Destination Guide

CHERRY’S GUIDE TO
Bali
Surfing: The dry season is the best time to surf,
which is usually May to September. Best beaches
at this time of year are Uluwatu, Impossibles,
Padang Padang, Canggu and Kuta Reef. Wet
season waves are best at Sanur, Nusa Dua,
Serangan, Green Balls and Keramas.
Elephant Safari Park: If you’ve got kids, or are
a kid at heart, this Park is a must. This is a very
hands-on experience with elephants you can
feed, pat, wash or take for a ride. A great day out,
located in Taro Park, near Ubud.
Tanah Lot Temple: This Temple is set in a
stunning location perched on the edge of the sea.
It is located near Canggu and is very touristy, but if
you haven’t been to Bali before, it’s a must see.
Bali Best Bits
Shopping: Bali is a shopaholic’s dream. You’ll
find virtually everything and anything. And best
of all, it’s usually at a great price. Seminyak has
a wonderful collection of designer stores and
unique one-off retailers, while the morning
markets in Ubud offer every type of knock-off at
cheap prices. Furniture is also bargain in Bali and
there are plenty of freight services available to get
your booty home. Ubud is great for picking up an
original piece of artwork, and local artists are more
than happy to paint something especially for you.
You’ll also find beautiful homewares in Ubud, and
there’s a ceramics outlet in Jimbaran that always
has modern, interesting pieces.
Party, party, party: Bali loves to party,
particularly around August, when colourful
kaftans and sparkly slip-ons are mandatory. There
are plenty of pumping bars and clubs to get you
in the mood, while visits to Ku De Ta and Potato
Head are a must.
Monkey Forest: A trip up to the cool mountains
of Ubud for a wander through the Monkey Forest
will leave you amazed. While they’re extremely
cute, the cheeky monkeys will try to steal anything
not pinned down, so be alert. Mossie repellent is
also a must.
Jimbaran Bay: This beach is famous for its
seafood BBQs. Again, touristy and busy, but a bit
of fun. Hundreds of candlelit tables make this an
unforgettable sight. Head there at sunset.
Pandangbai: This is a beautiful white sand
beach on the East Coast of Bali. Many of the
beaches in the more popular tourist areas aren’t
particularly appealing, however this is a lovely
area. It is less developed than the main tourist
spots, and there is good snorkeling and diving.
Depending on the time of year, there have been
reports that there can be a bit of rubbish around
this beach. A good place for a day trip away from
the crowds.
Bali Safari & Marine Park: Another one for
the kids with Indonesian animals, water park and
theatrical show. Located in Gianyar.
Eating: You really are spoilt for choice in Bali.
From the delicious local delights and rustic seafood
on the beach to modern Italian and Spanish tapas,
indulging in Bali’s gastronomic pleasures is all part
of the fun.
Spa treatments: Nothing beats coming home
massaged and manicured after a trip to Bali.
Cheap and good quality, a spa treatment is a
daily essential.
Getting around
Taxis are as cheap as chips, and most
importantly air conditioned, so don’t break a
sweat unnecessarily.
Always look for metered taxis. Otherwise you’ll
need to negotiate a price, which generally works in
the taxi drivers’ favour. Be prepared for a strange
phenomenon in Bali, particularly at peak times.
Taxi drivers would rather eat dinner or chat to their
mates than take you anywhere. They will ask for a
ridiculous amount of money, and when you refuse,
they walk away. Don’t worry about it though, just
move onto the next driver. There are lots of them
and one of them will be keen for the fare.
Private drivers are also easily available. They
tend to tout themselves outside popular shops
and restaurants. Your hotel or villa can also
organise one for you. They will cost a little more,
but you can negotiate a ½ day or full day fee and
it’s quite reasonable.
Things to see, do, eat and enjoy. And a few handy hints.
Ubud: About an hour’s drive from Seminyak,
Ubud is a cool mountain retreat full of great
restaurants, intriguing art galleries and homeware
stores. While some feel it’s lost its charm over the
years, Cherry thinks it’s still worth a visit. But pick a
day the traffic isn’t too bad as it can be difficult to
get around on busy days.
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Money
The local currency is the Indonesian Rupiah,
available in 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000
and 100,000 notes. As you can imagine you will
be walking around with a thick wad of cash. Have
plenty of small notes for taxi drivers and the like.
There are plenty of ATMs and you’ll need cash for
the small cafes and shops. Larger retailers will take
credit card, but generally charge a 3% fee.
Beaches
If you’re looking for great surf, head to Kuta and
Canggu beaches during the dry season or Sanur
and Nusa Dua during the wet season.
If you want a relaxing day on the beach, Jimbaran
has plenty of waves, white sand and Indonesian-
style beach cafes that serve deliciously grilled fresh
seafood. Head there at dusk for a BBQ feast. Nusa
Dua has nice sand, calm water and is great for
taking the kids.
Haggling
Most Bali shops now have fixed prices, so there’s
not so much negotiating these days. However, if
you head to the markets, it’s game on! Start by
offering a 1/3 of the asking price and go from
there. Generally, you’ll end up paying about 60%
of the original asking price. Don’t be afraid to try
it in the fixed price shops if you’re buying multiple
items. Just ask if they can do a special price given
the number of goodies you’re buying.
areas and bedrooms. Some villas offer a pool fence
at additional charge, but most don’t. Don’t spend
your whole holiday worrying about the little one
heading for the water, get yourself a temporary
pool fence installed. They install before you arrive
and take down on the last day of your stay.
Baby gear
Bali is not stroller friendly. If they are small enough
pack a sling or baby carrier. If bigger, you’ll be
carrying them or making them walk. Don’t lug all
your gear over there. Most villas and hotels have
highchairs and cots, if not, they are easy to rent.
Most baby items can be rented through Bali Baby.
On the way to your villa
A tip for those of you visiting Bali for the first time.
When you head to your villa from the airport, a
moment of panic goes through your head as you
approach your villa. You’re being driven down a
dusty, potholed track. There are cows on the side
of the road. It looks like you are being taken to a
shanty town, not the beautiful villa you saw on the
website. Fear not – this is perfectly normal in Bali,
and you will end up at that beautiful villa!
Nannies
How do you have a holiday when the kids are
hanging off your leg and demanding attention?
Easy, hire a local nanny for the duration of your
stay. Most of the nannies are experienced looking
after Western children and are very attentive. Use
a reputable nanny service and you won’t have any
problems. It is extremely inexpensive and allows
you to have a break too. Try Bali Krisna Service,
which have nannies used to Western children and
have first aid certificates. A live-in nanny costs
around $60 per day or you can pay by the hour for
up to 12 hours a day (around $6 or $7 an hour).
You usually have to pay their transport costs,
which are minimal, plus a tip at the end of the stay
if you are happy with the nanny.
Pool fences
Bali doesn’t have pool fencing laws and every villa
you can walk straight into the pool from the living
Seminyak Area
Mama San (Shanghai Cuisine): Jl. Raya Kerobokan
No. 135
Br. Taman. Call 730 436. Lunch and dinner.
Bookings essential for dinner. Keep your eyes peeled
– this one’s hard to find. Amazing dumplings. Great
fitout. Make a booking.
Sarong (South East Asian): Jl. Petitenget 19x,
Seminyak. Call 737 809. Dinner only. Lovely seating
under the stars or inside in Eurasian style fitout.
Modern interpretations of Asian fare.
Sea Circus (Seafood and Tapas): Jl. Laksmana
22, Seminyak. Call 738 667. Dinner Tuesday-Sunday.
Tapas style tasty plates and cool cocktails. Funky
retro vibe.
Alcohol
Unless you’re partial to the local Bintang beer
(try it, but it’s not to everyone’s taste), stock up at
the duty free store before leaving Australia. Be
warned, wine is particularly expensive in Bali and
the selection can be a little dubious at times.
Favourite Places to eat
Water
If you don’t want a family of ‘Bali Belly’ don’t drink
the water under any circumstances. The problem
we’ve found is at bath time with the kids. How to
stop them taking a slurp? A dummy for the bubs
works a treat, or a treat for the older ones will keep
them chewing and not drinking.
Laundry
Pack light as you can buy plenty of clothes in Bali,
and the cost of laundry is so cheap, our Cherry
team usually get their clothes washed every few
days. We wouldn’t give them your best cocktail
dress, but your general holiday casual clothes will
be well looked after.
Mopeds
Yes, they are a cheap and easy way to get around,
but the crazy traffic and crazy drivers can be a little
hair-raising. Make sure you have an International
Drivers Licence, and that your travel insurance will
cover you if you have an accident.
Sardine (Seafood): Jl. Petitenget 21, Seminyak.
Call 738 202. Tuesday-Sunday. Book a table on the
terrace overlooking the rice paddies. Fresh and
organic.
Metis (French): Jl. Petitenget 6, Kerobokan Kelod.
Call 737 888. Lunch and dinner. Expensive by
Bali standards. Huge restaurant, but beautifully
designed and twinkles at night. Food excellent,
great for a celebration dinner.
Ultimo (Italian): Jl. Laksmana 140x, Seminyak. Call
738 720. Dinner only. One of Bali’s most popular
restaurants. Excellent, well-priced Italian. But be
warned, in peak season you’ll need to book at least
a week in advance.
Biku (Café): Jl. Raya Petitenget 888. Call 857 888.
Breakfast, lunch and high tea. Café and bookshop
in 150 year old Javanese house. Free wifi, divine
homemade cakes and a child-friendly vibe makes
this place a winner. Don’t miss high-tea. Resident
psychic at afternoon high tea if you need to know
the future now. Check with Biku which days. Baby
Biku now open at Jl. Drupadi.
Café Zucchini (Café): Jl. Laksmana, Seminyak. Call
736 633. All day. Perfect spot for a light refreshing
lunch with great sambos, juices and crisp salads.
Casual and cheap dinner.
La Lucciola (International): Kayu Ayu Beach,
Temple Petitget, Seminyak. Call 730 838. All day. The
bees knees for brunch in Bali with a lovely view to
the surf. Also great for sunset drinks.
Taco Beach (Mexican): Jl. Kunti 1, No. 6. Call
854 6262. 9am-11pm. Tasty tacos, feisty fajitas,
beautiful burritos. Very casual and do deliveries.
Ginger Moon (Mod Asian): Jl. Oberoi/Laksmana 7.
Call 734 533. Lunch and dinner. Amazing steamed
buns and dim sum. Spicy and fresh flavours.
Bistrot (French): Jl. Kayu Aya No. 117. Call 738 308.
Modern bistro style food with Aussie chef, but no
aircon.
Kuta
Nan Xiang (Chinese): Hotel Mercure Arcade, 10
Jalan Pantai Kuta. Call 752 180. It’s rare to find a
decent restaurant in Kuta, so we’re pleased you
can now fulfil your dumpling cravings at this
famous Shanghai restaurant offspring. Ask for a
table on the 1st floor balcony where you can watch
the rabble passing by. Perfect with a cold beer.
Ubud Area
Terazo (International Asian): Jl. Suweta St. Call 978
941. Lunch and dinner. Old school Bali favourite
over two levels. Good for a special dinner.
Siam Sally (Thai): Jl. Hanoman. Call 980 777. From
10am. Delicious Thai outside in the courtyard and
in the Thai style pavilion.
Warung Enak (Pan Asian): Jl. Pengosekan. Call
972 911. From 11am. Bright, kitsch and camp, but
the food’s good.
Gaya Gelato (for the sweet tooth): Jl. Raya Sayan.
Call 979 252. The name says it all.
Mozaic (Asian Fusion): Jl. Raya Sanggingan. Call
975 768. Ubud’s only degustation restaurant.
Twinkly outdoor dining area serving up delights
using local produce. Perfect for a special night out.
Jimbaran
Nusa Dua
Nusa Dua Beach Grill (International): Jl. Pura
Geger. Call 743 4779. Free pick up from your hotel.
Tasty indo fare and grilled seafood. Overlooks
beach.
Tapa (International): The Bale, Jl. Raya Nusa Dua
Selatan. Call 361 775. Free pick up. Cocktails and
tapas style dishes.
Balique (International): Jl. Uluwatu 39. Call 704
945. Lunch and dinner. Vintage style café/restaurant
with tasty bites and great burgers.
Some Retail Therapy
Seminyak Area
Syah: Kayu Aya St, Oberoi, 18C. Custom painted
canvases. Keep the design simple and you’ll get a
great result. Ask for Handoko or De De.
Maru: Jl. Laksmana, Oberoi. Jewels from
Indonesia and Italy.
C Boutique: Jl. Laksmana 8, Seminyak. Bikinis
and party wear.
Body and Soul: Seminyak Square. Gorgeous
gear for bub, tweens and Mum.
Favourite Places to drink
Seminyak Area
The Rock Bar: Ayana Resort, Jl. Karang Mas
Sejahtera, Nusa Dua. Call 702 222. From 4pm.
You have to see the view to believe it. Cliff side
stunner with amazing sunsets. Don’t miss it.
Hu’u: Jl. Petitenget, Seminyak. Call 736 443. From
6pm. Best visited on the weekend. Buzzing vibe
with DJ, dancefloor, pool and sparkly garden. Two
pavilion style bars.
Ku De Ta: Jl. Laksmana 9, Seminyak. Call 736 969.
From lunch. Slip into your Camilla kaftan and watch
the sun go down with the beautiful people. If
you’re the exhibitionist type take along your bikini
or trunks and lounge by the beachside pool. Good
music and bar menu. Give the expensive a la carte
dinner menu a miss. Good people watching.
Potato Head: Jl. Petitenget, Seminyak. Call 473
7979. 11am-2am. Amazing building in retro style
with beach view. Great for drinks, partying, lunch
or dinner. Who knew there could be so many
designer dresses in one place?
Bamboo Blonde: Jl. Laksmana, Seminyak.
Trendy threads.
By the Sea: Jl. Laksmana, Seminyak. Male, female
and kids beach gear.
Jl. Dhyana Pura: This is a street full of gay and
straight bars. All tacky or kitsch, but good for a
laugh. Don’t go before 11pm.
Hikari’s: Jl. Laksmana, Seminyak. Japanese
clothes in beautiful fabrics.
Ubud
Niluh Djelantik: Jl. Raya Kerobokan, Seminyak.
Shoes and bags, with a bespoke service.
XL Shisha Lounge: Jl. Monkey Forest. Call 975
751. Laid back with a Middle Eastern theme.
Have a puff on the hooka pipe or play the
musical instruments. Live music every night from
7.30pm. One of the few places in Ubud you can
stay out late.
Dandelion: Jl. Basangkasa, Seminyak. Lovely
kiddie gear.
Lilla Lane: Jl. Raya Kerobokan, Seminyak. Sparkly
sandles and bags.
Biasa: Jl. Raya Kerobokan, Seminyak. The bees
knees of kaftans.
Biasa Gallery: Jl. Raya Kerobokan, Seminyak.
Modern art.
Jl. Mertanadi and Jl. Tangkuban Perahu: Lots
of furniture and interior design stores. Get a car
and driver to help you explore. Most have shipping
service to get the big stuff home.
Jenggala Ceramics: Jl. Uluwatu 11, Jimbaran.
Modern and lovely ceramics for the home.
De-Lighting: Jl. Batu Culung 1, Kerobokan.
Believe it or not this place sells lights. They supply
many of the local restaurants.
Mui: Jl. Laksamana, Oberoi No. 33. Home décor
and gifts.
Blue Glue: Jl. Raya Kerobackan, Oberoi. French
swimwear ooh la la.
Ubud
Gaya Ceramic & Design: Jl. Raya Sayan.
Handmade ceramics and stoneware.
Design Unit: Jl. Sanggingan. Interior design
objects that are unique and interesting.
Shalimar: Jl. Hanoman. Homewares
and trinkets.
Lem Viet Bali: Cnr Jl. Hanoman & Jl. Dewi Sita.
Lovely handmade belts and bags.
Kado: Jl. Dewi Sita. Modern recycled
paper products.
Leolle: Monkey Forest Rd. Homewares, candles
and the like.
Tn. Parrot: Jl. Dewi Sita. Vintage graphic t-shirts
with Bali vibe.
1300 15 91 15
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Guide updated 16 January 2014