Hello Everyone and welcome to another Travel Monday. So far you have guides for Albania, Cork Ireland, Penang Malaysia, Portland Oregon, and Sabah, Malaysia. I hope when travel resumes you will check some of these places out. Today we are going back to June 2019 in Bali. This guide isn't your typical Bali guide. I take you to some local food spots and give you some tips on how to really experience Balinese life.
Everyone can come at me I know I know but I have a love-hate relationship with Bali. I have been there a few times and the taxi taxi, scooter, motorbike, tour, tour following you around is not my thing. I can't stand that every tour guide wants to take you to the same tea shop even though you said you want a local experience. I love the Balinese culture and find it so interesting. However, it seems at times it is very monetized. There are multiple scams I witnessed even at temples. That being said if you can find your way into the culture it is very amazing.
One of the best times I had is when we ditched our guide( Who was also marketing himself to other people on our private tour) and walked to the top of a temple with the locals. It was a crazy hike that most foreigners won't do. At the top, we took part in their offering ceremony. It was a true look into the Balinese life authentically. Ok, enough of my semi-rant/love-hate relationship. I know people dream and love Bali so let's dive into this guide. I do love the real Bali and the real Balinese traditions and lifestyles.
Oh hey, everyone check out that first photo recognize it off Instagram. Well, sorry to tell you the water shot is fake it is projected by a mirror. Also, you have to pay to take the photo and the line is hours long. So I took it with only a few people in it lol. Oh, remember when we could travel freely? The second photo is immigration at midnight in June entering Bali. ( I took this picture because our "friend" driver was complaining that we were taking too long and he had been waiting.) Man, I gotta say I do miss the days when all you needed was money, a passport, and a plane ticket to get into a country. Alright now let's dive into the guide.
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Accommodation:
We booked an Airbnb in a very local neighborhood in Bali. The apartment was great far enough from central Kuta but close enough. It was also close to a huge grocery store and mall. I loved the location because again it was local. Set near a mosque. So I enjoy hearing the call to prayer it's like a clock for me. After Malaysia and Indonesia. However, this mosque goes all out. It literally is the loudest mosque I've ever heard and it was so small too. Therefore a bit tricky for an online teacher. However, we made it work. This place is suitable for one online teacher only. It is quite small and one of us had to teach outside. Which wasn't too much of an issue but not ideal. Internet was pretty good with the router inside the apartment. Electricity and gas were not included.- Kuta, Bali
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/11733048?source_impression_id=p3_1623653367_tkVV/aObTyUshO20&guests=1&adults=1
We also stayed in a traditional Balinese house. This property was very local and breathtaking. About an hour's walk from the center of Ubud however, most people use scooters. This place had a kitchen that you could cook in, the rooms were out of this world and every day you could see the family making the offerings. The family is also fantastic and will do tours for you. We wish we would have used them instead of the guides we chose. 100% the type of place you think of when thinking of Bali. Router outside your room and great internet. - outside of Ubud
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/3825822?source_impression_id=p3_1623671884_EEpo8t/zDIppYIk9
Food/Drinks:
Kayu Gadang Masakan Padang-l. Raya Kuta No.80, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Sadly no photo from here but here you can pick the items you want and its placed on a plate. No frills, super local, good flavor, and good price.
No location on this next one but coordinates say; -8.711, 115.181- Photo in pictures 3 and 4. This was an outdoor little food shop that served excellent Balinese food.
Warung BBQ Mek Made-Jl. Patih Jelantik, Legian, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia- Let me tell you about a local gem. Ok, well some Aussie residents also know about it but I went here before they told me. Hands down the best and affordable most dishes 2-4$USD( 2019 prices). Are you kidding that is super cheap for Bali. The family is fantastic and ribs are the way to go. I have photos but they do not do the food justice at all! Photos 5 and 6.
Fat Tony's Bali-Jl. Sriwijaya No.28, Legian, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia- https://www.instagram.com/fattonyskutabali/?hl=en
Oh man, this place makes quite a good burger. I wouldn't miss it if you are in Kuta. Of course, Bali has a lot of Western food as it is a tourist must-see. This is no exception. However, a lot of Western food is overpriced. This place is at a good price and the quality is outstanding.
Johnny Rockets-Jl. Pantai Kuta, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia- Situated in this crazy modern expernive mall is a true American gem. At this time we had been out of the USA for almost a year. Finding this in BALI?! was amazing. I would always go to Johnny Rockets as a kid being from California. It was like going back in time because of the old-school dinner feel. Oh man craving some right now as I am writing this lol.
Domba Coffee Factory-Jl. Mertanadi II Br. Abianbase No.77, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia- This place knows their coffee. They are artisanal coffee roasters with a 20 TON PRODUCTION! Wow, crazy right?
Ted's Bar-Jl. Lb. Bene No.168, Legian, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia- I love a good dive bar and this one checks all the boxes. Like I said before, Aussies love and many live in Bali. At this bar, we watched a big Aussie football match.
Coordinates: -8.709,115.172- I promise you we did eat some local foods. What is more American than pizza, potato skins, and onion rings? Featured in photo 15.
Coordinates: -8.717, 115.185- Stall or small shacks has some of the best food. Hands down my go-to places when traveling. I only have coordinates for you as I don't even know if this place has a name. It is on the side of the road and it is delicious. Even when something might not look the best on the outside the food is usually fantastic. Featured in photos 16 and 17.
Unicorn Cafe Bali by Brie-Jl Batubelig no. 10 A, Petitenget, Kerobokan Kelod, Kerobokan, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia - Brie only 10 years old and her family are not only making your Unicorn dreams come true but they are making the dreams of children at a local orphanage come true as well. You can read more about their story here: https://www.unicorncafebali.com/
Like a lot of the world, things have either been permanently closed or temporarily closed. Thankfully this one is temporarily closed. I hope that you can experience this place when you are in Bali. Featured in photos 18-25.
Roti John’s Bali-Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361, Indonesia- We got off from teaching at 9:30 PM. We did not always want to walk to the center of the city and we didn't want to pay those prices. People raved about Roti John's open 7 days a week from 3 pm-10 pm. This place is delicious and affordable. What is better than that?
Coordinates -8.637, 115.211 - The staple dish of Bali Babi Guling.Now surrounding this area you will see tons of Babi Guling places. However, this one with the stall out front is hands down our favorite. It's a favorite among locals and affordable. I can't seem to get the exact location but go to the coordinates and try to match my photo. Featured in photos 28 and 29.
Swiss Restaurant-Jl. Legian Kelod No.360, Legian, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia- Only Swiss restaurant in Bali opened since 1977! What?! The owner is super nice and the food was really good! I remember it being a bit pricey though. However, it's the only Swiss Restaurant in Bali lol. How I justify things. They also offer tours in German.
Galah Bar-Lawalon Center No.21, Jl. Benesari, Legian, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia- Another bar loved by the locals and Aussie residents. Great place to kick back to some karaoke and watch Aussie football.
The Naughty Duck-Jl. Benesari Kuta, Legian, Badung, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia- Where did we meet all these Aussies that live in Kuta and that took us to all these cool bars you may ask? Well at the Naughty Duck! This place is outstanding not only is it a cool vibe with pool tables and competitions. It also has a damnnnnnn good burger. I mean one of the best. If you're American ask for salt on your fries lol.
Kedai Bubuh-Jl. Tirta Tawar No.888, Tegallalang, Kec. Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80561, Indonesia- Have some traditional food amoungst the rice terrances. Photos 36-38
Mozzarella Ubud-Jl. Monkey Forest No.12, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia- This place serves good pizzas and pastas. It does get rather packed though.
Asty Warung- No., Jl. Tirta Tawar No.888, Tegallalang, Kec. Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80561, Indonesia- Delicious family owned Balinese food.
I swear we ate a lot more Balinese food than I listed here. However, these are the places I could find in my Google photos. This was also our 3rd time in Bali and the best time we've had there.
What to see:
Beaches:
Jimbaran Beach,Kuta Beach,Jerman Beach,Anvaya Beach,Ketuts Beach, Legian Beach,La Plancha Bali,Pantai Batu Belig,Kay Putih Beach, Berawa Beach, Canggu Beach, Batu Bolong Beach,Sanur Beach.
Temples:
Things to be aware of unless you have your own Balinese sarong you must also purchase them to get into temples. Choose your driver wisely some will take you to all the most touristy spots for quite a cost. Go on your own if you can. When at temples you DO NOT HAVE to pay for a guide or transport up to any temple. Please dress appropriately your Instagram followers will understand. Cover up. Let Balinese pray and visit the sites before you.
Patung Dewa Ruci, coordinates -8.722,115.175, coordinates- -8.722,115.177 , Daken Tunon Temple, Pura Dalema Pesanggrahan, Jl. Tegal Wangi 26 Kuta Kabupaten Badung Bali 80361,Pura Maosphahit, Coordiantes- -8.620,115.210, Pura Goa Lawah,Pura Beji Goa Lawah, Pura Puncak Sari, Gate of Heaven Lempuyang Temple, Pura Lempuyang Luhur, Pura Penataran Agung Lempuyang,The gate of Heaven, Pura Paibon Pasek Kertha Sari Kemuda.
Other Sites to visit:
Malls:
Mal Bali Galeria, Beach Walk Shopping Center,Transmart Carrefour
Waterfalls and Rice Fields:
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, Git Git Waterfall, Air Terjun Bertingkat, Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall, Tegallalang Rice Terrace
Alright everyone comment below have you been to Bali? Have you checked out these places? Do you want to go to Bali? If you are thinking about heading to Bali I hope you check out this guide beforehand. I hope these recommendations were helpful. If something didn't make it in my list then it was probably somewhere we went on our other stays in Bali. I only captured the month of June. Or I thought it was too touristy/ over monetized/over-hyped and we didn't go.
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