Bali is the most popular island holiday destination in the Indonesian archipelago. The island’s home to an ancient culture that's known for its warm hospitality. Exotic temples and palaces set against stunning natural backdrops are some of its top attractions. Dining in Bali presents endless choices of local or far-flung cuisine. After sunset, famous nightspots come to life offering exciting clubbing and packed dance floors. Inland, towering volcanoes and pristine jungles greet you with plenty to see and do. Most can't stay away from the beach for long, though. Enjoy amazing beach resorts and luxury resorts in any of Bali’s famous areas. These include Kuta, Seminyak and Jimbaran where most of the great hotels and villas are right on the beach. They’re also home to most of Bali’s exciting surf spots. For tranquil seascapes and sunrises, the eastern beach resorts are your best bets. These include Sanur, Nusa Dua and the remote coast of Candidasa are your best bets.
Best months to visit BaliMay, June and July are generally considered to be the best time to travel to Bali in terms of the weather. However, depending on whether the traveler is a surfer or explorer, preferences may change. During the dry season, May to October, the western side of the peninsula creates some of the world's best waves.
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Balinese NamesIn general, Balinese people name their children depending on the order they are born, and the names are the same for both males and females. The firstborn child is named Wayan, Putu or Gede, the second is named Made or Kadek, the third child goes by Nyoman or Komang, and the fourth is named Ketut. If a family has more than four children, the cycle repeats itself, and the next ‘Wayan’ may be called Wayan Balik, which loosely translates to ‘another Wayan’.
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Foods You Must eat in Bali
Most people plan their first trip to Bali for the sun and beaches but I would definitely go back for the amazing food. Known for its surf worthy beaches, spiritual retreats and endless outdoor activities, Bali is also a foodie heaven if you know where to look.
Not only will you find authentic cheap local fare but plenty of dining options ranging from a casual cafe brunch, great tex-mex, quality local coffee, enticing patisseries and fresh seafood! Regardless of your budget, it’s possible to have something different and exciting every meal and still afford daily cocktails!
Here’s my take on places to eat in Bali especially for first time visitors.
Not only will you find authentic cheap local fare but plenty of dining options ranging from a casual cafe brunch, great tex-mex, quality local coffee, enticing patisseries and fresh seafood! Regardless of your budget, it’s possible to have something different and exciting every meal and still afford daily cocktails!
Here’s my take on places to eat in Bali especially for first time visitors.
1. Babi Guling (Suckling Pig)
Also known as Balinese Suckling Pig, Babi Guling causes hungry pork fanatics wet dreams. It’s one of the Island’s most famous local dish, where a pig is seasoned with local herbs and spices then roasted whole. The tender meat is served on rice with stewed vegetables, pork sausage, fried pork meat and most importantly the crispy skin. Where to eat this in Bali.
2. Balinese Kopi (Coffee)
Coffee or Kopi in Bali unlike other parts of Indonesia has traders from Lombok to thank, as they brought the first coffee plants to the island. The majority of coffee grows in the north eastern region of the island due to the fertile volcanic soil and ideal climate. An array of cafes and specialty coffee joints in Bali serve up top notch joe in all forms that will only set you back around $2 – $5 SGD (19,700- 50,000 IDR.).
If you find yourself walking around after dinner in central Ubud, do head over to Anomali Coffee as they are one of the coffee joints in the area to close later. Their ice blended coffees are seriously deadly delicious on humid hot nights. Where to drink this coffee in Bali.
If you find yourself walking around after dinner in central Ubud, do head over to Anomali Coffee as they are one of the coffee joints in the area to close later. Their ice blended coffees are seriously deadly delicious on humid hot nights. Where to drink this coffee in Bali.
3. Casual Western Cafes
Eggs benedict, hearty sandwiches, waffles, burgers and other forms of casual western fare are found all over Bali cafes to cater to the massive tourist crowd. Not only are they comparatively cheaper after tax and service charges but portions are generous. There’s no shortage of cafes serving up belly filling and wallet friendly meals all day long. Enjoy a late morning brunch at any cafe or restaurant and expect a main and drink to cost no more than $5.54 – $7.10 Dollars (78,000-100,000 IDR.).
4. Desserts
For all those dessert fanatics, Bali is paradise. There’s an abundance of places to find gorgeous desserts throughout the island without burning a hole in your wallet. Expect small niche coffee shops, patisseries and more unusual and unique places where the desserts are all home made, affordable and delicious. A majority of these trendy eateries are located in Seminyak and Ubud. First time visitors, do at least take a day trip to these areas if you are staying elsewhere.
5. Ice Creams, Gelatos, Sherbets
Who would’ve thought that house made ice creams, gelatos and sherbets would be a common sight in Bali? Most tourists would probably be looking to buy a cold drink or popsicle but would just as easily bump into a small gelateria or a cafe that produces their own ice creams. For those who strictly stick to chocolate or vanilla, it’s time to start expanding your palates with the huge variety of ice cream Bali offers.
Be prepared to be spoiled by the range of flavor choices, as local ingredients such as red dragon fruit, lemongrass, lycee and soursop are also available. Various coffee, alcohol, chocolate and candy flavors are easily found too. Don’t be shy as you can easily try up to 4 flavors in one serving for less than $10 SGD (100,000 IDR.).
Be prepared to be spoiled by the range of flavor choices, as local ingredients such as red dragon fruit, lemongrass, lycee and soursop are also available. Various coffee, alcohol, chocolate and candy flavors are easily found too. Don’t be shy as you can easily try up to 4 flavors in one serving for less than $10 SGD (100,000 IDR.).
6. BBQ Pork Ribs
In case you haven’t realized already, Balinese love their pork. Who could say no to ribs? Especially when its juicy, marinated, cooked over charcoal and served hot from the BBQ pit. Maybe it’s because you’re on holiday or maybe it’s the fact that charcoal grilled meat is the best. Bali has a few well-known places notorious for serving up some of the best ribs, steaks and grilled items.
Naughty Nuri’s BBQ pork ribs are absolutely delicious. A full rack costing only 110,000 IDR. ($11 SGD). Slightly charred on the outside, a good balance of sweet, savory and just slightly smoky although the meat doesn’t fall of the bone like in an American smoke house but is still fantastic. Nonetheless if you’re a fan of BBQ meat make a point to make a rib-stop.
Naughty Nuri’s BBQ pork ribs are absolutely delicious. A full rack costing only 110,000 IDR. ($11 SGD). Slightly charred on the outside, a good balance of sweet, savory and just slightly smoky although the meat doesn’t fall of the bone like in an American smoke house but is still fantastic. Nonetheless if you’re a fan of BBQ meat make a point to make a rib-stop.
7. Bebek Goreng/ Bebek Betutu (Fried/Smoked Duck)
Balinese deep fried duck or smoked duck are two variations of many traditional duck dishes. One consists of duck that has been seasoned and then steamed or boiled before being deep-fried (bebek goreng). The other has the duck wrapped and marinated with local seasonings and then smoked for 24 hours (bebek betutu).
Expect the meat to be lean, flaking off the bone and incredibly tasty. All usually served with rice, sambals and local vegetable sides.
Long established Bebek Bengil, or ‘dirty duck’ in English, is an established restaurant really does serve up some mean duck. Their portions are large and prices on the higher side but very reasonable in comparison to where the locals might dine. Their crispy duck is so crisp that although some may consider it borderline dry, if you enjoy your skin extra crispy to the point where small bones are crunchy treats you’ll love how Bebek Bengil does it.
Expect the meat to be lean, flaking off the bone and incredibly tasty. All usually served with rice, sambals and local vegetable sides.
Long established Bebek Bengil, or ‘dirty duck’ in English, is an established restaurant really does serve up some mean duck. Their portions are large and prices on the higher side but very reasonable in comparison to where the locals might dine. Their crispy duck is so crisp that although some may consider it borderline dry, if you enjoy your skin extra crispy to the point where small bones are crunchy treats you’ll love how Bebek Bengil does it.
