This is the sort of restaurant any traveller likes to stumble upon: it’s out of the way, serves just one thing, and does that one thing well. At Warung Mertha Sari, there’s no menu, with diners ordering simply by the number of portions they’d like of their specialty, sate lilit ikan, or minced fish sate. … read the full post

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

If you’ve spent any downtime in the part of south Bali where you’re kind of looking east (that’s be Sanur, Nusa Dua, Serangan or Candi Dasa for starters) you’ve probably had some helpful local or tourist point out that the two islands you see offshore are Nusa Lembongan (the little one) and Nusa Penida (the … read the full post

It seems Lombok is really starting to hit its strides popularity wise. Perhaps some travellers are being put off by the higher costs and larger crowds of Bali, while others are drawn to the increasingly lyrical reports from Lombok’s southern beaches. Whatever the reason, the best news is there are plenty of ways to get … 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

Bali’s Nusa Penida has so far escaped the rampant development of south Bali and is a long way from approaching even the level of congestion on neighbouring Nusa Lembongan. Which is strange, considering it offers some stunning beaches, amazing cliffs and wonderful, desolate scenery — there’s plenty here to see and do for a few … read the full post

Near the village of Ped on Bali’s Nusa Penida, the Friends of the National Parks Foundation (FNPF) runs a programme aimed at protecting and boosting the numbers of the endangered Bali starling, or Bali mynah. Numbers of the pretty bird, with white plumage, a long white crest and distinctive bright blue frame around its eyes, … 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