What to see, do and buy in Bali
What to see, do and buy in Bali
Take your pick from spas and sea sports or party the night away
in the world's favorite getaway spot. Others have a ball on Kuta
Beach.
Bodyworks (Jl. Raya Seminyak 63, Tel: 0361-730454) is very
popular with local residents as it provides excellent waxing,
cream baths and other salon treatments. A full one-hour body
massage costs Rp 129,000.
Cozy Foot Reflexology Aromatherapy in Kuta (Blok A, North Mall
Bali Galleria, Jl. Sunset 3, Tel: 0361-766762) is addictive with
its Zen interior. It provides each patron with a CD player and a
play list of chill-out music.
At Zen Bali Spa in Ubud (Jl. Hanoman, Tel: 0361-970976), the
smells of the oils alone are a draw. This cozy spa sits at the
edge of a rice field, so expect beautiful views from the rooms. A
day of pampering will set you back by Rp 460,000.
For a bit of fun under the sun, learn how to ride the waves at
the Bali Learn To Surf school at The Hard Rock Hotel. It
guarantees that students will be up and surfing by the end of the
first lesson.
You can also take a day trip to Nusa Lembongan to dive,
snorkel and surf. Just call Bali Hai Cruises (Tel: 0361-720331).
Pay about Rp 720,000 for a reef cruise.
The nightlife in Bali starts at midnight, so set out for
dinner at about 8 p.m. and then head for the watering holes. For
the gregarious, Kuta and Legian are 24-hour party zones.
Jl. Dyanapura at Seminyak is now the latest party scene. Start
at The A Bar (Tel: 0361-733270) and bar hop as the street is
lined with pubs.
End the night at Double Six (Jl. Double Six, Tel: 0361-
730466). The party here begins only at 2 a.m. and ends at 6 a.m.
It is also one of the busiest clubs where people flock to look
cool and listen to the latest techno dance music. The cover
charge of Rp 50,000 includes a beer or soft drink.
For shopping and watching, at Kuta Square, just a stone's
throw away from the beach, you can find local brand Body And Soul
which boasts up-to-the-minute styles.
If you like clothes by Spanish label Mango, you will love it
here. Surf labels like Mambo, Stussy and Quicksilver are also
aplenty.
Even if you don't buy anything, it's fun just to watch beach
babes and surfer dudes who throng the stores to show off their
gorgeous tan.
Girls into sea sports must make a stop at Surfer Girl (138 Jl.
Legian, Tel: 0361-752693) for gear in funky hues.
Also, look out for Kuta Kids, which stocks quality fabrics and
trendy designs for boys and girls, as well as Uluwatu, which
sells resort wear and bed and table linen using handmade Balinese
lace.
Don't forget the neighboring villages of Batubulan, Mas and
Celuk for stone and wooden carvings and delicately crafted gold
and silver jewelry.
On the way to the art colony of Ubud, make a stop at Sukawati
Market for local textiles and basket ware at bargain basement
prices.
For international and multi-cultural cuisine, head for Kuta.
Ku de Ta (Jl. Laksamana 9, Tel: 0361-736969) serves modern
Australian cuisine in a chic setting.
The interior of Lamak Bar & Restaurant has a dramatic design
by Made Wijaya.
Kafe Warisan (Jl. Raya Kerobokan 38, Tel: 0361-731175)
attracts the elite crowd with its modern French-Mediterranean
cuisine. A plus: Its classic rice terrace setting and extensive
wine list.
At Seminyak, margaritas and sunsets are reason enough to stop
by La Lucciola Restaurant (Jl. Oberoi, Tel: 0361-730838). Main
dishes start from Rp 65,000.
Ubud's many restaurants also offer one of the more interesting
cuisines on the island.
Try babi guling (roast pork) at Ibu (Mrs.) Oka behind the Ubud
Palace. The kick is in the spicy dip. A filling portion for one
costs about Rp 10,000.
Lamak Bar & Restaurant (Jl. Monkey Forest, Tel: 0361-974668)
offers fine dining with a difference. Besides a delicate
combination of Asian and European flavors that tantalize the
palate, the restaurant's interior boasts a dramatic design by
renowned architecture and landscape artist Made Wijaya.
For al fresco dining on the cheap, head for Jimbaran Beach
where hundreds of stalls offer a fresh catch barbecued on coconut
husks.
If you are driving, it is worth making a trip up to Bumbu Bali
(Jl. Pratama, Tanjung Benoa, Tel: 0361-774502) in Nusa Dua for a
delicious Balinese feast (Rp 145,000).
The choice of accommodation ranges from US$20 for a no-frills,
but comfortable stay in a Balinese-style hut to $450 for a one-
night stay in a luxury villa with private pool and Jacuzzi.
You can see the Indian Ocean from a luxurious bungalow at Le
Meridien Nirwana Golf & Spa Resort. Make your choice based on
location.
If you want action, stay in Kuta. For classy villas and
boutique hotels, try Seminyak, a step north of Legian. Jimbaran
Bay is the base for luxury resorts like the Four Seasons Resort
(Tel: 0361-701010) and the Ritz-Carlton Bali (Tel: 0361-702222),
while Nusa Dua and Sanur boast self-contained luxurious hotels
and bungalows.
If you want to experience Bali in a plush setting, stay at the
Le Meridien Nirwana Golf & Spa Resort (Tel: 0361-815900). Built
on the ocean front with a lovely view of the famous Tanah Lot Sea
Temple, it is the only hotel in Bali with its own 18-hole Greg
Norman golf course.
Spacious deluxe rooms and executive suites offer tasteful
repose, while the villas feature a private plunge pool.
Le Meridien has launched a new range of specially priced
leisure breaks. Choose from long or short weekend stays, or golf
and spa packages. Prices start from $130++ per person.
American Express Card members, who book a two-night Weekend
Celebration Break at a Le Meridien City Hotel, get the third
night free.
-- The Straits Times