Terry Travel Itinerary: Bali

Culinary Hotspots for the Sophisticated Traveller

Whether you are a casual reader of Fortune, Forbes, or Travel + Leisure, perusing top viewed Instagram travel-related content, or following along with the recent discussions amongst world leaders at the G20 Summit in November 2022, it is nearly impossible to evade the splash that Bali has made internationally. With wide ranging adventure activities like surfing and scuba diving to relaxing leisure endeavours at resort pools or day spas, the opportunities for an unforgettable holiday are nearly endless in Bali.

Fortunately, for the past 3+ years, we have had the pleasure of calling Bali home, as well as Afterlight Leisure’s creative headquarters, and we are pleased to kick off our inaugural Terry Travel Itinerary series with an overview of our beloved island. As your stewards of leisure, we will break down the most unforgettable dining, hotel, and adventure exploits to help memorialise Bali as your “happy place.”

Following 2 years of border closures, Bali has been bustling with tourists from all over the world since March 2022. Recently infused with an exuberant energy as businesses have opened their doors and enriching cultural sites have welcomed back wide-eyed visitors embracing the unparalleled topographical diversity across the island, following an elongated intermission.
There is no shortage of unique and memorable escapades to embark on during your sojourn, though it is our pleasure to offer the Afterlight Leisure perspective on some of the tantalising experiences and flavours to consider for your next holiday to the Island of the Gods.

Canggu

• Mason: This chic and stylish restaurant is located in the heart of Canggu and serves up a delicious fusion Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. The menu features fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and is the ideal spot for a vibrant dinner with friends. Don't miss the Honey & Mint Halloumi or Wood Fired Barramundi Fillet.
  
• Shelter: Located in a beautiful tropical garden, Shelter is a great spot for a romantic dinner or a special occasion. They serve a variety of international dishes, as well as locally inspired ones, and have a great wine list. Highly recommend the Whipped Chickpeas with flatbread and Honeycomb Salted Caramel Ice Cream Sandwich.
  
• Yuki: This Japanese restaurant is a must-visit for sushi lovers. They use only the freshest ingredients and their dishes are beautifully presented at this beachfront venue.

Seminyak

• Cafe Kim Soo: This chic cafe is a great spot for brunch, with a menu that includes both Western and Asian dishes. They also have a well-curated home furnishings store connected to the restaurant.
  
• Mauri: Another great spot for brunch, Mauri serves up delicious, and beautifully presented, Italian-inspired dishes, with a stunning interior design.
  
• Sarong: This fine-dining restaurant serves up a mix of Indian and international dishes, all made with the freshest ingredients and presented beautifully. This is our top pick for dinner.
  
• Si Jin: This trendy steakhouse offers the best quality steak and a personalised experience down to the knife selection. With the beautiful ambience and great selection of cocktails to match, we urge you to book well in advance of your trip.

 

Uluwatu

• Gooseberry Cafe: Located in a beautiful location near Bingin Beach, Gooseberry Cafe is a great spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They serve a variety of international dishes, as well as locally inspired ones, and have a beautiful outdoor patio with a pool and sunbeds.

• Ours: This trendy restaurant serves up a mix of modern Australian dishes and offers the best playlist on the island. Whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you are certain to have a top notch experience.

• Tabu: This chic restaurant serves up delicious Japanese, Mexican, and other international dishes, as well as a great selection of cocktails and win

Ubud

• Zest: This chic restaurant is a great spot for lunch perched in the hills overlooking the jungle, with a menu that includes both Western and Asian vegan dishes. This is a hotspot for people watching and certain to be a memorable experience.

• The Sayan House: This fine-dining restaurant offers a fusion of delicious Japanese and South American dishes, all presented beautifully. The Sayan House offers, perhaps, the best view in all of Ubud at the edge of the jungle.

• Room 4 Dessert: This Michelin-approved restaurant is a must-visit for dessert lovers. They serve a variety of delectable sweets, as well as a great selection of wine to pair with them. Be ready to retreat into hibernation after a memorable multi-hour culinary experience.

For the ultimate holiday enhancement, we suggest packing your suitcase with some of our Terry Cloth leisurewear staples designed for elevated lounge settings and adventures beyond your villa perimeter. Our men’s Terry Cloth Polo and Drawstring Terry Cloth Shorts will acclimate you to the best Bali has to offer, from beachfront sunsets to cliff-top live music experiences. If you are packing light, fear not, Afterlight Leisure’s mens, womens, and unisex collections are featured at select luxury retailers in Bali, including Four Seasons, COMO Hotels & Resorts, and Finns Beach Club. 

For additional recommendations with a wider scope, we highly encourage you to check out our friends at The Honeycombers for in-depth guides to maximise your time in Bali. Louise and her team keep their fingers on the pulse of Bali’s hottest venues and are the ultimate tastemakers on the island!