Elizabeth Gilbert's bestselling travel memoir Eat Pray Love sparked a new interest in Bali, where the writer spends the 'Love' portion of her journey, and we're about to enjoy it all over again with the movie release later this year. We asked some of our Bali friends what they love most (and what couples will love most) about this captivating island as well as their top spots to 'Eat' and 'Pray'.
EATBali's cuisine has evolved to incorporate European and Mediterranean styles but the traditional Indonesian dishes like satay, beef rendang and meatballs are still found in delicious abundance. Rice is a staple and you
can also expect fresh seafood, chili and pork. One of the most famous local dishes is babi guling, spit-roasted suckling pig, but vegetarians won't go hungry with lots of tasty vegie options.
What is your favourite local dining destination?
"BREEZE restaurant because it gives my friends access to sunsets and ocean views with food of good quality, especially if they have been ‘in town’ shopping. The Eight Degrees South beachfront restaurant at the Conrad is also a wonderful setting for lunch. For local food Bumbu Bali at Tanjung Benoa is hard to beat, and Will Meyrick’s Sarong is an excellent choice, especially his Thai offerings." – Pamela Hayes
"Grilled duck (Bebek bakar) at Pak Nyoman in Sayan, Ubud. A very local place to try the grilled duck, chicken, and fish or the famous chicken rice kedewatan (nasi ayam) that has a branch in Kayu Jati street, Petitenget." – Menur Astuti
"Sip Wine Bar, a trendy French Bistro in Seminyak. Authentic with the best selection of wines all at affordable prices." – Ruth Zuckerman
"My favourite local place (warung) is actually a small restaurant by the road side in Jimbaran where people line up for satay and also an amazing gule (goat) soup ... not fancy but the food is simply great and very, very traditional. Also, we often drive to Denpasar for lunch on Sundays at Madium Warung ... the ‘sambal’ or spice sauce is hard to beat! And Ibu Oka in Ubud is fantastic for suckling pig on Sundays." – Jose Luis Calle
For a special dinner for two you'd book a table at ...
"Without a doubt Metis Restaurant, Seminyak" – Katrina Simorangkir
"Mozaic; great food and a great place for dinner" – Kadek Sri Widiani
"One of the outside cabanas at St Regis’s Kayuputi" – Pamela Hayes
"Bella Rosa Italian Restaurant at Padma Resort Bali at Legian ... book a table in its outdoor venue overlooking the beach and the stars." – Menur Astuti
"My wife dies for the foie gras at Metis, while I also fancy Eight Degrees South at The Conrad in Benoa, very close to The Balé ... it’s quiet, by the beach with a relaxing ambience." – Jose Luis Calle
PRAY
Most Balinese (over 90%) identify themselves as Hindus with minorities of Islam, Buddhism and Christianity. Balinese Hinduism has its roots in Indian Hinduism and also Buddhism and acknowledges the pre-eminence of nature and the idea of gods and goddesses in all things.
What is your favourite Bali temple?
"The main Cepaka temple that sits above the Sungai entry gates. For guests fortunate enough to be staying during a major festival not only do they see the village ‘dressed up’ but can walk up the stairs to see all the villagers in their finery enjoying the social occasion celebration. The villa staff will help dress guests so they can actually attend; it’s so special as they are made very welcome by the local villagers." – Pamela Hayes
"I love the one in Bedugul by the lake ... although the most spectacular is Besaki ‘the mother temple’, especially at sunrise. Bring a small picnic and let yourself be amazed by the views." – Jose Luis Calle
"The temple in Petitenget Beach near all the boutique villas and nice sunset venues." – Ms Menur Astuti
"Uluwatu the cliff top temple dedicated to the spirits of the sea with spectacular views and wonderful sunsets. Be sure to visit during a full moon Hindu ceremony to experience worshippers balancing offerings to the Gods with towers of fruits on their heads." – Ruth Zuckerman
Temple Etiquette:
Dress modestly (no shorts or singlets) but you won’t need to cover your hair. You will need to wear a sash and sarong inside the temple and these can usually be rented or bought nearby.
Five Top Temples:
The Mother Temple: Pura Besaki
The Rock Temple: Pura Tanah Lot
The Cliff Temple: Pura Luhur (Uluwatu)
The Spring Temple: Pura Tirta Empul
The 'Garden Temple on the Water'
Pura Taman Ayun
LOVE
A favourite destination for lovers, newlyweds and honeymooners, Bali has an exotic and relaxed appeal for locals, visitors and celebrities alike. Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall, Jason Donovan and Angela Malloch, and actors Anna Faris and Chris Pratt all tied the knot here. David Bowie chose a Bali honeymoon as did actor Channing Tatum while Claudia Schiffer, David Beckham and Christina Aguilera have all enjoyed a Bali getaway.
What do you love about Bali?
"Receiving a beautiful Balinese smile. The friendliness, hospitality and relaxed and peaceful energy and culture of the Balinese people." – Ruth Zuckerman
"Bali is a lovely place; the people, scenery, culture and laid-back way of living. When coming back from abroad, one really feels home." – Jose Louis Calle
"The smell of the incense sticks in the morning and the regular Balinese gamelan (traditional instruments) recital on some nights of the week in the street." – Menu Astuti
"Definitely most compelling are the wonderful Balinese people themselves. Their gracious and gentle natures are disarming and they are intelligent and very proud people. To observe the importance of family to them serves to remind us how much we have lost in that respect in the western world." – Pamela Hayes
"The naturally spiritual atmosphere beyond the touristy areas, the smiling people and the way they are so accepting of outsiders and other people's values and views on life, the weather, the food, the music, the culture – everything except the roundabouts which seem to be better at bringing traffic to a complete standstill than aiding its flow!" – Katrina Simorangkir
What will couples love about Bali?
"To be immersed in the colourful local culture and tradition and the grace and beauty of the many Balinese ceremonies and processions." – Ruth Zuckerman
"The wonderful climate, people, laid-back lifestyle, numerous activities/ adventures (elephant riding, safaris, surfing, water sports, mountain biking, sophisticated shopping) and excellent dining ... and how could I forget the high quality spa services with excellent prices. To be able to order them in your own villa without travelling is very special.” – Pamela Hayes
"The people, culture, nature, beach, resorts ... it’s all in Bali." – Kadek Sri Widiani (Yani)
Your best advice for planning a Bali wedding?
“Think about the venue very carefully - there are so many to choose from. Do you want a beach or something different? If, for example, you go inland to Ubud or even further afield you can have the amazingly lush green
vegetation, tropical flowers and, a very special feeling ... whatever you choose though, you will not be disappointed. The spiritual atmosphere and the culture (the Balinese music, dance and entertainment) adds so much to a wedding ceremony and/or reception.” – Katrina Simorangkir
Where are some special places to marry in Bali?
”We have an array of fabulous private villas we work closely with, and there are many gorgeous glass chapels in Bali now. There are a few beachfront restaurants worth considering and some private yachts and catarmarans. We also do weddings in Nusa Lembongan Island, either at the fabulous Batu Karang Resort or on the white-sand Dream Beach. If it is possible we will never say no to our couples and their dreams.” – Katrina Simorangkir
For a romantic Bali rendezvous for two ...
"Pamper yourselves in a private villa and enjoy driving or riding around the island. Stop in little cafes and simply let yourself be carried away by the beauty of the place and magic of the island and its people ... you will come back!” – Jose Luis Calle
"For intimacy and tranquillity, a private romantic dinner in a candlelit balé on the beachfront at Conrad Bali" – Ruth Zuckerman
"Walk along the beach in front of Anantara in Seminyak until Petitenget. Don’t forget to stop by in one of the restaurants by the beach for a scenic sunset and a nice wine." – Ms Menur Astuti
"Visit Ubud; it’s a very quiet, private and great place to have a quality time with your partner.” Kadek Sri Widiani (Yani)
“I am a great lover of the east coast and would recommend couples seek out the gorgeous and little-known ‘Secret Beach’ on the east coast, not far past Candi Dasa. It is lovely with clear waters, turtles, occasional fishermen, and good restaurants ... very romantic” – Katrina Simorangkir
Our Bali locals are
Ms Menur Astuti, Padma Resort Bali at Legian
Jose Luis Calle, The Balé, Nusa Dua
Pamela Hayes, Villa Sungai, Cepaka, Bali
Katrina Simorangkir, Bali Weddings International
Kadek Sri Widiani (Yani), Kupu Kupu Barong Villas & Tree Spa
Ruth Zuckerman, Conrad Bali