Travel warnings and economic instability may affect the population of Bali, but the island itself remains the same: steadfast in its spirituality and unwavering in its charm. Processions of lights, power cuts, impromptu dances, mysterious disappearances due to Hindu rituals - the minuses of this charmed isle go hand in hand with the pluses. Geographically, it's a big place. Head east to get away from the crowds and up to Ubud if it's the heart of the cultural and design scene you seek. Kuta is popular, but can be frightening without a few cocktails lining your stomach.
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01
Essentials
| 01 |
Nothing beats arriving by air. A stint in a Air Bali helicopter provides unbeatable views. |
| 02 |
Hire a driver if you are venturing out, but be warned; the Balinese make Italians look like methodical drivers. |
| 03 |
Kaftans and sarongs are fashion staples for locals and foreigners. |
| 04 |
Bali is a water lover’s paradise. Try kite surfing, surfing, sailing or diving at least once. |
| 05 |
Go organic. Lots of local producers have turned to organic farming in recent years. |
| 06 |
Local media is plentiful. Browse magazines such as The Yak and The Bud, dedicated to Bali's fashionable set. |
| 07 |
Head to the mountains. Ubud's rice paddies and river gorges trump any beach for tranquility. |
| 08 |
It's all about bespoke: any local you meet will have their favorite in-situ designers. |
| 09 |
Martinis on the island are among the strongest in Asia. Go to Ary's Warung for one of the best. |
| 10 |
Skip staying at Ary's, but do grab a tipple at Bulgari Bali for its epic views. |
02
Hotels
Independent and easy
The Legian
Jalan Laksmana, Seminyak
+ 62 361 730662
ghmhotels.com
Dependable chain
Four Seasons
Jimbaran Bay, Denpasar
+62 361 701010
fourseasons.com/bali
Amankila
Manggis
Karangesam
+ 62 363 41333
amankila.com
03
Dining
Fast breakfast
Beach Café
Sindhu Beach, Sanur
+ 62 361 282875
Leisurely breakfast
Cafe Moka
Jalan Seminyak, Br Basangkasa, Seminyak
+ 62 361 731424
indo.com/restaurants/
cafemoka
Mid-morning coffee
Bali Deli
Jalan Kunti 117, Seminyak
+ 62 361 738686
balideli.net
Lunch with friends
Gado Gado
Jalan Dhyana Pura, Seminyak
+ 62 361 736966
gadogadorestaurant.com
Deli to get picnic food
Gourmet Garage
Jalan Bypass, Gg Tukad Melangi
+ 62 361 701650
Then head to Pasir Putih beach
Lunch on your own
Ayung Terrace
Four Seasons Sayan, Ubur, Gianyar
+ 62 361 977 577
Sunset cocktail
Ku de Ta
9 Jalan Laksmana, Seminyak
+ 62 361 736 969
kudeta.net
Dinner for two
Mosaic
Jalan Sanggingan, Ubud
+ 62 361 975768
Dinner with friends
Il Ristorante
Bulgari Bali, Jalan Goa Lempeh, Banjar Dinas Kangin, Uluwatu
+ 62 361 847 1000
Best barbeque/alfresco dining
PJ's
Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay, Denpasar
+ 62 362 701010
Big dinner with friends
Kafe Warisan
38 Jalan Raya Kerobokan, Seminyak
+ 62 361 731175
kafewarisan.com
Drink after dinner
Ary's Warung
Ubud Village, Gainyar
+ 62 361 974668
Late drinks
The Pool Bar
The Legian, Jalan Laksmana, Seminyak
+ 62 361 730622
ghmhotels.com
Late bite
Hu'u Bar
Jalan Petitenget, Seminyak
+ 62 361 736443
huubali.com
04
Reading
Books
Galeria Nusa Dua
Kawasan Wisata, Nusa Dua
+ 62 361 771662
05
Basics
Kimia Pharma
123-125 Jalan Diponegoro, Denpasar
+ 62 361 224445
06
Shopping
Something you can't get anywhere else
Art from Gaya Fusion
Jalan Rasa Sayan, Ubud, Gianyar
+ 62 361 979252
gayafusion.com
Lost luggage - where to buy shirts, socks and underwear
Sogo
Galeria Nusa Dua, Kawasan, Pariwisata
+ 62 361 772655
Something for the kids
Clothes from Sogo
Galeria Nusa Dua, Kawasan, Pariwisata
+ 62 361 772655
Something for yourself
Design from De-Lighting
Jalan GT Subroto Barat 99, Kerobokan
+ 62 361 412194
de-lighting.com
07
Two hour tour
| 01 |
Uluwatu Temple
|
02 |
Ubud Village |
03 |
Pura Luhur Batukau and Pura Lempeyung |
08
Limousine/car
Golden Bird Limousines
+ 62 361 701111
09
Transport
Taxis are readily available and affordable in Bali. All hotels will happily order you a taxi, or arrange for a car company to ferry you around.
10
Fitness
Good gym
Conrad Bali
Jalan Pratama 168
+ 62 361 778788
Good running route
Rio Grande Trail
Dreamland Beach, near Uluwatu.
Alternative diversion
Pasir Putih, for swimming
School of Surf, Jalan Arjuna, Kuta
+ 62 361 735 858