Posted by Milt on Friday, 9. October 1998 at 03:53 Bali Time:
After first posting a number of tips on October 5, I've recieved numerous requests for more and more so while hoping I'm not boring you I'll pass along some other things I've learned in my most recent month in Bali.
Best Place to Buy Ikat: My old friend from Sumba, Francis, has opened a new shop on Legian St. in Kuta called Ana Mahang. All he sells is ikat and believe me, Francis knows his ikat really well. He will show you the difference between natural dye and analine dye ikat as well as provide you with information on how to judge the good, the bad and the ugly. He will NOT pressure you to buy as he is a true gentleman, a scholar as well as a friend. Do not buy your ikat in the markets unless you don't care that you're buying machine made, analine dyed junk.
Speaking of Kuta, which is not a part of Bali I am personally all that fond of, one of, if not THE BEST restaurant in all of Bali is right there on Legian, not far from (hate to say it) MacDonalds. It's called Ketupat and it gets five solid gold forks in my humble opinion...and I must say, at 215 lbs, I am not one who eats to live, but rather lives to eat! I first discovered this place some two years ago. It is off the main road, but right behind an upscale arts and crafts shop owned by the same family from Sulawesi that owns the restaurant. You'll know you are in the right place as their menu, (about the size of an IRS field auditor's manual) is completely illustrated with photographs of all the dishes they serve. Ketupat features dishes from all over Indonesia and the preparation is absolutely superb in every way. Try their cumi- cumi from Irian Jaya. You've never had calamari like this before! I can't say enough about this place as it is totally perfect in every way possible. I only wish it were located in Ubud.
Speaking of good places to eat...if you're headed up North, check your map for a tiny little mountain top village called Munduk. It's right on the "scenic" route towards Lovina. Anyway, there is a delightful little place called Puri Lumbung Cottages located there and they have a wonderful little restaurant with spectactular mountain top views. This facility (with great rooms too) is a cooperative project between the School of Tourism in Bali and the people of Munduk. I raved so much about the place after a long lingering lunch and some excellent cocktails that they gave me a copy of their menu. Truly suberb food, both traditional and "western" and bound to please the most discerning palate.
Well, I've made myself so hungry, I'm going to sign off now and grab a bite to eat. If you're headed to Bali, I envy you and can't wait myself until January when it's time for me to head back! Selamat tinggal!