Local tourism in Bali, Indonesia has seen an influx of foreign visitors in recent years. With that, more establishments and new concepts have begun to blossom on the island. The next time you visit our Southeast Asian neighbor, be sure to add these places and activities to your itinerary:
Watch This Space
These are recently opened establishments and activities worth your attention.
The Chedi Club Hot Air Balloons
Last year, luxury resort The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah Ubud offered a new way to get around and see the sights through hot air balloon rides over Bali. These 75-foot balloons take flight only three times a day and float up to a height of 164 feet. The five to seven minute-ride offers breathtaking views of rice paddies, greeneries, and the nearby Mount Agung. The last flight of the day comes with dinner for two.
Where: The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah, Tengkulak Kaja, Jl. Raya Goa Gajah, Kemenuh, Gianyar, Bali
Mason Bali
Australian cuisine gets the fine dining treatment at this newly opened dining concept. Meat grilled via wood-fired oven exit the kitchen of chef Nathan Sasi. There's a special offering of cured meat dishes and cheese, all of which are made in house. Small plates feature a wood-fired flatbread and salted snapper croquettes, while entrees include a slow-roasted grain-fed beef short rib and wood-fired barramundi fillet.
SVA Indonesian Tapas & Bar
Traditional Indonesian recipes find themselves reborn in tapas form at this three-story establishment just walking distance from Berawa Beach. Each floor has its own specialty: coffee on the first, Indonesian tapas on the second, and cocktails on the third. You can stop by for dinner and move to the rooftop to dance the night away.
Where: Jl. Pantai Berawa, Gg. Kedaton No.5, Tibubeneng, Badung Regency, Bali
What's Trending
Check out these establishments receiving newsworthy buzz!
Ijen
Booking a stay at the well-received Potato Head Hotel in Bali warrants a visit to the months-old Ijen restaurant, the first in the country to commit to a zero-waste philosophy. Helmed by a Michelin-trained chef, Ijen boasts of using seafood caught through a hand-reeling process and cooked on an open fire. Excess ingredients are sent over to composting sites and farms, while the good stuff is used on creative seafood dishes paired with vegetables.
Where: Jl. Petitenget No. 51 Seminyak, Bali
Goldust Beauty Lounge
Many come to Bali in search of respite, and those who know where to go will know that Goldust has opened its second branch in the flourishing village of Canggu. The spa was named after its signature treatment, the 24k Gold Facial, an anti-aging treatment that promises to stimulate circulation and reduce any signs of aging.
Where: Jl. Pantai Batu Bolong No.66, Canggu, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali
Tropicola Beach Club
Following the success of the widely popular Motel Mexicola comes this retro-style hangout spot with interiors that pop. It will also soon open a hotel, a rooftop bar, and a 60-seater restaurant.
Where: Jl. Pantai Batu Belig No 5, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta Utara, Seminyak,
Best Kept Secrets
Find these under-the-radar attractions and accommodations.
Villa Suami
If you're traveling with a big group or children in particular, this private villa offers an idyllic, family-friendly vacation venue. The 1,100-square meter property comes with two pools, its own villa manager and private chef, and a spacious outdoor seating area. It can also house events for up 120 people, which makes it a great choice if you're planning a celebration.
Desa Temukus
Bali may better be known for its cliffs and beaches, but situated in Kerangasem, Indonesia, is the hidden gem Desa Temukus. Before the harvesting season, the field is dotted with marigold flowers, which are commonly used for religious rituals. This scenic venue is also complemented by a neighboring temple and a gorgeous backdrop of Mount Agung.
Where: Temukus, Banjar, Buleleng Regency, Bali
Tulola Jewelry
If it's a unique souvenir you seek, a boutique called Tulola offers jewelry handcrafted by native artisans. Each piece of jewelry is a work of art, taking inspiration from nature and Indonesian culture. It is co-owned by New York-born Sri Luce Rusna and Ubud Royal Family member Happy Salma.
ART JOG
The Jogja Art Fair, also known as ART JOG, does things a little differently by dealing directly with artists instead of with galleries. They also hold open call applications for artists to "connect with the public." While the local art fair has moved back to Yogyakarta, an hour-long flight from Bali will take you to the city in Java.
When: July 25 to August 25
Where: Jogja National Museum, Yogyakarta, Java, Indonesia, artjog.co.id
*This story originally appeared on Townandcountry.ph. Minor edits have been made by the Preview.ph editors.
