Kuta, Seminyak and Ubud
Daily life and places in the south Bali beach towns and in Ubud.
A Few Things to Do in Ubud
Ubud is peaceful. It is a place where you could spend your entire holiday in Bali and it is also a great place to base yourself for exploring the rest of the island.
What to See in Ubud: The Herons of Petulu
Ubud will always be a special place in Bali for those wishing to escape the rat-race of the touristy areas of Kuta.
Jalan Legian in Kuta Becomes a Mall
The idea of creating a Mall in the heart of Kuta , Bali by sealing off sections of Jala Legian has been bantered around for the past few years.
2010 Citibank-Ubud Writers & Readers Festival
One of the best events on the island of Bali is less than a week away. Burgeoning writers, published writers and those who are just lovers of literature get your gear together and head to Ubud for…
Eating in Tuban: My Favourite Places
As most of you that know me well, I am passionate about the street and market food in Bali .
Tegallalang – A View to Treasure
The 7klm stretch of road leading northwards from Ubud to Pujung passes through Tegallalang ; without a doubt the finest view in Bali .
The Markets of Kuta and Denpasar
I have this penchant wherever I travel in the archipelago of Indonesia and that is for traditional markets.
Kuta in Lombok
I was eager to visit Kuta on my last sojourn to Lombok mainly out of curiosity. That, and the fact so many people had told me of its pristine appeal to travellers as well as being a good surf break.
Golden Century Restaurant – Tuban
Being married to a Javanese lady of Chinese origin it is only natural that we eat a lot of Chinese food .
New York Sports Bar & Diner – Centro Discovery Shopping Mall, Tuban
If you want a taste of what a genuine sports bar is like in New York then I suggest you head down to the Centro Discovery Mall in Tuban and check out the recently opened New York Sports Bar & Diner .
Wake Bali Art Market: Tuban
It’s always refreshing to see new art markets open in the tourist strip of Bali . Down on Jalan Kartika Plaza in Tuban the relatively new Wake Bali Art Market is doing a good trade.
Slingshot in Tuban, Bali
I have done some pretty crazy and adventurous things in my life but, you would never get me being shot up into the air at high speed.
Es Kopi Made: Kuta
No, it’s not the name of a warung or a restoran but rather a delicious drink that will send you into coffee bliss and make you yearning for more. On a hot day I like a nice iced coffee.
I Made Joni Restaurant & Gallery: Ubud, Bali
Yesterday we went up to Tampaksaring north of Ubud to meet some old friends of ours. During the course of a conversation it was decided we all head down to Ubud for a spot of lunch.
Jalan Legian Gets a Facelift
Well, kind off! Recently sections of Jalan Legian in Kuta are being repaired and it truly needed it.
TJ’s Mexican Bar & Restaurant: Kuta
The ever popular TJ’s Mexican Restaurant in Kuta has been around for quite a while and is probably the best restaurant serving Mexican food in Bali .
Warung Bali Bambu Sari – Kuta
I am constantly on the lookout for good places to eat on my travels in Bali . It’s hard to find a place with the magical combination of excellent food at reasonable prices, good atmosphere, great…
Sidoi Warung: Legian, Bali
The night before Nyepi when Candika and I walked down to Jalan Melasti to see the Ogoh-ogoh was indeed a strange night.
Tegallalang - Ubud: Stunning Rice Padi Views
Ubud, located in the cool hilly area of Central Bali , has so much to offer the tourist and traveller.
Coco Bistro: Tuban
Those of you who have frequented the Centro Discovery Mall in Tuban over the years will well remember the restoran Bali Colada that was located at the rear of the Mall opposite Black Canyon Café .
Warung Jegeg Bulan: Kuta
Restorans, warungs and junk-food outlets abound in Bali and, depending on your tastes, one can virtually imbibe in the cuisine of the world; such is the variety.
3 Alternatives to Staying in the Kuta Tourist Strip
We all know that the tourist strip from Tuban to Kuta up to Seminyak is one of sheer hectic mayhem at times.
Ten Things to Do in Ubud
If you drive for about an hour and a half north-east of Kuta you will find the bohemian cultural centre of Bali, Ubud . Famed for its arts, Ubud is a cool area of Bali and home to many expats.
Erosion on Kuta Beach Increasing
Picture this: A long pan-flat, white sandy beach seemingly stretching as far as the eye could see and, the upper shore lined with palm trees; their fronds swaying in the gentle ocean breeze.
Vihara Dharmayana: Kuta
Down a quiet alleyway off Jalan Bakungsari and fronting the very busy Jalan Singo Sari is located the only Bhuddist temple in the Kuta area.
The Delights of Ketupat: Legian
With literally hundreds of excellent restaurants in the tourist areas of Bali, each offering its own unique cuisine, one is definitely spoilt for choice.
Kuta Karnival: 19th - 27th September 2009
Well, it’s on again and for anyone being on holidays in Bali at this time you are in for one fabulous treat.
Kebab Palace: Tuban
I was munching on a martabak (a thin fried Arabian pancake filled with meat, egg and vegetables) the other day and I was reminded of a place Candika and I went to not so long ago called Kebab Palace…
Free Things to Do in Kuta
So many people have said to me that although Bali is a stunning and beautiful island with lots to do, it costs money all the time.
Beras Merah: Tuban
Ever had those times when you see a new restoran or warung but it takes you seemingly forever to visit it for a meal?
From Seminyak to Tanah Lot – Along the Beach
The whole concept of a short-long stroll along the beach from Pura Petitenget to Tanah Lot was conceived last week after the four of us through a few crazy suggestions together and the beach walk…
Day Trips from Kuta Beach
Kuta Beach is a popular surfing and tourist destination. While the area offer a good number of things to see and do in the immediate areas, there is even more just a short drive away.
Beras Merah: Tuban
Ever had those times when you see a new restoran or warung but it takes you seemingly forever to visit it for a meal?
Warung Pama: Kuta
Carrying on with my determined effort to bring you info about value-for-money places to eat, I have come across a warung that oddly enough I have walked past countless times but only given the place…
Santo Fransiscus Xavierus: Tuban
One of my many travel passions is visiting and photographing places of worship. They consist of churches, temples or mosques, in fact, any place where indigenous people worship a higher being.
Petal Creations: Kuta
During a visit to Bali a few years ago I was in awe at a petal arrangement ( photo left ) that I came across when Candika and I visited the Matahari Department store in Kuta Square .
Kuta Seaside Food Center
Located on Jalan Pantai Kuta this food center is a refreshing addition to the already massive amount of restorans and warungs in Bali .
Internet Cafes in Ubud
Here are some of the internet cafes in Ubud. • 1. Fair Way Cafe Jalan Dewi Sita Hours open: 0900-2200 (0361) 970810 • 2. Travel Agent Jalan Dewi Sita Hours open: 0800-2200 • 3.
Evening entertainment in Ubud
Ubud is a tranquil place that attracts people who prefer arts and culture to the party scene. Still there are things to do in Ubud after dark, including a spot of party action for those who need it.
Entertainment for kids in Kuta Bali
Families coming to Bali with kids often look for handy activities for them, allowing mum and dad to enjoy their holiday too. Here are a couple of ideas. • Waterbom Park: Located on Jl.
Kuta Bali
Kuta is a former fishing village, it was one of the first towns on Bali to see substantial tourist development, and as a beach resort remains one of Indonesia's major tourist destinations.
Spoiling yourself in Ubud
For many people Ubud represents the place they can shut off from their regular life and spoil themselves.
Legian hotels & restaurants
Legian is the village located directly north of Kuta along Jl. Legian . The term 'village' might sounds rather strange these days as Tuban, Kuta, Legian and Seminyak seem like one long urban sprawl,…
Dana Yoga Tourist Service: Kuta Bali
Newcomers to Bali will often be concerned with logistical questions such as how to get around the country, via internal plane flights , boat trips to places such as Nusa Lembongan or the Gilis,…
Heading back from Lovina to Kuta
Looking at a map of Bali there is a wealth of possibilities for someone returning to Kuta from the north coast.
Pantai Seseh Canggu Bali
Canggu is fast developing into the next big expat area and certain beaches are popular hangouts for the western crowd.
Two of Ubud's finest offerings
Following up on tips can be worthwhile sometimes. A couple of tips for Ubud are as follows.
Transport in Ubud Bali
Ubud is relatively tranquil place that many visitors to Bali enjoy. The day time scene on Jl.
Sunrise walks and adventure activities in the Ubud area
Ubud is wonderful place to walk aorund on foot, enjoying the local warungs, restaurants, art shops and funky stuff you'll find.
Map of Ubud
Here is a map of Ubud highlighting accommodation and food options. Check out these other maps: Amed & Aas Bali Bali Barat National Park Bangli Bedugal, Munduk and Lake Bratan Bukit Peninsula Candi…
Canggu: The expat frontier in Bali
Canggu is the coastal strip stretching from Kerobokan up to Tanah Lot . The classification of what Canggu is changes somewhat as areas get developed, but if you say you live in Canggu, amonst people…
Map of Canggu
Here is a map of Canggu Bali highlighting streets and accommodation options. For a bigger view click on the map.
Meeting Java tsunami survivors in Seminyak Bali
The Asian tsunami 2004 is world famous and Aceh will be forever on the world map because of it. Indonesia has had other tsunamis since then including the one on the south coast of Java last year.
Ubud area scenic ride
Exploring Bali by motorbike is one of the true pleasures that is available to most people.
Pura Sarawati & Cafe Lotus in Ubud Bali
Ubud is sometimes referred to as the heart of Bali's culture. That's debatable but one thing is for sure, it does have enough stuff for an interesting 'culture oriented' day trip.
Mads Lange's Tomb: Kuta Bali
One of the smaller places of interest in Bali is the tomb of Danish trader Mads Lange . For people not familiar with the Kuta / Tuban area, this monument takes a bit of finding.
Global Chiropractic Kuta Bali
My first ever visit to a chiropractor took place at Global Chiropractic in Kuta this afternoon. After a few weeks of uncomfortable shoulder pain I decided to ask an opinion.
Desa Seni Canggu Bali
Desa Seni which literally means 'art village', is located on the 'backroad to Canggu'. It is a unique hotel and last night I discovered it was also a very cool place to eat.
Icehouse in Kuta Bali
Kuta has a new attraction that is popular with locals and might be good for a tourist missing the frigid conditions back home.
Kuta Beach Bali
Living in the city as I call it, one often forgets that natural beauty is just around the corner. The longer I spend in Kuta and Seminyak, the more cement I see and the less of everything else.
Rituals: Spa, salon, cafe in Legian Bali
Rituals is a new looking place on Jl. Legian that follows the modern trend. The 2-storey establishment is located between Jl. Werkedara and Jl. Double Six and offers a spa, salon and cafe.
Jl. Legian in Legian Bali
Jl. Legian is the main street in Kuta as far as tourists are concerned. Packed with bars, nightclubs and restaurant on the lower Kuta end, it turns more into a shopping location in the Legian area.
Meeting Kore Petersen in Legian Bali
Kore Petersen is a Baliblog reader who has been coming to Indonesia for years. Kore's Indonesian family is from Malang in Java and I got to meet his in-laws as well as his wife Lucy and son Evan.
Ubud: The perfect base for a peaceful Bali trip
Visitors to Bali looking for an alternative to Kuta, Seminyak, Sanur or Nusa Dua, need look no further. Ubud is close by, but on an entirely different direction than those other places.
Kuta nightscene: February 2007
Last night after enjoying some Indonesian food in Seminyak, with Ika, Jevon and Awang, Devin and I jumped on my bike and went for a cruise. We swung around Jl.
Lunch with Tamara & family in Seminyak Bali
Ika is getting to meet all kinds of cool parents, who contact me through Baliblog. Today she got to meet Tamara and family, who are in the middle of a RTW trip .
Delivering air tickets in Seminyak Bali
This morning I met some more cool people in Bali. A month ago, a lady had emailed me asking that my house be used as a forwarding address, for her family's air tickets out of Bali.
CBN Internet Service Provider: Kuta Galeria Bali
The number of ISP's in Bali is increasing and a new one I came across recently, is CBN , located in the Kuta Galeria.
Meeting an aid worker in Seminyak Bali
Last night after finishing my typing, I went over to Santa Fe with my laptop, to drink a cold beer.
Evening trip to Ubud Bali
My friend Devin arrived last night at Ngurah Rai. His flight from Singapore landed around 7.30pm and he was strolling around when I got there.
Meeting Camille in Seminyak Bali
Sitting here at Joulla's German restaurant in Seminyak, I got a call from an old face.
Spa Cure in Seminyak Bali
Spa Cure is located on the 2nd floor of the Ruko Gosha Plaza, on Jl. Dhyana Pura, in Seminyak. The Spa is fairly small and very neat.
Afternoon in Ubud Bali
Today went like clockwork. Ika, Jevon and I picked up Barbara from Oregon (not related to Ollie from Oregon) together with her friend Nancy.
Meeting Chimene in Seminyak Bali
Chimene Hickey is an old friend from the Bay Area (San Francisco), who I first met in 1987.
Kuta Beach in January 2007
This morning on Kuta Beach, the sun was shining and the tourists who were around, there enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.
Bali Sling Shot: Catapult ride in Tuban
Package tourism can get boring, even in Bali. Jl. Kartika Plaza in Tuban, is wall to wall package tourism, including resorts hotels, family restaurants and Waterbom Park.
Agung: Owner of Ned's Hideaway in Seminyak Bali
Seminyak is full of colorful characters and today I met another, Agung, owner of Ned's Hideaway on Gang Bima. Agung told me that 15 years ago she had a very good restaurant on Jl.
Kuta Beach still beautiful
Passing Kuta Beach this afternoon, I stopped for an instant to get a look at the goings and and to remind myself I live in a beautiful place.
Aphrodisia Spa: Kuta Bali
Aphrodisia Spa is a small streetside place on Jl, Singosari in Kuta. The interior is simple and rather dark.
The Beach House in Canggu Bali
Last night I went out to Canggu to visit a friend of mine who recently moved out there.
Meeting Steve in Seminyak Bali
Jevon and I were stepping out of the door this morning, when Steve from Perth arrived. Steve is a miner in the Western Australian desert and is an avid surfer.
Meeting Howard in Seminyak Bali
Wedneday afternoon I met Howard from England, in Warung Mimpi in Seminyak. Walking down Jl. Seminyak around 4pm with my camera, I got a call, inviting me to join him for a drink.
Airport run in Kuta Bali
My friends had an agreement to check out of their room at the Suka Beach Inn, at 6pm.
Swimming in the river: Ubud Bali
Driving tourists around Bali is a hit or miss affair. As in any place, part of the enjoyment is relaxing and taking the time to find the special places / moments.
Monkey Forest Ubud Bali
Monkey Forest in Ubud is one of the main attractions. The thing that makes it handy, is its located on the loop around downtown Ubud.
Kuta Beach for newcomers
Kuta Beach is a crash course in how to deal with locals and bargaining. Today I took my freinds form Oregon, to the section of Kuta Beach, directly across from Poppies II.
Talking with Ida Bagus Puspa Arthawa in Legian Bali
Part of my job is doing hotel reviews, so that people can make a better choice for themselves when coming to Bali on holiday.
10 ideas for things to do in the Kuta area
Visitors come to Bali for a variety of reasons including the culture, the beach, the shopping, the nightlife and the people.
The Prana Spa in Seminyak Bali
Bali has a reputation for many things and spas are one of the categories where a visitor will have plenty of choice. Living in Seminyak I am very close to one spa with a very unique style.
Running into AJ Hackett in Seminyak Bali
This afternoon after I finished working out at Seaside gym, I dragged my sorry ass over to Blue Ocean restaurant, 2 doors down, for a cool down drink.
Warung ExtraBlatt: Legian Bali
Some places come as a surprise. Others can be a total shock. A friend of mine recently took me to a German Warung in Legian, which was a little piece of the Fatherland, in the middle of no-mans land.
Steamy weather in Seminyak Bali
If you hadn't already noticed, its damn hot here in Bali! For people who are planning to visit in the near future, you'll get a surprise when you step off the plane, steamy temperatures.
Pantai Berawa: Canggu Bali
Name: Pantai Berawa Where is it: Canggu, South Bali Directions: From Kuta take Sunset Rd to Kerobokan, follow sign in direction of Canggu / Tanah Lot.
Bali beaches: Pantai Gado Gado in Seminyak
Name: Gado Gado Beach (Pantai Gado Gado) Where is it: End of Jl. Dhyana Pura , Seminyak Directions: From Kuta drive north on Jl. Legian, turn left on Jl. Dhyana Pura, park at the beach.
Jevon in Monkey Forest Ubud
Here are a couple of pics of Jevon's first trip to Monkey Forest Ubud. Excited to arrive with the aid of his mother. Strolling in the 'jungle' and figuring out the new animal sounds.
Ubud Spas
Ubud is famous for many things including health spas. On saturday I did a mini tour of some of the downtown Ubud spas.
Visiting Monkey Forest Ubud
Most tourists visiting Ubud end up at Monkey Forest , located at the southern end of Jl. Monkey Forest, in downtown Ubud. Ika, Jevon and I were staying at Rahayu Bungalows on Jl.
Campuhan Ridge Walk: Ubud Bali
Campuhan Ridge Walk Starting Location: Pura Gunung Lebah, Campuhan Ending Location: Main road, north of Neka Gallery, Sangingan Guide needed? No Map needed? No Hiking boots?
Ubud bound: A Bali side trip
Ika, Jevon & I are heading up to Ubud today for a change of scenery. We'll stay in a guest house and I can get online at the local internet cafes, most likely one of those on Jl. Raya Ubud.
Kuta Beach hassles: How to avoid them
A recent article on VirtualTourist.com , talked about one guy's experience on Kuta Beach. Kuta does have a nice beach for sure, and we are spoiled for location.