There are a multitude of places to hangout in Bali, but there are a few unique gems that offer something a little more than just your average hangout. Most of the venues listed here are new to Bali, but a few have been around a bit longer. Whether you’re searching from something casual and hip, or high-end, here are seven great places worth checking out on Bali.
1. SIP Wine Bar
Jalan Raya Seminyak No. 16A, Seminyak Tel: +62 361 730021
One is reminded of an upscale New York City café upon entering Sip Wine Bar – an elegant new venue that has more wines than you’ve ever dreamt of. They offer perhaps the most extensive wine list on Bali. You can buy wines by the sip, glass or bottle – a truly one-of-a-kind service guaranteed to satisfy your wine compulsions. You won’t find your average tourist or expatriate here, because the prices are for those with more affluent tastes. The atmosphere is a wonderful mix of contemporary chic Parisian bistro with rustic touches that create a warm and inviting environment. The menu offers an eclectic and extravagant selection of French haute cuisine such as foie gras and a mouth-watering veal stew. One of their best sellers is the Tomato Confit Salad which has a melt-in-your mouth feeling and is not to be missed; the Strawberry Feuillete is also divine and beautifully presented. The service here is definitely one of the best I’ve experienced throughout Bali, and certainly on par with any five star hotel. It’s the perfect place for a romantic night out on the town.
2. Pulp Art Juicetaria
Jl. Umalas 2 No.78, Kerobokan Tel: +62 361 731212
This great neighborhood hangout just opened its doors a couple of months ago in the heart of Umalas. They offer some of the best fresh juices and smoothies in Bali. They also have delicious frozen yogurt, make-your-own salads, scrumptious wraps and home-made desserts. No preservatives are used and everything is 100% organic, which is a rarity in Bali. Creative juice choices like their ‘Carrot Cold Buster – a delightful concoction of beet & greens, carrots, celery & bee pollen, or ‘Banana Cashew Buttercup’ are guaranteed to quench your thirst as well as fill you up. Or go for a ‘Go Chi Shot’ – the most powerful anti-ageing food in the world from the Himalayas. The relaxed atmosphere has comfy sofas to lounge on inside the air-con café, or you can chill outside bistro style and watch people walking their dogs or strolling by. Orly’s evocative photographs are displayed throughout the café in cool portal-like windows. Café owners Sajan and Orly, have created a unique place that expats can hangout at while enjoying delicious juices and great photography which is also for sale.
3. Earth Café & Zula
Jl. Laksmana, Oberoi #99, Seminyak Tel: +62 361 736 645
Jl. Dyana Pura #5, Seminyak Tel: +62 361 732 080
E-mail: downtoearth@dps.centrin.net.id
Zula’s was the first vegetarian paradise to open its doors in 2003 on the busy eat street in Seminyak. Liat, the own of both restaurants say there are some differences in the menus, but basically the concept is the same – nutritious and delicious food that is mainly organic and is purposefully combined in a macrobiotic formula ensuring that you get a well balanced meal. “It’s all about creating a holistic lifestyle,” says Liat, who trained as a dancer for 25 years and teaches cooking & nutrition classes at her vegetarian gourmet cooking school, ‘Down to Earth’. You or your staff can learn how to cook healthy and tasty vegetarian dishes while learning about the benefits of eating a macrobiotic and raw foods diet. Both cafes offer Mediterranean and Planet platters – specially designed dishes with all the ingredients to create a balanced diet. Zula is vegan but they do use honey, and Earth Café offers yogurt and goat cheese. Liat has also created a wide array of organic products like hummus and Maca Jahva – a natural alternative to coffee. These products are available in many local supermarkets and specialty stores around Kuta, Sanur & Seminyak. Earth Café customers can also enjoy a good assortment of spiritual and political films that are available for viewing during dinner hours, or head over to Zula for an occasional astrology or poetry night. Future plans? Liat is building a dance studio at the back of Earth Café and also hopes to construct an Ozone water pool.
4. Biku
Jalan Raya Petitenger No. 888, Br. Umalas, Kerobokan. Tel: +62 361 8570888
As you enter the striking tea lounge you will immediately detect an old world charm reminiscent of Java. It is the only one of its kind on the island of Bali. Biku’s main structure is an old Joglo house from Java that dates back to the 1800’s. The floor has been beautifully finished with colored cement tiles that are modeled after the old designs from Java, and the quirky bar has been constructed from an old wooden boat. All the furnishings are a wonderful medley of styles which add to the distinctive character of Biku and further enhance the inviting atmosphere. There are many charming touches throughout the tea lounge such as the little nooks with cushioned wall panelings for more intimate get-togethers, to the dramatic blue drapes which hang from ceiling to floor. There are also several quiet corners where you can check your emails or read a book from the small Ganesha bookshop which is housed inside. Biku offers a truly impressive selection of teas that are both locally grown and imported; they also serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, and of course, afternoon tea.
5. Spike’s Downtown Café
Jl. Danau Tamblingan #174 (next to Jl. Kesari) Sanur Tel: +62 361 282447
This one-of-a-kind NYC style diner opened in Sanur just a year ago. The unique turquoise colored paint and black & white checkered floors add to the quirkiness of this diner, which offers some of the best food in town. Spike’s is honor-bound by their claim to using only fresh ingredients and no MSG. You won’t find any of that pre-packaged junk here. Everything is homemade with an interesting array of choices like ‘Rings of Fire’ – the best onion rings I’ve ever had in Bali! They have a spicy chipotle flavor that is truly divine. They also offer Thai food like ‘Mango Salad’ – another delectable dish which consists of shredded mango, mint and shallots. Their Mexican food is also pretty amazing. Be sure to try the home-made Chicken enchiladas accompanied by guacamole and fresh salsa. The secret sauce hits the mark! Of course they also have great hamburgers and dogs too. Many people come from afar just for the fabulous corn bread or to indulge in one of the gooey brownies with chocolate sauce. In the evening, the diner transforms into an elegant restaurant with tablecloths and candlelight.
6. Gardenia Boutique Guesthouse & Coffee Shop Jl. Mertasari #2, Sanur Tel/fax: +62 361 286 301/286 302 E-mail: cass_h@iinet.net.au
As you wend down Jalan Mertasari just before the Mercure you’ll spot a brand new Guest House and adjoining coffee shop. It’s hard to miss as this quaint alfresco cafe is all white from the chairs, to the tables to the striking Romanesque columns. This one of a kind treasure boasts a definite Dutch Colonial and Javanese décor – a refreshing change from the usual bamboo style cafes scattered throughout Sanur. You might not find much on the menu, because Sani and Koming, the owners of Gardenia, like to keep things simple. Instead, there are daily specials on offer which are sure to satiate your western palate. Specials have included: lamb chops, lasagna, Thai Green Chicken and succulent roasts with all the trimmings. All of their food is homemade with the freshest local ingredients and their desserts are truly fabulous. You definitely have to try their home-made apple pie à la mode! There are seven spacious guestrooms including a disabled room. The rooms are modern with hot water and air conditioning and face out onto a small central swimming pool.
7. Borneo Restaurant aka: Kalimantan
Jl. Pantai Sindhu, Sanur Tel: +62 361 289 291
This might not be the kind of place you’d find in a guide book to Bali, but that’s exactly what’s so unique about Borneo. Most of the customers are long time expats who like coming here for a cold beer and a meal. The food is a little better than average and very affordable compared to most of the new trendy restaurants that are opening up on the main strip through Sanur. One of my favorite dishes is the Chicken Enchiladas plate which comes with Spanish rice, refried beans and homemade salsa. There’s also a decent selection of Indonesian fare and other western favorites like pork chops with mashed potatoes. Bob, the owner opened this quirky restaurant in 1989 when only a few tourists made their way to Sanur from down south. The bamboo décor looks pretty much the same albeit faded, and the rattan chairs are funky further adding to the charm of this unique hang out which will hopefully be around for another 20 years or more.
