydney-based chef was killed in a motorcycle accident in Bali in early February, sparking grief among friends and colleagues who remembered his enthusiasm and spirit.
Davide Vulpis had been traveling with friends on the Indonesian island when the crash happened. Originally from Terlizzi, Italy, he had spent at least a year in Sydney, where he worked at Cibaria Italian restaurant inside the Manly Pacific Hotel on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
His brother, Christian Vulpis, launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover cremation costs in Bali and return Davide’s ashes to Italy. The fundraiser described the tragedy as sudden and devastating.
Christian emphasized that bringing him home means a great deal to the family. The fundraiser quickly gained support, surpassing $11,000 before reaching its $12,000 goal within hours. Donations were later paused. The money will go toward cremation, legal needs, and administrative fees. Vulpis will be cremated in Bali, with his ashes to be brought back to Italy.
Before moving to Sydney, Vulpis worked in Ibiza as a head chef at Aparthotel Playasol Mogambo. He also worked as a private caterer while on the Spanish island. His last Instagram post showed him preparing steak at the Manly restaurant, accompanied by the caption “Chef life.”
Other recent posts showed him visiting Circular Quay’s well-known sights and vacationing in Thailand. The posts captured highlights from his travels across Southeast Asia in the weeks leading up to his death.
Friends shared tributes on social media after learning of his passing. One woman, who said she had been his teacher, wrote about the shock of losing a student without warning and mentioned the 10 cups of coffee he used to drink during class.
Another friend called him a wonderful uncle and noted that he had served as the best man at a wedding. The friend expressed how his presence left an impression on everyone around him.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was not offering consular support because Vulpis was not an Australian citizen. A spokesperson confirmed the department had no consular involvement.
Bali continues to attract tourists from Australia and around the globe with its beaches, culture and relatively affordable lodging. The island hosts millions of visitors annually, many of whom rent motorcycles and scooters to get around. Traffic accidents involving tourists on two-wheeled vehicles are frequent, as varying road conditions and driving norms pose difficulties for those unfamiliar with local traffic.
Indonesian officials have increasingly emphasized road safety efforts in tourist hubs, though enforcement can vary. Many accidents involve riders lacking proper licenses or sufficient experience with motorcycles in tropical environments. Although helmets are required by law, they are not always worn, and infrastructure in certain areas is less developed compared to Western countries.
The crash occurred about two months after another Australian died in a scooter accident in the same area. Bryce Alexander Black, 33, from the New South Wales Central Coast, was riding a scooter in North Kuta when he collided head-on with a car on December 28. His partner, Samantha Baillie, also 33, sustained critical injuries in the incident.
The culinary community in Sydney’s northern beaches has lost a devoted chef who brought his Mediterranean training to Australian kitchens. Cibaria, an Italian restaurant inside the Manly Pacific Hotel, offers classic Italian dishes in a beachside setting, known for its dedication to authentic techniques and fresh ingredients—values Vulpis carried from his European background.
Italian cuisine plays a major role in Sydney’s dining landscape, with many Italian chefs contributing their regional techniques to Australia’s hospitality scene. The northern beaches, where Vulpis was employed, is known for its strong collection of high‑quality dining venues that serve both residents and visitors.
Vulpis’ professional journey from Terlizzi, Italy, through Ibiza and ultimately to Sydney reflects the international nature of the culinary world, where chefs often move across borders to gain experience and share their skills. Working in several countries exposed him to diverse cooking styles and restaurant practices, experience he brought to his role in Sydney.
The swift support for the fundraising effort, which hit its target within hours, shows the influence Vulpis had on those in his life. Friends, colleagues and former students contributed to help his family return him to Italy for his final arrangements.