Besides Chris Salans, there are several other expat chefs in Bali who are just as famous. One of them is Will Meyrick, who founded fine-dining restaurant Sarong and the more casual Mama San in Seminyak. Hujan Locale, his latest venture in the heart of Ubud, is a casual eatery serving warung -inspired Indonesian food, albeit taken up a few notches in terms of execution and presentation. The menu features traditional home-cooked dishes from across the Indonesian archipelago. Expect dishes like rendang, sop buntut (oxtail soup), satay etc. but made with more unusual ingredients. The restaurant i ..read more

Kecak Dance is a dance performance based on a trance ritual that was created by German painter and musician Walter Spies in the 1930s. The dance drama was based on Hindu Ramayana legend – and was meant to be performed for a mainly Western tourist audience. Today you can find Kecak Dance performed everywhere in Bali – with the most popular one probably at Uluwatu. As I was in Ubud – I decided to go to the performance at Pura Dalem Temple. The dance was performed in the open stage inside the temple complex. This is a performance that you really have to get yourself in the mood to enjoy. It can ..read more

Besides Campuhan Ridge, there are a couple of other trails around Ubud that are great for those who like to hike. One goes to Penestanan Village, and the other goes to Sari Organic. I did not have the time to do both, so went with the Sari Organic Trail. Unlike Campuhan Ridge which is hilly, this trail is mostly flat. Along the way you pass through some local villages, rice fields, and there are lots of homestays in the area. It is not as scenic as Campuhan Ridge, but if you like to walk this is a great outing for a couple of hours ..read more

One of the most convenient locations to watch a traditional Balinese dance performance is the Ubud Place. They host a dance performance every day at around 7.30p.m. The dances vary from day to day – here is a schedule that may or may not be still valid: Day                              Type of Performance Sunday                       &nbs ..read more

After a few days in Seminyak, I moved on to Ubud - my other favorite hangout in Bali. I’ve been to Ubud a few times but somehow always missed out on the Campuhan Ridge. This trip I made it a point to check it out. The start of the trail is next to Warwick Ibah Villa and Spa. The signs are not very clear so it is best to ask for directions. It is quite a gentle walk to the top of the ridge. Once you get there – you are rewarded with a panoramic view of the valleys around Ubud. There are several small cafes along the way for short breaks. The walk is paved in concrete blocks all the way and tho ..read more

Having enjoyed the dinner at Ginger Moon – I was quite keen to try out their sister restaurant Jackson Lily’s which is located on Jalan Raya Seminyak. Like Ginger Moon – the menu at Jakson Lily’s is Modern Asian – with an emphasis on small bites to go with drinks and cocktails. The design of Jackson Lily’s has a Steam Punk vide to it, with the use of exposed steel structures and industrial details. Colourful chairs provide visual pop to the setting. I was feeling quite warm after walking around in the area, and was tempted by their mocktails. Ordered a “Passion Coco” – a delicious mix of lim ..read more

For a bit of art therapy, head over to Nyaman Gallery on Jalan Raya Seminyak. This is a contemporary art gallery representing not only Balinese but also international artists. The works are always top notch and very interesting, and there is a wide range from paintings to photography and sculptures. There are several main gallery spaces showing large format works, as well as more intimate studios showcasing works of featured artists. Whether you are in the market for artworks or not – Nyaman Gallery is definitely worth a visit. In fact I would put it on the top of must-visits in Seminyak ..read more

I was very excited to check out Starbucks Reserve Dewata located along Sunset Road. Opened in January 2019, this is the biggest Starbucks store in Southeast Asia – and also the first Starbucks Reserve in the region. The exterior of the store already created a strong statement – with a beautiful breil soleil made out of Balinese red bricks. The bricks are arranged to create the illusion of waves which refer to the many beaches of Bali. Inside the interior is no less impressive. It has a high-end feel, with many decorative elements based on Indonesian arts and craft. The store is divided into ..read more

There are so many restaurants and cafes in Seminyak it can be difficult to make up your mind. I always make it a point to try those that t I have not been before, and based on my research Ginger Moon was on my list this time. It’s a restaurant that has been around for quite a while. The concept is modern Asian cuisine, with dishes meant for sharing. Situated along Jalan Kayu Aya – the main road in Seminyak, the décor of Ginger Moon is quite charming. It makes great use of Asian colours and motifs, with a bit of Art Deco twist. It definitely is not bland. I looked at the menu and was tempted b ..read more

I first visited Potato Head Beach Club in 2014. The club just opened in 2011, and has since become a sensation that has spread to other parts of the world. It is not difficult to understand its success. The location is perfect – right along popular Petitenget Beach, and it is even right next to the W Hotel, you can’t find a cooler neighbour than that. The design is modern and elegant, and there is just that right mix of cool and casual vibe that is irresistible to the beach and party crowd. The striking recycled shutter wall is still eye-catching as ever, and the generally modernist design lan ..read more