THE BALI RESTAURANT GUIDE

Where to Find the Best Restaurants in Bali

Introduction (previous page)

* Prices, Opening Hours
* International Cuisines
* Indonesian Cooking
* Padang Food, Traditional Balinese Food
* Beer, Wine and Local Alcoholic Beverages

Restaurant Suggestions (this page)

* Where to Eat in Sanur, Bali
* Restaurants in Bali's Kuta Area
* Seafood at Jimbaran Beach in Bali
* The Bukit, Nusa Dua & Tanjung Benoa in Bali
* Ubud & other Parts of Bali


ABOUT THIS GUIDE

We try to cover all places serving traditional Balinese food and the best of international cuisine in Bali. If you don't find the name of a restaurant which has been recommended to you by someone, this doesn't mean we don't know about it. We try to visit ALL new restaurants and entertainment spots but only include those which we feel are good and reliable enough to be listed here.

Our PERSONAL FAVOURITES are underlined and listed in RED. They range from cheap eateries to outstanding restaurants which would succeed anywhere in the world.
THE BALI RESTAURANT GUIDE TO SANUR

CAFE BATU JIMBAR, Jalan Danau Tamblingan No. 152, is a casual sidewalk cafe and popular with regular visitors to Sanur and expatriates who meet here for breakfast, lunch or dinner under large trees. You can choose from a number of fresh fruit juices, healthy salads and light dishes; the vegetables and herbs are grown at the owner's farm near Bedugul. In the back of the outdoor restaurant is a good book shop which carries also international newspapers.

The air-conditioned KAFE WAYANG, Komplek Sanur Raya No. 12 - 14 at the By-Pass opposite the Radisson Hotel, has become quite popular during lunch time. Local business people enjoy the relaxing (indoor) tropical garden setting, the creative Asian and Mediterranean cuisine, and the excellent desserts. From 4 p.m. until late you can also choose from a variety of tasty "Tapas". Friday night is Jam Session from 9:00 p.m. – see Bali after Dark.

TELAGA NAGA (operated by the Bali Hyatt hotel in Sanur and located right opposite the hotel on the main road) has a beautiful garden setting with ponds and ducks, bridges, pavilions, and usually well prepared Chinese food. Try the "Smoked Duck". The birds served here are imported from the United States and have – unlike their Asian relatives – a lot of tender meat. I can also recommend the Chicken in Sesame Sauce (in many places known as 'Bon Bon Chicken'), the Hot & Sour Soup, and their Scallops in Black Bean Sauce. Expect to pay hotel prices, i.e. dinner for two around US$50 to US$60 with some beer but without wine.

The beautiful SLAVYANKA Russian Restaurant & Bar, Jalan By-Pass No. 121xx (the southern part of Sanur near Jalan Danau Poso) was opened in June 2007. The comfortable interior of the dining room features paintings of numerous Russian Tsars and is setting new standards for Sanur. The air-conditioning helps to relax even on hot and humid days, the service is attentive, and we enjoyed most of the dishes prepared under the supervision of the Chef from the Ukraine. Various fish specialties, chicken liver with apples and onions, Russian Borsht and various potatoe dishes and venisson with cranberries are quite unique. The small wine list is reasonably priced (starting around 200,000 Rupiah per bottle) and a very enjoyable dinner at SLAVYANKA for two should be around 250,000 to 400,000 Rupiah plus drinks. Finally, fine dining has come to Sanur, and at reasonable prices.

Also relatively new for Sanur (although established in Seminyak and Kuta for some time already, see reviews below) is the open-air GATEWAY OF INDIA, Jalan Danau Tamblingan a bit South of the Bali Hyatt hotel and on the same side of the road. The Indian food here is delicious and irresistable, and it cannot be compared with any other restaurant in Sanur claiming to serve food from the sub-continent. The setting here is more pleasant than their other two branches, and prices are reasonable. For details please turn to the review of the Seminyak branch further down.

A great place for reasonably priced Thai Food is the MEZZANINE at Puri Santrian in Sanur. The Thai Chef Supachai definitely knows what he is doing, and we really enjoy his Beef Salad, Thom Yam Goong and other dishes. But talk to him personally to place your order and specify how spicy you like it. Expect to pay around 150,000 Rupiah per person without drinks.

The SANUR BEACH MARKET restaurant at the end of Jalan Segara serves from noon to 9:00 or 10.00 p.m. a choice of Indonesian, Chinese and Balinese dishes with an emphasis on seafood. Great location, good food in an unpretentious setting, and reasonable prices. For real local flavor, visit BABI GULING GIANYAR on the By-Pass near the SPLASH BAKERY between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. This very simple restaurant serves the most delicious "Babi Guling" (roasted suckling pig, a famous specialty of the town of Gianyar) for 4,500 Rupiah per portion. Around 7:00 p.m. they are usually sold out!

THE BALI RESTAURANT GUIDE TO KUTA
(incl. Tuban, Legian, Seminyak, Kerobokan, etc)

The largest number and variety of restaurants is located in this area stretching over about 4 to 6 miles from the airport to Basangkasa further North, and the following list covers just a few of my personal favorites:-

KETUPAT, Jalan Legian Raya 109 (hidden behind Jonathan Gallery) in Kuta, serves a great variety of Indonesian specialties in very pleasant surroundings. You can sit either in the open-air restaurant or in several cozy alcoves scattered around the swimming pool. The extensive menu includes traditional Balinese food and dishes from all parts of the archipelago – with photographs to make your choice easier. You find different soups, chicken, beef, duck, lamb, seafood and vegetarian delicacies from Bali, Sumatra, Jawa, Sulawesi, Maluku, and other parts of Indonesia. In addition to the usual pork, beef, and chicken 'Sate' you find here barbecued skewers with goat meat, prawns, tuna, squid, and even 'Sate Lilit' with minced crab or duck meat. Seafood lovers can choose from different preparations of lobster, crabs, prawns, calamari and all kinds of fresh fish. Vegetarians will enjoy salads and tasty main courses with beans, potatoes, spinach, bean sprouts, young fern leaves, etc. The menu features photographs and explanations of each dish. Expect to pay about 140,000 to 200,000 Rupiah per person which is not cheap for Bali. But don't forget, this is real Indonesian 'haute cuisine' (which you normally only can find in some private homes but never in restaurants), well presented and served in surroundings which will please most visitors.

MADE'S WARUNG on Jalan Pantai in central Kuta near the Bemo Corner has been an institution in Kuta since the early 70's. This has been THE place to see and be seen for nearly 30 years. In the early days, MADE'S was the only 'after-hours' place in Kuta: they kept selling toilet paper, mosquito curls, snack food and drinks until 8:00 p.m. when everybody else closed around 7:00 p.m. Today you con choose from many local dishes including Sate and Nasi Campur as well as many international specialties such as Sashimi, steaks, noodle dishes etc. The owners Peter and Made opened in August 1996 a new, quite similar but larger and more comfortable MADE'S WARUNG in Seminyak/Basangkasa on the way to the Oberoi Hotel (see below).

Really close by and near the Bemo Corner on Jalan Pantai Kuta No. 11B (across Jalan Legian to the North) is a branch of GATEWAY OF INDIA which serves delicious Indian food in very simple surroundings at acceptable prices (for details read the review of the Seminyak branch further down).

POPPIES restaurant on Poppies Gang (lane) nearby has also been well-established for over 25 years. In a beautiful garden setting you can choose from a number of Asian and Western dishes including, soups, curries, lobster and steaks. It's very pleasant for a leisurely lunch in the shade of large trees, but in the evenings the place tends to become crowded with tourist groups. The food was never outstanding, and recently the prices have been increased considerably.

TJ'S Mexican Restaurant, also on Poppies Gang, has become an institution over the years and is well-known for tasty Mexican food, good music, excellent margaritas and strawberry daiquiris, and to meet regulars around the far corner of the long bar. Pleasant garden setting, good service, great salads and affordable prices. KORI Restaurant, hidden away in nearby Poppies II Lane, offers comfortable open-air seating in pleasant surroundings. Service is attentive and the menu lists specialties from many countries such as Indonesian Satays, Thai beef salad, Thom Yam, and Green Chicken Curry, Singapore Chilli Crab, Australian beef steaks, tuna steaks, beef burgers, pork chops, Caesar salad, and Italian pasta. Good food, nice presentation, large portions and a good, reasonably priced wine list.

The well-known air-conditioned sushi bar RYOSHI, Jalan Raya Seminyak 17 (with branches in Jalan Melasti in Kuta as well as in Sanur and Ubud) serves Sashimi, Sushi, Tempura, Miso soup and other Japanese dishes at reasonable prices. It's interior is simple but comfortable, and the restaurant is often crowded during meal times. After having moved to the premises next door, it features also some garden seating in front and an open-air area upstairs. TAKE, Jalan Patih Jelantik (the small road between Kuta and Jalan Imam Bonjol) with a second branch in Jalan Padma, offers a wider choice of well-prepared specialties from various areas of Japan. For good Sashimi or Teppanyaki, Shabu-Shabu and Sukiyaki prepared at your table visit either the KURUMAYA at the Bali Padma Hotel in Legian (Tuesday nights "All You Can Eat"), or the smaller but more elegant TEPPANYAKI restaurant at the Sofitel Hotel in Seminyak.

KUNI's Japanese Restaurant is located at Jalan Laksmana No. 80. When you enter this modern open-air restaurant through the lounge you pass the bar and a small sushi counter. Dining tables are well-spaced with most of them on the open terrace and some tables in the narrow garden with Frangipani trees and Hibiscus. Choose from small but beautifully presented servings of Sashimi, delicious Spicy Tuna Rolls (a new experience even for Japanese), Beef Shabu Shabu Salad, Tempura, fried Kushiyaki skewers with chicken, chicken liver, sliced ox tongue etc, grilled sardines or swordfish, or Sukiyaki from Australian beef. There is also a choice of noodle and rice dishes including Unadon (with grilled eel). The set dinner for 90,000 Rupiah ++ per person (minimum three guests) with 10 courses is especially good value. All dishes are well-prepared and presented, and the service from the Japanese manager and the local staff is attentive, very friendly and professional. Green tea, Japanese beer and sake are offered as expected, but there is also a small choice of wines from Australia and Chile. Monday closed.

The Japanese BLUEFIN Restaurant in Jalan Kartika Plaza opposite the KUTA PARADISO hotel serves excellent fusion cuisine in modern surroundings. The large menu lists many creative and delicious sushi rolls, foie gras and all traditional Japanese dishes. Specialties include Chilli Ayo, a combination of baked scallops, shrimps and squid topped with a chilli mayonaise and fish roe, Dobin Mushi, a clear mushroom-seafood soup, and there are Sushi Rolls filled with crab salad, eel, shrimps, squid, salmon, tuna, lobster, avocado, cucumber and even liver pate and cream cheese! Main courses include steak, seafood combination plates, lobster etc. In addition to Western deserts there are Red Bean and Green Tea Ice Creams. BLUEFIN has immediately become one of our regular places.

Only opened in late 2007 is the modern, fully air-conditioned SUSHI TEI located at Sunset Road No. 99 in Kuta. When you sit at the bar you can watch the skills of the chefs in the open kitchen and help yourself to creative Japanese delicacies from the conveyor belt in front of you. This is Bali's first and currently only "Sushi Train". There are many different Sushi Rolls filled with combinations of eel, crab meat, tuna, salmon, prawns, mango etc., various kinds of Sashimi and Sushi including sword fish, scallops, smoked bonito, octopus, life lobster and sea urchin. The beautifully designed menu shows photographs of many specialties including grilled meats, various Tempura preparations, Japanese soups, noodles and rice dishes, many salads and a choice of desserts such as Green Tea ice cream, Black Sesame ice cream, peach sherbet, chocolate wafers, etc. The photographs are very tempting, the actual dishes, however, are often rather disappointing and not as fresh as expected. A meal for two should be between 400,000 and 650,000 Rupiah.

The "new" (opened in 1996) MADE'S WARUNG in Basangkasa on the way to the Oberoi Hotel offers a wide choice of dishes (on the menu and on notes on the walls) from many parts of the world: local "Nasi Campur" (a mini rijsttafel) and Gado Gado, Japanese Sashimi, their own version of a Thai "Tom Yam" soup, good prawn and squid dishes, pasta, acceptable steaks, etc), plus a variety of cakes, delicious home-made coconut ice-cream, fresh fruit juices and good Capuchino (served either hot or iced). Try the "Arak Madu" or "Arak Lemon di Blender" (the local rice liquor with either just honey, or with honey and lemon, prepared in a blender). They offer also a choice of imported wines at reasonable prices. From morning to late night you'll see many regulars who've been coming to Bali since Peter (the Dutch owner) and his Balinese wife Made started their first "Warung" in the center of Kuta in the early 70's. Have a look at the various shops adjacent to the restaurant, too.

The GOLDEN LOTUS inside the Bali Dynasty Resort in Tuban is well-known for a wide range of excellent Chinese dishes and 'Dim Sum' (during lunch on Sundays) which are served in comfortable hotel surroundings. Other recommended Chinese restaurants in the Kuta/Tuban area are FURAMA, Jalan Raya Tuban 52B, PLAZA BALI located between the By-Pass and Jalan Raya Kuta and EMA Restaurant, upper floor at the DFS (Duty Free Shoppers) complex at the circle on Jalan By-Pass. Both serve tasty food including 'Dim Sum' (also called 'Yum Cha') — a variety of small dumplings, steamed buns and other mini delights served in rattan baskets. Inside the baskets you find steamed dumplings filled with prawns, pork ('Siu Mai' and 'Har Gau') or shark fin ('Yu Chi Gau'), crisp-fried rolls with prawns, and 'Char Siu Bau', rather filling barbecued pork buns. EMA is a favourite of many expat residents and hotel people for Sunday brunch.

The very popular LA LUCCIOLA (with a truly outstanding beach front setting next to the Petitenget temple and great views of Kuta's famous sunsets) serves a range of modern Italian specialties. We think it's always been over-rated because food and service have never been reliable. Recommended only for a "sundowner".

The long-time famous GADO GADO (at the end of Jalan Dhyana Pura) features a similar beach front location and has changed from a Disco to a restaurant again (that's how this legendary place started over 30 years ago). The setting is pleasant and the service attentive. The menu features freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and fusion cuisine as well as some vegetarian dishes which are all well prepared and presented. The wine list is impressive for Bali standards and starts at around 350,000 Rupiah.

Another popular eatery with an outstanding beach front location is ZANZIBAR, Jalan Pantai Arjuna – turn left at the end of Jalan Double Six. The menu lists a good choice of Western and local dishes, seafood specialties and many kinds of tasty pizza. All dishes are well prepared, prices are very reasonable (many dishes are around 30,000 or 40,000 Rupiah, wines start around 280,000 Rupiah) and it's often difficult to find a table on the open terrace – especially on Sundays when there are performances of firedancers and djimbe drum players from 6 p.m. on the beach right in front of the restaurant.

In the center of Seminyak not far from Jalan Double Six is PANTEREI, a beautiful modern restaurant serving Greek specialties in comfortable surroundings. Panos Bournias, the original Greek founder, has subsequently moved on to the NERO Bali Restaurant & Bar at Jalan Legian 384 right opposite AROMAS in Kuta. NERO's design is very stylish and simplistic with modern furniture, huge mirrors, hanging plants and water features, candles and well-placed spot lights. You find on the menu appetizers such as tuna carpaccio, Thai beef salad, and a Mezze platter, and for main courses Lemon Chicken, lamb chops, cooked (not char-grilled) steaks, Middle Eastern Kebabs, and a number of seafood preparations. Imported wines start at 280,000 Rupiah, and you'll pay for a dinner for two about 220,000 to 280,000 Rupiah without drinks. They serve food until 1:30 in the morning, and the street-side bar attracts walk-in guests during the whole evening.

Opened in May 2008 is SIP Wine Bar, Jalan Raya Seminyak No. 16A nearly opposite the BINTANG Supermarket. Owner Christian Vannequé (his brother owns the LIVING ROOM) become in the early 70's France's youngest Head Sommelier at LA TOUR D'ARGENT in Paris being responsible for the largest wine cellar in the world. This experience shows: SIP's wine list is divided into three categories to help wine novices and wine aficionados alike. The 'Easy-Going-Wines' category introduces straightforward, interesting, sometimes recognizable-brand, excellent value wines starting at 75,000 Rupiah per glass and 350,000 Rupiah per bottle. 'The Sommelier's Corner' presents mostly proprietary wines, more obscure appellations, hard-to-find Chateaux 'second wines' and intriguing New World wines. The 'Wine Climax' features a few major outstanding and rare bottles from the Old and the New World including magnums. Although a constant 'work in process', SIP's wine list is currently comprised of 115 different wines costing from about 550,000 up to 32 million Rupiah++ (about US$3,500, and Christian claimes he sold two bottles recently to visitors from Macau) for a bottle of Chateau Pétrus 1993 and is offering up to 20 wines by the glass. The kitchen is run by French Executive Chef Patrick Chauchereau who worked in several restaurants with two Michelin stars in Paris before coming to Bali. He offers very enjoyable French home cooking at reasonable prices: there are escagots in garlic butter, home-made patés, Puy Lentil Salad, beef or tuna Carpaccio and an outstanding Terrine of Foie Gras Maison. Main courses include sautéed frog legs, Tete de Veau Ravigotte (boiled calf's head and calf's tongue in Ravigotte sauce), sautéed calf's kidney and calf's liver, Hachis Parmentier (minced oxtail Bourguignon with red wine and mashed potatoes au gratin), Steak Tartar, a delicious duck breast, grilled Australian rib eye steak and a traditional Black Pepper Steak. Nearly all main courses are below 100,000 Rupiah; there is a 2-course set lunch for 65,000 Rupiah++ and various Tartines (2 slices of grilled French country bread topped with duck foie gras, smoked salmon, Serrano ham or duck mousse) for 40,000 to 80,000 Rupiah++. You can finish your meal with a variety of French cheeses or a number of tempting sweets including a delicious, freshly baked apple tart with ice cream. SIP is open from noon till late but closed on Sundays. Come early, from 9 p.m. the place is usually packed.

KAFE WARISAN, Jalan Raya Kerobokan, about one or two kilometers further north from Seminyak/Basangkasa, has become an institution in Bali and is run by the enthusiastic French chefs Said Alem and Nicolas Tourneville ("Doudou") who used to work as Chef for French Ambassadors in Indonesia and Algeria. This pleasant and trendy open-air restaurant shows attention to all details and an interesting and frequently changing menu (including a good number of vegetarian dishes). Entrees include Salmon & Tuna Tartar, Escargots served in Roasted Mushrooms, and there is a home-made Duck Liver Paté. However, the Pan-seared Hot Foie Gras with a Raspberry Vinaigrette is not to be missed and a bargain at 195,000 Rupiah! You can continue with a Mediterranean Seafood Soup, followed by one of the pasta dishes or Duck Confit with Puy Lentils, Roasted Rack of Lamb with Baby Beans and Artichokes, Half Grilled Baby Chicken, or Pan-fried Veal Medallions. For seafood lovers there are Grilled Tasmanian Salmon with Mushroom Fricassee, Prawn and Butterfish Meli Melo, or a Scallops and Mushroom Fricassee with Creamy Spinach and Saffron Veloute. To finish your meal you can choose either Créme Bruleé, Chocolate Mousse with Poached Pear, or Frozen Almond Souffleé. On the drink list you find a number of French wines from 380,000 Rupiah to over 6,000,000 Rupiah, a good choice of cocktails, five different kinds of tea, Espresso, Capuchino and Bali Coffee. Service is attentive and prices are reasonable (don't forget, this is definitely "fine dining", and a three-course dinner for two will cost you about 750,000 to 1,000,000 Rupiah ++ without drinks. The "new" KAFE WARISAN has definitely been a very welcome addition to Bali's restaurant scene, and it seems to become better and more popular every month! Don't go without a reservation (tel. 731-175).

THE LIVING ROOM is located at Jalan Petitenget between the Petitenget temple and the Intan Beach Village hotel. This elegant open-air restaurant features also a bar and lounge, many tables in the candle-lit garden and has a distinctive colonial atmosphere with terracotta floors, high ceilings, paintings, antique marble tables and carved chairs. The menu lists well prepared and presented "fusion cuisine" creations influenced by Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam etc. Appetizers and main courses are priced between 70,000 and 180,000 Rupiah plus 15%, and there is a 5-course Tasting Menu for 320,000 Rupiah ++ which can include a Chilled Tomato Soup with a Crispy Bok Choy-Ginger Pallet and Red Mullet Fillet, Pan-Fried Foie Gras with Spiced Glazed Ahi Tuna Carpaccio, Gingered Sushi Rice and Cucumber Seaweed Grissini followed by Squid Linguini with Low Temperature Egg Yolk, Pancetta Cubes, Steamed Green Asparagus and Mirin Bisque Sauce. For your main course you can choose either Duck Breast with Caramelized Nuts, Crispy Pastillas, Braised Turnips and Baby Spinach in a Orange-Ginger Sauce or Grilled Tasmanian Salmon Fillet with Asian Greens, Kecap Manis and Wasabi Flavoured Mashed Potatoes, and then finish your meal with a Fluffy Vanilla Créme Bruleé with Strawberry Salad with Coriander. There is a good selection of wines from Australia, France and Italy starting around 320,000 Rupiah per bottle. Owner Daniel Vannequé runs also the "SuKHa Gallery" offering folk art, antiques, and furniture.

Very popular right from its soft opening in May 2008 is SARONG, Jalan Petitenget 19X near THE LIVING ROOM. English Chef Will Meyrick (ex SENTOSA and SOFITEL in Bali and LONGRAIN in Sydney) added some Indian, Malay, Vietnamese and Chinese dishes to his modern-Thai creations: there are "Asian Tapas" such as Betel leafs with raw tuna, lemon grass, shallots and lemon basil, Betel leafs with salmon, shrimps and coriander and grilled scallops topped with crispy duck, Thai basil and peanut Nam Jihm served on a tasting spoon, Chicken Martabak with pickled cucumber and sweet sambal etc. which all can be served in the "Tapas Bar & Lounge" in front of the elegant open-air Dining Room with luxurious curtains and furnished with comfortable sofas and dining chairs. We love the salad from grilled prawns, pomelo, garlic, lemon grass, mint and Nam Jihm dressing and the Sichuan cured tuna with grated carrot, sweet basil, peanuts and Chinese plum sauce. From India there are the Tandoori butter chicken, a lamb Boti Kebab and a fish Tikka cooked in saffron, cardamon, turmeric and dill, a Northern Indian prawn curry, a lamb Rogan Josh, a Vindaloo curry of pork belly as well as a Dahl Tadka. Indonesian grilled snapper, grilled baby pork ribs, twice cooked chicken and crispy duck with two sambals are as tempting as Thai-style crispy pork hog with tamarind tamarillo sauce and nam pla prik or stir fried Asian vegetables with Thai basil. Finish your meal with a duck egg & ginger custard with palm sugar caramel, taro cake with crispy shallot, mandarin and fig compote or durian pancakes with coconut lime caramel and durian ice cream. If the choice is too difficult, just order a sample plate of Indian and South East Asian desserts. The drink list offers a wide choice of imported wines from all parts of the world starting around 380,000 Rupiah ++. The service is attentive and a memorable dinner for two will be around 400,000 to 600,000 Rupiah ++ without drinks. For reservations call 737-809.

KU DE TA is currently Bali's most trendy restaurant in a top beach front location next to the Oberoi Hotel. The modern architecture and interior design of the bar and dining areas go well with the "fusion cuisine" of the Australian chef. On the menu you find a selection of freshly shucked oysters imported two times per week from Australia and France and served with a champagne vinaigrette. There are many salads, grilled Australian yabbies (small freshwater crayfish), seared scallops, a seafood stew, lamb rib eye, venison rib and beef tenderloin. The interesting wine list features many wines from Australia, California, Chile, France, Italy, New Zealand and South Africa and starts around 450,000 Rupiah per bottle. Sparkling wines by the glass are 90,000 Rupiah to 180,000 Rupiah, and bottles range from 490,000 Rupiah for VALDIVIESCO Brut from Chile to 1,990,000 Rupiah for a bottle of KRUG Brut Grande Cuvee. The service staff is well-trained and attentive, and prices are generally reasonable. There are comfortable deck chairs right on the beach to watch Bali's famous sunsets, and you can choose from nearly 30 Cuban cigars such as BOLIVAR Coronas Junior, COHIBA Coronas Especiales, H. UPMANN Connoisseur No. 1, HOYO DE MONTERREY Sort Hoyo Coronas, MONTECRISTO Especial No. 2, PUNCH Punch Punch, or ROMEO YULIETA Exhibition No. 4 from about 90,000 Rupiah to 400,000 Rupiah. This is a place to see and be seen, and from late afternoon on Fridays and Saturdays there is a rather noisy DJ entertaining Bali's beautiful people.

More quiet is THE BREEZE, the restaurant of the THE SAMAYA resort near KU DE TA and next to LA LUCCIOLA. The spectacular but relaxed beach front setting, great sunset views, the sound of the waves and imaculate service make this probably Bali's most romantic place for fine dining. The menu includes a delicious pan-seared Périgord Foie Gras with ginger compote, Crispy Soft Shell Crab with green mango-papaya salad, a Lobster & River Prawn Bisque and a very tasty Cream of Forest Mushrooms with essence of truffle. The "Pork Duo" consists of Asian braised pork belly with tamarind glaze, seared tenderloin, sweet & sour cabbage and a soy-star anise reduction; the "Duck Two Ways" of leg confit and seared French duck breast, roasted cauliflower and a port wine reduction, or choose the Roasted Lamb Loin or Black Angus Tenerloin with roasted mushrooms, blue cheese and potato hash. For seafood lovers there are Pan Seared Sea Scallops, Wild Baramundi on preserved lemon, Miso Glazed Alaskan Black Cod, Nori Wrapped Tasmanian Salmon or Local Wild Snapper with truffle scented mushroom risotto. There is a Unique Dish of Four Pastas: Oxtail Tortellini, Blue Swimmer Crab Bocaleoni, Calves Sweetbread Cannelloni and Goat Cheese Ravioli, and a range of Vegetarian Main Courses can be prepared by Californian Chef Michael Shaheen on request. There is also a choice of typical Balinese specialties, and from the Dessert Menu it's impossible to resit the Macerated Strawberry Tartar with White Pepper Ice Cream! The extensive, well chosen wine list is very reasonably priced and starts at less than 160,000 Rupiah for a bottle of local wine and from below 400,000 Rupiah for imported wines from Australia, New Zealand, California, Chile, Argentina, South Africa, France, Italy, Spain, Germany etc. An excellent dinner for two will costs about 700,000 to 1,000,000 Rupiah ++ (without wine).

The Oberoi Hotel's open-air KURA KURA restaurant offers another of Bali's Fine Dining options. The German-born Executive Chef Enrico Wahl, who started his career in Dresden and worked subsequently in a number of Michelin star restaurants including Munich's TANTRIS, has introduced a very creative Tasting Menu. Guests can choose either 7 courses for 760,000 Rupiah per person, 5 out of 7 courses for 550,000 Rupiah or 3 out of 7 courses for 420,000 Rupiah. And then there is the "Chef's 12 Course Surprise Tasting Menu" for 1,250,000 Rupiah ++ per person. Dishes offered are changing depending on fresh ingredients available but can include a delicious Mushroom Nage with Espresso or a Pea Soup with Unagi, Alaskan Scallop Sashimi, Tandoori Baked Yabbies with Smoked Yoghurt & Black Salt, Warm Unagi (Japanese eel) or Flash Seared Abalone with Gome Wakame Seaweed Salad, Giant Atlantic Scallop with Apple 2 Ways and Foie Gras Foam, Pan Fried Sablefish with Black Pudding, Kangaroo Tartar with Quail Egg and Caper Vinaigrette, Duck Confit Pastilla with Pickled Mushrooms, Sweetbread Tempura with Savory Apricot. Highlights are the Seared Goose Foie Gras, the Foie Gras Créme Bruleé and the truly outstanding "Marble of Foie Gras" with thin films of Valrhona chocolate between layers of the foie gras terrine – just delicious and another reason to visit Bali! The "48 Hours Sous Vide Slow Poached Wagyu Beef Cheek" on Purple Potato Risotto and the Australian Prime Wagyu Beef Tenderloin are extraordinary tender but in our opinion over-rated. The Tasting Menu ends with a Cave Aged Cheese Selection, Mixed Berry Gratin with Rum Sabayon and its own Sorbet or a Baked Whole Plum with Plum & Green Asparagus Sorbet. OBEROI being an Indian hotel chain, the restaurant offers also a small and much lower priced choice of delicacies from the sub-continent such as a Duck Biryani, Goa Pork Vindaloo, a tasty Lamb Rogan Josh, Tandoori Jingha Prawns, a Lobster Curry with Naan and a number of Indonesian dishes as well as vegetarian choices. The wine list starts with 200,000 Rupiah for local wines; imported wines range from 550,000 Rupiah up to 9,000,000 Rupiah! If you bring your own, corkage charge is 150,000 Rupiah per bottle. Quite unusual for Bali, prices on the menu include the 21% tax & service charge, and the bill has a bold reminder "NO TIPPING PLEASE". This does not make KURA KURA cheap, and a very enjoyable meal for two will turn out to be between 700,000 and 2.6 million Rupiah without drinks. However, the food here is REALLY special; the surroundings are elegant and very relaxed at the same time, and the service staff is attentive and friendly. If you would prefer your three to seven or 12 courses to be served faster instead of filling the whole evening, just tell your captain. Enjoy!

TRATTORIA Cucina Italiano is another simple open-air restaurant located in Jalan Oberoi and serving Italian home-cooking at reasonable prices. Choose from the regularly changing antipasti, salads, home-made pasta, tasty main courses and sweets, all priced between 44,000 Rupiah and 150,000 Rupiah. A limited wine list with still acceptable prices, friendly service and the relaxed atmosphere have made the TRATTORIA popular with the international and Italian crowd who often bring the whole family. Around 9 p.m. all tables are usually occupied (not open for lunch).

ULTIMO is an Italian eatery with modern interior next door to TRATTORIA. The front part is air-condioned and features a large square bar and a number of tables as well as the open kitchen, in the back is a pleasant garden section. On the standard menu you find Salmon Carpaccio, Tuna Tartar, Parma Ham with melon, Mozzarella, a seafood salad and a seafood soup as well as many Pasta courses including Spaghetti with hot chilli and garlic, Penne with mushrooms and smoked cheese, Cannelloni with ricota and spinach, Linguini with crab meat, Tagliatelle with lobster, Fettuccini with tuna and anchovis, Ravioli with fish or chicken and a traditional Lasagne al Forno. For your main course choose either a steak al Funghi, al Rosmarino, al Marsala, al Pepe Verde, al Gorgonzola etc. or Ossobuco, Saltimbocca alla Romana, tuna steaks, panfried red snapper, fried sole or grilled salmon, Frito Misto with prawns and squid. There are also many kinds of Pizza and over a dozen daily specials. The big surprise are the low prices: most dishes are between 22,000 and 55,000 Rupiah +10%. The small wine list starts at 230,000 Rupiah per bottle and 28,000 Rupiah for a glass of House White. Don't come too late in the evening, after 8 p.m. the place is packed!

KHAIMA is a Moroccan restaurant in Jalan Oberoi with very friendly and efficient staff, delicious food and belly dancing performances on Fridays and Saturdays in a tent-like setting. Appetizers include tasty parcels of filo pastry filled with vegetables, minced lamb, tuna, chicken or goat cheese. There are salads of tomatoes and bell peppers, cinamon and carrots or eggplants, all with spices added to give them more flavour. As mains there a various stews such as lamb and eggplant slowly cooked in an earthenware pot – just delicious! Choose from different kinds of Couscous: with lamb, onions and raisins, chicken with many different vegetables, vegetables and sausage or a combination of all the above. And then there are the grilled kebabs with chicken, lamb, beef and minced meat. Finish your meal with an Arabic almond and walnut cake, Baclava or an orange salad, Moroccan coffee or green mint tea. There is a very limited wine list, and a large and very satisfying meal for two will cost you about 300,000 Rupiah without drinks.

The Spanish restaurant LA SAL is located in Jalan Drupadi II, a small back lane which connects Jalan Oberoi and Jalan Gado Gado. You can sit either in the nice garden or in the open white building, and on the menu you find a good choice of Tapas such as delicious (and very expensive) Iberico gourmet cured ham from acorn-fed black pigs, Calamari with Aliolis, Squid Cooked in its own Ink, Grilled Chorizo Sausages, Garlic Prawns, Crunchy Mushrooms and a delicious Veal Carpaccio with Foie Gras and Manchego Cheese. There are also a Clam Casserole, Grilled King Prawns with Rock Salt, Crispy Pork Belly with Lentils and Mango, Twice Cooked Lamb Shoulder and a Mixed Paella with Chicken, Vegetables and Seafood. The Argentinian BBQ dinner for two at just 350,000 Rupiah++ is also very popular and includes beef and chicken steaks, various sausages, pork ribs etc. as much as you can eat. There is a small but good choice of wines, but why not try the Sangria instead? The service is friendly and attentive, and a very nice meal for two will be around 350,000 to 500,000 Rupiah without drinks.

Good news for lovers of Indian food: finally there are some restaurants in Bali where you can enjoy the real thing. GATEWAY OF INDIA in Seminyak, Jalan Dyana Pura (Gado Gado) No. 10, is located nearly opposite of SANTA FEE. They offer a good choice of Indian specialties which will NOT disappoint you. Regrettably there is no air-conditioning, and sometimes you have to listen to very loud music from nearby bars and pubs. A feast for four or six is about 350,000 to 600,000 Rupiah (most dishes are 40,000 to 60,000 Rupiah). Bring your own wine, as the wines offered are not exciting at all and never properly chilled. Newer branches are near the Bemo corner in Kuta and on Jalan Danau Tamblingan in Sanur.

The QUEEN'S TANDOOR, Jalan Seminyak 73 opposite MADE'S WARUNG, serves now the same delicious Indian specialties in Bali for which it has been famous in Jakarta since 1986. Enjoy the mouth-watering delicacies from the tandoor oven or the slowly cooked chicken, lamb, seafood and vegetable Curries, Masallas and Kormas with rich sauces full of fresh herbs, spices, fruits and nuts. Our favourites are Masala Papadum, Seekh Kebab, Gosht Shahi Korma, Mutton Pasanda, Murgh Makhani (Butter Chicken) and Butter Chicken Tikka, yellow and black Dhal, Aloo Gobi, Navratan Korma, Raita, Garlic Naan, Cheese Naan and the delicious Peshawari Naan. There are freshly baked other breads such as various Papadums and Chappati to accompany your meal, and Kulfi, the Indian ice cream, is the best way to finish it.

For German specialties and sausages you can try the open-air MAMA'S restaurant in Kuta which is open around the clock and serves substantial German homecooking at low prices. The wide choice includes hot dogs and many other sausages, Frikadellen (German meat balls) and burgers, spit-roasted chicken, pork roast, Rouladen (German beef rolls), and huge pork knuckles. In addition to local draft beer, imported beers and German schnaps there is also a limited but well-priced wine list. There are tables and a bar downstairs as well as on the upper floor where you also find a large billiards table and life music in the evening. Owner is the German Honorary Consul Reinhold Jantzen. (You like dining with Consuls? Then you should also visit the Swiss Consular Representative Jon Zurcher who entertains guests in his SWISS RESTAURANT at the new Istana Galleria in Kuta.)

Quite good Swiss-German meals at low prices are also served in plain surroundings in the PEPITO KAFE, Jalan Kediri 36A, next to the Pepito Supermarket in Tuban. Roger Jahn, a retired Swiss Guard of the Pope, offers a "Bavarian Breakfast" with Weisswurst, Brezn and a beer at any time of the day for 32,500 Rupiah, a choice of smoked and dried hams with melon, asparagus and toast (32,000 Rupiah), sliced pork leg "Castellan Style" (44,000 Rupiah), various steaks (39,000 to 64,000 Rupiah), and a number of Swiss and German sausages with onion sauce or gravy, French fries and salad for about 30,000 to 38,000 Rupiah. His nice Vol-au-vent (which he calls "Bouchees Royale"), two pastry shells filled with tender beef cubes in a creamy white sauce, is just 29,500 Rupiah, and a bottle of imported "Erdinger Weissbier" is 42,000 Rupiah. There is only a limited selection of wines, but give it a try — you might become a regular!

If you like elegant surroundings in a top beach front setting and attentive service, there is no better choice than the new air-conditioned SAILFIN Seafood Restaurant, part of the THE WAVE entertainment complex at Jalan Pantai No. 1 in Kuta (opposite the Hard Rock Resort). After a drink in the spacious and comfortable lounge area with bar you can choose either a table inside or on the open terrace. Right now, prices are reasonable for both food and beverages but will probably increase after the intoductory period. On our first visit we loved the Coquilles Saint Jaques (delicious scallops), king prawns, baramundi fillet and Lobster Mornay, all well-prepared by the Australian chef. On the second visit we were disappointed by the "Sailfin Paradise Seafood Platter for Two" which consisted of a few prawns, squid, one small bug (or rock lobster), one not so fresh crab, and lots of local fruit. Most of the wines on the limited wine list were out of stock. Expect to pay around 300,000 to 450,000 Rupiah for two, not including drinks.

There are also several restaurants (INDAH SARI, MINI, SC, etc) along Jalan Legian in Kuta which display on the roadside fresh fish, lobster, crabs and prawns on ice. You select your favorites from the display and tell the staff how to prepare your dish (grilled, steamed, boiled etc). The BALI SEAFOOD MARKET and KUTA SEAFOOD on Jalan Kartika Plaza between Kuta and the airport offer a wide choice of fresh seafood and live entertainment including Balinese dances.

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THE BALI RESTAURANT GUIDE TO JIMBARAN BEACH

The best place for fresh seafood is still Jimbaran Beach with its rows of open restaurants right on the sandy beach near the Bali Inter-Continental Resort and between the Keraton Hotel and the airport. The number of eateries is fast increasing, but the original six restaurants on the airport side of the Keraton Hotel (LIA is our favorite) are still the most reasonably priced, and they serve the same delicious food. All kinds of fresh fish, squid, crabs, prawns, and lobsters are prepared on the open grill (burning coconut husks instead of charcoal) with exotic herbs and spices.

A large grilled snapper with a seafood soup, vegetables, salad, rice, potatoes, several sauces, and different sambals costs for instance at LIA's around 50,000 Rupiah per kilo; one kilo of grilled prawns is about 90,000 Rupiah and Jumbo size prawns 160,000 Rupiah, lobster (actually crayfish) 250,000 Rupiah per kilo, and a large bottle of beer is 12,500 Rupiah. Not extremely cheap any more but still good value for money, and a great place to watch Bali's famous sunsets!

However, be warned: the 25 or so restaurants between Inter-Continental and the Four Seasons resort charge much higher prices (they pay 30% and even 40% commission to drivers and guides), and their prices for wine are rediculous! Visitors to the restaurants closer to the fishing harbor (near the airport) AND the restaurants between the Inter-Continental and the Four Seasons often complain on the "BALI travel FORUM" about being overcharged and/or cheated on the weight of the fish or lobster they ordered.

Forum contributor Dell wrote on July 19th, 1999, after a visit to the often recommended Cafe Intan: "I suspect they all have rigged scales. To walk to the surf after dusk, then turn around and let your gaze scan the hundreds of flickering table candles which stretch far into the distance and contemplate the scale of the fraud that is being perpetuated every night is a humbling experience." (Just an idea: if you take a full bottle of water it's easy to test the scales.)

For fine (but rather pricey) dining the Bali Inter-Continental Resort is hard to beat – the KO Japanese Restaurant with its elegant teppanyaki room, sushi & sashimi bar and music lounge is one of the best in Bali, and the SINGARAJA restaurant is well-known for good food and excellent service. The Ritz-Carlton's PADI garden restaurant (just a few steps down from the lobby) advertises to serve the island's best and most authentic Thai cuisine. But even if you let your waiter or the Chef know you like your food as spicy as in Bangkok, you will be served in most cases a rather "touristy" version of Thai food. Truly memorable meals are served in the modern DAVA restaurant of the Ritz-Carlton.

For a very pleasant lunch you should try the delicious pizzas, salads and outstanding desserts at the Four Seasons Resort's PJ's (Pantai Jimbaran) set right on the beach. You can also reserve a table here for a very private and romantic dinner lighted by dozens of candles and just a few feet away from the water. Food, service and prices are what you'd expect at a Four Seasons.

Opened only in February 2008 is the TRATTORIA Cucina Italiana Jimbaran, a more up-market branch of the restaurant with the same name in Seminyak. It's located on the road from Jalan Uluwatu to the Four Seasons, just 100 meters from the Jalan Uluwatu traffic light. Set on three levels it offers a beautiful view over Jimbaran beach, pleasant surroundings and basically the same menu and reasonable prices as the Seminyak branch. Prices are between 32,000 Rupiah and 120,00 Rupiah + 10% per dish (service charge not included). And then there are 24 different pizzas fror 23,000 to 43,000 Rupiah. The wine list is rather limited, and most bottles are between 210,000 and 400,000 Rupiah. Open every day from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

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THE BALI RESTAURANT GUIDE TO THE BUKIT, NUSA DUA & TANJUNG BENOA

The "Bukit", the hill south of Jimbaran Bay, is becoming more popular every day. An increasing number of residential buildings take advantage of the spectacular views of Kuta, Sanur and the mountains from the slope facing north, and there are also quite a number projects being developed on the steep cliffs facing the South.

Located not far from the Uluwatu Temple, the modern di Mare at the KARMA KANDARA resort offers a spectacular view from the cliff over the blue sea, white surf breaks and the small beach below. Chef Raymond Saja's small menu offers a choice of Mediterranean seafood dishes including fresh oysters and prawns, local and imported fishes, Alascan scallops etc. as well as braised pork belly with lentils, Muscovy duck breast and high-grade Wagyu steaks. The "Cuisine in Miniatura" is a tasting menu consisting of 9 tapas-size delicacies! The wine list is extensive and well-chosen. An excellent meal for two should be about 800,000 to 1 million Rupiah ++ without drinks. You can reach the private beach club below using a small cable car from the restaurant.

The restaurants of the truly luxurious ST. REGIS BALI resort in Nusa Dua offer more choices for demanding gourmets: the stylish KAYUPUTI is the resort's beachfront fine dining venue open only for dinner; BONEKA is famous for sensational breakfasts (in addition to a buffet you can order freshly prepared fried eggs with seared foie gras, Eggs Benedict with salmon roe, Serrano ham and asparagus, a delicious Egg Nouvelle filled with lobster ragout, Sashimi, various oysters, a hot veal liver spread with sauted mushrooms, and ... and ... and ...). During the "Sunday Jazz Prime Time" from 12 noon to 3 p.m. the main feature is traditional prime rib from the trolley with baked potatoes and home-made Yorkshire Pudding. The price for the breakfast is about 400,000 Rupiah net and for the Prime Rip Jazz Lunch 1,250,000 Rupiah net per person including appetisers, desserts and a selection of wines from the free-flow Wine Buffet. The best way to start the Sunday lunch is to have a delicious Bloody Mary or a "Bali Mary" (or two) in the resort's "King Cole Bar". Actually, the King Cole Room of the New York ST. REGIS HOTEL claims to be the birthplace of today's world-famous drink in 1934 when Fernand Petiot (who worked around 1920 at HARRY'S BAR in Paris) added Tabasco, lemon and spices to the plain vodka & tomato juice drink. At that time, the ST. REGIS served a hundred to hundred and fifty Bloody Marys every day!

Tasty Thai cuisine is served at THE TERRACE at the Amanusa Resort. The menu is small listing only six appetizers, three soups and seven main courses. We enjoyed the popular Gai Hor Bai Toey, tender chicken pieces deep fried in pandan leaves, a spicy Tom Yam Goong and the milder Tom Khar Gai, a chicken broth with coconut milk. This was followed by a sensational Red Duck Curry and King Prawns with Chilli and Basil. All dishes are prepared as spicy as you would get them in Thailand, and the service, surroundings and the view over the Nusa Dua golf course and the sea are outstanding. This unique combination is easily worth the rather high prices: around 100,000 Rupiah ++ for appetizers and soups, and around 200,000 Rupiah ++ for the main courses. Not really much for a dinner you'll not forget for a long time.

The nearby BUMBU BALI Restaurant (& Cooking School) in Tanjung Benoa adjacent to NUsa Dua, is operated by Heinz von Holzen, the author of the book "The Food of Bali" and former food guru of the Grand Hyatt and Ritz Carlton hotels in Bali. A visit here IS A MUST if you are interested in authentic local cuisine. In beautiful surroundings you can enjoy appetizers such as "Ayam Pelalah" (chicken with chillies and lime), beef, chicken and prawn Satay, or "Jokut Kakul", a tasty snail soup with lemon grass and black pepper. Main dishes include "Ayam Betutu" (roasted chicken in banana leaf), delicious "Siap Mapanggang" (ox tongue in sweet nutmeg sauce), "Satay Lilit" made from minced seafood, and "Ikan Pepes", and grilled fish in banana leaf. You can choose from a range of exotic desserts such as Black Rice Pudding, Coconut Pancakes, etc. Or indulge yourself by ordering the "Balinese Rijsttafel" which consists of 14 different dishes served together with white, yellow, and red rice (even a vegetarian version of this feast is available). You can end your meal with various gourmet coffee preparations or special flavoured Indonesian teas (apple, apricot, black currant, cinnamon, orange, peach, raspberry, strawberry, vanilla, etc). Service is very attentive, and prices (about 180,000 to 280,000 Rupiah per person for a huge meal) are very reasonable for the unique experience. On Fridays there are Balinese dance performances from about 8 p.m. (If you book certain villas through Balivillas.com, you enjoy FREE participation in the popular Balinese cooking classes conducted by Heinz.)

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THE BALI RESTAURANT GUIDE TO UBUD

CAFE LOTUS has been an institution for many years. Located in the center of Ubud between the main street and a large, beautiful lotus pond in front of a temple (designed by the famous artist I Gusti Nyoman Lempad) this pleasant open-air restaurant serves a variety of Italian pasta dishes, some Asian and local specialties such as the Balinese duck 'Bebek Betutu', and a good choice of cakes and fruit juices. Although the prices here are quite steep for Ubud standards, CAFE LOTUS is busy the whole day.

Nearly across the road is CASA LUNA offering a number of Balinese and Mediterranean dishes which look very interesting on the menu but can be a bit disappointing, and a branch of the well-known RYOSHI serving good Sushi, Sashimi and Tempura until midnight at rather low prices.

MURNI'S WARUNG, located next to the Campuan bridge, is another of Ubud's institutions. Built on several levels between the road and the river, this is an excellent place to try the 'Bebek Betutu' (order one day in advance to be sure) and other local specialties. The more elegant BRIDGE CAFE cascades also down over several levels – right opposite on the other side of the river – and offers creative 'Pacific Rim' cuisine i.e. tasty culinary creations with influences from Thailand, India, China and Japan as well as local specialties, salads and vegetarian dishes. Try the Szechuan Pancakes filled with deep fried duck, the Thai Chicken Pizza, or the Chilly Prawns. Very pleasant atmosphere and good service.

For many years rather popular is DIRTY DUCK or BEBEK BENGIL in Padang Tegal about one kilometer south of Ubud's main street. Forget their special "Crispy Duck" which is very dry and sometimes rather tough. Their range of other Indonesian and Western dishes, however, is quite tasty, the garden setting very pleasant, and the live background music in the evenings creates a nearly magic atmosphere.

Another of Ubud favorites is ARY'S WARUNG, a stylish side-walk bistro in the center of town with creative oriental/international cuisine and a choice of interesting vegetarian dishes. The Tasting Menu for lunch includes four dishes for 150,000 or 190,000 Rupiah with one glass of wine, the Dinner Tasting Menu six dishes for 240,000 or 280,000 Rupiah with two glasses of wine, always plus tax & service. Expect delicacies such as Lobster Wonton, Tuna Parfait with caviar and Wasabi cream, Seared Sea Scallops, Sauted Green Pepercorn Pate with green papaya salad, Carpaccio of Venison, Steamed Snapper with red chilli butter, Jumbo River Prawns sauted with chilli, garlic and ginger, deboned Roasted Quail, Rack of Lamb with chilli mint sauce, and Roasted Veal Cutlets with Wasabi butter. The desserts are equally creative; try the Durian Créme Brulleé! The wine list offers a good choice of Australian and French wines starting around 300,000 Rupiah, and the service is friendly AND professional.

On the way to Sayan between the Campuan Hotel and the Pita Maha Resort is the INDUS Restaurant operated by the same owner as Casa Luna. Well-spaced tables on two levels offer a beautiful view over the Campuan river valley, the service is very friendly, and they serve a wide range of health food. You can choose Italian pizza, ravioli and fettucini, Middle Eastern Mezze, Chinese spring rolls, Thai Thom Kha Kai soup, and Indonesian Nasi Campur, Gado Gado, and even a Balinese "Smoked Duck Feast" for only 120,000 Rupiah for two. There are many seafood and vegetarian dishes, various interesting fresh fruit juices such as apple with mint juice or carrot, spinach, parsley & celery juice (to clean your blood and for detoxification), lassi, herbal teas and special coffees. If all this sounds too healthy, there are also delicious sweets, a (disappointingly) small selection of wines, but an acceptable choice of cocktails.

Evenings you used to meet many foreign residents in NAUGHTY NURI'S Warung on the same road to Sayan. Boston-born Brian, Nuri's husband, buys every Thursday fresh tuna in Benoa, and they serve on Thursday nights delicious tuna Sashimi, tuna steaks, and tuna satay. Daily fare includes various Indonesian dishes, steaks, lamb chops, and large slabs of ribs which are barbecued on a long charcoal grill in front of the place. But better go easy on their excellent Martinis – after a few of these you won't mind the price of 65,000 Rupiah per drink or the somewhat uncomfortable, often very smokey and extremely "local" surroundings, and the next day you might even not remember how you got home or where you've been the night before! However, recently they have started to accept reservations for busloads of Asian tourist, and many local expats are looking for other places to spend their time.

MOZAIC opened in 2001 on Jalan Raya Sanggingan, the road from Campuhan to Sayan, and is run by Franco-American Chef Chris Salans (ex Thomas Keller's French Laundry in Napa valley). It offers very pleasant out-door and in-door seating, excellent service and attractive presentation of Chris' creative cuisine. The menu changes daily and depends on the availability of fresh ingredients. You can choose one of the Chef's Tasting Menus: Each consists of six courses and there are three choices: either the "Classic" Menu Degustation, a "Vegetarian" or an "Experimental" version offering delicious surprises with every single course. The Tasting Menus are equally priced and at 550,000 Rupiah++ per person (895,000 Rupiah++ including matching wines) a real bargain. If you prefer to bring your own wine, they charge 75,000 Rupiah++ corkage per bottle. On the well-chosen wine list you find 16 open wines, and bottles start around 350,000 Rupiah++. We always enjoy the truly outstanding food – probably the best you can find in Indonesia. (MOZAIC is one of only two restaurants in South East Asia to be recognized by "Grande Tables du Monde" – the second is LE NORMANDIE on top of the old wing of Bangkok's legendary Mandarin Oriental Hotel – and has also received the "Award of Excellence" by Wine Spectator for its wine cellar.) A meal at MOZAIC is a fine dining experience you won't forget; don't miss it! The restaurant is closed on Mondays, all other days reservations are required. Please call 975-768.

For total culinary indulgence together with your family, a group of gourmets or special friends, book the Private Chef's Table @ MOZAIC: Chris Salans prepares and serves a Tasting Menu of his Signature Dishes in the privacy of "The Workshop", a separate venue at the back of the restaurant garden with an open state-of-the-art demo kitchen, a comfortable lounge and the elegant dining area accommodating up to 14 guests. Prices range from US$120++ to US$200++ per person (depending on dishes selected and the accompanying wines) and include canapés with Champagne and/or Signature Cocktails before dinner, an individually created Special Chef's Table Tasting Menu prepared by Chris Salans, matching wines with each course and coffee or tea. The possiblility of direct interaction between Chef Salans and the guests during the meal as well as during the preparation of each course can make this not only an unforgettable experience but also a very personalized cooking class for some or all of the participants! Eight guests (or a minimum spending of US$1,000) are required for the exclusive booking of "The Workshop". During the day there are also various recreational and professional cooking classes offered teaching traditional as well as modern cutting-edge technologies for individuals and groups. Call 975-768 for inquiries and bookings.

LAMAK Restaurant & Bar is another of Ubud's top eateries. It was opened in February 2002 and is located on Monkey Forest Road a bit South of the soccer field next to SAI SAI bar. The quite unique design is by Made Wijaya (Australian Michael White), and the restaurant is operated by the German Chef Roland Lickert. The tempting menus (different for lunch and dinner) include Asian, international and vegetarian dishes such as Seaweed Salad with Balinese Satay Lilit, various fried noodles with Spiced Szechuan Chicken, with Asian Greens and Glazed Tofu or with Black Bean Fish, Stir-fried Scallops on Green Tea Noodles and Bruschetta with Salmon Tartar. There is an great Shitake Mushroom Cappuccino soup and a unique Balinese Bouillabaisse, Escargots with delicious Cafe de Paris Butter or seared Foie Gras, and for your main course you can choose Crispy Salmon, Balsamic Glazed Beef Steak, Quail Saltimbocca, Pancetta-wrapped Pork Fillet, Lamb Cutlets, Duck Breast with Red Pepper Pesto and Seafood Pasta. Delicious sweets include Orange & Ginger Créme Bruleé, Fried Forest Berry Ice Cream on Baileys Cream and a Chilled Pina Colada Soufflé. Too difficult to decide what to chose from their Asian Fusion cuisine? Just order the 5-course Tasting Menu for only 275,000 Rupiah++! Gourmets may be impressed, wine lovers will certainly be delighted: you can choose from 8 wines by the glass from 60,000 to 85,000 Rupiah and from nearly 50 bottled wines from France, Italy, Australia and California starting at 380,000 Rupiah. There is also a choice of Cuban cigars. The reasonable prices for food and wine help to relax in the open-air lounge and cocktail bar downstairs, in the upstairs dining area or in the air-conditioned section on the upper floor. LAMAK is open every day from 11:00 in the morning to 11:00 p.m. Roland runs also WARUNG ENAK in Pengosekan (south of Ubud) where he serves tasty specialties from Sumatra, Java, Sulawesi, Kalimantan, Lombok, Bali and other islands of Indonesia in pleasant surroundings and at reasonable prices.

Other restaurants recommended by foreign residents and recent visitors are PESTO CAFE, Jalan Raya Campuhan, for tasty Indonesian dishes and international snacks at low prices, TERAZO, Jalan Suweta just North of the Royal Palace, and the CINTA GRILL on Monkey Forest Road for trendy fusion cuisine, BATAN WARU (Western and Indonesian Brasserie type food), CAFE DES ARTISTES, Jalan Bisma 9X, for Belgium cuisine and some Indonesian and Thai dishes at low prices, GAJAH BIRU for authentic Indian cuisine, GAYA for simple Italian dishes, located above the gallery with the same name in Sayan, the KOKOKAN CLUB in Pengosekan for tasty Thai dishes, COFFEE & SILVER on Jalan Monkeu Forest for breakfast, brunch and all-day dining with tasty snacks, tapas and international mains and an interesting children's menu, INDIAN DELITES, THREE MONKEYS, KAMPUNG KAFE, and TEPI SAWAH.

Selamat Makan !

BALI CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2008 Schedule of Bali Art Festival XXX

January 2008

1 New Year's Day
10 1 Muharram 1429 H - Moslem New Year
23 Galungan - Praying for the victory of virtue (Dharma) upon evil (Adharma)


February 2008

2 Kuningan - Believed to be the ascendant day of ancestral holy spirits and deities, back to the eternity


March 2008

3 Mekiyis or Melis - a purification ceremony held in welcoming "Nyepi". It is a long procession of Hindu adherents carrying temple effigies and other sacred symbols, heading to beaches or springs where the purification rituals are held, Throughout Bali.
6 Tawur Agung Kesanga - Held to welcome Nyepi holiday at every family compound; followed by procession of Ogoh-Ogoh (huge monster / evil dolls)
7 Nyepi - Balinese New Year; The I Saka New Year 1929, the day of absolute silence for Hindu followers
16 Palm Sunday - Christian Holiday
20 Mohammed's Birthday - Moslem Holiday
21 Good Friday - Christian holiday on which the Church keeps the anniversary of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ
23 Easter - Christian holiday to commemorate the resurrections of Jesus Christ


April 2008

12 Tumpek Kandang - Special day of thanks for the gift of livestock


May 2008

1 Ascension Day - Christian holiday on the 40th day after Resurrection of Jesus Christ
17 Tumpek Wayang or Tumpek Ringgit - Special day of thanks for the gift of Art
20 Vaishakha - Buddhist holiday to celebrate the birth anniversary of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism


June 2008

7 Saraswati - Special day of thanks for the gift of Knowledge
11 Pagerwesi - Special day for meditation to enhance balance in the world
Mid Bali Art Festival XXX - Exhibitions and Art Performances at Bali Art Center, Denpasar, until Mid July
21 Tumpek Landep - Special day of thanks for the gift of metal


July 2008

26 Tumpek Uduh or Tumpek Pengatag - Special day of thanks for the gift of fruit-bearing plants
30 Isra Mi'Raj Prophet Mohammed - Muslim holiday to commemorate the 'enlightenment Day' of Prophet Muhammed


August 2008

17 Indonesia Independence Day - A public holiday throughout Indonesia
20 Galungan - Praying for the victory of virtue (Dharma) upon evil (Adharma)
30 Kuningan - Believed to be the ascendant day of ancestral holy spirits and deities, back to the eternity


September 2008

2 Ramadhan - Moslem holiday


October 2008

1-2 Idul Fitri - Muslim festival to end fasting month
14-19 Ubud Writers and Readers Festival
18-26 ABG - Asean Beach Games 2008

November 2008

8 Tumpek Kandang - Special day of thanks for the gift of livestock


December 2008

8 Idul Adha - Moslem holiday known as cattle sacrifice and hajj pilgrim
13 Tumpek Wayang - Special day of thanks for the gift of Art
25 Christmas - Christian holiday to celebrate Jesus Christ' birthday
29 1 Muharram 1430 H - Moslem New Year

First Asian Beach Games opening ceremony held in Bali

BALI ISLAND, Indonesia, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- The first Asian Beach Games opening ceremony was held on October 18 in Bali Island of Indonesia, which attracts almost 3000 athletes from 45 countries and regions in Asia.

Thousands of dancers performed traditional program, which featured local arts and cultures at the opening ceremony held at the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park in Bali Island.

Jacques Rogge, the president of the International Olympic Committee, Indonesia president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and athletes from 45 countries and regions present the opening ceremony.

The multi-event will be another history for Indonesia in organizing an event under the sanctions of Olympic Council of Asia after the fourth Asian Games in Jakarta, 1962.

Asian Beach Games in Bali is Asia's first multiple sports event situated on beaches. A total of 17 sports and two demonstration sports will be held in the games, which will last nine days at four world renowned beaches, namely Kuta Beach, Nusa Dua, Sanur Beach and Serangan Island.

The biennial Asian Beach Games, together with the Asian Games, the Asian Winter Games and the Asian Indoor Games, organized by the Olympic Council of Asia, are four major sporting events in Asia.

The third Asian Beach Games will be hosted in Haiyang, east China's Shandong province in 2012, after the second in Oman in 2010.

Asian Beach Games 2008

Beach Volleyball

Beach Sepaktakraw, Marathon Swimming...

Surfing

Surfing is a surface water sport in which the participant is carried...


ABG is entrusted by the Olympic Council of Asia, the highest governing body of sports in Asia.

Bali To Host First Asian Beach Games 2008

Indonesia is ready to make history from the 18th - 26th of October 2008 when it plays host to the first Asian Beach Games in the world.

Bali is the host of this international event which will see 45 countries participating with over 10,000 athletes, officials, media and volunteers all flocking to the Island of the Gods for this world class event.


Director General of BABGOC Overall Review

BABGOC, Jakarta, 30th November.

The Director General of Bali Asian Beach Games Organizing Committee (BABGOC,) Madame Rita Subowo spends two full days to review all the preparation of the different Directorates of the committee.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy Director Generals, Mr. Djoko Pramono and Mr. Ahmed Solihin, the Executive Director, Mr. Indra Kartasasmita, the Director of Operations, Mr. Ramon Suzara, the Director of IT and Telecommunications, Mr. Arie Ariotedjo, the Director of Broadcasting and Press Services, Mr. Sumohadi Marsis, the Director of Marketing and Public Relations, Mr. Sony Subrata, the Director of Events and Ceremonies, Mr. Ervan Ibrahim, the Director of Games Services, Mr. Chahya Azis, the Director of Human Resource, Mrs. Jetty Pattiasina, the Manager of Operations, Mr. Ida Bagus Antara, Manager of Promotion, Ms. Nina Langitan, and several other officials.

New ABG Website Look In January 200

The official website of the 1st Asian Beach Games 2008 will be improved and updated with more information by the end of January 2008. The website is currently visited by people around the world, including the USA, Australia and Europe. Information about the Games from countdown, weather, list of hotels, restaurants to tourist information are available in the www.bali2008.com

The design and content of the website is under the supervision of> the Marketing and Public Relations Directorate of the Bali Asian Beach Games Organizing Committee (BABGOC). "The website has been a very important information tool for BABGOC to communicate to the world. We use it to update our progress to all the NOC's as well as the general public," says Mr. Sony Subrata, Director of Marketing and Public Relations.


MAIGOC and OCA will Visit Bali on January 2008

BABGOC  Bali. After the successful competition of the 2nd Asian Indoor Games in Macau, October 2007, The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has decided to program a Transfer of Knowledge session in Bali between the Macau Indoor Games Organizing Committee (MAIGOC) and the Bali Asian Beach Games Organizing Committee (BABGOC). The meeting will be held on January 14 and 15, 2008, also attended by representatives from the OCA.


BABGOC (Bali Asian Beach Games Organizing Comitee)

www.bali2008.com

JUST YOU AND NATURE ....

The stunning Lemukih Trekking Tour is a rare and unique opportunity to experience the traditional culture and the beautiful nature of North Bali.

The Lemukih Tour touches the atmosphere of a true jungle expedition adventure. It is organized for small private groups only. The tour is led by Ketut 'Bluey' Ariana, an experienced English speaking trekking guide.

The Trek starts around 8.30 in the morning, when you will be picked up by car at your hotel (Lovina area). The first stop is at the Pura Dalem of Jagaraga, a temple which is famous for its extraordinary stone carvings. Next you will visit a traditional gamelan instrument factory in the Sawan area, the cradle of 'gong kebyar' (the popular hectic gamelan music which is heared everywhere in Bali).

After these two cultural stops the actual trekking starts, when you leave the car with your guide to walk out into nature, following small foot tracks through rice paddies and coffee- and fruit plantations in the rain forest, with spectacular views all along the way.

After about an hour we'll have a short refreshment stop during which you can drink cool, fresh coconut milk, coffee and or tea with sweet Balinese goodies at the house of a local mountain farmer.

Then we will descend via a winding foot track down into the valley to trek to the five hugh waterfalls of Lemukih. During this part of the trek you will wade calve-deep through small jungle rivers. Once arrived at the waterfalls there is some time to relax and enjoy the scenery. If you like you can have a refreshing shower here at the waterfalls - so don't forget to bring your swimming suit!

After the lunch the last part of the Lemukih trekking tour starts. We will walk through idyllic sceneries to the pittoresque village of Sudaji. Here the car is waiting for you to drive you back to Lovina. Around 4.30 pm you will be back in your hotel.



© 2003-2008 Lemukih Trekking Tour / Wonderful Bali.com

President to Open Asian Beach Games 2008

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is scheduled to open the Asian Beach Games (ABG) I at Garuda Wisnu Kencana Monument, Nusa Dua, Bali, October 18th 2008 as stated by Ms. Rita Subowo during the meeting with Bali Governor I Made Mangku Pastika in Sanur, Bali.

"We have had two meetings with the President for the schedule to open the Asian Beach Games. Mr. Vice President is scheduled to attend the closing ceremony on October 26th," said Rita in Jakarta on Sunday (31/8).

The meeting with the governor discussed about the preparation for security. “We will coordinate with all related parties and local authorities on this. Security is an important issue as the international society will witness Bali during the Games therefore I want it to be safe,” said Made Mangku Pastika. (Irw/EdTeam)


thebali2008.blogspot.com

Minimalist Guide to Bali

Minimalist Guide to Bali

Bali area reference:
- South Bali: Nusadua, Jimbaran, Tuban, Kuta, Seminyak, Kerobokan, Canggu, Sanur
- Central Bali: Ubud, Bedugul, Kintamani, Tabanan
- North Bali: Singaraja, Lovina
- East Bali: Candi Dasa, Karangasem
- West Bali: Menjangan

This page is intended for the minimalist among you. It lists the places of interest with a one line executive summary of what it has to offer. Print this page, take it with you, and once you are there, glance it quickly to determine where you should go next. Let us know if this is useful.

• Batubulan: Daily barong dance performance, fine stone
carvings, furniture, terracotta pots.
• Mount Batukau: off the beaten path, virgin rainforests,
mossy shade of Pura Luhur temple, serenity.
• Bedugul: highland retreat by the lake, crater,
watersports, quality fruits and vegetables.
• Besakih Temple: Mother Temple on Mount Agung, huge
complex of shrines, majestic.
• Candi Dasa: quiet newest resort area, snorkeling, diving,
beach.
• Celuk: silver and gold jewelry.
• Denpasar: rebuilt ancient city, art center, museum,
government offices.
• Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave): 8th century archaelogical
mystery, Buddhist inscriptions and carvings, elephant head
at entrance.
• Goa Lawah (Bat Cave): One-thousand year old Shiva
temple, millions of fruit bats cover the ceiling.
• Jimbaran: Southwest Bali, fisherman village, beach,
sunset,offshore reefs.
• Kintamani: Mountainous, spectacular view by Lake Batur,
sunrise at peak of Mount Batur.
• Klungkung: Old Palaces, Kertha Gosa Hall of Justice
(painted ceiling a la Sistine Chapel).
• Kuta: surfing, beaches, sunsets, night life, shops of
Legian.
• Lovina: North near Singaraja, still waters, dolphin watch.
• Negara: West Bali, water buffalo races (Jul - Oct).
• Nusa Dua : luxurious resorts, diving and surfing, beaches,
golf course, shops
• Nusa Lembongan: Bali's sister island, coral and sand
beaches, crystal clear water, surfing.
• Sangeh: Monkey Forest, tall nutmeg trees, aggressive
monkeys.
• Sanur: First resort of Bali, beaches, black and white
magic.
• Singaraja: North Bali, main port during colonial time,
quiet, culturally distinctive.
• Tabanan: mountains, rice field terraces, black sand
beaches, rain forests.
• Tampaksiring: wood carving, Tirta Empul temple and
sacred spring water, Sukarno's Palace.
• Tanah Lot: Dramatic ocean front temple,
spectacular sunset, snake filled cave.
• Tenganan: East Bali, village of Bali Aga, wonderful fabrics
(Gringsing double-ikat).
• Tirta Gangga: East Bali, water palace bathing place.
• Trunyan: Lake Batur village, accessible only by boat,
Bali Aga, the dead by a sacred tree.
• Ubud: Haven for the arts, paintings, lush rice fields,
museums, galleries, dances.
• Uluwatu: Spectacular temple on a cliff, real challenging
surf below.

from :indo.com

General Information About Bali

Bali is a land that seems to have a magnet at its very heart. It is a feeling that is difficult to understand unless experienced but once visited you are surely compelled to come back and you may even want to stay forever, such is its pull. Maybe its Bali’s beauty, maybe the friendly people, or maybe even the influence from spirits that certainly abide in this place.
Bali goes under many names. Some call it the ‘island of the gods’, others Shangri-La. The ‘last paradise’, the ‘dawning of the world’ and the ‘centre of the universe’ are yet more names for this truly beautiful tropical island inhabited by a remarkably artistic people who have created a dynamic society with unique arts and ceremonies.
Bali is small, just 140 Km by 80 Km and lies between Java, the most highly populated and influential of all the islands, and Lombok, one of the quieter and moderately slower paced islands. Like many islands, Bali has developed a world of its own. It not only captures what is special about Indonesia but also has a uniqueness of its own.
Daily life on Bali is culturally linked to satisfying and appeasing the gods, spirits and demons in the midst of breathtaking panoramas of cultivated rice terraces, impressive volcanoes and pristine beaches. Bali’s main volcano, Gunung Agung, is still active and sometimes explosive and is considered sacred among local people as it is believed to be the centre of the universe.
Lying just 8o south of the Equator, Bali can boast a tropical climate with just two seasons a year and an average temperature of around 28o Celsius. It has a whole range of different environments and activities for the tourist, many of which are covered in these homepages.
Economically and culturally, Bali is one of the most important islands of Indonesia. Rice is grown on irrigated, terraced hillsides; other crops include sugar cane, coffee, copra, tobacco, fruits and vegetables. Cattle and hogs are also raised. The Balinese are skilled artisans, particularly in woodcarving and in fashioning objects of tortoiseshell and of gold, silver and other metals. The Balinese are noted for their traditional dance, the distinctive music of the gamelan and for their skills in weaving cloth of gold and silver threads, Songket, as well as for embroidering silk and cotton clothing.
Bali of today is one of the twenty six provinces of the Republic of Indonesia, divided administratively between eight districts that take their names and boundaries from the island’s old Hindu kingdoms.

Welcome

Most international visitors will fly to Bali directly.
Flights
• Numerous direct flights from Europe, America, Australia and most Asian Countries.
• Domestic flights to and from major cities within Indonesia.
Sea
• Regular passenger ferries from Java and Lombok.
• Cruise ship stop-offs.
Overland
• By car or bus from Java.
GETTING AROUND

One way to beat the traffic is to go by air! Air Bali can provide helicopters for joy rides or charter
There are many modes of transport to help you "Jalan Jalan" your way around Bali. A variety of excellent half day, full day and overnight tour packages are available from your hotel desk or any of the numerous travel agents and tour operators which abound in Bali. Or you can find a car and driver who will also act as your guide.
Whilst walking about, you will be barraged with constant questions of "Transport, transport?". Competition is tight and many drivers know several languages. Tell the driver your desired route and negotiate a fee.
An important virtue to have while on the road in Bali is patience! Although the road system in the heavily populated areas is quite reasonable (condition wise) in comparison to other developing countries, it can be heavily congested at peak periods. Ceremonial processions often overtake the whole road so if you're caught behind a procession, enjoy the colorful experience.
In less populated areas, roads may not be sealed and the famous "gang" (very small road just big enough to accommodate one car, but very often two-way) is ever present no matter what area you may be in.
Walking is still one of the best ways to see Bali. You'll be close to the action. Don't forget a sun hat and bottle of water. If you're walking in Kuta be wary of the undulating footpaths and open access holes placed every meter or so in the footpath. Every so often, the access holes are left open or the lid is broken, which can result in a nasty fall especially at night.
The public transport system in Bali can virtually take you anywhere you want to go but slowly. Buses and bemos are often over-crowded and hot and are recommended for short trips only. Wait by the side of the road and one will inevitably pass by for you to flag down to stop. Get out where you want, by loudly saying "STOP!" Metered taxis are readily available at very reasonable prices.
Bicycles are available but bear in mind heavy traffic in Kuta, Legian and Denpasar. Bicycles are ideal in Ubud and the countryside if you're fit. A few companies offer mountain biking excursions.
If you're feeling brave, hire cars and motorbikes are the thing for you. You will need your license from your home country and an international driving license for renting a car and a special permit available at police stations for renting a motorbike. The rental company can help you obtain this, but it can take half a day of your precious holiday time. Types of cars available are usually small jeeps or Kijangs (larger car with room for 6 people).
There are some important points to remember while driving in Bali. It is not unusual for cars and bikes to swerve into your lane without indication. Because there are often obstacles such as parked cars or the ever present procession of bakso trolleys and salesmen of all types of paraphernalia on the sides of the road, a system of "sharing lanes" has developed.
Quite often red traffic lights are considered "only as a suggestion" and there are a few lights where traffic in the left lane may turn or continue straight through whilst the light is red.
Remember to "hoot" your horn when going around curves on mountainous roads as it is very common to drive in the middle of the road here. There are a lot of one way roads in Bali. If you miss your turn off you may have to drive quite a distance before being able to turn back. Be alert!
It is not recommended to drive at night especially road to Gilimanuk where the ferry to Java commences. Truck drivers to and from Java are notorious for overtaking on corners. Obstacles such as pot holes or road construction is often marked only by a leafy tree branch. By the time you think "What's that there for?" you could well be in a pothole!
We highly recommend you fill up at any of the numerous government owned petrol stations. In more remote areas at stalls by the side of the road sell bottles of clear liquid. The quality may not be as good as at the petrol station and could cause damage to the rental car.
One way to beat the traffic is to go by air! Air Bali can provide helicopters and seaplanes for joy rides or charter. Or go by boat. One ingenious individual who wanted to avoid the flooded and traffic jammed By-pass chartered a boat from Benoa Harbor to Nusa Dua. It's all possible in Bali!.



baliasli@bali-paradise.com

Bali

Bali, a tropical island in the Indonesian archipelago, is so picturesque and immaculate it could almost be a painted backdrop. It has rice paddies tripping down hillsides like giant steps, volcanoes soaring up through the clouds, dense tropical jungle, long sandy beaches, warm blue water, crashing surf and friendly people who don't just have a culture but actually live it. In Bali spirits come out to play in the moonlight, every night is a festival and even a funeral is an opportunity to have a good time.
Bali Island, the perfect holiday destination for all ages offers something for everyone. This tropical paradise has a unique blend of modern tourist facilities combined with wonderful shopping and a rich past and heritage. The Balinese people are proud of having preserved their unique Hindu culture against the advance of Islam, the dominant religion throughout Indonesia. This is still reflected in day to day life and can be seen in the numerous ceremonies, Balinese festivals and magnificent temples and palaces. Some of the best surfing beaches in the world can be found on the western side of the island whilst conversely the eastern side is a wonderful haven for families, with beautiful white sand beaches and gentle seas.
Bali Island is a shopper's paradise particularly for casual and tailored clothing, locally made jewellery, handicrafts, antiques and artifacts. Leather ware is one of the unexpected local bargains with everything from handbags through to tailor made leather jackets and coats, all at unbelievable prices. In fact, prices are so inexpensive, you're sure to need more room in your suitcase! Try bargaining at the street markets of Kuta, Sanur of Nusa Dua or fixed price shopping at a Denpasar department store. Bali has it all.
For those that want to stay wet, Bali Island has world class scuba diving, snorkelling and wonderful day trips out to Nusa Penida for beach sports and coral viewing.
When the sun sets, the choices are still hard to make - a quiet romantic moon lit dinner or watch the spectacular Balinese Fire Dance or Kecak Dance. For those that want to party, Bali Island has it all with bars, discos and nightclubs.
As a truly international destination attracting visitors from all over the world, restaurants in Bali are extremely cosmopolitan yet inexpensive. Experience not only local delicacies like Nasi Goreng and Sate Campur but also Chinese, Malaysian, Japanese, Italian/European Greek, Moroccan and even Mexican cuisine. We must not forget Bali's wonderful seafood - local lobster at such prices that you will want to keep coming back for more.
For those more culturally inclined, Bali can offer the peace and tranquility of Ubud high in the hills; the spectacular Mother Temple at Besakih; the ancient capital of Bali, Singaraja and the floating palace at Ujung near the pretty beach area of Candi Dasa. The Scenery is nothing less than spectacular. Jungle, picturesque hillside rice terraces and the awesome magnificence of Kintamani Volcano.
The more active, wanting a break from the idyllic beaches, can experience wonderful golf courses in the mountains at Bedugul and beachside at Nusa Dua, the thrill of white water rafting or kayaking down the beautiful Ayung River; mountain cycling amid scenery you will never forget and organized rice paddy and jungle treks to see the side of Bali most tourists never encounter.
Bali Island, a truly international destination, offers every standard of accommodation ranging from charming yet modest bungalow style hotels in lush tropical gardens for the budget minded through to arguably amongst the most exclusive and sophisticated hotels in the world!
________________________________________
• For books about Bali please visit Ganesha Bookshop ; it houses an extensive second hand books section which includes antiquarian books on Bali and Indonesia. As well as new books on Indonesia in the areas of language, literature, cooking, arts and culture.
all-bali.com

INTRODUCTION TO BALI, INDONESIA

WHERE IS BALI?

The island of Bali is part of the Republic of Indonesia and is located 8 to 9 degrees south of the equator between Java in the West and Lombok and the rest of the Lesser Sunda Islands (Sumbawa, Flores, Sumba and Timor) in the East. Flying time to Jakarta is about 1.5 hours, to Singapore and Perth (Australia) 2.5 and 3 hours, to Hong Kong about 4.5 hours, and to Sydney/Melbourne about 5.5 to 6 hours.

GEOGRAPHY:

The island of Bali has an area of only 5,632 square kilometers (2,175 square miles) and measures just 55 miles (90 kilometers) along the north-south axis and less than about 90 miles (140 kilometers) from East to West. Because of this it's no problem to explore the island on day tours. You can go wherever you want on the island and return to your hotel or villa in the evening.
Located only two kilometers east of Jawa, Bali's climate, flora and fauna are quite similar to its much larger neighbour. The island is famous for its beautiful landscape. A chain of six volcanoes, between 1,350 meters and 3,014 meters high, stretches from west to east. There are lush tropical forests, pristine crater lakes, fast flowing rivers and deep ravines, picturesque rice terraces, and fertile vegetable and fruit gardens. The beaches in the South consist of white sand, beaches in other parts of the island are covered with gray or black volcanic sand.

FLORA:

The wide variety of tropical plants is surprising. You'll see huge banyan trees in villages and temple grounds, tamarind trees in the North, clove trees in the highlands, acacia trees, flame trees, and mangroves in the South. In Bali grow a dozen species of coconut palms and even more varieties of bamboo.
And there are flowers, flowers everywhere. You'll see (and smell the fragrance of) hibiscus, bougainvillea, jasmine, and water lilies. Magnolia, frangipani, and a variety of orchids are found in many front yards and gardens, along roads, and in temple grounds. Flowers are also used as decorations in temples, on statues, as offerings for the gods, and during prayers. Dancers wear blossoms in their crowns, and even the flower behind the ear of your waitress seems natural in Bali.

FAUNA:

Elephants and tigers don't exist any more in Bali since early this century. Wildlife, however, includes various species of monkeys, civets, barking deer and mouse deer, and 300 species of birds including wild fowl, dollar birds, blue kingfishers, sea eagles, sandpipers, white herons and egrets, cuckoos, wood swallows, sparrows, and starlings. You can watch schools of dolphins near Lovina, Candi Dasa, and Padangbai. Divers will see many colorful coral fish and small reef fish, moray eels, and plankton eating whale sharks as well as crustaceans, sponges, and colorful coral along the east coast and around Menjangan Island near Gilimanuk.

CLIMATE:

You can expect pleasant day temperatures between 20 to 33 degrees Celsius or 68 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. From December to March, the West monsoon can bring heavy showers and high humidity, but usually days are sunny and the rains start during the night and pass quickly. From June to September the humidity is low, and it can be quite cool in the evenings. During this time of the year, you'll have hardly any rain in the coastal areas.
Even when it rains in most parts of Bali you can often enjoy sunny days on the "Bukit", the hill south of Jimbaran Beach. On the other hand, in Ubud and the mountains you must expect cloudy skies and showers throughout the year (this is why the international weather reports for "Denpasar" or "Bali" mention showers and rain storms during all times of the year). In higher regions such as in Bedugul or Kintamani you'll also need either a sweater or jacket after the sun sets.

POPULATION:

Bali's population has grown to over 3 million people the overwhelming majority of which are Hindus. However, the number of Muslims is steadily increasing through immigration of people from Java, Lombok and other areas of Indonesia who seek work in Bali.
Most people live in the coastal areas in the South, and the island's largest town and administrative center is fast growing Denpasar with a population of now over 370,000. The villages between the town of Ubud and Denpasar, Kuta (including Jimbaran, Tuban, and Legian, Seminyak, Basangkasa, etc), Sanur, and Nusa Dua are spreading rapidly in all directions, and before long the whole area from Ubud in the North to Sanur in the East, Berawa/Canggu in the West, and Nusa Dua in the South will be urbanized.

ECONOMY:

This southern part of Bali is where most jobs are to be found, either in the hotel and tourist industry, the textile and garment industry, and in many small scale and home industries producing handicrafts and souvenirs. Textiles, garments, and handicrafts have become the backbone of Bali's economy providing 300,000 jobs, and exports have been increasing by around 15% per year to over US$400 million. Textiles and garments contribute about 45%, and wood products including statues, furniture and other handicrafts 22% to the province's total income from exports. Silver work is ranked third (4.65%) with 5,000 workers employed. Main buyers are the US and Europe with 38% each, and Japan with 9%.
Important agricultural products besides rice are tea, coffee, tobacco, cacao, copra, vanilla, soy beans, chilies, fruit, and vegetable (there are now even vineyards near the northwest coast). Bali's fishing industry and seaweed farming provide other products which are important exports.
The new free-trade regulations will create some problems for Bali's exporters as they do not allow to employ children. Most children here work for their parents, and this is part of the process of acquiring professional skills and kind of an informal education which has been very important in the Balinese society for centuries.

WHAT MAKES BALI SO SPECIAL:

There is the combination of the friendly people, the natural attractions, the great variety of things to see and do, the year-round pleasant climate, and the absence of security problems. And then there is Bali's special "magic", which is difficult to explain.
As soon as you step off the plane you might sense the difference. In the villages you'll notice the quietness and wisdom in old people's faces, and the interest and respect in the young's. Old men sit at the road side caressing their fighting cocks. Beautifully dressed women walk proudly through rice fields and forests carrying offerings on their heads to the next temple. There is the smell of flowers, and in the distance you hear the sound of gamelan music.
Gods and spirits have been an important part of Bali's daily life for hundreds of years. Gunung Agung – Bali's holy mountain – is internationally regarded as one of the eight "Chakra" points of the world. This may be more than an coincident. Watch out, the moment you feel the magic of this island, you're addicted for the rest of your life.
To quote the "BALI travel FORUM" contributor "Si Badak" who posted the following message on September 4th, 2000:
"The intricate patterns of Batik. A walk on the beach at low tide,near where a stream flows into the ocean at, for instance, the bottom of Jl. 66 in Seminyak, will show you where some ideas originate. Because of different coloured minerals in the sand, swirling patterns are intermingled by the action of the tide meeting the out-flowing stream very reminiscent of Batik design. For many years it was forbidden to depict human or animal forms so that people had to look to other natural forms for ideas. It would be good to hear on this from the real experts.
Shining delight upon the faces of newly arrived visitors, "baru datang" to local people, as they forge ahead into the great unknown that is Bali. Confronted by a sea of golden faces, the visiting children are the first to smile and reap emotional profit as they are cosseted and cuddled by every Balinese woman or man they meet : sale or no sale, children are all adored as spirits newly returned from the after-life. Giving a happy smile in the direction of Balinese children is a very rewarding pass-time also ; the proud Mum or Dad are only too willing to stop for a chat, even without a language in common !
Boys and girls who are there to Party, Party, Party ! These are no different to the Party Animals to be met on the Costa Brava, in Baja California, at Blackpool, Bondi or anywhere people go for a good time. Doesn't matter which nationality, although loud they are seldom obnoxious unless you attempt to impose your ides of decorum upon them. A smile and a snippet of badinage works well. Even WE were young ! Do you remember ?
An erect old lady on her 1940s bicycle, pedalling through traffic while carrying 1000 eggs, in cartons 60cm square, balanced precariously we think, upon her head of old, honorable grey. Thoughts of very large omelets pass through tourists' minds but seldom has one of these ladies of remarkable poise been seen to provide entertainment by falling over. Carrying heavy buckets of water on their heads, from an early age, has given them a balance and strength to be envied by olympic gymnasts.
Pairs of men on motor-bikes who deliver newly made, wooden beds on their heads and shoulders from town to country. Sometimes they can be seen carrying as many as three mattresses in the same way, or even a bundle of pillows larger than themselves, buffeted by the slip-stream of passing trucks : the man on the pillion is responsible for load security while the driver controls the bike and attempts to keep them both steady. One wonders if this merchandise gets tested along the way, maybe at about 2pm ?
The "8 Ps" are not often in evidence ON this blessed isle, i.e. "proper prior planning & preparation prevents pathetically poor performance". How many more time are we to see the streets of Kuta being excavated for the installation of yet another public utility ? To date we have had : drains at roadside dug and covered up, asphalted a week or two later : footpaths to be paved and raised above drains : excavations for telephone lines followed 6 months later by excavations for more cabling and each time asphalting carried out when the pot-holes have been allowed to mature to their full, axle-shattering width and depth : oops ! Then ? "The drains are not deep / wide enough, let's do it all again !" Town planning ?
Early morning on the beach at Legian towards Seminyak. A light breeze wafts aromas of the morning's rice to the fisherman, sarung and basket tucked up near his waist, casting his net into the surf in the hope of some extra food for his family. Old ladies and gentlemen appear for a bath, cautiously dipping into the water, fully clothed, at its shallowest. Tourist joggers and power-walkers come thundering sweatily along, ( to the amusement of locals from a less punishing lifestyle), to be joined by a few enthusiastic dogs, barking happily, who add to the fun by companionably running between their legs.
Gunung Agung can be seen raising his mighty head above his vassal clouds to see what his subjects are up to. Having made his ritual inspection he draws his court around him and, usually, hides for the rest of the day: he doesn't go away, the Balinese people know he is still there, unseen but all-seeing as he ponders upon the doings of everybody, even the stupid tourists!"
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