JBR - 14 October to 26 October 2011
This is our 5th holiday in Bali, we are DINK's in our 30's. After the last trip we wondered if we'd return, not because we had a poor experience, but more that we thought we may like to experience something new.....and here we are.....funny how many times you hear of people returning to Bali 5, 10, 15, 20 times....guess we're starting to fit the mould. For us Bali is very relaxing and
special to us as we were married on the beach in Jimbaran Bay in 2005. For 5 time visitors we can't shed much light on the entirety of the island, we tend to stick to what we know, Seminyak/Legian/Kuta. Hope you find this report on restaurants, shopping and pampering useful. Our last trip was in November 2009. The development and construction underway in Seminyak/Kerobokan is unsettling. Every patch it seems is being exploited. Whilst our accommodation wasn't effected by construction many are. A villa we have previously stayed in, Pradha Villa Seminyak, would now be overlooked by a construction site! This is in the vacinity of B Villa Seaside, Dusun etc. If you were to pay the rates asked I feel you would be sorely disapppointed with the noise from construction & the lack of privacy.
Bare in mind if it is your first visit, take your time to adjust (I still take a day or two to cope, the drive from the airport is always an eye opener), relax and enjoy all that this beautiful island has to offer.
Gado Gado
Jl Camplung Tanduk 99, Seminyak. Ph: 0361 736966. www.gadogadorestaurant.com. info@gadogadorestaurant.com
One of our favourites, visit every time and this visit was a first for lunch. Newly refurbed and re-opened middle of 2011. Huge trees offer shade and it is absolute beachfront. Service and food is always very, very good. A must for those who enjoy good quality food, service and beachfront locations.
Carlesberg 35,000, Aqua 1500ml 25,000, Prawn Risotto 100,000, Steak Sandwich 75,000. Plus, plus.
La Luccola
Oberoi Road, Kaya Aya Beach Bali. Ph: 0361 730838.
Every trip we eat at La Luc and are always impressed. The service and food are fantastic, atmosphere is wonderful. Breakfast is always busy so we get there at 9am to get the table you want. The front lawn is immaculate, the palms out front and endless views of the water make for a relaxing meal. I am always impressed and relaxed after eating at La Luc. This visit was Sunday breakfast.
Cafe Latte 30,000, Mixed Berries Granita 35,000, Cafe Latte Granita 35,000, Spring water x 2 32,000, Hash Browns (4 in a serve) 25,000, Eggs Benedict 48,000, Egg Souffle 58,000. Plus 5%, plus 10%.
Biku
Jl Petitenget No. 888 Kerobokan. Ph: 8570 888
Crazy busy at lunch and worth a visit, suggest booking to avoid waiting or being asked to share table with other guests. As the venue is busy it can lack service. Food is lovely, if your thing is high tea then this place is a must. Many options to choose from and you can have a Tarot reading as well. Tarot reading 80,000 for 15mins and you can book a 30min session. Once again, book in at least the day before to avoid disappointment. (Have we mentioned the need to book?!)
Slushie 25,000, Sm Bintang 22,000, Potato Skins 20,000, Pumpkin Quiche 35,000, Spaghetti Meatball 50,000. Plus, Plus.
Kaizan
Jl Oberoi #33, Seminyak. Ph: 0361 7472 324.
Japanese. I'd say my husbands favourite venue in Bali and as a result we ate here 3 times. I prefer downstairs although you can only have the Korean BBQ upstairs. Food is always fresh and very tasty, it is so good to order a couple of courses then if need be order more. Highly recommended. Only open for dinner, orders taken from 6pm.
Lge Bintang 40,000, Aqua 10,000, Crispy Salmon Skin Rolls 26,000, Spider Maki 45,000, Seafood Mix Grill Set (cook BBQ yourself) 68,000, Lobster Tempura with spicy sauce 75,000, Seafood Creamy Crochette 32,000, Jo Rosu Set 130,000. Plus 10%, plus 6%.
The Living Room
Jl Petitenget 2000xx, Kerobokan. Ph: 0361 735735 (Across from Hu'u Bar/Restaurant just up from La Luc)
Second visit, first visit was 4 years ago. Whilst we found the menu a little thin, the food was exceptional and would rival any 5 star restaurant in Australia. We didn't book and got a table easily, probably served about 50 people in the 2 hours we were there. The decor is classy.
Crab Tempura 130,000, Barramundi 215,000, Grilled Salmon 230,000, Strawberry Margarita 130,000, Sm Bintang 40,000, Champagne Cocktail 180,000. Plus 7%, plus 10%.
Cafe Jemme
Jl Petintenget # 28, Kerobokan. Ph: 0361 732392
Half restaurant, half jewellery store. First visit. Quality food and service. Head waitress was very attentive & spoke good English. Table outside was lovely. If you have a scooter or bike, the ride up from Seminyak is brief but fun, snakey & uphill. As for the jewellery store, some of the pieces were nice (you can check out their website), the prices were expensive. Good to browse, but wouldn't buy.
Babi Guling 85,000, Sm Bintangs 22,500, Chicken Breast 85,000, Duck Spring Roll 50,000, Mash Potato 19,500, Quesadilla 60,000, Strawberry Margarita 85,000.
Word of Mouth
Jl Kunti Arcade, Shop 10, Seminyak. Ph: 0361 8475797.
Funky decor, liked it 1st visit so went back again. Had lunch both times and was impressed.
Mango juice 19,000, Aqua 10,000, Mini Beef Burgers (x2) 35,000, Rosemary Potatoes 15,000, Flatbread of proscitto, pear & mozarella 48,000. Lime soda 19,000, Mixed Berry Granitas 25,000, Panini of
prosiutto & mozarella, Flatbreach of caramelized onion, feta (YUM) 35,000.
Evo Restaurant
A part of the Sentosa resort, take the road from Living Room to enter. You eat near the pool and waterfall. Nice grounds.
Bintang 45,000, Berry Mojito 110,000, Pepperoni Pizza 100,000. Plus 10%, plus 11%.
Rumours
Popular venue on Jl Laksmana (Eat St), meal very average this visit.
Sm Bintang 20,000, Lg Bintang 30,000, Steak 66,000. Plus 10%.
Sea Circus
Jl Laksamana No. 22, Seminyak. Ph: 0361 788667
Behind La Luc and across the road from The Legian Hotel. Blink and you'll miss it. We did 3 or 4 laps around this area before we finally pinpointed it! A great new little restaurant. The menu is not extensive, very few options, but the quality is good. Taco's on first visit were tasty which prompted us to return for a second visit. Great decor.
Small Bintang 25,000, Aqua 10,000, Mango Daiquiri 85,000, Sparkling Cocktail 80,000, Calamari 50,000, Wrapped Prawn 75,000, Country Pate 55,000, Fries 25,000, Fish Taco 55,000, Prawn Taco 65,000. Plus 10%, plus 5%.
Ultimo
Jl Laksmana, 104 X Oberoi, Seminyak. Ph: 0361 738720
Always a busy venue which means service can be lacking. Extensive menu, suggest getting there early to avoid the crowds.
Daiquiri 65,000, Lge Bintang 30,000, Sm Bintang 19,000. Crab Pasta 72,000.Plus 10%
Kage Dulang
Kuta Square, same side as Matahari, the venue with the misting water from the awnings.
The place that sprays misty water from the awnings.
Bruschetta 30,000, Fish & Chips 55,000, Fries 33,000, Small Bintang 27,000, Water 10,000. Plus 10%.
Cafe Bali
Lovely venue with cool lights, a white building same side as Rumours. Food and service very good. Close to our accommodation so we found we had lunch here 3 times, a great place to escape the heat of the day on busy "Eat Street". A tonne of choice on the menu.
Salmon Mango Salad 59,000, Aqua 8,000, Gin Fizz 70,000, Sm Bintang 20,000, Salmon Linguini 48,000, Dumplings (6pieces, I think) 28,000, Salmon Roll 39,000, Plus 5%, Plus 10%.
Delicious Onion
Unfortunately does not live up to its name. Very disappointing, food was tasteless and venue lacked atmosphere. One of the only things on the menu that appealled (unfortunately can't remember what this was, maybe lobster something???) was unavailable. Were next to a couple who were bickering the entire time which did not help (understand wasn't the venues fault) but seriously people, if you're going to argue & fight, DON'T GO OUT!
Potato Head Beach Club
Jl Petitenget, Seminyak 0361 4737979.
Whilst it is impressive, it isn't as OMG as some people suggest. Right idea. Worth a visit and a great way to watch the sunset. Help required on implementing what they are trying to achieve! This venue is emulating Ku De Ta but due to the difficulty in gaining access may struggle to reach the same heights! Booking is required to gain entry.
Kookaburra Cocktail 110,000, Sm Bintang 35,000, Harry Bellini Cocktail 120,000. Plus, plus.
SOS (adjacent Gado Gado & in the Anatara complex)
Great venue for watching sunsets. Bar is upstairs and overlooks beach. Only had drinks here and was served hot nuts/olives with drinks. Will revisit. Menu looks good, starters/tapas style by memory.
Sm Bintang 40,000, Margarita 90,000. Plus 10%, plus 11%.
Mykonos
Eat Street (Jl Laksmana, close to Seminyak Square opposite Mini mart). Blue & white building.
When a venue has stood the test of time on 'Eat Street' for over 7 years respect must be given! Mykonos continue to deliver great value and delicious Greek cuisine. The service can be slightly wanting, however the food shall not disappoint.
Small Bintang 25,000, Sprite 15,500, Strawberry Daiquiri 70,000, Mango Daiquiri 70,000, Fried Feta 35,000, Spagetti Souzukakia 60,000, Chicken 55,000, Nachos 45,000.
St Regis, Nusa Dua
Sunday brunch. A 5 star hotel, lovely grounds. Not sure that I can justify another visit at the price, there are so many other lovely places to eat in Bali. Worth a visit though. Food is buffet and well presented, fresh and quite a variety, food can be cooked in front of you in some cases and starters/entrees are table service at the beginning. It is a 3 hour package, eat and drink as much as you can fit in. 11am is pre-brunch drink in nearby bar with choice of couple of cocktails on offer. Brunch is 12noon to 3pm. We took a Premium Beverage Pack for myself as I love champagne. WARNING, the taxi ride back to Seminyak from Nusa Dua is a long one after consuming 3 hours of champagne!!! Service is very good which is why I can't tell you how many champagnes I had!!! My glass was topped up constently. A good day and an early night for me which had me missing dinner due to the champagne!!
Food 495,000 each, Beverage (choice of 5 cocktails, red & white wine and sparkling) 495,000, Premium Beverage including Champagne Duval LeRoy Brut 795,000. Another warning, there is no beer included in the package. Beer is available at an additional charge. Corona 90,000. Plus 21%.
Bali Acupuncture. www.baliacupuncture.com. Jl Petitenget 8x, Kerobokan. Ph: 0361 8734 700
A great Dr. Dr Thomas Sladek. Unfortunately I was only able to have a single appointment due to him being SO booked! He has started to export weight loss teas to Australia which are doing very well. Cannot recommend highly enough; book well in advance 8734 700. Right near Cafe Jemme, just passed Potato Head Beach Club.
300,000 per visit, approx 45mins.
Bodyworks
Jl Kayu Jati # 2, Petitenget. Ph: 0361 733 317. Open 10am to 10pm (I think).
My preference for spa in Bali. Every visit have spent hours here and can't complain. Therapists are experienced and professional. The only other Spa you'll pay more for treatments in this area (Seminyak/Legian/Kuta) would be Prahna Spa HOWEVER, we continually return and are more than satisfied to pay the price for a thorough treatment. Yes, you pay more. Yes, the treatment may not always last the duration advertised BUT.......
Full body massage 1.5 hours 282,000. Half leg wax 117,000, Underarm wax 80,000, Half arm wax 90,000. Exfoliation Massage (2 hours) 378,000. Infared Sauna 100,000 each person, New Bio-lifting Facial (1hour) 385,000, Vitamin C Facial 385,000. Wash, blow dry & styling 156,000, Sports Pedicure 95,000, Bodyworks Pedicure 119,000, Bodyworks Manicure 111,000. Plus 10%.
Cool Spa & Salon
Jl Kayu Cendana C001 Seminyak, just behind Seminyak Square and adjacent Grocer & Grind.
No massage with Pedicure, very impressed with polish as it lasted 7 days in Bali with swimming and wearing open shoes & thongs.
Loreal Creambath 113,000, Pedicure 89,000.
Jari Menari, Ph: 0361 778 084
Jl Raya Basangkasa # 47, Seminyak.
Bookings a must! All male practitioners, discreet. A must for anyone who loves professional, quality massages. I challenge anyone who wouldn't enjoy this experience. Showers facilities to clean up after are great.
Massage with movement (my favourite) 90 mins 350,000, Perfect Massage 90 mins 350,000.
Janoko
Poppies Lane 2, Legian St, Kuta Ph: 0361 753230
Price is fantastic for suit making. Service helpful and attentive. Quality not 100% but for what you pay who could complain. Just little things like back pleat of jacket lining can be seen and is white on a black suit. Easily fixed by stitching but due to lack of time for us will have fixed in Australia, I am sure Janoko would have fixed if asked. Some other tailors are asking 1,000,000 for suit jacket & pants. Who can go wrong with this price, especially as the suit would be worn 3 to 5 times a year. Suit has been worn & dry cleaned and stood the test.
Suit jacket and suit pants 490,000
Hypermart
Bali Galeria (near big roundabout), Jl By Pass 1 Gusti Ngurah Rai, Kuta.
Great place to buy toiletries, very cheap in comparison to what you pay in Australia. Brands like Loreal, Rexona, Colgate etc. We only take over carry on and buy these items when we arrive. I buy Biokos (Martha Tilla) here, these products are used at many spas like Bodyworks etc. We visit when we do our Duty Free shopping.
Matahari
Kuta Square
Revlon products cheap, nail polishes 35,000, beats paying $8 to $13 here in Australia. Not always the most up-to-date colours although still many colours to choose from. Discovery Mall also had Revlon nail polishes at 55,000. Pays to shop around sometimes.
We could go into many other things like where we hire our motorbike, go for a cheap (usually average) massage, change money, buy sunnies and tshirts etc but think that is half the excitement of Bali to find out those things for yourself. There are so many options and everyone has their own experiences and stories to tell on best place to buy. If you like an item, have a price in mind you think is fair and barter to approximately that price, don't get too hung up on bartering for 10,000 or 20,000 as in reality is is only $1 to $2 aussie dollars.
Have fun and enjoy.