BALI

As part of my quest to make it to every country around the world, one of my latest trips was to Asia.   In particular – Seoul, Singapore, Kota Kinabalu (Malaysia) and Bali (Indonesia).

Bali

WHAT TO DO?

• Ubud Cycling Tour: Worth getting out of the resort or city and getting to the mountains and local villages. The bike ride is all downhill, and we used Bali Adventure Tours (other options are cheaper). You get to see local villages, family, people, farms etc., as well as try local fruits and lewak coffee (cat poo). Cost: $75
• Uluwatu temple on water: Tours include dinner on beach (in Jimbaran) and charge $20 pp, but you could do this yourself and spend $20 on dinner for two.
• Gunung Kawi: Huge carvings in the mountain surrounded by rice paddies. It is a tough walk up, and there are very aggressive people selling souvenirs, but definitely great to see.
• Ubud: Super touristy town center with the Ubud market and mass-produced souvenirs. Go outside the town for local artists and galleries.
•  Uluwatu: Beautiful setting on the cliff with monkeys. There are dance performances that are entertaining with funny actors and crowd involvement.

 

 

 

 

WHERE AND WHAT TO EAT?

Definitely go to Jimbaran for dinner, specifically Muaya Beach for “cafes.” You pull up in a cab, and it looks a little shady, but once you cross over through the restaurants you’ll see a beautiful dining setting on the beach. You can pick your seafood in the restaurants then sit on the beach eating as the sun sets. It’s a bit touristy, but definitely worth it. For $20 you can get a grilled crab, 0.5 kg clams, mee goreng, beer and young coconut.

Bumbu Bali is a popular traditional Balinese cuisine, but again very touristy. We ordered the tasting menu of satays, curries, stews etc. ($45 for two people). But can’t say I was a fan. There was a ton of ginger and lemongrass in the dishes. Others ordered the duck (24 hours in advance), which may be the way to go.

Babi guling is a popular dish of suckling pig. It’s tasty, and for only $3 a plate you can’t go wrong. There is a place in Ubud.