Bali Places to Go
From major cities to the off-the-beaten-track destinations, we’ve got this place covered. We’ll share the hidden gems that only a local can discover.
Kafe Batan Waru: Tuban
As a great lover of Javanese food I am a regular patron at Kafe Batan Waru in Tuban. The sister restaurant to the one in Ubud, the cuisine is just as delicious and although not in a garden setting, the décor more than makes up for this. Located opposite Waterbom Park in Tuban and a stone’s throw from the Discovery Mall, Kafe Batan Waru is not your ordinary open-air warung. Adorning the walls on one side are beautiful collection of flora and fauna prints, and the other, classic prints of Indonesia during the colonial era. The décor is practically simple with polished, long wooden tables and benches giving the place that touch of class. I particularly like the ‘feel’ of the restoran, warm and comfy. And, as with all upmarket restoran the service is first-class.
Date: May 10th, 2008 |
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Travelling the North-East Road Pt. 2
Waking to a glorious sunrise bursting over the ocean is one of those special moments and although reluctant to move on towards Singaraja along the north-east road, it was the adventurous side that took over and it was not long before we found ourselves driving along the road out of Tembok bathed in glorious sunshine and with some stunning mountain views on our left, and, the vast still sea to our right spread out like a rich blue carpet. The ride was a tad rough and having to avoid the potholes in the road and the trucks was no mean feat, however, once past Bondalem we found the smooth bitumen highway much more to our liking, well, at least out butts did!. What impressed me about this stretch of road were the surprising panoramas with each bend we engaged. Rocky outcrops jutted out into the sea, small bays where fishermen trolled for a meal and the constant brilliance of the never ending sea stretching to the horizon dotted with prahu’s coming into shore after a night’s fishing.
Date: May 6th, 2008 |
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Aneh-aneh Art and Uniques: Denpasar
How weird is weird? Well, nobody could answer that for sure including Tjia Jie Hong, the owner of Aneh-aneh Art and Uniques in Denpasar. There is no certain limitation to the meaning of the word aneh (weird). This was why he picked the name Aneh-aneh for his business. Aneh-aneh is a workshop providing various kinds of artworks with extraordinary designs, mostly made from wood and roots. It is located next to the busy Ngurah Rai express highway.
Date: May 2nd, 2008 |
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Travelling the North-East Road – Part 1
There are literally hundreds of day trips you could embark upon on your visit to Bali, but I have always found it best to get off the main tourist routes and do some exploring. Recently I spent a few days in the north-east of the island. It is a beautiful area of Bali and less frequented by tourists but no doubt in due time, this will change. Of the three main roads heading up to Kintamani we started off my using the road direct to the village of Kertabuana and by doing so avoiding the road tax payable on the main tourist route coming out at the T-Junction near Kintamani and, all the associated hassles. That in itself is a rip-off and should be banned, but, that is my personal opinion. If you wanted to enjoy a few nights around Gunung Batur then a trip down to the base of the crater lake is one that I would recommend. (Nick and I did this a few years back and stayed in Pekalongan. From here you can get over to Trunyan [for what it’s worth, at the moment] or just chill-out and relax, hiking.)
Date: May 1st, 2008 |
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Ecotourism and Development in Bali
In a world where travellers are increasingly aware of the environment and the places they visit and the impact they will have upon that society, ecotourism is booming in most countries. Indonesia is no different. On the island of Bali there are a few tour groups that are geared towards ecotourism. Basically, ecotourism is ecologically sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas that fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation. This also might be in a volunteering capacity. Choosing to use local tour operators, buy from the locals so that the money goes back into the community and utilising local transport. There are others. But, on the island of Bali where responsible ecotourism is needed, the development is not progressing as much as it would be hoped.
Date: April 28th, 2008 |
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Saving the Elephants
Indonesia currently has 16 or more species on the verge of extinction. A further 30 are classified as endangered. On the critically endangered and endangered lists are the Sumatran tiger, the Bali starling, the Javanese wild dog, the orangutans of Kalimantan and Sumatra, the Sumatran gibbon and the Sumatran elephant. Some claim the number of Sumatran elephants remaining in the wild is around 1,500, while the more conservative believe 1,000 is more likely. A further 900 or so are found in Sumatra’s elephant camps; once known as elephant training centers, the camps are now called elephant conservation centers and are designed to save the species. However, these camps have become death camps for far too many elephants, according to elephant conservationist Nigel Mason of the Elephant Safari Park in Taro, Bali.
Date: May 9th, 2008 |
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Anantara Spa Resort: Seminyak
When you talk about pure luxury in a resort then you can’t go past the newly opened boutique property Anantara Resort in Seminyak. This place eclipses most of those flash places in Nusa Dua. Actually the resort was designed by Anthony Liu of the TonTon architectural firm, responsible for the Bale Resort in Nusa Dua. Located on absolute prime beachfront at the end of Jl. Abimanyu, the resort has 59 suites each with plasma screen TVs, contemporary Asian-inspired furniture, broadband internet connection and spacious baths. But it is more than just another resort. The Anantara has everything you would need without even having to leave the place unless of course you wanted to cruise around the area checking out the locals. Heck, you can do that from your balcony overlooking the beach.
Date: May 2nd, 2008 |
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Jason Monet Exhibition: Ubud
Art and orangutans don’t appear to have much in common. However, for internationally recognized artist Jason Monet, conservation of the threatened primate starts with bamboo. According to the Bali-based artist, the more the arts, architecture and just about everything else from food to furniture uses bamboo, the longer orangutans on Sumatra and Kalimantan will have a home. Jason has been working with bamboo for the past two years, using it for his sculptures and to frame his paintings.
Date: May 1st, 2008 |
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Delicat Restaurant: Ubud, Bali
I don’t get much of a chance to get up to Ubud as I am usually bypassing it on my way to other parts of the island, but when I do it is usually to Casa Luna or my all-time favourite, Kafe Batan Waru. Ubud is one of those places where you need a week or so to explore everything – the galleries, museums, coffee shops, and of course the restaurants and warungs. I was reading a restaurant review recently about a restaurant that has achieved great notoriety, the Delicat Restaurant.
Date: April 28th, 2008 |
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Kuta restaurants: Apache reggae bar
Just like Raja’s on Jl. Legian, I have passed by the Apache restoran and bar more times than I can remember. I have always been dubious about eating establishments that are a part of a club, but it was worth a gecko I thought. Sure am glad I did.
Date: April 27th, 2008 |
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