Welcome to Bali
The mere mention of Bali evokes thoughts of paradise. Its more than a place; its a mood, an aspiration, a tropical state of mind. Balis rich culture manifests at all levels of life, from exquisite flower-petal offerings to traditional music and dance. Add in great beaches, world-class surfing, superb dining, stunning sunsets and fabulous shopping, and Bali is simply unbeatable.
| CAHAYA_IMAGES / GETTY IMAGES
BaliTop Experiences
Emerald patchworks blanketing the land.
MARTIN PUDDY / GETTY IMAGES
Bali Top Experiences
Balis southernmost spiritual centre.
GALITSKAYA / GETTY IMAGES
Bali Top Experiences
Get started at Kuta Beach: the birthplace of Bali tourism.
MATTHEW MICAH WRIGHT / GETTY IMAGES
Bali Top Experiences
Mellow escape to legendary sunsets.
NITISH WAILA / SHUTTERSTOCK
Bali Top Experiences
Tropical playground with bohemian vibes.
ANDREW BROWNBILL / GETTY IMAGES
Eating
Balis local cuisine, whether truly Balinese or influenced by the rest of Indonesia and Asia, draws from the bounty of fresh local foods and is rich with spices and flavours. Savour it at roadside warungs (simple cafes) or top-end restaurants. For tastes further afield, explore restaurants offering some of the best dining in the region.
HEDGEHOG111 / SHUTTERSTOCK
Balinese Cuisine
The fragrant aromas of Balinese cooking will taunt you wherever you go. Even in your average village compound, the finest food is prepared fresh every day. Women go to their local marketplace first thing in the morning to buy whatever produce has been brought from the farms overnight and cook enough to last well into the evening. The dishes are covered on a table or stored in a glass cabinet for family members to serve themselves throughout the day.
Fast Food Bali-Style
Often, the most authentic Balinese food is found street-side. Locals of all stripes gather around simple food stalls in markets and on village streets, wave down pedagang (mobile traders) who ferry sweet and savoury snacks around by bicycle or motorcycle, and queue for sate or bakso (Chinese meatballs in a light soup) at the kakilima carts. Kakilima translates as something five-legged and refers to the three legs of the cart and the two of the vendor, who is usually Javanese.
Vegetarian Dreams
Bali is a dream come true for vegetarians. Tofu and tempe are part of the staple diet, and many tasty local favourites just happen to be vege-tarian. Try nasi saur (rice flavoured with toasted coconut and accompanied by tofu, tempe, vegetables and sometimes egg), urap (a delightful blend of steamed vegetables mixed with grated coconut and spices), gado gado (tofu and tempe mixed with steamed vegetables, boiled egg and peanut sauce) and sayur hijau (leafy green vegetables, usually kangkung water spinach flavoured with a tomato-chilli sauce).
Balis Best Restaurants
Ultra-fresh nasi campur and spectacular views over rice terraces are on offer at this hybrid restaurant and cooking school.
Amid the south Bali hubbub, this oasis is set on a private rice field: exquisite seafood, great bar.
A long-time trend-setter of fine dining in a beautiful Ubud garden.
Will Meyricks stylish and casual farm-to-table eatery is emphatically and deliciously on-trend.
A superb restaurant offering both exquisite dishes and well-regarded cooking classes.
Drinking & Nightlife
Unlike other parts of Indonesia, Bali revels in drinking and nightlife. From coffee and fresh juices to the iconic Bintang beer and tropical cocktails, theres something to quaff for every taste and mood. Where to imbibe is even more varied: from beachside cafes to high-concept nightspots, youre never far from your next drink.
RIBEIRODOSSANTOS / SHUTTERSTOCK
Beer & Wine
Beer drinkers are well catered for in Bali thanks to Indonesias ubiquitous crisp, clean national lager, Bintang. Bali Hai beer sounds promising, but isnt.
Wine connoisseurs had better have a fat wallet. The abundance of high-end eateries and hotels has made fine vino from the worlds best regions widely available but it is whacked with hefty taxes. Medium-grade bottles from Australia go for US$50.
Local Booze
At large social gatherings, Balinese men might indulge in arak (fermented wine made from rice or palms orother materials) but generally they are not big drinkers. Watch out for adulterated
Next page