Citi Prestige ® Bali P1 The cult pocket city guides and mobile apps for the busy, sophisticated traveler CITI PRESENTS LUXE CITY GUIDES luxecityguides.com BIG, LUSH, GREEN AND GORGEOUS, BALI IS KNOWN AS THE ISLE OF THE GODS WITH GOOD REASON. gorges of Ubud and the largely untouched west and outlying islands, versatile Bali packs in an abundance of attractions and activities to suit everyone. Add to the mix a beautiful, intact culture and lovely inhabitants, and you may just have found heaven on earth. / LUXE BALI Intro It boasts a stunning natural landscape, world-class hotels and villas, delicious local and well-executed international cuisine, happening bars and beach clubs, chic shops and luxurious spas. From the shores of Seminyak and the rugged clifftops of Uluwatu, to the jungles and Blah Blah LUXE Insider LUXE Loves LUXE Loathes Drab vs. Fab LUXE Itineraries Citi Prestige ® Blah blah • Apr-Oct is dry, mid Oct-Mar is the wet season. The Bali high season is Jul-Sep and Aug is party central • Denpasar airport operates a US$35, 30-day visa on arrival system, payable in multi-currency; the queues in peak season beggar belief, but you can skip past them with customs assistance service Bali Fast Forward / balifastforward.com • Denpasar Airport to Seminyak 30-45mins / US$8 by cab (you must buy a coupon in advance), but most hotels and villas will include transfers, so do check • The currency is rupiah and there are plenty of ATMs • Most places take credit cards but add a 3% service charge. Small warungs and cafes mostly likely accept cash only P2 / LUXE BALI Intro • Hire a car and a driver (it’s extremely cheap and stops selfdrive issues and accidents) from Golden Bird Limousine & Car Rentals / bluebirdgroup.com • Give your driver a small float – slipping 20 rupiahs here and there to legal parking hawkers is normal • If you stay overnight anywhere, drivers are usually happy to stay in a homestay, your villa should be able to organize this • On arrival at your villa staff will require your passport to register with the police – this is standard • Read up on Balinese customs to avoid enormous offense. Some ceremonies and sacred places only admit women at certain times, and touching a child on the head is considered extremely rude Blah Blah LUXE Insider LUXE Loves • Temples and ceremonies – you MUST wear a sarong and sash (which are available at temples) • Most restaurants and bars are airconditioning free and open-air • Bali can run dry, so stock up on duty-free liquor • Avoid the area of Kuta like you would cholera • Beach / pool etiquette – topless is ok for women if done discreetly, but bottomless is not ok for anyone • International country code is +62, landlines start with 0361, and mobiles with 08 • International operator 101, police 110, fire 113, ambulance 118, IDD 001 LUXE Loathes Drab vs. Fab LUXE Itineraries Citi Prestige ® LUXE INSIDER Will Meyrick CHEF Will Meyrick’s career has led him from Scotland to London to Australia and extensively across Southeast Asia, where he fell in love with the region’s exotic spices, flavors and textures. After successful periods with two of Sydney’s leading restaurants, Longrain and Jimmy Liks, Will settled in Bali and opened his flagship fine diner Sarong, followed swiftly by hip home-style eatelier, Mama San. Will continues to explore the culinary landscape of Asia, taking inspiration from the unique food culture of his every destination. His first book, ‘Inspirations of Sarong’, was published in 2012, and he has appeared as a judge on Top Chef Indonesia. willmeyrick.com P3 / LUXE BALI Intro Blah Blah LUXE Insider LUXE Loves LUXE Loathes Drab vs. Fab LUXE Itineraries Citi Prestige ® LUXE INSIDER Will Meyrick WHAT’S THE ONE THING EVERY VISITOR MUST DO? WHAT ARE THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS? WHAT’S THE BEST LOCAL DELICACY? Visit the island of Nusa Lembongan. It’s still fairly undeveloped and reminiscent of Bali 30 or 40 years ago. Think great beaches, perfect surf, no cars (only motorbikes), traditional fishing boats bobbing on the water and surf-fresh seafood. It’s also really easy to get to from the mainland so it makes a great short trip. Barefoot chic – love it. While heavily touristed, the restaurant at Ku De Ta is still one of the best. I usually find a quiet corner on a night early in the week, then just let the chef Ben, decide what he feels like dishing up. They often send out their newest creations – it’s always good, and there are never any leftovers. [Ed. note: KDT’s tasting kitchen Mejekawi is now open upstairs too.] WHAT DO YOU DO FOR A FUN NIGHT OUT? Warung Kolega (Jl Petitenget 98A / Seminyak / +62 361 473 2480), right next to Sarong on Seminyak’s Jalan Petitenget. Mixed Javanese specialties with great rendangs and curries. Their Nasi Campur is one of the best. Only go for a late breakfast or early lunch, as the food is always finished by 2pm. Babi Guling is a must-try. The best version is served at the famed Ibu Oka (Jl Suweta / Ubud / +62 361 976 345). There’s a reason that some of the most famous chefs and foodies from around the world wax lyrical about it. Succulent, juicy pork, slowroasted with local Balinese spices, then carved up into chunks and served with crackling, crunchy fried innards (optional), salad and sambal. Basic setting, simple food, but so, so good. Well, I know I’m biased but the bar upstairs at Mama San is the place to be in Bali at the moment. Apart from the cocktails, what makes it fun and different is that you’ll meet some of the most interesting people on the island on any given night, not just the general hordes of holiday-makers. From the creatives who make Bali such an interesting design hub – artists, writers, designers, producers, stylists, musicians – through to pro surfers chasing the swell across the archipelago. They all come and it’s never the same. P4 / LUXE BALI Intro SIP, on a foodie level, offers great attention to detail. It’s also indoor, airconditioned, serene, and the service is attentive and warm. The escargot and pâtés are fabulous, as is the black pepper steak. My wife Wati and I always share and order the same thing! Great wine list too, albeit an expensive one. Blah Blah LUXE Insider LUXE Loves WHAT’S A TOURIST TRAP TO AVOID? Without a doubt, Kuta. Granted it’s world famous, but for all the wrong reasons. It’s everything you would dislike about an international tourist mecca – all the culture and history has been crowded out by DVD shops, touts and hawkers, pollution and traffic, sunburnt, Bintang-singlet clad tourists watching football matches in bars – the whole nine yards. LUXE Loathes Drab vs. Fab LUXE Itineraries Citi Prestige ® LUXE Loves ALILA VILLAS ULUWATU COMO SHAMBHALA ESTATE LUNA 2 STUDIOS Villa Hotel Hotel Perched atop Uluwatu’s rugged cliffs, this eco-chic getaway seamlessly blends modern design with jawdropping natural surrounds, and the result is the epitome of high style. The fantastic spa, infinity pool and local and international fare at The Warung and CIRE restaurants make actually leaving this villa resort nigh on impossible. A chic wellness retreat with everything required for ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation, including luxury suites and villas, a state-of-theart gym, pilates studio, yoga pavilion, vitality pool, an excellent spa, organic and Indonesian cuisine at Glow and Kudus House restaurants, plus a spectacular position right next to the picturesque Ayung Gorge. Color and Pop Art-splashed, retromeets-futuristic designer suites ideal for globetrotting fun-seekers. Private butlers cater to your every whim, kids coordinators keep the little treasures occupied, plus there’s 5-star Orbit restaurant and in-house nightclub Pop for rockstar drinking and dining. Jl Belimbing Sari / Pecatu +62 361 848 2166 Banjar Begawan / Desa Melinggih Kelod / Payangan / Ubud +62 361 978 888 alilahotels.com Jl Sarinande 20 / Seminyak +62 361 730 402 luna2.com comohotels.com P5 / LUXE BALI Intro Blah Blah LUXE Insider LUXE Loves LUXE Loathes Drab vs. Fab LUXE Itineraries Citi Prestige ® LUXE Loves SARONG MOTEL MEXICOLA BARBACOA Dining Dining Dining Bali insider Will Meyrick’s lively panAsian restaurant is one of the island’s most decadent and popular. Sit in the ambient indoor salon, or take a garden table under the stars, and savor his always interesting and impressive street food-inspired dishes. The nochildren-under-12 policy also makes it a perfect spot for romancing. Get ready to rock at this riotous ramshackle cantina that takes its cue from just south of the border. Eyepopping colors and trinkets burst from and cram into every nook and cranny, zesty small plates beckon from the menu, fun fiesta vibes abound and they’ve got the best margaritas on the island – need we say more? Jl Petitenget 19x / Kerobokan +62 361 473 7809 / dinner daily Jl Kayu Jati 9x / Petitenget +62 361 736 688 lunch & dinner daily A smoking-hot ode to the South American barbecue, set over a cavernous barn-like space of colorful ceramic floors, worn leathers and fulllength arched windows, plus a peaceful patio out back against a rice paddy backdrop. But the stars are on the plate, with traditional wood-burning ovens and parrilla grills turning out slow-cooked 8-hour asados, pulled pork tacos and toasty hot chapa bread. sarongbali.com Jl Petitenget 14 / Kerobokan +62 361 739 233 / lunch & dinner daily motelmexicolabali.com barbacoabali.com KILO ROCK BAR MOZAIC BEACH CLUB Dining Bar Bar Forgive the ominous belt-busting epithet and dive straight into fusion small plates packing a serious punch with produce including locally sourced salt-baked snapper with a saffron sauce, and tender Wagyu fillet served with a fiery sambal belacan. Pair that with a snug, laid-back setting of polished concrete floors, tropical greenery, floor-to-ceiling windows and the requisite hip crowd, and you have Bali’s most coveted table. Drinking in Bali doesn’t get more glamorous than this. Descend from the cliffs to the rocks below by inclinator and soak up the postcardworthy 360-degree setting of Ayana Resort’s open-air stunner. With its sleek minimalist fit-out, shimmering Indian Ocean views and fresh, tropical drinks list, Rock Bar is the spot for sunset cocktails. Situated on Batu Belig beach, mere steps away from the see-and-be-scene W Hotel, this chic beach club not only boasts a stretch of prime real estate on Seminyak sands, but also a clever fusion of Asian-inflected fine-dining within, casual tapas and light bites poolside, an extensive wine and signature cocktail list, plus a lively but always stylish party atmosphere to boot. Jl Dupradi 22x / Seminyak +62 361 474 1006 / dinner daily Ayana Resort / Jl Karang Mas Sejahtera / Jimbaran +62 361 702 222 / 4pm-1am daily Jl Pantai Batu Belig / Kerobokan +62 361 473 5796 11am-1am daily ayanaresort.com kilokitchen.com P6 / LUXE BALI mozaic-beachclub.com Intro Blah Blah LUXE Insider LUXE Loves LUXE Loathes Drab vs. Fab LUXE Itineraries Citi Prestige ® LUXE Loves LA FAVELA JARI MENARI ELEPHANT SAFARI PARK Bar Spa Activities Via a vine-draped wooden boardwalk off Seminyak’s buzzing Jalan Laksamana Oberoi, the local style set swish into this cavernous multi-storey, multi-space offering that fuses sultry, quirky decor and art (think pressed tin ceilings, salvaged furniture pieces and even a full-size VW Kombi van) with natural elements like rockpools and trees growing up through the structure. Keep an eye out for the resident otter! Simple, calm decor and highlytrained male masseurs make this spa hugely popular amongst locals and visitors alike. Their signature rubs blend long massage strokes with rocking, stretching and palm-pressure techniques, resulting in the ultimate blissful relaxation. Come to play for a day with these frolicking, rescued Sumatran elephants, or stay overnight in the 25-suite lodge. Guests can climb aboard Nellie for safari tours and starlit strolls, plus there’s a discovery museum, daily shows, lush tropical gardens, and a neat selection of decent international restaurants. Jl Laksmana Oberoi 177x Seminyak +62 361 730 603 / 11am-3am daily Jl Raya Basangkasa 47 / Seminyak +62 361 736 740 or Jl Pratama 88x / Nusa Dua +62 361 778 084 / 9am-9pm daily Jl Elephant Park Taro / Ubud +62 361 721 480 elephantsafariparklodge.com jarimenari.com. lafavela.com TALIKA OAZIA JENGGALA TEMPLE OF ENTHUSIASM Activities Shopping Shopping Take to the high seas aboard the Alexa, an exclusive single cabin cruiser in pristine white, transformed from a traditional two-masted sailing ship into your own private pleasure boat. Embark on a bespoke voyage of discovery with nothing but the crystal clear ocean, deep blue sky and a personal chef and crew for company. Indonesia as you have never seen her before. Founded in 1976, Jenggala offers a huge and quality selection of sleek contemporary and fun, fanciful ceramic wares, all designed and manufactured in its Bali factory. Their collection is available in a wide array of colors, or you can create your own custom pieces. Plus there’s a fabulous on-site cafe too. An expansive rice paddie-surrounded complex consisting of a gallery and retrofitted showroom run by gents’ lifestyle brand Deus Ex Machina, which will have manly types all revved up with their customizable motorbikes and surfboards. For everyone else there’s a swell cafe with teak terrace and beanbag-dotted courtyard, serving Thai bites and craft beers. Jl Uluwautu II / Jimbaran +62 361 703 311 / 8am-8pm daily Call +62 361 846 9160 Jalan Batu Mejan 8 / Canggu +62 361 811 315 / 8am-10pm daily jenggala.com deuscustoms.com alexaprivatecruises.com P7 / LUXE BALI Intro Blah Blah LUXE Insider LUXE Loves LUXE Loathes Drab vs. Fab LUXE Itineraries Citi Prestige ® LUXE Loathes TEMPLE TOUTERS KUTA PLASTIC BAGS/POTHOLES Polluting sacred sites with their cheap wares and disrespectful attitudes. The once lovely area is now overrun with loud, obnoxious tourists, brash bars and clubs, and is completely sapped of all culture and beauty. The scourge of the wayside. IMMODEST TOURISTS Topless, bottomless, witless, and downright shameless. P8 / LUXE BALI Intro Blah Blah LUXE Insider LUXE Loves LUXE Loathes Drab vs. Fab LUXE Itineraries Citi Prestige ® Drab vs Fab P9 COOKING CLASSES HIRE A BIKE TEMPLE TRAP While the standard of international food in Bali is good, coming all the way to Indonesia to eat only western cuisine is nigh on inexcusable. Instead, learn to cook and eat local specialties like nasi goreng, nasi champur, curries, satays and sambals at culinary schools Casa Luna or Bali Asli. Bali’s back roads are notoriously bumpy, so rather than sitting cooped up in the backseat of a taxi, we say dodge the potholes and get the wind in your hair on the back of a Harley Davidson with Bali Eagle Bikers, or for the fainter of heart, try your luck on a bicycle with Bali Bike-Baik. GIVING BACK AQUA APPRECIATION Don’t have your spiritual temple experience ruined by droves of underdressed, camera-wielding tourists at popular sites like the Uluwatu Monkey Temple. Head to the lesser visited and lovely Pura Lempuyung, Pura Pasar Agung and Pura Luhur Batukaru temples, or better yet, hire a private guide with Alila Villas for the ‘Journey of Enlightenment’ tour which stops by some of Bali’s most sacred sites. While the ideal holiday involves a good deal of indulgence, don’t forget to indulge your inner philanthropist too by supporting local charitable efforts. There are many worthy causes, such as eco-educational campus Green School, children’s learning at The Bali Hati Foundation, and cultural foundation and shop Threads of Life, so checkbooks out and get giving! Bali is rife with innumerable, far-fromfabulous watersports, from bananaboating to tubing to hot-dogging – the list is endless. To properly enjoy the glamorous Balinese life aquatic, charter your own traditional sailing ship, such as the Silolona, or for the ultimate in big blue romance, try Talika Oazia’s pristine white sea siren Alexa – built just for two. / LUXE BALI Intro Blah Blah LUXE Insider LUXE Loves LUXE Loathes Drab vs. Fab LUXE Itineraries Citi Prestige ® LUXE ITINERARY Romance Bali is a haven of luxurious indulgence and a lovers’ paradise indeed, with a myriad of flame-kindling accommodation, dining, drinking, shopping and spa options on offer. Start the day by treating your special someone to an exotic surprise with a delivery of Heliconia blooms to your gorgeous Alila Villas Uluwatu (see LUXE Loves) clifftop villa. When it’s time to venture out, do it in style in a chauffeur-driven Golden Bird Limousine & Car Rentals (see Blah blah) vehicle, and head into Seminyak where you’ll find a string of streets lined with excellent fashion, accessories, furniture and homeware stores. Book ahead for an appointment to view Natalie Dissel’s knockout jewelry range, including unique handcrafted pieces featuring 18k P10 / LUXE BALI Intro gold, silver and semi-precious stones like amethyst, citrine and turquoise. If you have time, it’s also worth zipping up to Canggu for a root and rummage at Horn Emporium (see LUXE Loves), a fantastic eclectic mix of clothing, antiques, soft furnishings and more. Retail run complete, it’s time to refuel on the beachfront with relaxed international eats at thatched-roof restaurant La Lucciola. Just a few doors down on Jalan Kayu Aya lies The Legian resort, home to one of Bali’s most elegant seaside spas. Their wide range of treatments includes the romantic Legian Love Bath Ceremony, where couples sip champagne while unwinding with an invigorating premassage soak. Feeling rebalanced and rejuvenated, it’s time to meander back Blah Blah LUXE Insider LUXE Loves down the coast, taking in a dazzling Bali sunset with a cocktail in hand at Ayana Resort’s stunning Rock Bar (see LUXE Loves), then staying within Ayana for the ultimate candlelit Pesta Lobster supper. Under a starlit sky, savor your butlerserved, four-course lobster meal and the soft sounds of your private bamboo xylophone orchestra at the end of a secluded wooden pier, then amble back towards your villa at Alila for a nightcap under the stars. LUXE Loathes Drab vs. Fab LUXE Itineraries Citi Prestige ® LUXE ITINERARY Spiritual Relaxation With its beautiful culture still largely intact, Bali is renowned the world over as a destination steeped in charm and history. Forty minutes from the coast and nestled in the cooler mountains, Ubud is Bali’s spiritual hub, and the perfect spot for those seeking more than just your average beachside break. Start your day the right way with some sun salutations at the Yoga Barn, where there’s a range of classes for all levels plus on-site Ayurvedic sanctuary KUSH. Head to eco-chic raw-ganic haven Kafe for a cleansing cup of tea and wholesome breakfast, then channel your inner artiste with a pottery class at Gaya Ceramic and Design – but if creativity is not your strong suit, try a Casa Luna P11 / LUXE BALI Intro (see Drab vs Fab) cooking class instead. Get acquainted with fresh local cuisine and support a Bali institution at rural cantina Murni’s Warung, and be sure to take in Ms. Murni’s fabulous art and curios collection while you’re there. Time for some conscience-friendly retail therapy at non-profit foundation and shop Threads of Life (see Drab vs Fab). The organization keeps ancient traditions alive by commissioning local weavers and dyers to create exquisite museum-quality pieces available for purchase in the on-site gallery. Keeping in the charitable spirit, head to Spa Hati, where the proceeds of its signature four-handed massage go to the Bali Hati Foundation (see Drab vs Fab), and the Blah Blah LUXE Insider LUXE Loves education of local children. Dinnertime! Take a taxi or car to Hanging Gardens Ubud, where homegrown and Bedugal farm-sourced produce and spices star on the globally-inspired menu. Finally, it’s back to your villa or suite at chic wellness retreat COMO Shambhala Estate (see LUXE Loves) where you will no doubt slip into the best sleep you have had in a long while. LUXE Loathes Drab vs. Fab LUXE Itineraries Citi Prestige ® LUXE ITINERARY Action While romance and spirituality are Bali’s draw cards for some, others will want to make the most of the island’s first-rate dining, drinking and activity scenes. Happening Seminyak is where most of the action takes place, so you should begin by checking into a retro rockstar pad at Luna2 Studios (see LUXE Loves), where color-splashed chambers, private butlers and sensational in-house restaurant Orbit and Pop nightclub set the party scene. Stop at pretty Petitenget to pick up a coffee and some light breakfast before heading straight up in an Air Bali helicopter for a bird’seye tour over the island’s Kuta coastline, Tanah Lot Temple, and volcanic crater Mount Batur. With your feet back on P12 / LUXE BALI Intro firm ground return to Seminyak to retail central, Jalan Kayu Aya, where you’ll find a slew of clothing and accessory stores, and no doubt the perfect outfit for your night of revelry. Simple Konsep Store has contemporary and cool island separates for men and women, while Magali Pascal is the go-to spot for glam ladies’ party attire. All this shopping has undoubtedly tired you out, so take a taxi or car south to Menega Cafe, the pick of waterfront Jimbaran Fish Market’s fresh seafood shacks. For those wanting more excitement still, why not spend the afternoon discovering the island’s famous surf breaks with Marcy’s Surf Coaching, or head back into Seminyak to Bodyworks for a spot of primping Blah Blah LUXE Insider LUXE Loves instead? With massage, facial, hair, nail and waxing services, they’ll have you sparkling and all-set for your evening’s exploits in no time. Enjoy cocktails and a spectacular Bali sunset at hip beach club Potato Head, then head to your pre-booked dinner table at one of Jalan Petitenget’s buzziest bunks, Latin American-inspired barbecue house Barbacoa (see LUXE Loves). After sampling their exceptional 8-hour wood-fired asado of the day, finish up the night at super styley imbiber La Favela (see LUXE Loves), then slip home to your suite and into sweet, sweet slumber. LUXE Loathes Drab vs. Fab LUXE Itineraries Citi Prestige ® LUXE ITINERARY The Essentials ROMANCE SPIRITUAL RELAXATION • Heliconia Jl Raya Basangkasa 47 / Seminyak +62 361 732 700 / 8.30am-9pm daily heliconia-bali.com • Yoga Barn & KUSH Jl Raya Pengosekan / Ubud +62 361 971 236 / 6am-9pm daily theyogabarn.com • Hanging Gardens Ubud Desa Buahan / Payangan +62 361 982 700 / lunch & dinner daily hanginggardensubud.com • Alila Villas Uluwatu (see LUXE Loves) • Kafe Jl Hanoman 44b / Ubud +62 361 479 2078 / 8am-11pm daily balispirit.com • COMO Shambhala Estate (see LUXE Loves) • Golden Bird Limousine & Car Rentals (see Blah blah) Natalie Dissel +62 821 4531 1713 / by appt only [email protected] • Horn Emporium (see LUXE Loves) • Casa Luna (see Drab vs Fab) • La Lucciola Jl Kayu Aya / Petitenget Beach Seminyak +62 361 730 838 / lunch & dinner daily • Murni’s Warung Jl Campuan / Ubud +62 361 975 233 murnis.com • The Legian Spa The Legian / Jl Kayu Aya / Seminyak +62 361 730 622 / 9am-9pm daily ghmhotels.com • Threads of Life (see Drab vs Fab) • Rock Bar (see LUXE Loves) • Pesta Lobster Ayana Resort / Jl Karang Mas Sejahtera / Jimbaran +62 361 702 222 / dinner daily ayanaresort.com P13 • Gaya Ceramic and Design Jl Raya Sayan / Ubud +62 361 976 220 gayaceramic.com / LUXE BALI Intro • Spa Hati Jl Raya Andong 14 / Ubud +62 361 977 578 / 9am-9pm daily spahatibali.com • Bali Hati Foundation (see Drab vs Fab) Blah Blah LUXE Insider LUXE Loves LUXE Loathes Drab vs. Fab LUXE Itineraries Citi Prestige ® LUXE ITINERARY The Essentials ACTION • Luna 2 Studios (see LUXE Loves) • Petitenget Jl Petitenget 40x / Petitenget Beach Seminyak +62 361 473 3054 / 7am-11pm daily petitenget.net • Air Bali Benoa Harbor / Jl Raya Pelabuhan Benoa Pesanggaran +62 361 767 466 airbali.com • Simple Konsep Store Jl Kayu Aya 40 / Seminyak +62 361 730 393 sksbali.com P14 / LUXE BALI Intro • Magali Pascal Jl Kayu Aya 177x / Seminyak +62 361 736 147 / 9am-10pm daily magalipascal.com • Potato Head Jl Petitenget / Seminyak +62 361 473 7979 / 11am-2am daily ptthead.com • Menega Cafe Jl Four Seasons / Jimbaran +62 361 705 888 menega.com • Barbacoa (see LUXE Loves) • La Favela (see LUXE Loves) • Marcy’s Surf Coaching +62 8 123 859 454 teachsurf.com • Bodyworks Jl Kayu Jati 2 / Petitenget Beach Seminyak +62 361 733 317 / 9am-10pm daily bodyworksbali.com Blah Blah LUXE Insider LUXE Loves LUXE Loathes Drab vs. Fab LUXE Itineraries
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