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Bali is a tropical paradise filled with lush rice terraces, breathtaking beaches, vibrant temples, and rich cultural traditions! This post includes quotes, cute, inspirational, and food-related captions to match your Balinese adventures. So, make the most of your trip and use these captions to capture your best memories in this magical island escape!
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Ubud is a secluded town located in central Bali and is known for it’s traditional lifestyle and setting. It’s not party like Gili T, or social like Canggu, but rather calm and old-fashioned in it’s look. Here you will find traditional areas and food spots to enjoy the local parts of what Bali has to offer.
This being said, there’s still so much to do. It’s definitely a location you would need to spend a few days at to make the most of the activities available. We would recommend 3/4 days here and it’s a place you cannot afford to miss! The activities are endless, and the food is to die for… so be sure to add this to your Bali plans!
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Ubud Travel Guide
Activities in Ubud
There are a range of activities that cover many interests so be sure to give yourself enough time to enjoy all Ubud has to offer!
Mount Batur
This is such an amazing experience that a lot of people tend to skip due to the length of the activity. You get to hike up an active volcano.. what more do you want??
The day will start of super early! Earlier than you think- at roughly 2 am for pick-up (depending where you are staying)! From here, you head towards the base of the mountain but stop off for breakfast on the way. It’s not a traditional breakfast but you will be offered tea or coffee and a fried banana for energy. As you relax, it’ll give you time to meet the people you will be hiking with. You then head off to the base of the volcano and begin your ascend. The initial climb is a long stretch of road that becomes steep and then you are to head up some steep steps.
The climb is likely to take 2/3 hours with time taken waiting for people to climb ahead. Unfortunately it can become somewhat congested with people when going up. However, when you get to the top it really feels like it’s just you up there. There’s so many viewpoints to choose from and when you get to the top you are perfectly in time for sunrise. This is the whole reason you wake up at 2am!
The views are absolutely stunning and that’s even on a cloudy day. Once you have taken photos and soaked up the beautiful views, you can head up further to the absolute top and see if from there! Be cautious as there are wild monkeys that live on the volcano and can be aggressive if provoked. The best way to deal with them would be to ignore them and keep your distance where possible.
At the top you will take an hour to soak up your surroundings and more importantly catch your breath and get ready to descend the volcano! Now this is the fun part!
At the top you are shown to a naturally heated spot where the volcano spurts warm gases and heats up the rocks. You can spend time here and the local guides will provide some cool information on how this happens! After this, you head across a narrow strip at the top which is no more than 2 feet wide at points with no rocks to keep your balance with your hands. So be careful!!
Once the scary part is over, the fun begins! The majority of the descent is down through hard grains which is almost like sand. Most people spent their time almost skiing down in their shoes which is much better than walking in our opinion!
The hike is a must and and really offers so much more than the views at the top (even though they are spectacular!). On the way back you are likely to stop off at the coffee plantation and you get the opportunity try many flavours of coffee. It’s not necessary the best thing to do after a long morning climbing a volcano as many would like to just go back and relax but the types of coffee available is awesome with loads of different flavours. These include avocado, coconut and honeycomb to name a few! Find the sunrise hike here.
Jewellery making class
This is a great opportunity to take something away that will always remind you of your travels or of the beautiful place of Ubud! You get to go to a jewellery making class which you are shown the steps to make your own designs and given the materials which is included in the price. If you make simpler designs, you may even be able to make 2/3 types of rings for any family members you want to gift them to!
They help you melt the silver and manipulate it so that it is ready to be cut and designed as you wish!
It’s such an amazing experience and is a great way to make a sentimental gift for yourself or someone important that isn’t just bought at a local market. It’s a design that you have created and the perfect way to round of your trip in Ubud! Just make sure to not book up that day as it’s a 3 hour slot to complete, and you will need most of that time to finish your jewellery. Unfortunately we booked to leave early that day so had to cut our time short on our jewellery making class. Find agreat class here.
Monkey Forest
The Monkey Forest is a popular spots for travellers and visitors when going to Ubud. It’s a forest located right on the edge the town which is home to many monkey that are allowed to roam freely throughout the forest and even into the town. Now, this has caused many problems with the monkey being hit by traffic and also going into shops and restaurants looking for food.
When visiting the park, it’s super important to be aware of your surroundings and keep anything small in a bag or left at your accommodation. This includes food! The monkeys have come accustom to people bringing food into the forest and now see us as providers of food. They will check your body (including pockets and your bag to see if they can find food. One even tried to open our backpack in search for food.
It’s such a beautiful forest which is well maintained for the monkeys and have some amazing spots to enjoy and take photos. However, we would recommend to respect the monkeys privacy and do not approach any monkey and if a monkey does approach, to slowly move aware safely. A lot of people forget these are wild animals and they deserve their privacy.
The park has some luscious walks and some cool bridges you can cross where you can get some amazing photos of the monkeys in all sorts of places. It truly is a cool place to visit to see how the monkeys live. Find a full guided tour here.
Local Markets
In Ubud there is a local market that is in the heart of the town and is a very traditional market. It’s relatively small but offers many handmade items that locals have handcrafted. The prices are affordable as it’s not a popular one for travellers to visit but the quality is there! The market has woodwork, mini statues and an assortment of clothing!
After visiting all the busy and energy zapping activities in Ubud, there’s no better way to relax than strolling through markets and looking at some local stalls!
Campuhan Ridge Walk
This is a very popular trail located a 10/15 minute walk from the centre of Ubud. It takes roughly 1/2 hours to walk the trail there and back so be sure to take your walking boots. On the trail, there is no shade from the sun so if you are to do this on a warm day, make sure to go early in the morning or later in the afternoon when its a little cooler.
The walk provides stunning views and has a tall single palm tree located on it’s path which provides great photo opportunity! We would recommend to walk the trail in the morning just after sunrise (or at sunrise if you can) or just before sunset to get the best views from the trail.
Kecak Fire Show
There is a local temple in Ubud that hosts shows almost every night for spectators to watch and enjoy. The shows are usually in the evening and boast local dances and songs. The fire show is a great way to wind down and spend the evening after you have just eaten and it will help you learn more of the local culture of Indonesia!
The show is placed in a traditional setting with the seating area likely to be stone blocks so don’t expect luxury! It’s a truly unique experience and one we would recommend for all to do!
Tegallanang Infinity pool and rice terraces
These infinity pools are a staple for Ubud and a really popular place for travellers and tourists. They have a number of pools located on the side of the building offering luscious views of rice fields, statues and so much more!
They have a few bars which you can enjoy some cocktails and order food to enjoy by the pools. There’s a lot of seating options available including seating towards in the pools overlooking the scenic views.
This place doesn’t just offer infinity pools and food but so much more!! there are walks you can take around the grounds which have perfect photo stops including aesthetic seating areas and large swings! There’s also bridges with water running through creating a peaceful aroma and it’s a place you can relax in for the day when you need a much earned rest!
The entrance fee is pretty cheap but the food and drinks inside are more expensive than most places in the area so be prepared to pay for that! You also can’t take any food or drink in which is important to know beforehand. Find this tour, where you can visit the Tegallanang Rice Terraces, waterfalls and a jungle swing!
Saraswati Temple
Sarawati is a local temple in the centre of Ubud that boasts some beautiful statues and water gardens. It is known as the underwater palace and has some of the best stone carvings across Bali. It’s home to some amazing artwork and even has a lotus garden which is great for capturing the best photos.
As with many locations, it would be best to visit first thing in the morning to avoid crowds or later in the afternoon. As it is a popular temple, you may find yourself in a busy temple if you don’t plan ahead when visiting. It’s a amall temple which you can walk through within 30 minutes but it’s completely free to visit.
Teganungan Waterfall
Teganungan waterfall is located around 30 minutes south of Ubud in a remote area of Bali. It’s one of the larger waterfalls in the central Bali area being 15 metres tall! There is a fee to entering the area but it is only roughly £1.50 or 20,000 Indonesian Rupiah.
There are some perfectly placed seating or bird nests that are used by travelers to get good photos with the waterfall in the background. You are allowed to go right up to the waterfall and swim in the waters below which is a great way to relax in such a tranquil place. If you aren’t fancying a swim, you can head up on the terraces to grab food with jaw dropping views of the waterfall.
These restaurants are slightly more expensive than local Bali restaurants but they have cheaper alternatives elsewhere on the complex. As it’s a popular spot, it’s likely to get busier the closer you get to lunchtime so if you want to avoid the crowds, it’s best to get there bright and early!
Places to eat in Ubud
There are many food options in Ubud that you can explore. They have a good range of different restaurants with some tasty authentic Indonesian restaurants!
Taco Cartel
This is a Mexican lunch spot that is like a takeout. There is seating but it is a rather small shop that does lovely tasting food! They offer the traditional Mexican choices such as tacos, burritos, and quesadillas.
They even offer deals such a each taco being 19 Indonesian Rupiah for lunch (as of October 2022). The food is cooked in front of you as they have an open kitchen. You can watch the chefs cook your food from scratch! The food from Taco Cartel is super flavourful and offered at a decent price compared to other locations. Our Favourite was the Pork Burrito which is super filling and comes with a lovely spicy sauce to enjoy. However, on the menu is a monster wet burrito which is perfect if you are starving and love a hearty meal!
They offer burgers and other grill type meals which look super good.
Rayjin Ubud
This is a beautiful Japanese food spot that you can’t miss out on! It is known for being a budget-friendly yet tasty Japanese restaurant, you can expect a delightful culinary experience without breaking the bank. The menu features an array of classic dishes like steaming bowls of ramen with rich, savory broths, perfectly cooked noodles, and toppings such as tender slices of pork, soft-boiled eggs, and fresh green onions. Sushi rolls are crafted with care, offering combinations of fresh fish, crisp vegetables, and tangy rice, all wrapped in delicate seaweed.
Donburi bowls provide hearty portions of seasoned rice topped with succulent cuts of teriyaki chicken, beef, or tofu, drizzled with a sweet and savoury sauce. Despite the modest prices, the quality of ingredients and the authenticity of flavours make each meal satisfying and memorable. The cosy, casual ambiance and friendly service further enhance the dining experience, making it a perfect spot for a delicious and affordable Japanese meal. It’s a stunning restaurant located in the heart of Ubud and one you must visit!
Bebek Bengil
This is a traditional restaurant that is bursting full of flavour. It’s a popular spot in Ubud providing high quality foods that is authentic Indonesian delicacies such as the Crispy Duck. The food is reasonably priced and the food is more-ish for people to return back to the restaurant the next day.
The food is certainly persuasive but the views out from the restaurant boast a scenery that not many restaurants in the area can compete with. They have luxurious views of local rice fields and nature creating the perfect experience for food lovers!
Cafe Lotus
This is a must visit as it is located perfectly in the centre of Ubud. It’s sandwiched in between the local temple, street markets, the main street and the local museum! It’s got the perfect location and also provides stunning views of local gardens which is the perfect way to relax in the day and soak up the sun!
The cafe offers hearty, high-quality meals that you cannot miss out on. The food comes at a premium cost but you do get some of the best flavours that Bali have to offer with each dish! They offer traditional meals but also so simple pasta, pizza and sandwich meals that are sure to fill you up and leave you satisfied! This is the perfect stop gap between your hectic day so you can enjoy some good food and stay within the heart of Ubud.
This is a quant hostel located outside the busy streets of Ubud in a quiet and hidden location. It’s premises are located by a small stream and is roughly a 20/30 minute walk into the main parts of Ubud. This location is perfect for travellers who love walking as it offers some beautiful morning walks at a fraction of the price of some stays closer to the centre.
This hostel charges roughly £5 per night for dorm stays and private rooms for £13. You get all basic amenities and there are also some tea and coffee dispensers available free of use! The hostel also provide breakfast included and you have a choice including a banana pancake or some assorted fruits. It’s a simple breakfast but it’s a great way to start your day and you can’t really complain at the price at all! Find it here.
This is a Hostel located close to the centre of Ubud and provides rooms of up to 2 people so it’s perfect for couples and friends who travel together or have met through travel. The rooms are super clean and come with balconies with luscious views of the street and surrounding areas. The rooms give a more hotel stay feeling as appose to a busy hostel which is great for those who like to relax!
The main benefit to this stay is the price and breakfast! The price is £12 each night but this is for a room of 2 so if you are sharing then it’s only £6. You can’t get much better than that! The breakfast also consists of toast, scrambled eggs, tea and fresh fruit. This comes as an extra but is so worth additional cost to start the day on the right foot! Find it here.
A perfectly placed hostel directly in the centre of Ubud allowing for easy access to most of the town’s busiest places and top activities. The rooms are offered at £9 for a dorm room which shares 12 or £24 for a private room for 2 people. For it’s location and luxury, it’s a great spot to stay and even has a pool to relax in on chilled days.
At the hostel they have a host of activities you can book to experience in Ubud. They organise the whole trip and make it comfortable for you so you don’t have to do anything but enjoy the ride! Breakfast is also included as part of your stay which is a local dish with fruits and a hot beverage of your choice. It’s a popular hostel for travellers so is a great place to meet people but without any party/drinking element!
Ubud is such a beautiful location full of activities, history, culture and nature. It’s a spot that is so diverse in setting that doesn’t resemble any other places we have visited before. It’s a place many should visit and experience with so many amazing activities to choose from!
We hope you enjoyed our breakdown of what to do, where to eat and where to stay in Ubud. It would be much appreciated if you could like the post if you enjoyed. Find it here.
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Where to Stay
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Where to get Connected
Airalo – With over one million people using Airalo, it is our go to eSIM provider for our worldwide trips! Having data packs from over 200 countries, find combined area packages and deals to suit your travel style and data needs!
Where to be Protected
ETKA – Every age from 3 to 85 can buy ETKA’s travel insurance, offering multilingual 24/7 chat support, and your insurance policy within 2-3 minutes!
Our Top Traveller’s Essentials
Backpack – Osprey Farpoint 40 – This backpack is a staple amongst many travellers! Being a lot cheaper than the luxury brands, this is a quality backpack from a well known brand. It boasts quality durability, is lightweight with a great framework and is a great option for most people! This backpack has a hip strap to help carry the bag, a breathable harness strap, and comes in multiple colours!
Compression Packing Cubes – Compression cubes are our favourite packing accessory! These cubes are similar to the normal packing cubes, but feature a compression zip, meaning you can compress your clothes down… this makes packing easier, limits the space you are using, and means more room for souvenirs etc!
Powerbank – Don’t lose power when travelling! It isn’t always guaranteed to find charging ports, so we would always suggest carrying a spare power bank, just incase you do run low on power when you need it!
Universal Travel Plug Adapter – Most backpackers/travellers visit multiple countries during one trip. And that means it isn’t guaranteed you will be using the same plug head during each place. A universal plug is great as it lets you switch between each plug head style all in one item! We love ours, it has USB slots meaning multiple items can be charged at once.
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South East Asia is a remarkable place that is at the top of most people’s bucket list! It’s known for its beaches, people, culture, activities and the topic today… food!
There’s so much to do here and you can never run out of things to see! But for a lot of people, food is so important. Having good meals can really change your experience and view about a country.
If you have ever been Italy for the pasta, Japan for the sushi, or Mexico for it’s tacos, then you will understand how important food is when visiting a country! Food from these places really improves your view on the country, but can also leave a sour taste in your mouth if you don’t enjoy it!
We would always recommend trying the local cuisine wherever you go. It’s the best way to meet locals, learn new cultures and really understand the country more. Even if the food isn’t necessarily one you would normally eat, it’s always worth a try as trying new things is the best way to grow and learn new things about yourself.
Trying a new food could lead to it being your favourite dish you have EVER tried! So what’s the harm?
You need to make sure you are eating at the right spots and also the local foods to get the best experience.
Turning up to a country and flicking through the menu is one way of trying new foods but sometimes its good to do your research and see what’s recommended so you can make the most out of your trip abroad!
So South East Asia… What are the best foods to try? Is it spicy? Where do I eat?
There’s a lot of questions people ask and it’s pretty difficult to figure this out when you have never been before.
As you may already guess, each country would provide different dishes, tastes and ingredients so knowing the most recommended dishes and what ingredients they are typically cooked with will give you a good indication whether you are likely to order them when out there!
Below, we have compiled the BEST FOODS we tried when visiting South East Asia! It is important to note that we we only travelled to 5 countries (Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam & Singapore) so any country we didn’t visit may not be included due to us not trying the food.
The first dish is one of Jack’s FAVOURITE dish and should be first as it’s the perfect way to start your day!
Top foods to try in Southeast Asia
Thai Omelette!
The Thai omelette can be eaten throughout the day but is usually consumed as a breakfast meal and the omelette typically consists of vegetables, chicken or pork. Jack’s choice would mostly be a vegetable Thai Omelette which comes standard with sticky rice and a side salad.
A Thai Omelette is totally different to what a usual omelette is in Europe. It is fried in oil and includes ingredients such as fish sauce and spring onions.
It’s served with crispy edges and a soft centre which goes perfectly with the rice and is filling so you won’t be left hungry.
This meal was my choice of breakfast throughout our 3 weeks in Thailand with some days it being ordered for lunch also. It’s quite a safe order as people are used to ordering Omelette’s at home but has a lovely twist which really enhances flavour for you!
It is also one of the cheapest dishes on any menu as it’s simple. This makes it a great budget option if you are looking to lower your costs but you can still get some amazing flavour! The lowest cost we say a Thai Omelette for was 50 Baht (roughly £1.40) and we know it’s cheaper at markets!!
We would rate this dish a 10/10 and one we cannot wait to try when going back to Thailand!
It would only cost around £1 ($1.25) which is a total bargain!
Halo Halo
This is a dish that we hadn’t heard of when visiting the Philippines, but after speaking with some locals, found it to be a traditional dessert that we had to try!
Even after eating it, it’s still hard to understand all the flavours or ingredients as it is full of colour and different foods!
A traditional Halo Halo is shaved ice with condensed and coconut milk with an ice-cream array of toppings. These usually include fruits (like jackfruit, banana and maybe mango!), beans, jelly and even sometimes crushed rice.
There is so much going on with this dish that it’s hard to know what it’s going to taste like… You just have to try it! Be mindful that with so many ingredients, the dessert will be full of different textures, both crunchy and soft, but also chewy. It’s such a weird mixture of textures and flavours, but is beautifully rich and refreshing with a lovely scoop of ice-cream on top!
When we enjoyed our first Halo Halo, it was after a long day at the beach and we were looking for something sweet to enjoy while relaxing and watching the waves.
It’s a very traditional dish, and one that we would recommend trying; but if we were to have it again, we would likely share this as it’s very filling and probably is best split between 2 people. If you have a major sweet tooth and still feeling hungry then you can definitely have one to yourself!
The Halo Halo is a decently priced dessert around £1 – £2 ($1.25 – $2.50)
Vietnamese Vegetable Spring Rolls
Now these were our absolute FAVOURITE! Again, this is not a dish I thought was overly popular in Vietnam nor is a must try for travellers. It’s funny as we stumbled upon the food when embarking on the Ha Giang loop.
Upon starting the Ha Giang loop we set off into the mountains and had our days planned by our guides. After a long and tiring day of riding on the back of a motorbike we came to our place of stay for the night and were welcomed with a buffet for all. This buffet was extraordinary as there was unlimited food! Here, deep in the mountains of Ha Giang, in some small town we tasted the immense vegetable spring rolls!
They were super crispy and full of soft veggie’s when you crunched into them! But the flavour was something else. I spend most of my time posting these veggie spring rolls down one by one until I was completely full. We had to get extra plates as they were being finished so frequently.
That was the only time we had vegetable spring rolls but it’s the one thing I am most looking forward to when visiting back to Vietnam!!
We liked it so much that we have attempted (a few times) to recreate the spring rolls at home but it’s never reached the level of the one’s in Vietnam. This is the one thing we would recommend to try above all in Vietnam!
These were enjoyed as part of a buffet but would be a side costing between £1 – £3 ($1.50 – $4).
Pork Sisig
Pork Sisig was our favourite dish in the Philippines! It’s basically a pork belly dish served with vegetables on a hot plate with a side of rice. It’s served most places and each serving it a little different. Usually, the dish is served with a raw (yes a raw) egg on top which you will mix into the pork and it will sizzle on the hot plate.
The egg is somewhat a strange addition, especially being raw but it really does go with the rest of the dish.
It’s a dish packed with flavour and perfect for either lunch or dinner to fill you up. It’s got a salty taste from the pork with a sweetness from the vegetables and is a dish you will certainly look to order again!
This meal would cost anywhere between £2-£5 dependant on if you are eating at a local/traditional restaurant or not.
Panang Curry
The Panang Curry is a rich, coconutty curry usually served with a with a choice of meat or fish and rice. Although it is a coconut based curry, it is not heavily coconutty as we both don’t like coconut but do love this curry!
It does also usually includes peanut so anyone who is allergic, be sure to double check the ingredients before eating! The curry is usually rich in flavour and spices with a sweet taste.
We usually eat this with chicken as it soaks up the flavour of the sauce and goes really well with the spices.
As you may already know, there are a lot of different curries available in South East Asia that is worth trying.. most notably the Massaman Curry, Thai Red Curry and the Thai Green Curry. These all have a burst of flavour and well worth trying as people will have their preferences.
For us, this was the better of the curries but would definitely change between them depending on our preferences each night!
The Panang Curry is also known for working well with shrimp! The spices match perfectly with fresh shrimp leaving a beautiful taste.
As it’s eaten as a dinner it is more expensive than the other dishes on this list but still would only cost between £2-£4 ($3-$5).
Pad Thai
Pad Thai is a MUST TRY in Thailand! It’s such a staple in Thailand and something you can’t miss when visiting the country. The dish is so simple in making but surprisingly so flavourful and rich in spices. It’s so cleverly cooked and presented as usually you are provided with a small mountain of peanuts and a separate mountain of chilli on the side of your plate which you can choose to add if you wish with a squeeze of lemon when served.
The spices give good kick of heat and the peanuts help enhance the overall flavours of the dish and provide a slight nutty flavour which is very much welcomed. This is a dish that was ordered on many occasions due to the flavours and moreish nature of the dish.
It is definitely one of the cheaper items on the menu but definitely don’t look over it if you think it won’t come with good flavour! You can find local restaurants selling Pad Thai for as cheap as £1 ($1.25) and it’s always served with a generous portion.
Bahn Mi
This is quite popular dish and very different to the rest on this list. It’s pretty much a simple sandwich on first glance but Vietnam have added their own flavours and spices to enhance and change the flavours! Usually, it is served with thinly sliced pork or chicken as the main meat with a host of veggies and unusual ingredients.
The Bahn Mi includes a generous spread of Pate and includes coriander, green onion, chilli, carrot, cucumber, sometimes pickles and a strong drizzle of mayonnaise and Maggi sauce to finish.
A perfect lunchtime meal that you can grab on the go! In Thailand, you are able to get Bahn Mi for as cheap as £0.80 ($1) which is super cheap and affordable!
What are your thoughts?
There are many other dishes that we missed off this list which we wish we could include but these would be the main ones we would want to go back and try and could never get bored of! We would like to give a special mention to Pho as that is a beautiful dish that is versatile with flavours, meats and more!
When visiting South East Asia we would recommend you trying all these and would love to know your thoughts on our list of best foods to try in South East Asia!
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Now, Bali is known to be a great place to socialise and meet new people. It is a central hub to a lot of people’s South East Asia travels, and is on par with Thailand and Vietnam for some. In comparison, it’s very different, but nonetheless an essential part of a travellers itinerary.
Bali is now one of the most popular spots in South East Asia, and draws in thousands of digital nomads. This has changed the environment… and therefore has created more westernised food options. If you are looking for traditional Indonesian food, you may find it harder in Bali compared to more traditional areas like Java or Jakarta. You can still enjoy the local foods, with my favourite being a Nasi Goreng, or if you prefer noodles; a Mie Goreng.
In this blog post, we will be covering some of the popular and niche places to dine across Bali, and the Islands surrounding, to make the most of the amazing food they have to offer. Please note, Bali is more expensive than the mainland and countries surrounding, so make sure to bring a few more pennies for the Bali tax!
Below we have highlighted 7 of the best places we have eaten at, and given recommendations according to our experiences.
The Best Places to Eat in Bali
Copenhagen – Canggu
Copenhagen is a well-renowned breakfast/brunch spot location in Canggu, where a lot of nomads and travellers use as their go-to spot. The menu allows for 3 options for 70,000 Indonesian Rupiah (£3.50) or 5 items for 100,000 Indonesian Rupiah (£5). The options included a tropical fruit salad, a pink smoothie bowl, freshly made bread and paninis, fresh fish or cooked meats, amongst many more options. They even had sweet treats which were perfect to finish off a breakfast fit for a king. For Asia, the price may seem higher than usual, but it definitely is one of the best brunch food spots we ate at. We can’t recommend this enough.
Finns Beach Club & Bar – Canngu
Finns beach Club is probably not on many people’s lists when it comes to good food. I mean it’s the perfect place to socialise, drink and party till your hearts content. Who doesn’t love bopping to music while drinking alcohol with friends by the sea in an actual swimming pool?
Even though the main attraction is the alcohol-filled pools, they don’t limit you to cheap takeaway food. There are 4/5 restaurants available to order and dine at; all you need to do is leave the pool and grab a table. But don’t forget your manners and put on a top! They have options including Pizza, Indian, Sushi and more!
I took this opportunity to fill my addiction of Sushi by ordering a freshly made platter (which definitely fixed my appetite ready for more pool time)! The food there is expensive… and not one to order at when you are looking to budget travel. However, every once in a while you deserve to treat yourself to a good time and nice food, and this is definitely the place to do this!
The Krusty Krab – Nusa Penida
Yes, you read it right…
It’s the Krusty Krab!!
In Indonesia, there is a restaurant that is the real life Krusty Krab… which even had Krabby patties! There was no chance we were to pass this opportunity up. It’s located on the North-west side of the Island, Nusa Penida.
They had Sponge Bob decor making you feel like you were in the show!
Of course we had to order and try the Krabby patty (which is the obvious choice). I mean the burger was nice, it’s not much more than a normal burger. The food was simple but wasn’t a showstopper by any means. It’s just more the fact you were at an iconic restaurant, and is something you and your friends can definitely make the most of when you are on this island! Its a fun experience and one we would recommend if you loved the show.
Suka Espresso – Uluwatu
Suka Espresso is a lively food spot just off the main strip of Uluwatu. They offer a wide range of food and is known for it’s high quality service and quality. We took advantage of their brunch food by ordering fluffy pancakes and colourful exotic fruits with fresh muesli and sweet jams. There is so much to offer on the menus, and is definitely a place we would recommend and go back to given the chance. The food is reasonably priced and a perfect stop before heading on to the beach only a few steps away.
Do note that this is a popular spot for travellers to eat, so try to attend during off-peak times if you aren’t happy with waiting for a table.
Corner House – Seminyak
The Corner House has a pub-like atmosphere at the end of a busy main street in Seminyak. The restaurant has live music in the evening, with western-style pub decoration and atmosphere. It almost feels like you are in a pub back at home! They serve a wide range of foods like stone cooked pizzas, pastas, noodles, meats etc.
It is a large pub which is in a great location for people to wander round shops and local area as there is so much to do.
My favourite meal is the vegetable stir-fry which only cost 50,000 Indonesian Rupiah (£2.50), which was the cheapest thing on the menu. Even though it was the cheapest, the dish was amazing and so good that I returned the next day for dinner to order the same meal again! Overall, the pub is usually costing 100,000 (£5) to 200,000 (£10) for main meals which is average for the area, but if the rest of the food is similar to the stir fry I had, then it is worth every penny.
Taco Cartel in Ubud
A perfectly quaint Mexican restaurant located in the heart of Ubud, Taco Cartel is one to visit! It is on the main street perfectly between the Bali rice terrace & infinity pools, the Monkey forest and right beside to the street markets – it’s perfectly placed! Now, it’s less like a dinner spot to sit down and have a fancy meal, but rather a perfect small restaurant which has an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs cook your food right in front of you.
We ordered 2 chicken tacos which came with a refreshing spicy sauce and a squeeze of lime, alongside a stuffed beef burrito. You best believe the food was beautiful! The tacos were at a reduced price of roughly 20,000 Indonesian Rupiah (£1) per taco as a lunch deal which was a steal.
Ours in Uluwatu
Ours is a place where we stumbled upon when searching for dinner but was definitely a highlight. It just so happens the day we ate there was the same day they offered pasta and wine (choice of 3 wines) for £95,000 Indonesian Rupiah (£5 roughly). When we saw this offer there was no way we were going to turn it down.
Due to the offer, we went all out and ordered a few starters to share and then a beautiful Chorizo Bolognese with a white wine to wash it down. The seating is perfectly placed all surrounding the bar in the middle, with dimmed lighting to create a lovely atmosphere. Definitely one we will return to once we come back to Uluwatu!
What are your thoughts?
Bali is a place full of fantastic foods that we wish we could try a mouthful of each. The local food is one we didn’t touch upon much, with Nasi Goreng being a favourite of mine. One we may cover in another blog post!
Shoutouts to the beach restaurant on Gili T (which we don’t know the name of) which offered free soup and bread for starter, District 6- the all you can eat pizza and pasta place in Uluwatu, and the little hotdog parlour opposite the entrance to the monkey forest in Ubud.
We would always recommend eating local, but sometimes it is nice resorting back to the foods from home you love.
Thank you for reading to the end of our blog, and we hoped that you will be dining at some of these lovely restaurants in the near future- or at least get to Bali to enjoy all that the island offers.
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