Visiting Bali? Here’s a Curated Guide From a Longtime Visitor

An almost-familiar feeling

I felt an unbearable burst of excitement as I stepped off the plane and into the warm embrace of Bali’s humid air. I could feel the wind as I passed through the jet bridge, the dampness mixed with hints of frangipani and burning incense from a nearby shrine. 

Denpasar International Airport, an eclectic mix of chaos and charm, was filled with the happy faces of travelers. The terminal buzzed with life and the sound of flapping flip-flops, the kind that slaps the heel in a rhythm only understood by those who’ve landed somewhere warmer. 

The drive to the hotel was a vibrant motion blur—vendors, island dogs, the occasional cow, and motorbikes with surfboards strapped to their sides as if they were spears, weaving between endless rice paddies. Elderly women walked on the streets, balancing baskets of succulent fruits on their heads. 

As I approached my destination, I noticed the faintest tinge of salt in the air from the sea. Eventually, the sight of more surf shops and spas signaled that I had arrived to my haven of laid-back luxury. 

The Bali I came for, where sunsets are painted in shades of tangerine, where well-formed waves splash on sharp rocks, and temples loom with their old-world charm, was still there. But the island evolves at breakneck speed. Now, a flat white or cappuccino is now served with a MacBook as a side dish. The melukat, a sacred cleansing ritual of the mind, body, and spirit, now feels like a mere tourist experience for social media to devour. 

But make no mistake—Bali still allures you with something new, something waiting to be discovered. So whether you’re visiting the island for your own Eat, Pray, Love spin-off, or you’re simply down for a good tan or massage, you’ll definitely be greeted by the locals with a resounding om swastiastu.

Where to dine in Bali

Shelter

At Shelter, Bohemian soul meets elevated culinary experiences. The restaurant has a breezy open-air design with a shaded terrace and tropical greenery springing from every corner.

Serving a fusion of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors, Shelter allows you to enjoy smoky and spice-filled dishes while dining in comfort. 

Locavore NXT

Locavore NXT emphasizes local produce, sustainability, and innovation. The restaurant insists on using furniture and glassware made from local craftsmen. The sequel to the acclaimed Locavore has a rooftop food forest, fermentation lab, and a mushroom growing chamber.

Each menu is served in different locations within the building, making the fine dining experience feel like an adventure.

Sensorium

The common sight at this modern restaurant is a bustling, energetic scene: families, couples, and even solo travelers come to experience its unique offerings. Chef William Salim and his team blur the boundaries between Australian cuisine and bold Asian flavors in a quirky way.

The restaurant is praised for its dry ramen with sprinkles of texture on top, such as furikake mixed with various crunchy ingredients. 

La Lucciola

This charming, open-air seating restaurant is Bali’s beloved dining spot in Seminyak, praised for its relaxed atmosphere and brunch menu. Here, you’ll dine amid swaying palms and under a thatched roof, just a few steps away from the beach.

The menu is a tribute to regional Italian fare, such as handmade pasta or perfectly grilled seafood that captures a coastal spirit. 

Guests flock to La Lucciola for a sun-soaked breakfast or a candlelit dinner—of course, a decadent tiramisu (or a cocktail, or both) is essential to round out the experience.

Drink up! Bars to visit in Bali

Times Beach Warung

Facing the great blue beyond, Times Beach Warung is a tribute to Bali’s simpler days. Constructed like a seaside shack, the spot captures the soul of traditional Indonesian warung.

Visitors drift after their morning surf or Pilates sessions, sipping a glass of iced coffee (or a cocktail at sunset), snacking while watching the day go by. Here, good times stretch with sand between your toes and the ocean breeze.

Klymax Discotheque

Klymax Discotheque is a late-night temple where the lights and beats are dynamic—the atmosphere is like tropical fever or a hazy dream.

Housed in a modernized warehouse in the heart of Seminyak’s pulsating nightlife, Klymax is home to stylish locals and travelers grooving to state-of-the-art sound design. Open every Friday and Saturday, Klymax is guaranteed to take you to the edge of a Balinese night.

The Shady Pig

Concealed behind an unmarked door in Canggu, The Shady Pig resembles a den with a brooding, seductive air. Upon entry, dim lighting and vintage jazz welcome you, while bartenders in suspenders craft cocktails as if it were performance art.

Whether you’re a connoisseur or a social drinker, The Shady Pig’s experimental cocktails make you the star of your own noir film.

Hotels that make you feel at home in Bali

Further Hotel

Within the emerging hotspot of Pererenan lies a contemporary sanctuary where each suite is its own quiet retreat. Further Hotel is fit for travelers seeking a peaceful escape, but with a dash of style and access to the island’s hip neighborhoods.

The laid-back vibe encourages relaxation, with cozy low-profile beds, textured plaster walls, and blackened timber furnishings bathed in natural light that peers through facade holes. A short walk brings you to Pererenan beach, where surfers gather and the locals lazily stroll.

Lost Lindenberg

Hidden amid palm trees and a spread of black lava sand, Lost Lindenberg is located off the beaten track in the west side of Bali. The hotel sports tree house architecture and wooden interiors, equipped with a communal dining space.

When the sun melts into the horizon, gathering by the bonfire at Lost Lindenberg becomes a simple yet heartwarming experience. As the property name suggests, this hotel is built to slow down your mind

Tandjung Sari

Tandjung Sari is a timeless beauty where history blends with luxury. Established in the 1960s as one of the first hotels to open its doors to tourism, its design blends traditional Balinese architecture with comfort, surrounded by lush gardens, chic bungalows, and ocean views. 

Picture batik tiles and cushions, thatched roofs, and sculptures welcoming guests, beckoning them to unwind and soak up the peaceful atmosphere of Sanur. The shaded, beach-facing seating area at the back patio is mandatory for people-watching and komorebi moments.

Alila Manggis

Situated between the foothills of Mount Agung and Bali’s east coast, Alila Manggis is a two-hour drive from the center of the island.

The charming complex designed by Kerry Hill offers two-story thatched pavilions inspired by wantilan (village meeting halls), accompanied by a square-shaped pool as a focal point. The lush resort offers different journeys designed to keep you entertained, and it’s the ideal place for every sunrise chaser.

Get your Bali culture fix at these spots

The Other Project

How do you define slow living in the form of artisanal ceramics? You might find the answer at The Other Project. Just beyond the buzz of passing motorbikes outside, the retail space offers warm wooden furnishings portraying a tropical zen-like experience.

Choosing the perfect vase or plate feels effortless, thanks to its curated palette and design sensibility that leans more toward utilitarian than trendy.

Sun.Contemporary

This artist-led art gallery in Pererenan showcases Indonesian and international works, ranging from paintings, sculptures, to installations.

The two-story space is tucked away from the main road, situated behind Shelter. The gallery also fosters interactions among a community of like-minded individuals through its creative programs. 

Ruang Arta Derau

Ruang Arta Derau (RAD) is a multifunctional art space in the northern region of Ubud. Built in an inviting space that allows air, light, and passerby to effortlessly flow in, the structure is surrounded by lush rice fields. 

Upstairs, a clean open gallery hosts rotating exhibitions, while below, three studios provide space for artists-in-residence. 

RAD is founded by a dynamic duo couple — a printmaker and a ceramic artist — uniting the living concept of creativity and the natural landscape. 

Tian Taru

Driven by the principle of balancing the elements of life, Tian Taru focuses on reviving the tradition of indigo dyeing. The space, enveloped by lush foliage, disconnects you from the frenetic pace of city life.

Managed by a team of artisans led by textile designer and artist Sebastian Mesdag, Tian Taru invites you to a process that is both scientific and spiritual — each dip is a conversation with nature.