Back in Sydney and there is plenty of swell around – but how about that howling wind rippin’ it to shreds. Bondi didn’t have a soul out (yeah – it was THAT bad). South Manly would be my pick today (out of this onshore southerly). Wait until mid week when the wind dies…until then – crank the work out or book a trip to Bali (cheap fares).
Bali Tips
Probably the no.1 question I get asked outside of what cameras I use is where to stay in Bali. Here is my 5 second run down.
If you want to party in Bali stay around Seminyak. All the good stuff is there. But it can feel like you haven’t left Sydney with expensive drinks and half of Bondi wandering around. The waves aren’t crash hot around Seminyak (Poo brown water and black volcanic beaches), the Legian beach breaks are the go (nearby), or The Goo is only 15 minutes away (but you’ll have to fight waves off Rob Machado, Taj and Jake Patto – big Pro Hang out).
My pick for accommodation in the Seminyak area is: The Legian (serious luxury and surf out the front – great if travelling with a little lady as there is a pool right there), Samaya (pure luxury, private villas next door to the Legian), Sentosa Villas (mega design but exy – not on the beach – where my Bali gallery used to be), The new Anantara Seminyak Resort (had the best right hand bank last week but still exy),…if on a budget try Tony’s Villas (heard its very cheap and good), Aston Bhavana Villas or just email Antoine your budget and he’ll find you something. (Say you’re a friend of Aquabumps). If all above sounds too hard, just get on a plane and drive around until one looks good and then book yourself in – you’ll probably get a better rate! There is loads of accommodation.
If you want to chill and be near world class surf you need to stay on the Bukit. Up there you can’t go past Mick’s Place. Run by Mick (who is a little aussie legend) you’ll have stunning views and be right on Bingin Beach (but he’s normally booked out). The Bali Retreats website has loads of other options – just call Jon (0)7 5536 3325 – he’ll sort something out for you. Mu, Temple Lodge and the new La Joya at Balangan look good. If you’re flush with green try the Bulgari, Karma Kandara (with private beach – probably suited to honeymoon – yep its that secret beach I was on). If you’re on a K-Rudd sponsored trip stay at Bingin on the beach in a hut with flies for about $5 a night (you’ll probably live for 2 months on $200)
Eat: Cafe Bali is my new favourite (Seminyak), can’t go past Ku De Ta for sunset drinks, Trattoria (heaps of Euros and super cheap), Made’s Warung (original and local food), Living Room, Warisan (for the hot date), La Lucciola (just phenomenal – on the beach, best food and sometimes a wave out the front), Bloosum (like Longrain), Zanibar (cheap pizza lunch on the beach at 66), Kuna’s (good jap), Sarong (mega pad, pricey but good)…
If you have comments/questions of suggestions click here to add (for others to read)
I shot nothing resembling a decent image this morning…so here is some Bali pics to keep you going in between storms :: uge
PS – the Wentworth Courier were kind enough to give Aquabumps a cover and a story… Hava read
uge,
Was in Bali last weekend for Easter. Good tips there… I try for a K-Rudd inspired trip, but always splurge on something. La Lucciola is definitely a highlight to indulge in some beautiful treats one night out. Prices similar to home, but worth it and a great escape if you end up staying closer to the kaos in Kuta or Legian. Great service and even better food, try a fish dish while you are there for sure.
Then its back to the Made’s Warung, Rainbow Cafe, Warung 96 and the Mexician joint up the road from Warung 96 which are all fav’s, well priced joints in the hussle and bussle of Kuta.
PS – today’s update wasn’t an advertorial. It was 100% editorial, unbias. So I DON’t get commisions from these places at all.
Had the Easter break in Bali also. Stayed in Canggu at a place called the Chillhouse and it was outstanding. Close to Echo beach ( some great breaks and awesome Cocktail rooftop bar and cafe in Sticky Fingers which is run by a very lovely Italian guy) and other hot surf spots nearby. Importantly, everyone gets their own surf guide which took the pain out of finding somewhere to surf if you have not been to Bali before. Also allows you to go with beginners as they are looked after and taught to surf at one of the easier beach breaks like Legian. It is 25mins from Kuta and far enough to relax from the hustle and bustle but close enough if you want to smash up a night out. It was also dirty cheap for the week. Had one of the great weeks away
Oh that picture of Dreamland broke my heart! Di mana ada Warung Eni? Kasihan Bangat! I have so many beautiful memories of that place. Alas.
I can’t get the link for Tony’s Villas to work? can you post it again?
Can you go to the beautiful beach that you can only access by cable car for the day & hang out or do you have to be staying there???
Going to Bali in May for my wedding… can’t wait.. .Uge your recent pics have been great to get everyone fired up about coming.. I am staying in a Villa that overlooks Ulus.. so my guest that surf can watch Ulus when they get bored at the ceremony… Thanks Uge for the pics as always!!!! I live in London and it the Bondi pics remind me of home every day
You can go to Karma Kandara for the day Vanessa. Costs 150,000 rupiah which you can get back at the cafe. Here is where it is – http://www.karmakandara.com/location/ it is just incredible
Hi Mel, Tony’s villas link works for me fine.http://www.balitonys.com/
Really interesting. Liked reading this. Luxury Bali Villa
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