If you’re looking for something to do on the way to or from Echo Beach, or simply for an excuse to go for a jaunt somewhere in Canggu, the Bali branch of Australia’s Deus Ex Machina is perfect. Its Bali “Temple of Enthusiasm” sits amid green paddy in lush gardens, offering up a cafe, a … read the full post

The far western tip of Bali offers a startling change in experiences as you transition from the less-trafficked north coast to the more heavily (and truck favoured) south. Along the way you get to soak up some great forest, excellent views of Java and perhaps a couple of Christian outposts before blasting along the south … read the full post

Located in far northwest Bali, within the confines of Bali Barat National Park, Menjangan Island is famous for its diving, with divers regularly listing it as one of the best places around Bali to dive because of the beautiful coral formations. But what if you don’t dive but enjoy snorkelling? No problem. The main diving … read the full post

Villa Saraswati, on the outskirts of Ubud, is a beautiful, intimate villa with top-notch service; just right for couples who want to feel spoilt without breaking the bank. The villa is in Payogan village, a five-minute drive from the centre of Ubud. Its location isn’t ideal if you want to spend your visit popping in … read the full post

Accommodation offerings on rugged, out-of-the-way Nusa Penida are slim, and mostly focused around the main beach of Toyo Pakeh and in Sampalan, which is also home to the main market on the island. Here’s a rundown of where you can stay at the moment — expect things to change here quickly now though, with the … read the full post

It’s called Gusto Gelato and Caffe. It’s simple. It’s out of the way, tucked down a quiet street a good 10 minutes’ drive north of Bali’s Seminyak, in the more residential Umalas area. If you love ice cream, you’ve got to come here. If you don’t love ice cream, come here, and you will. You’ll … read the full post

With its mismatched furniture, burnished antique lamps and shabby chic vibe, relatively new Mantra on Seminyak’s Petitenget loop — just a short hop from Potato Head, away from the beach — has quickly turned into the place to be seen for dinner or late night drinks in this corner of the world. The feel is … read the full post

Warung Mak Beng in Bali’s Sanur is a one-dish restaurant that draws in the hungry locals, domestic visitors and occasional traveller by the table-ful. For 28,000 rupiah, you’ll get a fried, meaty piece of ikan laut goreng — in this case snapper steak — with a wonderful smoked sambal and kaffir lime on the side, … read the full post

We’re all for enjoying simple days beachside in Bali and love it when we can just be left alone to soak up the rays and dip in the thundering surf. Usually we’re partial to doing it on the cheap — think swim, sand and nasi goreng at Balangan for instance — but sometimes it’s worth … read the full post

The Bistrot has only just opened its gleaming glass doors and is a seductive, stylish addition to the busy scene on Bali’s Jalan Laksmana, or Eat Street, in Seminyak. We stopped by this week for a peek and after-dinner dessert and loved the decor, from the exposed brick walls, antique decorative telephones and semi-open kitchen … read the full post