The Bali Buzz

It’s said that Bali is now overflowing with obnoxious Australian surfers, it’s said that the pristine beaches in the 90’s are now filled with local families trying to make a buck or two. Nonetheless, this evolution still doesn’t take away from this hippy, barefoot vibe of city. It’s a magnet to creative folk from across the globe. Follow me to see Bali in another light.

See Uluwatu From Our Lens

Tucked away in the southern most point on the island, Sundays is that beach club that attracts all travelers alike. Sip on margaritas and lounge at the cabanas. To get there, you start at the Unagsan Clifftop Resort and take a two minute trolley from the hilltop down near the sand. Note you will have to do some stair climbing, so limit your bags!

Name: Sundays Beach Club

Address: Jalan Pantai Selatan Gau, Banjar Wijaya Kusuma, Ungasan, Kuta Selatan, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80362, Indonesia

Open: daily, not just Sunday

Adult — IDR. 300k

Continue chasing the views… up to Alila Villas Uluwatu

Best Place in Uluwatu for a Chilled Lunch

It’s absolute luxury at the Alila Villas, a 5 star hotel perched on limestone cliffs 100 meters above the Indian Ocean. The contemporary architecture from WOHA architects flows from the entrance all the way to its smaller facilities. Every tree or shrub is planted with purpose to enhance the overall atmosphere. Eat at the Warung, and enjoy the best of Indonesian cuisine while soaking in the views.

Name: Alila Villas

Address: Jl. Belimbing Sari, Tambiyak, Pecatu, Kuta Selatan Pecatu Kuta Selatan, Badung, Bali 80364, Indonesia

Seminyak For The Senses

Seminyak is known to be too dense, packed with locals and fist pumping foreigners. Find your balance and come to Ku De Ta, the best place to watch the sunset in Bali. The crowd is varied. You’ll find European businessmen, to barefoot Americans laughing hysterically to themselves, to trendy inner racial couples tickling their babies while sipping on Pellegrino. Try the seared salmon; the food is surprisingly good for a lounge centered on selling tasty drinks.

Name: Ku De Ta

Address: Jl. Kayu Aya No.9, Seminyak, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali, Indonesia

Hungry Yet?

This is hands down the best food I’ve come across in Bali. Bambu is a hidden gem focusing on classic Indonesian cuisine with a fresh twist. Chicken sate, prawns, spicy sambal; it has everything you adore about the local food at the markets in a gourmet setting. I’d say its even better- more spices, more flavor, more heat in the kitchen, all paired with traditional Balinese decor. It’s a hit.

Name: Bambu

Address:  Jl. Petitenget No. 198, Seminyak 80361, Indonesia

Over Indonesian? Go West for Tapas and Steak

All you pork fans out there. This is it. Barbacoa’s 8 hour slow cooked suckling pig hits the nail on the head. Pair the pig with their large international wine list.

Name: Barbacoa

Address: Jl. Petitenget No.14, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia

Shimmy Down To Margaritaville

If dancing on tables, sipping margaritas, listening to “mi gente” or “el corazon” is right up your alley, you will fit in right away. Motel Mexicola draws in a diverse groups of people who all love to party. As colorful and well designed as the interior is, the food doesn’t compromise. Get the chips and guac as a starter and stuff your face with tacos. This will hold you for the nightly tequila consumption.

Name: Motel Mexicola

Address: Jalan Kayu Jati No. 9X, Petitenget, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia

Head to Chenggu For a Chilled Night Out- Bali Style

The Slow is a new design hotel bridging modern and traditional elements with locally sourced stone, native wood and raw concrete. Australian owners, in partnership with a local Balinese studio, GFAB Architects, have created a contemporary island stay in the heart of Canggu, Bali. Take a seat, have a slow paced dinner here, the menu is phenomenal. Chef Shannon Moran draws upon his travels through South America, Europe, and Asia to carefully curate a menu that is unique and bold, and of course sustainable! It sure is the theme around Bali.

Name: The Slow

Address: Jalan Batu Bolong 97, Canggu

Babes and Bintang…

At Old Man’s Chenggu’s you will see blonde surfer babes rocking up in their Indah bathing suits after a long days tanning session at the beach. Guys will be ordering Bintang all night long, to the point where you’ll wonder how does the Old Man’s supply not run out? You’ll see the occasional dreadlock dude smoking up a storm watching chicks pass by. Come here to see beautiful people and embrace the barefoot Bali vibes.

Name: Old Man’s Restaurant

Address: Jl. Pantai Batu Bolong No. 117X, Kuta Utara, Canggu, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali, Indonesia

What’s Missing? Monkeys!