JBR - 10 days Mid to late March
This is our 6th holiday in Beautiful Bali. Our last trip was October 2011, we didn't intend on returning so soon but our friends announced they were having a "special dinner" and requested our company to help celebrate. How could we resist?! A wedding AND a holiday ...
We hope the following provides you some recent insight into some of what the south of the island mainly, has to offer. We tried several new restaurants and were very impressed with many.
Rupiah
We mainly take AUD and exchange at reputable money changers. The rate we received varied between 9500 to 9680. We have in the past noticed that Tuesday & Wednesday offers the best rates, this trip was no different for us. Our best rate of 9680 was on a Tuesday. Not sure if it is coincidental or a pattern.
Weather
It appeared to be cooler than our previous trips, with temperatures about 25 to 30 degrees, guess that is cool for Bali. There was much rain and one day it didn't let up all day, no blue sky just rain constantly. It rained overnight most nights. The locals said it was windy at this time of the year, we wouldn't have called it windy although there was definately a breeze. Most also commented on how unusual it was to get 2 days of non stop rain....despite that, our holiday wasn't dampened.
Nyepi (Friday 23.3.2012 6am to Saturday 24.3.2012 6am)
Nyepi is a Balinese Hindu Festival of a day of silence & reflection from 6am to 6am (24 hours). Nyepi marks Bali's Lunar New Year (Tahun Bara Saka 1932) and is celebrated with observing complete silence. There is no businesses open that day, all banks, restaurants & bars are closed. There is no transportation on the road, the airport also closes. No lights are supposed to be used either, as a mark of respect the villa requested that all curtains were drawn before 6pm. Our day was spent in the villa. We were able to order room service and access the in-house Spa services. We indulged in a body scrub, body mask & 1 hour massage. It was lovely to sit outside at night, it was amazingly peaceful just gazing into the night sky. Nyepi falls on March 12 in 2013 & March 31 in 2014, worth knowing prior to booking!
Accommodation
Silq Private Residence
Jl Petintenget, 27C, Kerobokan. www.silqkerobokanbali.com
WOW. A beautiful villa that offered exceptional customer service from the moment we arrived. An example of "you get what you pay for". A large one bedroom villa with a 13 metre, 1.4 deep private pool with sliding glass panel doors that open from the bedroom onto the pool. There are large heavy curtains that don't allow too much light into the room in the early hours of the morning. That being said, if you are a light sleeper and wish to enjoy some post sunrise Z's eye patches are recommended. The bathroom has a shower, large wardrobe, toilet & is airconditioned. Unfortunately there isn't a bath although there is a jacuzzi outside next to the pool. The outdoor deck area is sheltered and has a double day bed & small garden area. The sunlight is over the pool area for most of the late morning & early afternoon (Villa 16 in our case). To maximise a tan, if that is what you're after, take a blow up air bed to lie on in the pool (75,000 RP at Bintang supermarket if you leave yours home). The only critisms are; there is only a small bar fridge, no kitchen/cooking facilities and, the big one, the temperature control in the shower was terrible....you could NEVER get a constant temperature of water flowing from the heads. We mentioned this issue to staff after day 2 and, to their credit, when we returned to the villa only 2 hours later there were staff on the roof investigating the problem. Alas, it was to no avail. This problem persisted throughout our stay. If you are staying during the hotter periods and only require a cooler temp in the shower, this will not be an issue. Driver in/around Seminyak area was complimentary and always available when we asked. It is a drop off service only. Not sure if the service would be as prompt in peak season but definately no complaints for our visit.
Spas
Bodyworks www.bodyworksbali.com
Jl Kayu Jati # 2, Petitenget. Ph: 0361 733 317. Open 9am to 10pm.(Behind La Lucciola)
Our preference for spa treatments in Bali. Every visit we have spent hours here and can't complain. Therapists are experienced and professional. There are only a few other Spas that are priced higher for treatments in this area (Seminyak/Legian/Kuta), despite this we continually return and are more than satisfied to pay the price for a thorough treatment. Instruct the massuese about pressure and technique and they are more than happy to oblige. Bookings recommended. Bookings are accepting up to 2 weeks prior via e-mail.
Hot Stone Massage 1.5 hours 306,000, Full Body Massage 1.5 hours 282,000, Vitamin C Facial 1 hour 385,000, Bodywork Bliss (2 therapist working on you at one time, pure heaven) 1 hour 354,000. We sampled most of what was on offer, check out their website. Plus 12.5% tax.
Jari Menari, Ph: 0361 778 084
Jl Raya Basangkasa # 47, Seminyak.
BEST MASSAGE IN BALI! Jari Menari translates to "Dancing Fingers". Bookings HIGHLY recommended! (Fair indication of it's popularity that you are required to confirm your booking the day of). All male practitioners. A must for anyone who loves professional, quality massages. We challenge anyone who wouldn't enjoy this experience. Showers facilities to clean up after are great. Massage with movement (our favourite) 90 mins 350,000, Perfect Massage 90 mins 350,000.
Bali Acupuncture
www.baliacupuncture.com. Jl Petitenget 8x, Kerobokan. Ph: 0361 8734 700
A great Doctor, Dr Thomas Sladek. Slightly irrelevant BUT, he looks like an older Jim Carrey! Cannot recommend highly enough; book well in advance 8734 700. Right near Cafe Jemme, just passed Potato Head Beach Club. A new gym/health club has just opened above this practice. It can be difficult to 'shut off' with people on a treadmill or skipping thunmping into the floor above. This was mentioned to Dr.Sladek and he conceeded he will probably have to move location albeit to somewhere nearby. 300,000 per visit, approx 45mins. He also does weight loss teas. Has been in Bali for 5 years now and continues to be in high demand.
Rob Peetoom Hairspa
Jl Petitenget No 16, Kerobokan, Seminyak, Kuta Ph: 0361 738363 email: bali@robpeetoom.nl
A hair salon/spa opened in July 2011. Rob Peetoom is well known in Holland with about 12 salons in that region. Bali is his first international salon. Rob was on hand when we visited. I had an upstyle for the wedding I was attending and had an experienced hairdresser (Patty) from Amstedam do my hair. It took approx. an hour and I was very happy with the style. It is pricey at 1,000,000 plus 10%. I also had my eyelashes tinted for 150,000 plus 10%. I pay about the same in Australia for an upstyle so it isn't cheap for Bali, the salon is gorgeous and the basins (with massage chairs ... devine) overlook rice paddies. Renata also from Amstedam (sorry, not sure if that is spelt correctly) did my friends hair (the bride) for the wedding and again did a great job, price was the same, 1,000,000 plus 10%. Location is adjacent Sardine. You can have a less experienced hairdressers do your hair and it is cheaper. Salon uses Redken products. Tea, coffee & water is served during your visit and was complimentary.
Restaurants
La Lucciola
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. The weekend breakfast menu is more extensive than all other days. They are also offering a Brunch menu on weekends which we didn't attend. Sunday breakfast is usually busy so we try and get there at 9am opening to get the table we want. The front lawn is immaculate, the palms out front and endless views of the water make for a relaxing meal. Security on hand at the beach move EVERYONE (tourists included) along so as not to obstruct the perfectly hypnotising view. We are always impressed and relaxed after eating at La Luc. This visit was Sunday breakfast.
Cafe Latte 30,000, Strawberry Juice 35,000, Pineapple Juice 35,000, Cafe Latte Grantis (heavan) 35,000, Spring Water 16,000, Hash browns 25,000, Eggs Benedict 48,000. Plus 6%, plus 10%.
Biku
Jl Petitenget No. 888 Kerobokan. Ph: 8570 888
ALWAYS really busy for every meal! We're told by expats that this is where the "in" expats gather. You should definitely book to avoid waiting or being asked to share table with other guests. 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. Service on our previous trip in October 2011 was a little wanting (staff appeared flustered due to full capacity), this trip, much better. Capacity still full, however we were served in good time and received good service.
Stark Beer (Indonesian, Lovina) 30,000, Water 330ml 5,000, Club sandwich 45,000, Potato Skins 25,000, Chocolate Pudding 35,000. Plus, plus.
Kaizan
Jl Oberoi #33, Seminyak. Ph: 0361 7472 324.
Japanese. A firm favourite eatery in Bali, we ALWAYS eat here a couple of times each visit. To avoid the steamy climate of Bali you'll prefer to eat downstairs, however if you choose to do so you'll be depriving yourself of cooking your own Korean BBQ which is only available upstairs. Food is always fresh and very tasty. It's always a good sign in Bali when the staff tell you certain things on the menu are unavailable, this indicates, not only education and honesty in staff, but also the highest standards when it comes to the very best fresh produce on offer. Our tip is to order a couple of courses, (try the Spider Maki along with some Korean BBQ meats), then if need be order more. Highly recommended. Only open for dinner, orders taken from 6pm.
Bintang Lge 40,000, Bintang Sm 25,000, Spider Maki 45,000, Scallop 45,000, Jo Kalbi (Korean BBQ) 120,000, Rosu Harami Set 95,000, Seafood Mix Grill (Korean BBQ) 48,000
Naughty Nuri's
No address on receipt. Check out website. www.naughtynurisbali.com
Had always read about this place but never visited. Pretty laid back, beach shack type atmosphere (although no beach to be seen - Am I even making sense?!)....anyway...beverages could have been colder, ribs were great, wedges not so great and corn interesting, they must grill it with sugar on it or something. Anywho, if you're wanting for ribs, yep, this is the place.
Coke 18,000, Pork Ribs 85,000, Potato Wedges 25,000, Corn on the glass 12,000, Bintang Sm 24,000. Plus 5%, plus 10%.
Potato Head Beach Club
Jl Petitenget, Seminyak 0361 4737979.
Impressive, especially if you manage to secure a day bed closest to the ocean (a minimum spend of 500,000 RP - not hard if you have a few friends or if you like cocktails). At peak times, sunset especially, you WILL need to book to gain access. Our company were split as to whether this or Ku De Ta came out on top. In all honesty they are much of a muchness HOWEVER it appears Potato Head is priced SLIGHTLY more economically. Dress to impress and walk with a swagger!
Bintang (small) 35,000 plus, plus.
Mykonos
Eat Street (Jl Laksmana, close to Seminyak Square opposite Mini mart).
Blue & white building. This venue is a main stay on 'Eat Street', lasting over 8 years so far. Mykonos continue to deliver great value and delicious Greek cuisine. Staff attentiveness, even when only a few tables are occupied, is wanting.
Shoarma Lamb 82,500, Spaghetti Souzukakia 60,000, Strawberry Daiquiri 70,000, Bintang Sm 25,000. Plus 5%, plus 10%.
Sardine
WOW, what a great venue with good service and fantastic food. We had some idea of the location of this restaurant but when travelling there under the cover of darkness in a BlueBird (taxi) drove past....both our heads swiveled as we asked, "What's THAT place?!"....turns out, the driver missed our stop. 'THAT place' was Sardine. We couldn't have been happier. Such an impressive facade and entrance.....such an impressive EVERYTHING! In our opinion it was the highlight in restaurants this trip. We do love seafood and Sardine has many choices on offer in this area. From the moment we walked in and were greeted by a beautifully dressed hostess, the night was truely wonderful. The grounds are gorgeous, there are lounges that look over a rice paddy that is lined with huge pots/trees lit up that almost look like they are infinite. Suggest you book, there wasn't many spare seats (Saturday night). We will be visiting again, well worth the money and in Australia you would pay double for what you get at Sardine.
Bintang Sm 40,000, Frozen Passionfruit Daiquari (YUM) 70,000, Scallops (Divine) 235,000, Duck Confit 185,000, Icecream per scoop 40,000, Java Black Pepper Icecream (unusual combo that works really well) 60,000. Plus 8%, plus 10%
Coco Cafe & Grill
Jl Oberoi, Seminyak (next to Red carpet Champagne Bar)
They threw this place up quick! It wasn't there on our last trip only 5-6 months ago. Terraced Cafe roadside with supermarket behind. Seems to have all you'll need for villa supplies; grocery items, small goods, breads etc. If you are trying to escape the heat, sit inside the supermarket area (there are only a couple of tables) and order from there. Unsure if the others sweltering outside on a sunny afternoon were aware that this was an option. As you can see from the bill below, didn't get too adventurous here but the food was ok.
Bacardi 55,000, Bintang Sm 22,500, Vegetable Spring Rolls 37,000, Triple Decker Sandwich 49,000. Plus 10%, plus 5%.
Hu'u (Nut Megs Restaurant)
Jl Oberoi, Petitenget, Kerobokan Ph: 0361 736 576
Another one we've always been meaning to try and finally did! We ate outside near the pool at lunch time, you can just sense that this place would be impressive as a late night cocktail venue. The main restaurant was under renovation due to open late March. The outdoor area is in need of some love also. Whilst the venue is somewhat rundown, we both were very impressed with the food, especially the popcorn. Have to say, not MASSIVE popcorn fans but were intrigued with truffle oil popcorn ... OMG we loved it! A very relaxing afternoon. Will definately return.
Bintang 40,000, Frozen Strawberry Margarita 115,000, Lychee Martini 115,000 (Very good), Duck Springrolls 45,000, Bintang Batter Tiger Prawns 65,000, Pork Quesadillas 45,000, Truffled Popcorn (Please try, we both thought it was gorgeous) 30,000, Vegetable Samosa 35,000, Mini Burger Trio 85,000, Equil 30,000. Plus 5%, plus 10%
Metis
Jl Petitenget No 6, Kerobokan info@metisbali.com www.metisbali.com Ph: 0361 473 7888
Another wonderfully set out venue that just oozes style & class. Suggest you are paying more for the asthetics rather than the cuisine. Food was good although not nearly as good as Sardine. The entree of Escargot was overpowered by garlic. Worth a visit, good service and atmosphere. Suggest booking, best way is to stop by, that way you can select your prefered table. Free flow still water 38,000 per person, Bintang Sm 41,000, Frozen Absolut 98,000, Escargot 76,000, Warm Scallop 135,000, Potato Gnochi 125,000, Seafood Risotto 182,000. Plus 8%, plus 10%.
SIP
Jl Raya Seminyak No 16a, Kuta (almost opposite Bintang Supermarket). Ph: 0361 730810. email: drink@sip-bali.com
Great little place which we have passed time & time again but hadn't visited until this trip. Food and service very good. Meals were more enjoyable than Metis! A restaurant that offers Champagne by the glass is always going to be a winner for those who enjoy bubbles. They also offer wines by the 'Sip' which is an economical way to try the extensive wine list on offer. There is a 'sister' restaurant of the same on Sunset Road, we're told this isn't as popular nor to the same standard....unable to confirm as we've never been.
Glass Moet Chandon 175,000 (Their monthly special, I thought a good price for a glass of champagne), Bintang 39,000, Aqua 15,000, Red Snapper 175,000, King Crab Raviolli 135,000, The SIP Early Bird (order before 7pm I think) 3 courses for 125,000. Plus 7%, plus 10%.
Mama San
Sorry, no address. Not far from Eat Street (Kaya Aya). Sister restaurant is Sarong. Address and menus are available on the website.
Impressive venue, the upstairs bar & toilet area is lovely. Photographs on the walls caught our attention as did the unmissable 'Mama San' artwork. We ate here for lunch and it was lovely & busy. When we arrived (around 12.30) we were 2 of about 10. Within 15 minutes group after group continued to filter in. The only critism about the food is that it was only warm, we had the chance to fill in a feedback form so brought that to their attention. All in all good & worth trying. Again, Champange by the glass on offer ..... heaven! Not open on Sundays. Bookings recommended for lunch and required for dinner.
Glass Pol Roger Brut Champagne 300,000, Bintang Sm 40,000, Equil 25,000, Pad Thai 70,000, Roasted Duck Hoisin 80,000, Snapper Dumpling 55,000. Plus 6.5%, plus 10%.
Cafe Degan
Again, no address. Directly opposite Metis (address above).
Soda Water 18,000, Bintang 28,000. Can't read the food on receipt, LOL! Food ok, Pad Thai was very tasty but other than that nothing to rave about. Service quite good.
There is a cake shop in the front, we bought a pack of choc/macadamia biscuits for about 80,000 (biscuits rock hard but OK I guess if you're after chipped teeth, ended up dunking them/soaking them in the morning coffee to be edible). Display looks good.
Bridges
Jl Raya Campuhan, Ubud, Bali email: contact@bridgesbali.com Ph: 0361 970095
This was where we had dinner following the wedding held in the immaculate grounds of Blanco Museum/Gallery. Overall, food & service was good. Waiting staff delivered meals simultainously, it definately caught your attention seeing 6 to 8 staff walking down the stairs with food in hand. A really pretty venue. One in the travelling party was seemed quite knowledgable about wine, commented on the great value to be had on some wines by comparison to Austrlian prices, particularly French wine. You be the judge!? Cheap or good value wine in Bali? Who'd have thunk it?! Sorry don't have exact prices for food but reasonable, I think Prawn Laksa was about 85,000 & Barramundi 200,000.
Prices for alcohol:- Bintang Sm 22,000, Lychee Martini 80,000, Bintang Lge 38,000, Australian Unwooded Chardonay 75,000. Plus 5%, plus 10%. Total food for 18 adults (most had at least 2 courses) was 8,400,000 approx.
Other ...
INSIDE BALI GALLERIA (near big roundabout), Jl By Pass 1 Gusti Ngurah Rai, Kuta.
HYPERMART - 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. Stock up, it really can save you loads compared to what you pay in Oz. Biokos (Martha Tilla) are available here, these products are used at many spas in Bali like Bodyworks etc. We generally drop in when we do our Duty Free shopping at the DFS at Galleria.
DFS (DUTY FREE SHOPPING) - You can get some SERIOUSLY great deals here. If you're like us and have done the cosmetic websites, this can be better...much better! Research the specific items you're after before you leave for Bali, take that with you and you can't go wrong. Particular steals this visit on Chanel & Estee Lauder!
JOHNNY ANDREAN (hairdressing) - Cut and semi-permanant color for approx. 250,000
BALI DENTAL 911 (Dr Rudy) - Yes Dental is cheap in Bali. Yes, you'll need to book here. 450,000 per filling. 400,000 for a clean. The clean really is not very thorough but for the price can you really go wrong?!
Overall the Bali Galleria is a good spot. There are mammoth road works being undertaken at the big roundabout (they're creating tunnels!) which will continue to make traffic even more of a terror at this intersection for the next 18 months at least. We were at Galleria late one night, around 7-8pm, and were surprised to see that it is also somewhat of a locals hang. Everything is in one place, very convenient once you get there.
Seminyak/Kerobokan area is developing visit by visit. Not sure if this is correct but, one of our drivers from the villa said the Balinese Government has set 2016 as the cut off for any further high rise hotels being built in the south of Bali. I guess time will tell!
We hired a driver for 8 hours (although he stayed for 10 hours & was tipped for his time) which is a first for us. The day we phoned it was raining and it didn't stop raining all day. A great way to spend the day being driven around and staying dry, we visited duty free and many other shops like leather, Carrefour etc that we had in the past. Cost 450,000 RP, the driver Putu picked us up from the airport (long story .... was arranged by our friends & their accommodation) and was very pleasant. When I rang to enquire about price I was given 450,000 straight up which I thought was reasonable. I was more than happy to pay this price. Again, there are so many drivers/car hire places, this just gives you an idea of costs/times.
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 $3 aussie dollars. When you consider the average wage for most Balinese is somewhere between $100-$150 a month give a little extra if you are able, we sometimes forget how lucky we are.
Hope everything made sense, have fun and enjoy.