A Sydney-based chef was killed in a motorcycle accident in Bali in early February, prompting an outpouring of grief from friends and colleagues who remembered his passion and vibrant character.
Davide Vulpis had been traveling with friends on the Indonesian island when the accident happened. Originally from Terlizzi, Italy, he had been living in Sydney for at least a year and working at Cibaria Italian restaurant inside the Manly Pacific Hotel on the Northern Beaches.
His brother, Christian Vulpis, started a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for cremation costs in Bali and return Davide’s ashes to Italy. The fundraiser described the loss as sudden and heartbreaking.
Christian emphasized how important it is to the family to bring Davide home. The fundraiser met its $12,000 goal within hours, surpassing $11,000 before it was paused. The money will cover cremation, legal, and administrative fees. Vulpis will be cremated in Bali, and his ashes will be transported back to Italy.
Before relocating to Sydney, Vulpis worked in Ibiza as head chef at Aparthotel Playasol Mogambo and also provided private catering on the island. His final Instagram post showed him preparing steak at the Manly restaurant with the caption “Chef life.”
Other recent posts showcased his visits to Circular Quay’s well-known attractions and a holiday in Thailand. These photos captured scenes from his Southeast Asian travels in the weeks before his death.
Friends posted tributes online after learning about his passing. One woman, who said she had taught him, wrote about the pain of unexpectedly losing a student and even mentioned the 10 cups of coffee he drank during class.
Another friend described him as a wonderful uncle and noted that he had served as best man at a wedding, saying his presence left a memorable mark on everyone he met.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade stated they were not offering consular assistance because Vulpis was not an Australian citizen. A spokesperson confirmed the department had no consular involvement.
Bali remains a popular destination for tourists from Australia and around the world, known for its beaches, culture, and relatively affordable travel. Millions visit each year, and many choose to rent scooters or motorcycles. Accidents involving tourists on two-wheeled vehicles are common due to differing road conditions and unfamiliar traffic patterns.
Indonesian authorities continue efforts to improve road safety in tourist areas, though enforcement varies. Many crashes involve riders without proper licenses or experience with motorcycles in tropical environments. Although helmets are legally required, compliance is inconsistent, and some regions have less-developed road infrastructure compared to Western countries.
The accident occurred just weeks after another Australian died in a scooter crash nearby. 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, was critically injured.
Sydney’s northern beaches culinary community has lost a dedicated chef who brought Mediterranean expertise to local kitchens. Cibaria Italian restaurant serves classic Italian dishes in a beachfront setting, focusing on authentic methods and fresh ingredients—values Vulpis carried from his European training.
Italian cuisine remains a strong influence in Sydney, with many Italian chefs contributing to the city’s diverse food scene. Many Italian nationals work in Australia’s hospitality industry, sharing traditions from their home regions. The northern beaches area, where Vulpis worked, is known for offering high-quality dining for locals and visitors alike.
Vulpis’ journey from Terlizzi to Ibiza and then to Sydney reflects the global nature of the culinary profession, where chefs often travel abroad to build experience and share their skills. His international background exposed him to a range of cooking styles and restaurant settings that he brought to his work in Sydney.
The quick response to the fundraiser, which hit its goal in just hours, shows the strong impact Vulpis had on his community. Friends, colleagues, and former students donated to help his family bring him back to Italy for his final arrangements.
