#Dishes in Sardine Restaurant Bali

[amankumar1018]

Bali's Luxury Villas: A Guide to High-End Accommodations

Nestled amidst the lush landscapes and azure waters of Indonesia, Bali is a tropical paradise that has captivated the hearts of travelers for generations. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and warm hospitality, Bali offers an unparalleled vacation experience. For those seeking the pinnacle of opulence and comfort, the island boasts a remarkable array of high-end accommodations, including luxurious villas that redefine extravagance. In this guide, we'll delve into the world of Bali's luxury villas, where you can enjoy the epitome of relaxation and indulge in the finest offerings that the island has to offer, all within the backdrop of breathtaking scenery and top-notch service, often included in exclusive Bali Tour Packages.

Sardine Restaurant: A Culinary Gem Amidst Bali's Luxury Villas

Amidst the realm of luxury that Bali's high-end accommodations provide, there's a dining experience that truly stands out – the Sardine Restaurant. This culinary gem weaves together the freshest ingredients, innovative culinary techniques, and an ambiance that perfectly complements the island's tropical allure. Located amidst the heart of Bali's most elite luxury villas, the Sardine Restaurant offers a gastronomic journey that tantalizes the taste buds while surrounded by lush rice paddies and tranquil lotus ponds.

As you embark on your journey of indulgence, the Sardine Restaurant presents an array of dining options that cater to diverse palates. From seafood delicacies sourced from the island's rich coastal waters to farm-fresh vegetables that celebrate Bali's agricultural heritage, each dish is a masterpiece in its own right. Whether you choose to enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner or a leisurely lunch overlooking the picturesque landscapes, the Sardine Restaurant effortlessly intertwines the luxury of accommodation with the pleasures of exquisite dining.

Immersive Luxury: Bali's Lavish Villas

For travelers seeking an elevated stay, Bali's luxury villas offer a symphony of opulence and comfort that goes beyond the ordinary. These exclusive retreats promise an immersive experience, where every whim is catered to and every desire is anticipated. When you opt for one of the premier BaliTour Packages, you're not merely booking a stay; you're securing an unparalleled adventure of rejuvenation and indulgence.

Imagine waking up to the gentle rustle of palm leaves and the melodious songs of tropical birds, as you step out onto the veranda of your private villa. The soft embrace of the morning sun caresses your skin, and as you take in the panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, you realize that you're enveloped in a realm of luxury that exceeds your wildest dreams.

Sardine Restaurant: The Epicurean Heartbeat of Bali's Luxury Villas

In the heart of these lavish accommodations lies the heartbeat of culinary excellence – the Sardine Restaurant. From the moment you step into this gastronomic haven, you're greeted by an ambiance that mirrors the island's tranquil beauty. The interior design, a harmonious blend of modern sophistication and Balinese aesthetics, sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.

Sardine Restaurant isn't just a place to enjoy a meal; it's an immersive journey into the world of gastronomy. With each plate that emerges from the kitchen, you're treated to a masterpiece that's as visually captivating as it is delectable. The culinary team at Sardine embraces Bali's rich culinary heritage while infusing global influences, resulting in dishes that are as diverse as they are delicious.

Sardine Restaurant: A Feast for the Senses

As you bask in the luxurious ambiance of Bali's elite accommodations, your culinary journey at the Sardine Restaurant unfolds. Start your evening with a medley of innovative appetizers that showcase the freshest local produce, artfully plated to ignite your anticipation. The attentive staff, trained to cater to your every need, ensure that your dining experience is nothing short of perfection.

The menu at Sardine Restaurant dances with variety, presenting a symphony of flavors that cater to every palate. Indulge in the catch of the day, expertly prepared to preserve the natural essence of the seafood. Delight in the harmonious marriage of spices and textures as you savor dishes inspired by Indonesian traditions and global inspirations alike.

Sardine Restaurant: Where Luxury and Gastronomy Converge

Bali's luxury villas offer a sanctuary for the soul, a haven where relaxation and indulgence intertwine seamlessly. It's within this realm of opulence that the Sardine Restaurant takes its place as a culinary icon. With a commitment to excellence, every aspect of the dining experience is meticulously crafted to complement the grandeur of the accommodations.

In conclusion, Bali's luxury villas redefine the art of indulgence. When coupled with the exquisite delights offered by the Sardine Restaurant, the experience becomes a symphony of luxury that resonates deeply with every traveler's heart. So, whether you're seeking a romantic getaway, a rejuvenating escape, or simply a taste of the extraordinary, Bali's high-end accommodations and the Sardine Restaurant await, ready to make your journey an unforgettable one.

[shrutius]

Savoring the Sea: Exploring Bali's Sardine Restaurant

Bali, the picturesque Indonesian island known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and delectable cuisine, is a paradise for food enthusiasts. Among its myriad of dining destinations, one gem stands out: Sardine Restaurant in bali. Nestled in the heart of Seminyak, Sardine offers a culinary experience like no other, focusing on the humble yet versatile sardine fish.

A Culinary Haven:

From the moment you step into Sardine, you're greeted by a serene ambiance that transports you to a tropical oasis. The restaurant's design seamlessly blends modern elegance with traditional Balinese elements, creating a welcoming and intimate atmosphere. With its open-air layout overlooking lush rice paddies, diners are treated to breathtaking views that perfectly complement the dining experience.

The Sardine Obsession:

Sardine Restaurant is renowned for its innovative take on showcasing the versatility of the sardine fish. Despite being small in size, sardines pack a flavorful punch that is expertly highlighted in every dish on Sardine's menu. Whether grilled to perfection, marinated in savory sauces, or delicately incorporated into pasta dishes, each creation celebrates the natural richness and freshness of this underrated seafood.

A Gastronomic Journey:

The menu at Sardine is a testament to the creativity and passion of its culinary team. Start your meal with tantalizing appetizers such as Sardine Ceviche, where the fish is marinated in zesty citrus juices and paired with fresh herbs for a burst of flavor. For the main course, indulge in signature dishes like Grilled Sardines with Balinese Sambal, showcasing the perfect balance of heat and spice.

Beyond Sardines:

While sardines take center stage at Sardine Restaurant, the menu also offers a variety of other seafood and vegetarian options to cater to every palate. From succulent prawns and tender calamari to vibrant salads bursting with local produce, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Farm-to-Table Philosophy:

One of the defining features of Sardine Restaurant is its commitment to sourcing the freshest ingredients directly from local farmers and fishermen. By supporting sustainable practices and promoting community partnerships, Sardine ensures that every dish served reflects the rich culinary heritage of Bali while minimizing its environmental footprint.

A Feast for the Senses:

Dining at Sardine is not just a meal; it's a sensory journey that delights the palate, ignites the imagination, and nourishes the soul. Whether you're savoring the exquisite flavors of the sea, soaking in the tranquil surroundings, or simply enjoying the company of loved ones, every moment spent at Sardine is an experience to be cherished.

Conclusion:

In a culinary landscape dominated by trendy eateries and fusion cuisine, Sardine Restaurant stands out as a beacon of authenticity and excellence. With its unwavering dedication to quality, creativity, and sustainability, Sardine has rightfully earned its place as a must-visit destination for food lovers exploring the vibrant gastronomic scene of Bali. So, the next time you find yourself in Seminyak, treat yourself to an unforgettable dining experience at Sardine Restaurant, where the sea comes alive on your plate.

[exposingthematrix]

Where to Have The Best Dinner in Canggu Bali

Canggu presents a really calm atmosphere ideal for individuals who wish to spend the holiday romantically using their partners. Canggu's beauty and natural tranquility captivate the hearts of plenty of visitors. Getting fine dining in Canggu can make your holiday more thrilling and price-valued. In the following paragraphs, we'll particularly share were to achieve the best dinner in Canggu. To possess fine dining, you have to go to a world-class restaurant.

1. Sardine Restaurant

Sardine Restaurant locates in the center of the grain field, in Petitenget avenue no. 21, Kerobokan, Kuta. This high-quality restaurant includes a unique constructing construction, constructed from bamboo that makes it seems very traditional. Enjoying your best dinner Canggu only at that restaurant enables you to begin to see the nevertheless atmosphere. Should you go back to the center during the day, you might have the risk to see and satisfy the neighborhood maqui berry farmers who work diligently within the grain field. Sardine Restaurant focuses greater on the seafood menu. The everyday menu at Sardine can alternate every so often. It's largely relying upon fishermen within the Jimbaran area.

2. Metis Restaurant

Metis Restaurant combines Middle Eastern cuisine with France. Elegant and trendy shades might be discovered at Metis Restaurant. This bistro is situated on Petitenget Street No.6, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta. There are lots of Middle Eastern-style dish plans having a French contact only at that awesome bistro. Enjoying the first-class eating Canggu only at that contemporary restaurant is a memorable experience that you might constantly remember.

3. Ulekan Restaurant

Ulekan Restaurant is among the quality local restaurants in Canggu that serves numerous tasty Indonesian dishes. The name Ulekan sounds knowledgeable about Indonesians, attempts to carry the meaning of the clean itself. Because the call implies, Ulekan is really a container where all of the substances combine into one. This splendid local restaurant gives Indonesian delicacies for locals and people from other countries. For individuals who must have a fantastic dinner in Canggu while playing the actual flavor of Indonesian dishes, Ulekan Restaurant may be the acceptable vicinity to visit. Ulekan cooperates with local maqui berry farmers to develop natural elements plus they really have their particular grain fields to supply grain. The bistro construction includes a Javanese and Balinese fashion combined with modern furniture.

4. Ninety-One Restaurant

90-The first is a brand new restaurant situated in Canggu downtown. This fine-dining devote Canggu is really a stunning transformed rental property, serving up dishes and drinks inspired by means of flavors from the Middle-Eastern inspired cuisine East. Visiting 90 The first is like walking into your house. Things are guaranteed including mouthwatering foods, friendly staff, hospitality, time, and comfy dining space. In the situation you need to have a very good dinner in Canggu with the family, you best arrived at 90 One restaurant.

Best restaurants in Canggu where one can come with an excellent dinner with dearest ones without hurting your wallet. Getting an intimate dinner in Canggu at among the above-noted dining establishments could make you feel special.

[restaurantcanggubali]

Where to Have the Best Dinner in Canggu?

Canggu has become one of the most visited tourist destinations in Bali. The beauty and natural tranquility captivate the hearts of thousands of visitors. Canggu's reputation has soared all over the world. Enjoying the beautiful scenery and culture of Bali in Canggu and enjoying the food in Canggu will certainly make the holiday enjoyable, it also makes your holiday an unforgettable memory, especially when it's done with a partner. There are hundreds of famous restaurants in Canggu with their own specialties. Your vacation in Bali will feel more enjoyable and valuable if you have the opportunity to enjoy dinner at one of the top restaurants which will be mentioned below. Having the best dinner in Canggu requires you to go to the world-class restaurants around Canggu. If you are confused to which restaurant in Canggu shall you visit, below are some top restaurant lists that you can visit.

1. Metis Restaurant

Metis Restaurant combines Middle Eastern cuisine with France. Elegant and classy shades can be found at Metis Restaurant. This restaurant is located on Jl. Petitenget No.6, Kerobokan Kelod, North Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali. You will find a variety of Middle Eastern-style dish preparations with a French touch at this great restaurant. Enjoying your fine dining Canggu at this modern restaurant will be a memorable experience that you will always remember. Resto Metis has a building design that protrudes into, a spacious garden that is designed exclusively with a row of dim lights which certainly makes the atmosphere more romantic.

2. Sardine Restaurant

Sardine Restaurant locates in the middle of the rice field, in Petitenget street no. 21, Kerobokan, Kuta. This great restaurant has a very unique building construction, made from bamboo which makes it loos very traditional. Enjoying your best dinner in Canggu at this restaurant will allow you to see the still atmosphere. If you come to the restaurant during the day, you will have the chance to see and meet the local farmers who work diligently in the rice field. Sardine Restaurant focuses more on the seafood menu. The daily menu at Sardine can change from time to time. It depends largely on fishermen in the Jimbaran area.

3. Ulekan Restaurant

Ulekan Restaurant is one of the best local restaurants in Canggu that serves various tasty Indonesian dishes. The name Ulekan sounds familiar to Indonesians try to bring the meaning of an ulekan itself. As the name implies, Ulekan is a container where all the ingredients blend into one. This amazing local restaurant presents Indonesian cuisine for both locals and foreigners. For those who want to have a great dinner in Canggu while enjoying the true taste of Indonesian dishes, Ulekan Restaurant is the best place to go. Ulekan cooperates with local farmers to grow organic ingredients and they even have their own rice fields to produce rice. The restaurant building has a Javanese and Balinese style mixed with modern furniture.

Those are the top three restaurants in Canggu where you can have a great dinner with friends, families and dear ones with inexpensive budget. Having a romantic dinner in Canggu at one of the above-mentioned restaurants will make you feel special. It makes your holiday in Bali worth-cherished.

[customx2008]

Where to Have The Best Dinner in Canggu Bali?

Where to Have The Best Dinner in Canggu Bali?

Canggu presents a very calm environment perfect for those who want to spend their romantic holidays with their partners. The beauty and natural tranquility of Canggu captivates the hearts of many visitors. Dining at Canggu will make your vacation more exciting and enjoyable. In this article, we will specifically explain where to have the best dinner in Canggu. To enjoy a good dinner, you must visit a world class restaurant. 1. Sardina Restaurant The Sardine restaurant is located in the middle of the rice field, on Petitenget no. 21, Kerobokan, Kuta. This high quality restaurant has a very unique construction construction, made of bamboo which gives it a very traditional look. Enjoying your best Canggu dinner in this restaurant will still allow you to see the atmosphere. If you come back to the restaurant all day, you may see and meet the local farmers who work diligently inside the rice field. The Sardine restaurant focuses more on the seafood menu. The daily sardine menu can be alternated from time to time. It is highly dependent on fishermen in the Jimbaran region. 2. Métis Restaurant The Métis restaurant combines cuisine from the Middle East with France. Elegant and elegant tones can be discovered in the Metis restaurant. This place to eat is located at Petitenget Street No. 6, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta. You will find many arrangements of Middle Eastern style plates with a French touch in this incredible place to eat. Enjoying your first class Canggu food at this contemporary restaurant will be a memorable experience that you will remember forever. 3. Ulekan Restaurant Ulekan Restaurant is one of the quality local restaurants in Canggu serving many tasty Indonesian dishes. The name Ulekan seems familiar to Indonesians, it tries to convey the meaning of an ulekan itself. As the call indicates, Ulekan is a container where all substances are combined into one. This splendid local restaurant offers Indonesian specialties for locals and foreigners. For those who need an exceptional dinner in Canggu while enjoying the real flavor of Indonesian dishes, the Ulekan restaurant is the satisfying neighborhood to go to. Ulekan cooperates with local farmers to cultivate natural elements and they actually have their own paddy fields for the rice supply. The construction of the dining room has a Javanese and Balinese fashion mixed with modern furniture. 4. Ninety-one restaurant Ninety-One is a new restaurant located in the center of Canggu. This elegant Canggu restaurant is an impressive transformed villa, serving food and drink inspired by the flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine. Arriving at ninety-one is like entering your home. Everything is guaranteed, including delicious food, friendly staff, hospitality, quality time and comfortable dining space. In case you want to have a nice dinner in Canggu with your family, you'd better come to Ninety One restaurant. These are some of the best restaurants in Canggu where you can enjoy an excellent dinner with your loved ones without hurting yourself. A romantic dinner in Canggu at one of the restaurants mentioned above will make you feel special.

from Blogger https://ift.tt/2Jmktwh via IFTTT

[theexploringegg]

Day 51: Beach and Business.

In the morning, I was awoken bay Hiza: "Breakfast is ready!" It was light. It was also only 6.30am. I complained of the early start but learnt it was for good reason- once the sun was up it was going to be HOT. I emerged from my cocoon and wiped by bleary eyes in the bright daylight to the sound of sizzling eggs. Ade was already up, preparing spicy sardine and egg toasted sandwiches on the little gas stove. I chirped up at the smell of food and had some sunny side up eggs (the only way) with my sardines, followed by pan mee which Ade cooked with the rest of the sardines and pak choi. It was a very tasty start to the day! Pegs were pulled out of the earth, poles were dismantled and the tents were folded up into their carrier bags. All that remained of our visit was the black ash from the campfire the night before. Hiza drove us down to the beach- it was quiet, free of people, had white sand and blue water. In fact, it was better than the beach I had spent the day on in Bali! So excited to get in the water, Sassi and I changed and made it slowly in as the sea was was so cold. Eventually I was able to swim, careful to stay afloat due to the rocky sea bed. The sea was refreshing and cooling on such a hot day. We lay on the beach for a while (in the shade or I'd be a lobster) and had a fresh coconut to drink from Hiza's cousin's shop. As this area was his home, he knew or was related to pretty much everyone around. Late morning, we left the beach and began the drive back home. It was around midday that we stopped for lunch just outside of Yogya for toprak Jakarta. They all raved about this place, and had even called up the vendor to ensure he was in business for out arrival. The dish was special because of the freshly made peanut sauce (smashed fried peanuts, garlic, chilli, palm sugar, salt and water) which was topped with cut up steamed rice cake, rice noodles, beansprouts, krupuk and a drizzle of kecap manis. I asked the others about the use of peanut sauce in a lot of Indonesian dishes- to me it was the same as the peanut sate sauce, the sauce in the gado gado or lotek. Apparently it wasn't- just a small difference in ingredient made it a totally different sauce. Educated. We left Sassi back home to rest and stopped at my request at a speciality coffee shop which was on my list (this is my kind of holiday research). Rang Seduh was a crisp, clean and modern store with a black Darth Vader espresso machine staring back at me when I entered. The guy serving was sweet and paid us great attention on service. I opted for something sweet: a shot of espresso with milk and Palm sugar over ice. The balance was perfect for me, and not too sweet. Back at home, I was relieved to shower off the sticky sea water and sun cream, and relax for the afternoon. I spent the time chatting to Hiza and his younger brother who didn't speak much English, but was able to get the gist of what we were saying. My eyes were closing, and I had to be woken to make my evening appointment. At dinner time, Hiza dropped me off to meet a friend, Ezza, who worked in the food business in Jogya. We had found each other via that powerful tool Instagram and shared a lot of similar a interests and passions. Her restaurant of choice was SS Sambal- 33 different types of sambal were on the menu as well as lots of small dishes and rice to pair alongside. We ended up ordering far too much: fried eggplant, chicken, calamari, mushroom, tempe, trancam (veggies in shredded coconut), stir fried water spinach, a mango sambal and another one which was so so spicy. My mouth was on fire and I ordered a glass of water after I had drained my soursop juice, followed by yet another. Ezza and I exchanged ideas and spent a few hours together before Hiza arrived to pick me up again. As we sailed home in the night on the back of his bike, I did a double-take becuase we passed another speciality coffee shop which was on my list: Epic Coffee. Shouting quickly into his ear if we could turn back, we did a sneaky U-turn on the road and two minutes later were inside the massive coffee/furniture store, sitting in the outdoor garden area on a squishy sofa. I was very happy at my find. Taking lead, I ordered H an espresso roast I thought he would like (sweet, chocolate, brown sugar) while I had one with notes of clove, plum and caramel. Our long blacks were very luxurious and a perfect after-dinner treat. We sat there sipping and brainstorming ideas for a potential future business. One can dream. Back home, I was mentally preparing myself for having to get up at 2.45am in order to be in town at 3.30am for a sunrise trip to one of the 7 Wonders of the World: Borobudur. A combination of late-night caffeine and very spicy food had me tripping to the bathroom back and forth several times, and I contemplated having no sleep at all. At around 12.30am, I think I finally closed my eyes, my mind still buzzing from excitement (and probably caffeine).

[samanthasroberts]

Bali: Insider Travel Guide

(CNN)Many would argue that Bali is a paradise lost. It isn’t. It’s just evolved.

It now offers as many experiences as the varying hues of green found in a plot of terraced rice paddy.

Whether you’re a hardcore partygoer determined to eat, drink and not sleep your way through Seminyak; a yoga devotee seeking peace and tranquility in Ubud’s tropical rainforest setting; a die-hard surfer whose only agenda is to paddle out and catch the monster swells at Padang Padang; or a curious traveler charmed by Bali’s sacred temples in Manggis — you can do it all (or do nothing at all) in Bali.

The best of Bali has everything, the good, the downright ugly (braided, Bintang tank-top-wearing hordes in insufferable Kuta) and the sublimely beautiful.

Here’s what to do in Bali:

Hotels

W Retreat & Spa Bali — Seminyak

The new rock star on the island, there’s no denying the high-octane glamour that comes with this beachfront property.

It’s large by Bali standards, but exudes its own sense of cool and calm.

A room in the main building gets you close to the action.

Back from the beach are the hotel’s brilliant, and affordable, private villas and pools.

Very useful is the best of Bali AWAY spa, which remains open 24/7.

That’s great news for late-night revelers in need of a foot massage after stumbling in from a night at Woo Bar — Bali’s newest hot spot.

Equally useful is the hidden sliding door that conceals and reveals bathroom and bedroom areas, and the three-tier main swimming pool for ample lounging and photo opportunities.

The hotel is far enough from the main array of hotels to keep the beach quiet, while further north is the even quieter Canggu beach.

The hotel can arrange a motorbike rental for US$5 a day.

The Colony Hotel

There’s one big plus point about staying at The Colony Hotel: no children under the age of 16 allowed.

Another bonus is the on-site Jari Menari massage facility.

Not to be overlooked are the 20 rooms done up in a pretty but minimalist decor.

The junior suite comes with a spacious balcony that overlooks the 16-meter pool.

Amankila

Located on a headland in Candidasa, high heels are not recommended while staying at the Amankila, as there are plenty of stairs to navigate.

Luckily, golf carts are readily available to transport you down to the beach club where a generous strip of black sand beach remains tout-free.

If you’re tired of the sand and wanting to know what to do in Bali come sunset, try watching the changing color of the sky from the hotel’s signature triple-stepped swimming pool.

Early bookers, try to get upgraded to villa 37 — reportedly the resort’s most requested villa — which enjoys the best view of the ocean.

Anantara Resort Seminyak

Bali has a quirky local rule stating that buildings should not be higher than a palm tree.

This five-story property just makes the cut.

Sitting front and center on Seminyak beach, all 59 suites (and one penthouse) come with ocean views.

Penthouse suites come with attached outdoor lounge space and a terrazzo bath, so you can fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves.

Michi Retreat

Ubud is where artists flock, so if you’re staying here, it makes sense to put up at a property with artistic inclinations.

Michi is a work in progress, and its creator, the septuagenarian Professor Kung, calls himself a nomad.

Hence, the resort near Jukut Paku is an eclectic collection of rooms that are always changing.

Adding another dimension to the experience are mosaic grottos that overlook a particularly spectacular stretch of the River Wos.

Harmony Hotel

Cheap and cheerful, and located just minutes walk from Seminyak beach, this is one of the best values in Seminyak.

The rooms are decent sized and come with Wi-Fi and a TV.

All rooms are located around a common mosaic pool.

Breakfast included.

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan

Away from the coast, amid dense bamboo jungle and perched looking over the sacred Ayung River is this wonderful, peaceful retreat.

Jungle wildlife and the occasional screams of rafters thrusting along the river are the only sounds to intrude upon the privacy of each villa at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan.

All 42 thatched maxi-huts/villas come with an outdoor shower that overlooks the river valley and a plunge pool that releases itself endlessly into the jungle’s steamy abyss.

There are also 18 suites.

You are far from the maddening crowds and if a non-beach stay is what you are looking for, your budget is well spent here.

AYANA Resort and Spa Bali

Since it relaunched in 2009 as AYANA Resort and Spa Bali, this hotel has bagged a whole slew of significant awards for its bar (see below), its accommodations and the spa.

And it is clear why.

Despite the size of the place (there are over 350 rooms, suites and villas — some on the cliff with staggering sunset views) there is still a sense of privacy and space.

The rooms and hotel design are very well done — well appointed without the over the top ‘luxury flourishes.’

The hotel sits high above the Indian Ocean near Jimbaran Bay on Bali’s south-western peninsula so it is a bit of a schlep from the busier Seminyak, Kuta, Legian stretch.

Not a bad thing, but it is harder to pop away should, for some reason, you want to escape.

The above are some of the reasons the hotel is also proving a popular wedding (and honeymoon) destination.

Restaurants

Metis

If you’re wondering what to do in Bali, start with great food.

The charismatic chefs Said and Dou Dou, have taken bits of magic from Warisan — their former haunt — and elevated it at Metis.

The foie gras (all six types) is Bali’s best, and then some.

The kitchen is equally adept at putting out a freshly grilled sole as it is an aromatic plate of fork-tender osso bucco served on a bed of creamy risotto.

The Grand Marnier souffl and passion fruit martini are highly recommended.

After dinner, you can hang out at the lounge overlooking paddy fields.

On Thursday night, there’s live music.

Sardine

More than 120,000 bamboo shingles and 10 types of bamboo were used in the construction of this restaurant.

But you’re not really here to do an architectural survey.

Sardine focuses on fresh produce and organic greens. Brilliant side dishes include smoky miso eggplant and wasabi mash.

The scallops with ravioli and creamy panna cotta are outstanding.

Sari Organik

You’ll break a sweat getting to this restaurant — it’s surrounded by its own farm — where you can pick your own vegetables for the chef to cook.

Take a pre- and post-meal walk through fertile paddy fields — this is a great thing to do in Bali — and revel in a meal of nasi campur crowned with chunks of tempe fried to crisp perfection.

Sarong

We’re not sure which we like better, the spiced Asian fusion with a strong Indonesian slant (the caramelized duck is a hot favorite) or the sexy fleur-de-lis and chandelier setting.

Then there are some of Bali’s best cocktails. Sarong’s extensive cocktail menu is one of the most original we’ve seen.

The Bill & Ben is a gin and pink grapefruit concoction topped with chamomile foam.

The Sarong Cappuccino is made with vodka or brandy, maple syrup, Kahla and espresso.

Mozaic

If there’s one dining destination in Bali, it’s Mozaic.

Part of the Les Grande Tables du Monde, since opening in 2001 the restaurant has had a flurry of global food critics eating out of its hand.

Market cuisine is led by French Laundry-trained chef Chris Salans, who blends French and American culinary techniques with Balinese ingredients.

Salans’ use of black olive Balinese Kluwek sauce is brilliant, and addictive.

Expect to pay up to US$175 per person.

S.O.S Supper Club

If you prefer your sunsets unobstructed, and like to enjoy them without grains of sand stuck in hard-to-reach crevices, S.O.S. is your spot.

The rooftop bar offers one of the best views of the Seminyak sunset slowly melting behind the horizon.

Service is swift and the drinks icy cold.

This is where to be and what to do in Bali come happy hour.

La Plancha

While most other beach bars roll out designer cocktails and fancy finger food, La Plancha keeps it simple with laid-back reggae beats, a selection of beer, oversized beanbags and jugs of potent sangria.

It also helps that the bar has an uninterrupted view of the pink-to-red-to-orange sky.

Bali Joe

There’s rarely any room for women in Bali Joe, except for those that get up on the bar and lip-synch to Beyonc anthems.

The bar is popular for its energetic vibe and nightly drag shows that feature plenty of audience participation.

Performers can be persuaded to extend a few private DIY diva tips.

Rock Bar

Rock Bar’s mixologists pour creative cocktails set to the beats spun from a DJ booth carved into the stone — although some nights are devoted to live music.

Designed by Yasuhiro Koichi of Japan’s Design Studio SPIN, this is one of the best, and most crowded, places to watch the sunset in Bali.

A word of warning: wear suitable clothes.

No board shorts or sleeveless tops for guys. T

hursday to Saturday nights are extremely busy, so be prepared for a long wait.

A scooter from the main Kuta/Seminyak stretch will take 30 minutes-plus to reach the bar.

Ku De Ta

No trip to Bali is complete without catching a sunset at this local institution.

Arrive early or you’ll have to sprawl out on the lawn.

Drinks are pricy, but the mojito, raspberry and lemongrass cocktail and Kuve Margarita made with lemon sorbet is worth the coin.

Potato Head Beach Club

Bali’s newest, hippest beach bar is housed in an impressive geometric facade that you won’t miss.

It’s the best place to be seen drinking and partying.

Celebrity DJs often play weekend gigs.

Other nights see island residents streaming in at sunset for cocktails and tapas.

The kookaburra is a popular order, a curious concoction made of lemongrass gin, passion fruit and mint, and topped by the club’s signature vanilla foam.

6 dishes every Bali visitor needs to try

Shopping / Attractions

Jenggala

There’s plenty of shopping to do in Bali, and few visitors are able to resist the urge to take home a full 24-piece set of Jenggala crockery in pale green jade or plain white.

What started in 1976 as a small, experimental cottage industry has become a global ceramic force.

The high quality, handcrafted ceramic decorated with painstaking detail is a pretty addition — and nicer reminder of Bali — to any home.

Simple Konsep Store

This store is anything but simple.

At this concept space that fuses Bali’s traditional artisan skills with modern European designs, you’ll find everything from origami folding leather bags, Melissa shoes, commissioned ceramics objects by Gaja Gallery, jewelry by local and European designers and unique batik print apparel.

Simple Konsep Store, 40 Jalan Lesmana-Oberoi, Seminyak; +62 361 730393

Mount Agung

What to do in Bali after you’ve seen all the beaches, sampled all the menus and hit all the bars?

Scaling the majestic Mount Agung — at 3,142 meters the highest point on the island — makes for a worthy challenge.

A strato-volcano that last erupted in 1963, locals believe it’s a replica of Mount Meru, the central axis of the universe.

There are two routes to the top.

Both take up to four hours.

And while you can scale it without a guide — they can be found lingering at the start of the trek — employing one is highly recommended.

Tanah Lot

Supposedly the work of the 15th-century priest, Tanah Lot is one of Bali’s most holy, and touristy, sites.

Located in Tabanan, the sacred Hindu temple sits on a large rock out in the ocean and is said to be guarded by sea snakes.

Head toward the footpath leading to the raised cliff area where the view of the sun setting behind the temple is outstanding.

Only in Bali

Paddy fields

OK, they’re not only in Bali, but terraced rice fields in varying shades of brown, gold and green make for one of Bali’s most calming and beautiful sights.

Keep Walking Tours runs daily excursions, but you can also head off exploring on your own.

Start at Ubud Palace, head west on Jalan Raya Ubud and follow signs that bring you past the River Wos, Campuan Ridge and the village of Penestanan.

Ubud Palace, junction of Jalan Suweta and Jalan Raya Campuan

Balinese avant garde

Balinese art is more than topless women and rice-paddy landscapes.

The artist-run Sika Gallery in Campuan, Ubud, condemns commercial art and seeks to push Bali’s visual arts envelope.

Ask after artist-curator I Wayan Sika and see if you can coax out the story of his artistic journey, during which a coma-like state inspired him to produce some of his best works.

Balinese avant garde, Jalan Raya Campuhan, Ubud, Gianyar; +62 36 1975084

Medicine man

Poor Ketut Liyer.

The elderly medicine man has been kept busy all hours of the day since “Eat, Pray, Love” catapulted him to global fame.

Consultations on your life and love prospects don’t come easy or cheap.

Expect all tickets — yes, there’s a docket system — to be snapped up by 9 a.m.

Prices vary, but often start from US$25.

10 minutes’ walk south of Pengoseken, follow the signs; +62 361 974092

Babi guling at Ibu Oka

When in Bali, a meal of babi guling (roast suckling pig) is a must.

It’s essentially a whole roasted pig stuffed with spices, carved up and served with rice and vegetables.

While there are many places to get it around Bali, Ubud’s Ibu Oka is a famed institution serving up platefuls of the stuff daily till mid-afternoon, when the food runs out.

This is a meal that works your jaw.

You’ll need to chew hard till all the flavors are released from the succulent meat.

Around noon, staff usually carve up another pig.

It’s a great photo op.

Jari Menari massage

There are massages and then there’s a Jari Menari massage.

The name means “dancing fingers” and your body parts will be in perfect harmony at the end of the treatment.

The all-male staff employs a mixture of techniques (Swedish, deep tissue, Balinese) and emphasizes the rhythm and movements of your body.

Book well in advance to ensure a spot.

There’s another branch at Nusa Dua, and a one-masseur facility at The Colony Hotel.

Introductory massages classes are held on Tuesdays.

14 of Bali’s best beaches

World’s 100 best beaches

12 crowd-free Asia island escapes

Source: http://allofbeer.com/bali-insider-travel-guide/

from All of Beer https://allofbeer.wordpress.com/2019/02/17/bali-insider-travel-guide/

[adambstingus]

Bali: Insider Travel Guide

(CNN)Many would argue that Bali is a paradise lost. It isn’t. It’s just evolved.

It now offers as many experiences as the varying hues of green found in a plot of terraced rice paddy.

Whether you’re a hardcore partygoer determined to eat, drink and not sleep your way through Seminyak; a yoga devotee seeking peace and tranquility in Ubud’s tropical rainforest setting; a die-hard surfer whose only agenda is to paddle out and catch the monster swells at Padang Padang; or a curious traveler charmed by Bali’s sacred temples in Manggis — you can do it all (or do nothing at all) in Bali.

The best of Bali has everything, the good, the downright ugly (braided, Bintang tank-top-wearing hordes in insufferable Kuta) and the sublimely beautiful.

Here’s what to do in Bali:

Hotels

W Retreat & Spa Bali — Seminyak

The new rock star on the island, there’s no denying the high-octane glamour that comes with this beachfront property.

It’s large by Bali standards, but exudes its own sense of cool and calm.

A room in the main building gets you close to the action.

Back from the beach are the hotel’s brilliant, and affordable, private villas and pools.

Very useful is the best of Bali AWAY spa, which remains open 24/7.

That’s great news for late-night revelers in need of a foot massage after stumbling in from a night at Woo Bar — Bali’s newest hot spot.

Equally useful is the hidden sliding door that conceals and reveals bathroom and bedroom areas, and the three-tier main swimming pool for ample lounging and photo opportunities.

The hotel is far enough from the main array of hotels to keep the beach quiet, while further north is the even quieter Canggu beach.

The hotel can arrange a motorbike rental for US$5 a day.

The Colony Hotel

There’s one big plus point about staying at The Colony Hotel: no children under the age of 16 allowed.

Another bonus is the on-site Jari Menari massage facility.

Not to be overlooked are the 20 rooms done up in a pretty but minimalist decor.

The junior suite comes with a spacious balcony that overlooks the 16-meter pool.

Amankila

Located on a headland in Candidasa, high heels are not recommended while staying at the Amankila, as there are plenty of stairs to navigate.

Luckily, golf carts are readily available to transport you down to the beach club where a generous strip of black sand beach remains tout-free.

If you’re tired of the sand and wanting to know what to do in Bali come sunset, try watching the changing color of the sky from the hotel’s signature triple-stepped swimming pool.

Early bookers, try to get upgraded to villa 37 — reportedly the resort’s most requested villa — which enjoys the best view of the ocean.

Anantara Resort Seminyak

Bali has a quirky local rule stating that buildings should not be higher than a palm tree.

This five-story property just makes the cut.

Sitting front and center on Seminyak beach, all 59 suites (and one penthouse) come with ocean views.

Penthouse suites come with attached outdoor lounge space and a terrazzo bath, so you can fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves.

Michi Retreat

Ubud is where artists flock, so if you’re staying here, it makes sense to put up at a property with artistic inclinations.

Michi is a work in progress, and its creator, the septuagenarian Professor Kung, calls himself a nomad.

Hence, the resort near Jukut Paku is an eclectic collection of rooms that are always changing.

Adding another dimension to the experience are mosaic grottos that overlook a particularly spectacular stretch of the River Wos.

Harmony Hotel

Cheap and cheerful, and located just minutes walk from Seminyak beach, this is one of the best values in Seminyak.

The rooms are decent sized and come with Wi-Fi and a TV.

All rooms are located around a common mosaic pool.

Breakfast included.

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan

Away from the coast, amid dense bamboo jungle and perched looking over the sacred Ayung River is this wonderful, peaceful retreat.

Jungle wildlife and the occasional screams of rafters thrusting along the river are the only sounds to intrude upon the privacy of each villa at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan.

All 42 thatched maxi-huts/villas come with an outdoor shower that overlooks the river valley and a plunge pool that releases itself endlessly into the jungle’s steamy abyss.

There are also 18 suites.

You are far from the maddening crowds and if a non-beach stay is what you are looking for, your budget is well spent here.

AYANA Resort and Spa Bali

Since it relaunched in 2009 as AYANA Resort and Spa Bali, this hotel has bagged a whole slew of significant awards for its bar (see below), its accommodations and the spa.

And it is clear why.

Despite the size of the place (there are over 350 rooms, suites and villas — some on the cliff with staggering sunset views) there is still a sense of privacy and space.

The rooms and hotel design are very well done — well appointed without the over the top ‘luxury flourishes.’

The hotel sits high above the Indian Ocean near Jimbaran Bay on Bali’s south-western peninsula so it is a bit of a schlep from the busier Seminyak, Kuta, Legian stretch.

Not a bad thing, but it is harder to pop away should, for some reason, you want to escape.

The above are some of the reasons the hotel is also proving a popular wedding (and honeymoon) destination.

Restaurants

Metis

If you’re wondering what to do in Bali, start with great food.

The charismatic chefs Said and Dou Dou, have taken bits of magic from Warisan — their former haunt — and elevated it at Metis.

The foie gras (all six types) is Bali’s best, and then some.

The kitchen is equally adept at putting out a freshly grilled sole as it is an aromatic plate of fork-tender osso bucco served on a bed of creamy risotto.

The Grand Marnier souffl and passion fruit martini are highly recommended.

After dinner, you can hang out at the lounge overlooking paddy fields.

On Thursday night, there’s live music.

Sardine

More than 120,000 bamboo shingles and 10 types of bamboo were used in the construction of this restaurant.

But you’re not really here to do an architectural survey.

Sardine focuses on fresh produce and organic greens. Brilliant side dishes include smoky miso eggplant and wasabi mash.

The scallops with ravioli and creamy panna cotta are outstanding.

Sari Organik

You’ll break a sweat getting to this restaurant — it’s surrounded by its own farm — where you can pick your own vegetables for the chef to cook.

Take a pre- and post-meal walk through fertile paddy fields — this is a great thing to do in Bali — and revel in a meal of nasi campur crowned with chunks of tempe fried to crisp perfection.

Sarong

We’re not sure which we like better, the spiced Asian fusion with a strong Indonesian slant (the caramelized duck is a hot favorite) or the sexy fleur-de-lis and chandelier setting.

Then there are some of Bali’s best cocktails. Sarong’s extensive cocktail menu is one of the most original we’ve seen.

The Bill & Ben is a gin and pink grapefruit concoction topped with chamomile foam.

The Sarong Cappuccino is made with vodka or brandy, maple syrup, Kahla and espresso.

Mozaic

If there’s one dining destination in Bali, it’s Mozaic.

Part of the Les Grande Tables du Monde, since opening in 2001 the restaurant has had a flurry of global food critics eating out of its hand.

Market cuisine is led by French Laundry-trained chef Chris Salans, who blends French and American culinary techniques with Balinese ingredients.

Salans’ use of black olive Balinese Kluwek sauce is brilliant, and addictive.

Expect to pay up to US$175 per person.

S.O.S Supper Club

If you prefer your sunsets unobstructed, and like to enjoy them without grains of sand stuck in hard-to-reach crevices, S.O.S. is your spot.

The rooftop bar offers one of the best views of the Seminyak sunset slowly melting behind the horizon.

Service is swift and the drinks icy cold.

This is where to be and what to do in Bali come happy hour.

La Plancha

While most other beach bars roll out designer cocktails and fancy finger food, La Plancha keeps it simple with laid-back reggae beats, a selection of beer, oversized beanbags and jugs of potent sangria.

It also helps that the bar has an uninterrupted view of the pink-to-red-to-orange sky.

Bali Joe

There’s rarely any room for women in Bali Joe, except for those that get up on the bar and lip-synch to Beyonc anthems.

The bar is popular for its energetic vibe and nightly drag shows that feature plenty of audience participation.

Performers can be persuaded to extend a few private DIY diva tips.

Rock Bar

Rock Bar’s mixologists pour creative cocktails set to the beats spun from a DJ booth carved into the stone — although some nights are devoted to live music.

Designed by Yasuhiro Koichi of Japan’s Design Studio SPIN, this is one of the best, and most crowded, places to watch the sunset in Bali.

A word of warning: wear suitable clothes.

No board shorts or sleeveless tops for guys. T

hursday to Saturday nights are extremely busy, so be prepared for a long wait.

A scooter from the main Kuta/Seminyak stretch will take 30 minutes-plus to reach the bar.

Ku De Ta

No trip to Bali is complete without catching a sunset at this local institution.

Arrive early or you’ll have to sprawl out on the lawn.

Drinks are pricy, but the mojito, raspberry and lemongrass cocktail and Kuve Margarita made with lemon sorbet is worth the coin.

Potato Head Beach Club

Bali’s newest, hippest beach bar is housed in an impressive geometric facade that you won’t miss.

It’s the best place to be seen drinking and partying.

Celebrity DJs often play weekend gigs.

Other nights see island residents streaming in at sunset for cocktails and tapas.

The kookaburra is a popular order, a curious concoction made of lemongrass gin, passion fruit and mint, and topped by the club’s signature vanilla foam.

6 dishes every Bali visitor needs to try

Shopping / Attractions

Jenggala

There’s plenty of shopping to do in Bali, and few visitors are able to resist the urge to take home a full 24-piece set of Jenggala crockery in pale green jade or plain white.

What started in 1976 as a small, experimental cottage industry has become a global ceramic force.

The high quality, handcrafted ceramic decorated with painstaking detail is a pretty addition — and nicer reminder of Bali — to any home.

Simple Konsep Store

This store is anything but simple.

At this concept space that fuses Bali’s traditional artisan skills with modern European designs, you’ll find everything from origami folding leather bags, Melissa shoes, commissioned ceramics objects by Gaja Gallery, jewelry by local and European designers and unique batik print apparel.

Simple Konsep Store, 40 Jalan Lesmana-Oberoi, Seminyak; +62 361 730393

Mount Agung

What to do in Bali after you’ve seen all the beaches, sampled all the menus and hit all the bars?

Scaling the majestic Mount Agung — at 3,142 meters the highest point on the island — makes for a worthy challenge.

A strato-volcano that last erupted in 1963, locals believe it’s a replica of Mount Meru, the central axis of the universe.

There are two routes to the top.

Both take up to four hours.

And while you can scale it without a guide — they can be found lingering at the start of the trek — employing one is highly recommended.

Tanah Lot

Supposedly the work of the 15th-century priest, Tanah Lot is one of Bali’s most holy, and touristy, sites.

Located in Tabanan, the sacred Hindu temple sits on a large rock out in the ocean and is said to be guarded by sea snakes.

Head toward the footpath leading to the raised cliff area where the view of the sun setting behind the temple is outstanding.

Only in Bali

Paddy fields

OK, they’re not only in Bali, but terraced rice fields in varying shades of brown, gold and green make for one of Bali’s most calming and beautiful sights.

Keep Walking Tours runs daily excursions, but you can also head off exploring on your own.

Start at Ubud Palace, head west on Jalan Raya Ubud and follow signs that bring you past the River Wos, Campuan Ridge and the village of Penestanan.

Ubud Palace, junction of Jalan Suweta and Jalan Raya Campuan

Balinese avant garde

Balinese art is more than topless women and rice-paddy landscapes.

The artist-run Sika Gallery in Campuan, Ubud, condemns commercial art and seeks to push Bali’s visual arts envelope.

Ask after artist-curator I Wayan Sika and see if you can coax out the story of his artistic journey, during which a coma-like state inspired him to produce some of his best works.

Balinese avant garde, Jalan Raya Campuhan, Ubud, Gianyar; +62 36 1975084

Medicine man

Poor Ketut Liyer.

The elderly medicine man has been kept busy all hours of the day since “Eat, Pray, Love” catapulted him to global fame.

Consultations on your life and love prospects don’t come easy or cheap.

Expect all tickets — yes, there’s a docket system — to be snapped up by 9 a.m.

Prices vary, but often start from US$25.

10 minutes’ walk south of Pengoseken, follow the signs; +62 361 974092

Babi guling at Ibu Oka

When in Bali, a meal of babi guling (roast suckling pig) is a must.

It’s essentially a whole roasted pig stuffed with spices, carved up and served with rice and vegetables.

While there are many places to get it around Bali, Ubud’s Ibu Oka is a famed institution serving up platefuls of the stuff daily till mid-afternoon, when the food runs out.

This is a meal that works your jaw.

You’ll need to chew hard till all the flavors are released from the succulent meat.

Around noon, staff usually carve up another pig.

It’s a great photo op.

Jari Menari massage

There are massages and then there’s a Jari Menari massage.

The name means “dancing fingers” and your body parts will be in perfect harmony at the end of the treatment.

The all-male staff employs a mixture of techniques (Swedish, deep tissue, Balinese) and emphasizes the rhythm and movements of your body.

Book well in advance to ensure a spot.

There’s another branch at Nusa Dua, and a one-masseur facility at The Colony Hotel.

Introductory massages classes are held on Tuesdays.

14 of Bali’s best beaches

World’s 100 best beaches

12 crowd-free Asia island escapes

from All Of Beer http://allofbeer.com/bali-insider-travel-guide/ from All of Beer https://allofbeercom.tumblr.com/post/182857376542

[allofbeercom]

Bali: Insider Travel Guide

(CNN)Many would argue that Bali is a paradise lost. It isn’t. It’s just evolved.

It now offers as many experiences as the varying hues of green found in a plot of terraced rice paddy.

Whether you’re a hardcore partygoer determined to eat, drink and not sleep your way through Seminyak; a yoga devotee seeking peace and tranquility in Ubud’s tropical rainforest setting; a die-hard surfer whose only agenda is to paddle out and catch the monster swells at Padang Padang; or a curious traveler charmed by Bali’s sacred temples in Manggis — you can do it all (or do nothing at all) in Bali.

The best of Bali has everything, the good, the downright ugly (braided, Bintang tank-top-wearing hordes in insufferable Kuta) and the sublimely beautiful.

Here’s what to do in Bali:

Hotels

W Retreat & Spa Bali — Seminyak

The new rock star on the island, there’s no denying the high-octane glamour that comes with this beachfront property.

It’s large by Bali standards, but exudes its own sense of cool and calm.

A room in the main building gets you close to the action.

Back from the beach are the hotel’s brilliant, and affordable, private villas and pools.

Very useful is the best of Bali AWAY spa, which remains open 24/7.

That’s great news for late-night revelers in need of a foot massage after stumbling in from a night at Woo Bar — Bali’s newest hot spot.

Equally useful is the hidden sliding door that conceals and reveals bathroom and bedroom areas, and the three-tier main swimming pool for ample lounging and photo opportunities.

The hotel is far enough from the main array of hotels to keep the beach quiet, while further north is the even quieter Canggu beach.

The hotel can arrange a motorbike rental for US$5 a day.

The Colony Hotel

There’s one big plus point about staying at The Colony Hotel: no children under the age of 16 allowed.

Another bonus is the on-site Jari Menari massage facility.

Not to be overlooked are the 20 rooms done up in a pretty but minimalist decor.

The junior suite comes with a spacious balcony that overlooks the 16-meter pool.

Amankila

Located on a headland in Candidasa, high heels are not recommended while staying at the Amankila, as there are plenty of stairs to navigate.

Luckily, golf carts are readily available to transport you down to the beach club where a generous strip of black sand beach remains tout-free.

If you’re tired of the sand and wanting to know what to do in Bali come sunset, try watching the changing color of the sky from the hotel’s signature triple-stepped swimming pool.

Early bookers, try to get upgraded to villa 37 — reportedly the resort’s most requested villa — which enjoys the best view of the ocean.

Anantara Resort Seminyak

Bali has a quirky local rule stating that buildings should not be higher than a palm tree.

This five-story property just makes the cut.

Sitting front and center on Seminyak beach, all 59 suites (and one penthouse) come with ocean views.

Penthouse suites come with attached outdoor lounge space and a terrazzo bath, so you can fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves.

Michi Retreat

Ubud is where artists flock, so if you’re staying here, it makes sense to put up at a property with artistic inclinations.

Michi is a work in progress, and its creator, the septuagenarian Professor Kung, calls himself a nomad.

Hence, the resort near Jukut Paku is an eclectic collection of rooms that are always changing.

Adding another dimension to the experience are mosaic grottos that overlook a particularly spectacular stretch of the River Wos.

Harmony Hotel

Cheap and cheerful, and located just minutes walk from Seminyak beach, this is one of the best values in Seminyak.

The rooms are decent sized and come with Wi-Fi and a TV.

All rooms are located around a common mosaic pool.

Breakfast included.

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan

Away from the coast, amid dense bamboo jungle and perched looking over the sacred Ayung River is this wonderful, peaceful retreat.

Jungle wildlife and the occasional screams of rafters thrusting along the river are the only sounds to intrude upon the privacy of each villa at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan.

All 42 thatched maxi-huts/villas come with an outdoor shower that overlooks the river valley and a plunge pool that releases itself endlessly into the jungle’s steamy abyss.

There are also 18 suites.

You are far from the maddening crowds and if a non-beach stay is what you are looking for, your budget is well spent here.

AYANA Resort and Spa Bali

Since it relaunched in 2009 as AYANA Resort and Spa Bali, this hotel has bagged a whole slew of significant awards for its bar (see below), its accommodations and the spa.

And it is clear why.

Despite the size of the place (there are over 350 rooms, suites and villas — some on the cliff with staggering sunset views) there is still a sense of privacy and space.

The rooms and hotel design are very well done — well appointed without the over the top ‘luxury flourishes.’

The hotel sits high above the Indian Ocean near Jimbaran Bay on Bali’s south-western peninsula so it is a bit of a schlep from the busier Seminyak, Kuta, Legian stretch.

Not a bad thing, but it is harder to pop away should, for some reason, you want to escape.

The above are some of the reasons the hotel is also proving a popular wedding (and honeymoon) destination.

Restaurants

Metis

If you’re wondering what to do in Bali, start with great food.

The charismatic chefs Said and Dou Dou, have taken bits of magic from Warisan — their former haunt — and elevated it at Metis.

The foie gras (all six types) is Bali’s best, and then some.

The kitchen is equally adept at putting out a freshly grilled sole as it is an aromatic plate of fork-tender osso bucco served on a bed of creamy risotto.

The Grand Marnier souffl and passion fruit martini are highly recommended.

After dinner, you can hang out at the lounge overlooking paddy fields.

On Thursday night, there’s live music.

Sardine

More than 120,000 bamboo shingles and 10 types of bamboo were used in the construction of this restaurant.

But you’re not really here to do an architectural survey.

Sardine focuses on fresh produce and organic greens. Brilliant side dishes include smoky miso eggplant and wasabi mash.

The scallops with ravioli and creamy panna cotta are outstanding.

Sari Organik

You’ll break a sweat getting to this restaurant — it’s surrounded by its own farm — where you can pick your own vegetables for the chef to cook.

Take a pre- and post-meal walk through fertile paddy fields — this is a great thing to do in Bali — and revel in a meal of nasi campur crowned with chunks of tempe fried to crisp perfection.

Sarong

We’re not sure which we like better, the spiced Asian fusion with a strong Indonesian slant (the caramelized duck is a hot favorite) or the sexy fleur-de-lis and chandelier setting.

Then there are some of Bali’s best cocktails. Sarong’s extensive cocktail menu is one of the most original we’ve seen.

The Bill & Ben is a gin and pink grapefruit concoction topped with chamomile foam.

The Sarong Cappuccino is made with vodka or brandy, maple syrup, Kahla and espresso.

Mozaic

If there’s one dining destination in Bali, it’s Mozaic.

Part of the Les Grande Tables du Monde, since opening in 2001 the restaurant has had a flurry of global food critics eating out of its hand.

Market cuisine is led by French Laundry-trained chef Chris Salans, who blends French and American culinary techniques with Balinese ingredients.

Salans’ use of black olive Balinese Kluwek sauce is brilliant, and addictive.

Expect to pay up to US$175 per person.

S.O.S Supper Club

If you prefer your sunsets unobstructed, and like to enjoy them without grains of sand stuck in hard-to-reach crevices, S.O.S. is your spot.

The rooftop bar offers one of the best views of the Seminyak sunset slowly melting behind the horizon.

Service is swift and the drinks icy cold.

This is where to be and what to do in Bali come happy hour.

La Plancha

While most other beach bars roll out designer cocktails and fancy finger food, La Plancha keeps it simple with laid-back reggae beats, a selection of beer, oversized beanbags and jugs of potent sangria.

It also helps that the bar has an uninterrupted view of the pink-to-red-to-orange sky.

Bali Joe

There’s rarely any room for women in Bali Joe, except for those that get up on the bar and lip-synch to Beyonc anthems.

The bar is popular for its energetic vibe and nightly drag shows that feature plenty of audience participation.

Performers can be persuaded to extend a few private DIY diva tips.

Rock Bar

Rock Bar’s mixologists pour creative cocktails set to the beats spun from a DJ booth carved into the stone — although some nights are devoted to live music.

Designed by Yasuhiro Koichi of Japan’s Design Studio SPIN, this is one of the best, and most crowded, places to watch the sunset in Bali.

A word of warning: wear suitable clothes.

No board shorts or sleeveless tops for guys. T

hursday to Saturday nights are extremely busy, so be prepared for a long wait.

A scooter from the main Kuta/Seminyak stretch will take 30 minutes-plus to reach the bar.

Ku De Ta

No trip to Bali is complete without catching a sunset at this local institution.

Arrive early or you’ll have to sprawl out on the lawn.

Drinks are pricy, but the mojito, raspberry and lemongrass cocktail and Kuve Margarita made with lemon sorbet is worth the coin.

Potato Head Beach Club

Bali’s newest, hippest beach bar is housed in an impressive geometric facade that you won’t miss.

It’s the best place to be seen drinking and partying.

Celebrity DJs often play weekend gigs.

Other nights see island residents streaming in at sunset for cocktails and tapas.

The kookaburra is a popular order, a curious concoction made of lemongrass gin, passion fruit and mint, and topped by the club’s signature vanilla foam.

6 dishes every Bali visitor needs to try

Shopping / Attractions

Jenggala

There’s plenty of shopping to do in Bali, and few visitors are able to resist the urge to take home a full 24-piece set of Jenggala crockery in pale green jade or plain white.

What started in 1976 as a small, experimental cottage industry has become a global ceramic force.

The high quality, handcrafted ceramic decorated with painstaking detail is a pretty addition — and nicer reminder of Bali — to any home.

Simple Konsep Store

This store is anything but simple.

At this concept space that fuses Bali’s traditional artisan skills with modern European designs, you’ll find everything from origami folding leather bags, Melissa shoes, commissioned ceramics objects by Gaja Gallery, jewelry by local and European designers and unique batik print apparel.

Simple Konsep Store, 40 Jalan Lesmana-Oberoi, Seminyak; +62 361 730393

Mount Agung

What to do in Bali after you’ve seen all the beaches, sampled all the menus and hit all the bars?

Scaling the majestic Mount Agung — at 3,142 meters the highest point on the island — makes for a worthy challenge.

A strato-volcano that last erupted in 1963, locals believe it’s a replica of Mount Meru, the central axis of the universe.

There are two routes to the top.

Both take up to four hours.

And while you can scale it without a guide — they can be found lingering at the start of the trek — employing one is highly recommended.

Tanah Lot

Supposedly the work of the 15th-century priest, Tanah Lot is one of Bali’s most holy, and touristy, sites.

Located in Tabanan, the sacred Hindu temple sits on a large rock out in the ocean and is said to be guarded by sea snakes.

Head toward the footpath leading to the raised cliff area where the view of the sun setting behind the temple is outstanding.

Only in Bali

Paddy fields

OK, they’re not only in Bali, but terraced rice fields in varying shades of brown, gold and green make for one of Bali’s most calming and beautiful sights.

Keep Walking Tours runs daily excursions, but you can also head off exploring on your own.

Start at Ubud Palace, head west on Jalan Raya Ubud and follow signs that bring you past the River Wos, Campuan Ridge and the village of Penestanan.

Ubud Palace, junction of Jalan Suweta and Jalan Raya Campuan

Balinese avant garde

Balinese art is more than topless women and rice-paddy landscapes.

The artist-run Sika Gallery in Campuan, Ubud, condemns commercial art and seeks to push Bali’s visual arts envelope.

Ask after artist-curator I Wayan Sika and see if you can coax out the story of his artistic journey, during which a coma-like state inspired him to produce some of his best works.

Balinese avant garde, Jalan Raya Campuhan, Ubud, Gianyar; +62 36 1975084

Medicine man

Poor Ketut Liyer.

The elderly medicine man has been kept busy all hours of the day since “Eat, Pray, Love” catapulted him to global fame.

Consultations on your life and love prospects don’t come easy or cheap.

Expect all tickets — yes, there’s a docket system — to be snapped up by 9 a.m.

Prices vary, but often start from US$25.

10 minutes’ walk south of Pengoseken, follow the signs; +62 361 974092

Babi guling at Ibu Oka

When in Bali, a meal of babi guling (roast suckling pig) is a must.

It’s essentially a whole roasted pig stuffed with spices, carved up and served with rice and vegetables.

While there are many places to get it around Bali, Ubud’s Ibu Oka is a famed institution serving up platefuls of the stuff daily till mid-afternoon, when the food runs out.

This is a meal that works your jaw.

You’ll need to chew hard till all the flavors are released from the succulent meat.

Around noon, staff usually carve up another pig.

It’s a great photo op.

Jari Menari massage

There are massages and then there’s a Jari Menari massage.

The name means “dancing fingers” and your body parts will be in perfect harmony at the end of the treatment.

The all-male staff employs a mixture of techniques (Swedish, deep tissue, Balinese) and emphasizes the rhythm and movements of your body.

Book well in advance to ensure a spot.

There’s another branch at Nusa Dua, and a one-masseur facility at The Colony Hotel.

Introductory massages classes are held on Tuesdays.

14 of Bali’s best beaches

World’s 100 best beaches

12 crowd-free Asia island escapes

from All Of Beer http://allofbeer.com/bali-insider-travel-guide/