Kuta, Bali
CHEAP EATS
For the best cheaps eats in Bali, head to the Night Market in Kuta: That’s a big call, but it’s one of the best — and cheapest — places to eat in Bali. A whole butter garlic fish costs about $10.
There’s a chef at Depot Kuta called Mama. She’s 87 and doesn’t speak a word of English but boy, she cooks like an absolute boss. You write your own order down on a piece of paper, park up on the plastic chairs and order a large Bintang — what more could you want?
It’s slightly off the beaten track — so here’s the actual name and address: The Senggol Night Market: Jl. Blambangan, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung.
OVERNIGHTER
Get a speed boat from Sanur and head over to Nusa Lembongan. If you can, stay a night over there. It’s a beautiful, peaceful, chilled-out island, perfect if you need some time out from the hustle and bustle of the main island. You can hire a scooter and not worry about battling crazy traffic. The island is small enough to get around it with ease so you can go on little missions. The Mahagiri Resort is almost brand new. It’s good value for money, has a white-sand beach, a couple of lovely pools and a relaxed vibe. Check out @thelembongantraveller as well for other cool specials on villas and the “must do” spots to visit.
SPLURGE
Bali can be done on the ridiculously cheap, but you can also drop some coin if you feel so inclined. Head out to Sundays Beach Club for a day – the beach is accessed by a little cable car down a cliff, and you arrive to soothing, chilled music, friendly staff, amazing cocktails (the Strawberry Frozen Daiquiri is out the gate) and relaxing beach beanbags and sun loungers. The other place for an epic day is Finns Beach Club in Canggu. You can book day beds for a minimum spend – and you can pretty much spend that on the first round. But she’s a glorious day of lounging in the pool, listening to the great DJs and being waited on by amazing staff.
DRINK STOP
There’s something charming about sitting on the beach and having a couple (I say a couple ... ) of $2 Bintangs, chatting to the local workers and watching the world go by.
But you also can’t go past a drink at Single Fin at Uluwatu. Perching atop an epic cliff, overlooking one of the most famous surfing spots in the world and seeing an amazing Bali sunset is an awesome experience.
If you’re a fan of a Sunday Session, Single Fin is the place to be and absolutely hums on a Sunday. It also offers all-day dining, from breakfast through to late-night snacks.