In my last post I had said I didn’t want this only to be a travel blog, however moving to Singapore was largely for its location, and does mean that I will be aiming to slowly conquer this part of the world. So get ready for some travel gloating!
When I was in the UK, Bali was one of the most highly demanded honeymoon destinations with newlyweds dreaming of escaping to a white sandy beach, under a palm tree, with a fresh coconut in hand, as you watch the tide come in. My visions were very much the same, throwing in a bit of snorkeling and beach bars, and I was not to be disappointed. My incredible travel buddy (he paid me to say that) and I took a Thursday evening flight, landing in Bali for midnight, and jumped straight into an airport taxi to Seminyak Beach Resort.
There’s a few things about Bali that really stood out to me, firstly the service and friendliness of all the people you meet. I couldn’t get over how polite everyone was ALL the time. Anywhere else you’d think they had a hidden agenda, but not the Balinese, they are just genuinely nice people who are more than ready to help the hoard of tourists that repeatedly frequent their lands.
Secondly, everything is so cheap! Ok, I have lived in London and Singapore, both notoriously known for being a bit of the expensive side, but Bali was a major shock to my system. How can this little slice of heaven be so affordable? $18 dollars for a mani, pedi and foot massage, I should have been having them daily, except for my fear of being touched, and feet in general (interestingly enough there is a word for that, Podophobia!). And taxis everywhere were SGD $1, fact: all Uber and Grab services were banned from the area we were staying in, in a bid to encourage the use of local services.
And thirdly, the shopping in Seminyak was unreal. Coming from a person who genuinely dislikes roaming the shops and trying things on in sweaty changing rooms (my best friend is ASOS free returns), I have to say the clothes are pretty impressive, and shockingly fashionable for an island where people are always in their swimwear. Although funnily enough, this was maybe not quite as cheap as everything else on the island.
We spent two full days and three nights and I definitely could have done with at least an extra day to do more of an activity – but this was a very relaxed trip in preparation for what is bound to be a more “active” few months. So the entire time was spent eating, drinking and swimming.
Food Recommendations:
1. Corner House Brunch
This was a typical western brunch place, which offered many healthy options (I mean there must be a reason the Balinese are all so slim!) The staff were polite, the place clean, but having come from London/Singapore this wasn’t anything too different or unusual. The average price for a meal for two was SGD$45.
2. Republik 45
This is a fairly new restaurant in Seminyak, and offers authentic Balinese food. They proudly state that they do not serve any western food in their establishment. Whilst a bit more on the pricy side, the food, wine and atmosphere were brilliant. They had a Flower Power night (which I think just meant people walking around with leis) the evening we were there, which would have added to the atmosphere, but the music was great, and we had an incredible waiter, who bent over backward to accommodate for the awkward vegetarian and made some great recommendations on dishes and wine to try. The average price for a meal for two (+ bottle of wine) was SGD $110.
3. Potato Head
Probably one of the most famous places in Bali, the Potato Head Beach Club offers a different menu to that in their Singapore residence. We went for a Saturday lunch, and the place was brimming full of people (note: cabanas cannot be pre-booked, although tables for dining can be). People set up camp pretty much anywhere, and it was full of beautiful people sunning themselves and partying in and around a rather crowded pool. Whilst we had gone prepared to take a dip, beating the record for how many people we can squeeze into a pool, was not something I wanted to partake in. To be honest, the food was average, nothing to write home about, which was a little disappointing after the number of recommendations we had received to go there. Again a bit on the pricy-er side at $70 for a meal for two and drinks.
4. Italian Corner
Hidden away from the main tourist hotspots, this chic little pizza parlour feels like Italy meet Bali. Serving the basics of garlic bread, bruschetta, caprese salads and pizza, this was always going to be a winner. The food was delicious (apart from the pesto, which I would steer clear off) and the range of milkshakes was second to none. This seemed a popular spot for locals and was reflected in their prices. The average price for a meal for two was $35. Although be sure to ask them to book you a taxi back to your desired destination, as you will find that none pass this secluded area.
Drink Recommendations:
1. La Favela
A super popular club which doubles as a restaurant, is based right in the midst of the buzzing Jl. Kayu Aya. The décor in this place is insane, the entrance reminding me a lot of Kanaloa (London) and the internal very much living up to its name with a more Brazilian theme. Dim-lighted and superbly busy, this is a hotspot for a good night out.
2. Bossman
This just pulled us in because of the name. Our friend continuously uses the phrase Boss, which has now led to Neil often using it, and a drink at Bossman seemed appropriate. It’s just off Jl. Kayu Aya, and more suitable for a quiet drink, although seems like the place that can get rowdy!
3. W Hotel
The W was, as expected, stunning. Well decorated, imaginative, very busy and filled to the brim with people wanting to live the high life, and at rates of c.SGD$500 a night, you can see why! We stopped for a quick drink, which were all W specials (feel like there’s a theme as at the W in London, all the cocktail names begin with a W) and lounged on their incredible sofabeds by the pool. They are also pretty popular for their afternoon tea, which we didn’t stick around for, but has been previously recommended to us. It was the perfect place for a casual cocktail and some stunning scenery.
4. Vin
By far my favourite find in Seminyak. This wine specialty bar on Jl. Masamana Oberoy served a variety of world wines, in a beautiful setting with live music in the background. Whilst this wasn’t an “eat pray love” holiday, this moment most definitely was. I was close to getting up and singing along with the rather talented guitarist and singer, although luckily for everyone there, a lack of dutch courage stopped this from happening. This place comes highly recommended if you’re after a drink in a chilled vibe with some great live music, and was the perfect place to end our holiday.
Bali lived up to all my expectations and as I was floating there in the infinity pool, I thought to myself, if I hadn’t moved to Singapore I don’t think I would have ever made it to Bali. Beach resort holidays had never had that pull for me, but now I see my opinion quickly changing and I’m already nagging Neil to get another similar trip booked!
P.S Reading this back has been informative… I don’t like being touched and I don’t like people – well I’m a joy aren’t i?
