Warang Cahaya’s crispy pork rice with sambal matah is one of our all-time favourite things to eat in Bali.

This nondescript local eatery is as old school and local as you can get. It looks super unassuming but what do you know? It has one of Bali’s best local-style crispy pork rice!

This is one eatery we always return to over the years and we have never once been disappointed.

Warang Cahaya in Legian is a gem. There is nothing quite like enjoying a plate of unpretentious Indo-style crispy pork and chicken rice with kickass sambal matah, and that’s exactly what you would get here.

Inexpensive and every bit authentic, the crispy pork rice is really just a simple but very comforting serving of, well, crispy pork and rice and raw chilli. There is also a chicken option if you are not a fan of pork.

The menu is concise and straightforward. Just pick your choice of meat. And regardless of your choice, you’d have to enjoy it with the raw chilli that’s made in-house. That is the game changer. Indonesians are known for their sambal and here at Warang Cahaya, they use sambal matah as a condiment for all their rice options.

For the uninitiated, sambal matah is actually Indonesian raw spicy shallow salsa and mainly comprises onions, chilli and lime. It can be really spicy so if you can’t hold your chilli well, go easy.

The prices at Warang Cahaya are averagely RP40,000 per portion, and we advise you to go early lest be disappointed. They usually sell out on their pork shortly after lunch hours.

Relaxing in a luxurious tropical villa and lounging around its private poolside is not a dream but an affordable reality in Bali, Indonesia. You will be surprised that an overnight stay in a beautiful Bali villa costs no more than S$150 and that amount is half of what it typically costs for a staycation in Singapore and other metropolitan cities.

Be it a bachelorette party, a family vacation with kids or a honeymoon getaway, each spacious villa will be able to accommodate your various needs. Why limit yourself to a small hotel room when you can rent an entire private house at a wallet-friendly prices?

This is our guide to 7 private luxurious villas in Kuta where each villa costs no more than S$150 per night.

Source: AirBnb

#1 BONSAI VILLAS

If you want to be close to Seminyak’s shopping and dining district yet still be able to retreat in peace, Bonsai Villa’s 1-bedroom suite would be a great hideout. The villa is close to the heart of Seminyak’s city but hidden enough to provide one serenity. Facilities include a shared swimming pool and free wifi.

Rates start from S$98 per night.

Jalan Raya Seminyak, Kuta, Bali, Indonesia

Source: AirBnb

#2 CLIFF VILLA

Cliff Villa is located in a local residential area hence enabling visitors significantly more privacy than touristy areas. The two bedrooms are spacious and can accommodate up to a total of four guests. Take a dip in the pool or visit up to 20 beaches from Cliff Villa, with each beach accessible within a short motorbike ride.

Rates start from S$148 per night.

Banjar Mekar Sari, Ungasan, Kuta Selatan,Kuta, Bali, Indonesia

Source: AirBnb

#3 COZY VILLA

Frequent visitors will know how chaotic the Seminyak beach life can get. Cozy Villa is located in the same area but hidden away in an oasis of its own – it is inside the residential area which is way quieter and calmer. Cozy Villa has two large bedrooms, two bathrooms, a private swimming pool, a fully equipped kitchen and of course, free wifi.

Rates start from S$123 per night.

Jalan Beji Ayu, Kuta, Bali, Indonesia

Source: AirBnb

#4 HOME SWEET HOME VILLA

Home Sweet Home one bedroom villa caters to couples and friends who are looking for an intimate getaway. The villa has a mini private swimming pool, beautiful tropical garden, fully furnished kitchen and free wifi. The villa is also within walking distance to ‘Eat Street’ and the beach.

Rates start from S$116 per night.

Jalan Drupadi, Kuta, Bali, Indonesia

Source: AirBnb

#5 UNIQUE SEMINYAK VILLA

With a private pool at its main entrance and an inviting large terrazzo bathtub, this unique 1-bedroom villa is the perfect place for couples. There is also a large kitchen for you to whip up home-cooked dishes and a spacious living area to lounge at. The villa is only a 10-minute drive away from the famous Seminyak beach. Complimentary WIFI is available too.

Jalan Beji Ayu 6, Jalan Sunset, Kuta, Bali,Indonesia

Rates start from S$126 per night.

Source: AirBnb

#6 VILLA CAHAYA

1-bedroom Villa Cahaya accommodates up to three guests and there are plenty of activities you can keep yourself occupied with. Enjoy the privilege of lounging in your personal private pool or head out and explore what Seminyak has to offer by foot. Most attractions can be reached by foot.

Rates start from S$126 per night.

Source: AirBnb

#7 VILLA TAO

2-bedroom Villa Tao is a spacious bungalow that houses up to a total of six guests. Jump into your private 4m x 8m swimming pool or hit the nearby beaches. Guests get to enjoy free wifi, complimentary essential toiletries, TV and an in-house kitchen. Villa Tao is indeed a comfortable home away from home.

Rates start from S$123 per night.

EatWell is a casual eatery among the many boutiques and restaurants along Jalan Basangkasa in Seminyak, Bali. Do be warned this is a place for meat lovers only as their menu specialises in a range of quality Australian steaks, pork dishes, and burgers that start from RP100,000/ S$10.

Popular among both locals and tourists, its no-frills concept focusing on affordable, yet delicious food adheres strictly to the restaurant’s slogan—to live well is to EatWell (eat well). Yes, happiness can be that simple. 

The interior is kept fuss-free with vintage filament bulbs and long wooden tables that are great for sharing among groups. If you are escaping from the heat, head for the indoor air-conditioned dining area instead.

EatWell has a fine range of steaks and you can get the Sirloin Steak for RP100,000/ S$10. We find this a steal considering the large cut of beef steak you get with a potato side of your choice (gratin, mashed or fries). Accompanying the main dish is creamy sauteed spinach and blue cheese sauce.

To be honest, we were slightly taken aback by the dark reddish colour of our medium rare steak when it was cut in the middle but our concerns were completely unfounded. The meat was juicy and flavourful on every bite and left us wanting more.

Next up, one of our favourites at EatWell—Crispy Pork Belly (200g for RP120,000/ S$12, 100g for RP70,000/ S$7). The succulent pork belly was so crispy, we could hear them cracking in our mouths as we bite. Those who prefer it spicy can dip the pork belly into chilli mayo sauce for the fiery kick.

The EatWell Burger (RP65,000/ S$6.50) came with 200g Australian minced wagyu beef patty, fries and homemade mayo sauce. You can get that or make it even better with homemade crispy bacon (RP15,000/ S$1.50), mozzarella cheese (RP15,000/ S$1.50) and egg (RP12,000/ S$1.20).

That’s not all! You also have other meat options including EatWell Special Steak (RP140,000/ S$14), Pork Knuckle (RP240,000/ S$24) and Grilled Chicken (RP65,000/ S$6.50).

EatWell
Jl. Raya Basangkasa
No.36, Seminyak, Kuta
Kabupaten Badung
80361 Bali, Indonesia
Tel: +62 3 6173 7745
Daily: 10am – 11pm

Looking for more options in Seminyak?
Check out our recommendations!

It is no secret that Bali is home to some of the best cafes and restaurants. While we enjoyed visiting all the cafes that we have been to on our trip to Seminyak, one place that won all our hearts in an instant is NOOK, a gorgeous local eatery overlooking breathtaking views of the paddy fields.

What we love about NOOK is that the cafe is tucked away from the bustling Seminyak area, but still within walking distance to the main street. Escape from the crowd and enjoy some traditional Indonesian delights that do not lose out to those you will find in warungs.

NOOK is busiest during the day, as visitors are able to take in beautiful views of the paddy fields and even pose for some pictures with the green pastures as their backdrops. Head over in the evening to catch a magnificent sunset during good weather.

NOOK’s Nasi Goreng Ayam (RP45,000/ S$4.50) was decent, but it paled in comparison to the signature Nasi Campur.

Nasi Campur Special (RP49,000/ S$4.90) is our favourite dish at NOOK—in fact, it is the one of the best Nasi Campur we have tried in Bali. Every side dish is so delicious and diners get a variety of mixed meat, vegetables, tempeh and egg given in bite-sized portions.

We would travel all the way to NOOK just to eat the Nasi Campur.

Another dish to try at NOOK is Ayam Betutu (RP55,000/ S$5.50). This is a traditional Balinese dish featuring steamed chicken cooked in bumbu betutu, a type of spice mix. It was full-flavoured and we enjoyed every morsel.

NOOK 
Jalan Umalas 1, Gg Nook Nr. 1
Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
Tel: +62 0361 8475 625
Daily: 8am – 11pm

]]> https://www.ladyironchef.com/2017/05/nook-bali/feed/ 0 https://www.ladyironchef.com/2015/04/how-to-travel-bali-on-budget/ https://www.ladyironchef.com/2015/04/how-to-travel-bali-on-budget/#comments Wed, 29 Apr 2015 00:18:44 +0000 Hui Jun Ng http://www.ladyironchef.com/?p=49051 Continue reading →]]>

Traveling to Bali is actually a lot cheaper than you think! It is not difficult to travel to Bali on a budget because you can get cheap air tickets via budget airlines, as well as plenty of options for affordable home stays listed on AirBnb.

We traveled to Ubud and spent less than S$280 in three days two nights per person. The amount includes round-trip plane tickets, return airport transfer, accommodation, activities and daily meals.

From riding a motorbike to dining at Anthony Bourdain’s favourite restaurant, we conquered 15 fun activities that you can do in Ubud during a long weekend. Here’s how you can travel to Ubud, Bali for a 3D2N Getaway with S$280 (all-inclusive).

#1 SCOOT YOUR WAY AROUND UBUD WITH UBUD SCOOTER RENTAL

Driving a motorbike is the best way to explore Ubud, especially when the narrow roads become busy. You can rent a motorbike (choose from Honda Vario, Honda Scoopy and Honda Vario 125) from Ubud Scooter Rental at just IDR 50,000 / SGD 10.40 a day. The rental fees include a helmet so do not worry about purchasing one.

$: IDR 50,000 a day / SGD 10.40 for two full days

Ubud Scooter Rental
Jalan Raya Ubud, (Giri Putri Cargo Office)
Ubud, Bali 80571, Indonesia

#2 IBU OKA – THE LEGENDARY BABI GULING

Ibu Oka is one of the most famous eateries in Ubud following celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain’s visit. It is renowned for its suckling pig, otherwise known as ‘babi guling’. Dine at one of Ibu Oka’s humble looking restaurants to decide for yourself whether or not it is worthy of its hype.

At IDR 55,000 / SGD 5.70 you get a dish of rice topped with fresh vegetables and multiple pork variations i.e. pork roll, fried meat, sausage and pork skin. There are three outlets across Ubud, namely Ibu Oka 1, Ibu Oka 2 and Ibu Oka 3.

Ibu Oka is also listed in our guide to Ubud’s best restaurants.

$: IDR 55,000 / SGD 5.70 for a main

Ibu Oka
Raya Teges/Peliatan, Ubud
Bali 0361-976345, Indonesia

#3 UBUD ROYAL PALACE – AN ICONIC BALINESE ARCHITECTURE NOT TO BE MISSED

Ubud Royal Palace aka Puri Saren Ubud is an iconic Balinese architecture that you will not miss. Located in the heart of Ubud, the well preserved palace is partially open to public and a very popular tourist attraction. Entrance is completely free of charge. Here is a quick tip – head towards the entrance of StarBucks for the best view of Ubud’s Water Palace.

$: Free

Ubud Royal Palace
Jl. Raya Ubud
Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

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#4 PASAR UMUM UBUD – UBUD’S MARKET

Ubud Market is located right opposite the Ubud Palace. Despite being a touristy attraction, the market actually still caters to the locals – but only before 9:00 am. So get up early if you would like an authentic local experience. The vendors switch their fresh produce to souvenirs after 9:00 am to prepare for the large influx of tourists.

$: Free

Pasar Umum Ubud
Jl. Wenara Wana
Ubud, Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia

#5 SACRED MONKEY FOREST SANCTUARY

Everyone should not miss a trip to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. At IDR 20,000 / SGD 2.10 per person, you get to experience walking along families of monkeys that roam freely around their territory.

You can even take pictures with the cheeky creatures but do take extra caution to not provoke them as they may bite when agitated. Sacred temples are also located within the same site.

$: Free

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Jl. Wenara Wana
Ubud, Bali 80571, Indonesia

#6 DIRTY DUCK DINER – ONE OF UBUD’S BEST DINING DESTINATIONS

Dirty Duck Diner has been labelled as one of Ubud’s must-eat destinations following the roaring success of its signature dish, Bebek Bengil. Their trademark crispy duck (IDR 92, 000 / SGD 9.20) has attracted attention from all over the world since 1990. The duck is steamed with Indonesian spices before being deep fried. It is then served with a slice of watermelon, sautéed potato, side raw salad and three types of spicy sambal chili paste. Several other duck variation dishes are also on the menu.

Dirty Duck Diner is also listed in our guide to Ubud’s best restaurants.

$: IDR 92,000 / SGD 9.20 per person

Dirty Duck Diner
Jalan Hanoman, Padang Tegal
Ubud, Bali 80571, Indonesia

#7 DROP BY SENIMAN COFFFE STUDIO FOR A CUP OF COFFEE

Ubud has no lack of gourmet coffee and Seniman Coffee Studio is clearly the cream of the crop. From Taiwanese syphon to cold brews, Seniman’s baristas are able to create any style of coffee you desire.

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Coffee (from IDR 25,000 / SGD 2.60) is serious business here; premium beans are roasted in-house and espresso blends are available for wholesale. Their menu highlights regional Indonesian dishes i.e. Javanese Gado Gado (IDR 40, 000 / SGD 4.10) that offers numerous vegetarian options.

Seniman Coffee Studio is also listed in our guide to Ubud’s best restaurants.

$: Coffee – IDR 25,000 / SGD 2.60, Main – IDR 40,000 / SGD $4.15

Seniman Coffee Studio
Jalan Sriwedari No. 5
Ubud, Bali 80561, Indonesia

#8 CAMPUHAN RIDGE WALK – A SCENIC NATURE TRAIL

The Campuhan Ridge Walk is a scenic nature trail that starts from Ibah Hotel. The path to Campuhan Ridge may be a little confusing but the signboard along the trek will ensure that you are on the right track. It takes about an hour to complete the hike, so do slip on comfortable shoes and slab on sunscreen lotion. The route is relatively easy and offers a glimpse of Ubud’s countryside life.

$: Free

Campuhan Ridge Walk
Starts near Ibah hotel
Ubud, Bali 80571, Indonesia

#9 PAMPER YOURSELF WITH A MASSAGE AT KARSA SPA

Located at the end of Campuhan Ridge Walk is the highly rated Karsa Spa, which offers relaxing shoulder massages or foot reflexology at only IDR 85,000 / SGD 8.90.

Indulge further with other therapies such as ear candling (IDR 100,000 / SGD 10.40), facials (from IDR 140,000 / SGD 14.60), manicures (IDR 130,000 / SGD 13.50), full body massages (from IDR 140,000 / SGD 14.60) and even hair cream baths (IDR 150,000 / SGD 15.60)!

$: From IDR 85,000 / SGD 8.90

Karsa Spa
Jl. Bangkiang Sidem, Keliki
Tegallalang, Bali, Indonesia

#10 KARSA KAFE FOR ITS ALL DAY BREAKFAST AND BALINESE DISHES

Right beside Karsa Spa is Karsa Kafe, a café that oversees a large lily pond and tranquil rice fields. Karsa Kafe sells all day breakfast and an assortment of Balinese dishes starting from IDR 20,000 / SGD 2.10. If you are exhausted from walking, the staff can arrange taxi transportation at IDR 100,000 / SGD 10.40 back to town via an alternative route.

$: Mains from IDR 20,000 / SGD 2.10

Karsa Kafe
Jl. Bangkiang Sidem, Keliki
Tegallalang, Bali, Indonesia

#11 TEGALALANG RICE TERRACE – A FAVOURITE SPOT FOR LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHERS

The grass is greener at Tegalalang Rice Terrace’s side. This man-made Balinese wonder is no stranger to landscape photographers for its breathtaking panoramic view. The layering terraces have been purposefully created overtime by farmers to harvest rice more effectively; they accumulate water and promote its irrigation system.

You can admire Tegalalang Rice Terrace from above at one of its surrounding shops or pay an entrance fee of IDR 5,000 / SGD 0.50 to walk around it.

$: IDR 5,000 / SGD 0.50

#12 FREE COFFEE TASTING AT LUWAK COFFEE PLANTATIONS

Luwak Coffee Plantations are well known for their luwak coffee, which are produced from the droppings of civets. The creatures feed on coffee cherries but are unable to digest the seeds. Upon collection from the faeces, the coffee beans are cleaned, roasted and then grounded. While you can sample up to 14 other locally produced beverages such as rosella tea and vanilla coffee for free, tasting of the exotic luwak coffee will incur IDR 50,000 / SGD 5.20.

$: Free

Luwak Coffee Plantations
Br Pujang Kelod Desa Sebatu
Kecamatan Tegalalang, Bali,Indonesia

#13 DINE AT MELTING WOK WARUNG – ONE OF UBUD’S BEST RESTAURANTS

Melting Wok Warung has been consistently voted as one of Ubud’s best restaurants on Trip Advisor throughout the year. The casual eatery is indeed a melting pot; serving traditional Indonesian curries, French desserts and ever changing daily specials.

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Despite its popularity, the food here remains extremely affordable where main dishes starts from IDR 35,000 / SGD 3.60. Getting a table during peak hours is difficult due to the restaurant’s limited seating capacity so do make a phone booking.

$: Mains from IDR 35,000 / SGD 3.60

Jl. Gootama 13, Ubud
Bali 80571, Indonesia

#14 PAULA’S RICE TERRACE CAFE OFFERS A GREAT VIEW OF UBUD’S BEAUTIFUL RICE PADDIES

Located a few kilometres away from Ubud Center, Paula’s Rice Terrace Cafe is not too far away from town but far enough to escape the crowd. At 12 meters above sea level, the restaurant offers an alternative view of the village’s beautiful rice paddies.

The menu is considered budget by Western standards, with delicious Indonesian main courses such as Nasi Campur and Cap Cay starting from only IDR 26,000 / SGD 2.70.

$: From IDR 26,000 / SGD 2.70

Paula’s Rice Terrace Cafe
Jl Suweta, Ubud
Bali 80571, Indonesia

#15 GO FOR A YOGA CLASS AT YOGA BARN

The Yoga Barn is a full service yoga studio; it offers yoga classes of all levels, a variety of therapatic treatments and a nourshing raw food menu at its in-house café. The duration of each class is about 90 minutes and costs IDR 120,000 / SGD 12.50.

Further discounts are given to those who sign on for 3 classes and above. Students do not have to bring their own yoga mats but are expected to arrive at least 15 minutes before the class commences.

$: IDR 120,000 / SGD 12.50 per class

Yoga Barn
Jalan Raya Pengosekan Ubud
Ubud, Bali 80571, Indonesia

TOTAL EXPENSES PER PERSON FOR 3D2N (ALL-INCLUSIVE)

AirBnb Stay (2 nights): SGD $60 (for two persons)
Return airplane tickets: SGD $160 (per person)
Return airport transfer: IDR 600,000 /SGD $62.60 (for two persons)
Bike Rental: SGD $10.40 (for two persons/two full days)
Food: SGD $26 (per person)
Activities (yoga class + spa): SGD $21.40 (per person)
Attractions: Mostly free
TOTAL: SGD $280 per person (all-inclusive)

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng was previously a marketing executive and freelance photographer in the food industry. Her work has been published on Epicure, Lifestyle Asia and Meld Magazine etc. She is currently on a break and traveling around the world. Follow her travel adventures on Instagram or The Keepers Map where she shares useful curated travel itineraries.