A Sydney-based chef was killed in a motorcycle crash in Bali earlier this week, prompting an outpouring of grief from friends and colleagues who remember him for his passion and energy.
Davide Vulpis was traveling with friends on the Indonesian island when the accident occurred. Originally from Terlizzi, Italy, Vulpis had been living in Sydney for at least a year, where he worked at Cibaria Italian restaurant inside the Manly Pacific Hotel on the northern beaches.
Christian Vulpis, his brother, created a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for the cremation in Bali and bring Davide’s ashes back to Italy. The fundraiser described the accident as unexpected and heartbreaking.
Christian stated that bringing him home is incredibly important to the family. The fundraiser reached its goal of $12,000 within hours, having raised more than $11,000 before being paused. The funds will assist with cremation, legal and administrative expenses. Vulpis will be cremated in Bali, and his ashes will be returned to Italy.
Before relocating to Sydney, Vulpis worked in Ibiza as head chef at Aparthotel Playasol Mogambo. He also worked as a private caterer during his time on the Spanish island. His most recent Instagram post showed him cooking steak at the Manly restaurant. The caption read “Chef life.”
Other recent posts showed him enjoying Circular Quay’s iconic landmarks and holidaying in Thailand. The posts captured moments from his travels throughout Southeast Asia in the weeks before his death.
Friends posted tributes on social media following news of his death. One woman, identifying herself as his teacher, wrote about the difficulty of losing a student unexpectedly. She mentioned the 10 cups of coffee he drank in class.
As teachers, we expect to watch our students move forward when they graduate or find new opportunities, but never to lose them so suddenly, without warning, she wrote. I’ll miss your bright spirit every day—your stories from your travels, your thoughtful questions, and the ten cups of coffee you’d sip during class.
Another friend described him as a wonderful uncle and said he was best man at a wedding. The friend wrote about his presence leaving a mark on those around him.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said they were not providing consular assistance as Vulpis was not an Australian citizen. A spokesman confirmed the department did not have a consular role in the matter.
Bali remains a popular destination for tourists from Australia and around the world, drawn by its beaches, culture and relatively affordable accommodations. The Indonesian island sees millions of visitors annually, many of whom rent motorcycles and scooters to navigate the island’s roads. Traffic accidents involving tourists on two-wheeled vehicles are not uncommon, with varying road conditions and driving customs presenting challenges for visitors unfamiliar with local traffic patterns.
Indonesian authorities have increasingly focused on road safety measures in tourist areas, though enforcement can be inconsistent. Many accidents involve riders without proper licenses or experience operating motorcycles in tropical conditions. Helmet use, while legally required, is not universally observed, and road infrastructure in some areas remains less developed than in Western countries.
The incident comes weeks after another Australian was killed in a scooter crash in the same region. Bryce Alexander Black, 33, from the NSW Central Coast, was riding a scooter in North Kuta when he crashed head-on with a car on December 28. His partner, Samantha Baillie, also 33, suffered critical injuries in that accident.
The culinary community in Sydney’s northern beaches has lost a dedicated professional who brought his Mediterranean training to Australian kitchens. Cibaria Italian restaurant at the Manly Pacific Hotel, where Vulpis worked, serves traditional Italian cuisine in a setting overlooking the beach. The restaurant is known for its focus on authentic preparations and fresh ingredients, values that Vulpis brought from his training in Europe.
Italian cuisine has a strong presence in Sydney, with chefs from Italy contributing to the city’s diverse food scene. Many Italian nationals work in Australian hospitality, bringing techniques and traditions from their home regions to restaurants across the country. The northern beaches area, where Vulpis worked, is particularly known for its concentration of quality dining establishments that cater to both locals and tourists.
Vulpis’ career path from Terlizzi, Italy, through Ibiza and ultimately to Sydney reflects the international nature of the culinary profession, where chefs often move between countries to gain experience and share their skills. His work in multiple countries gave him exposure to different cooking styles and restaurant operations, experience he brought to his role in Sydney.
The rapid response to the fundraising campaign, which reached its goal within hours, demonstrates the impact Vulpis had on those who knew him. Friends, colleagues and former students contributed to help his family bring him home to Italy for final arrangements.