Talk about beach clubs and Bali is home to aplenty, but one that we really love is Ulu Cliffhouse. Situated at Uluwatu, Ulu Cilffhouse has a panoramic view of the sea and is one of the best spots in Uluwatu to catch the sunsets.

Sexy vibes, a great drinks menu, a comprehensive food menu, a retail store, and unbeatable vantage points; a trip to this beach club is definitely a must when in Bali.

With direct access to the beach, vantage points to catch the sunsets, an infinity pool, an open-air restaurant and a cliff-side ocean deck, Ulu Cliffhouse is a lifestyle destination that has gained immense popularity among Indonesians and visitors alike.

There are multiple deck chairs, cabanas and tables spread out all over the huge space, so whether you are visiting alone, as a couple or in a large group, you’re at the right place.

On its food menu, the dishes are prepared using mostly locally sourced ingredients so as to integrate its local cultural flavours. From small sharing plates to salads and pizzas, fill your tummies while you laze the afternoon away.

Need a drink? But of course. Lots of cocktails and wines options await, and non-alcoholic drinks include cold pressed juices and local kombucha.

Ulu Cliffhouse is also known for their events. Expect weekly Sunday brunches with free-flow drinks and live DJ-ing. Parties are also lined up every month.

It is truly one destination to be at when in Bali.

Ulu Cliffhouse
Jl. Labuansait Jl. Raya Uluwatu No.315, Pecatu, Kec. Kuta Sel.,
Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Tel: +62 813-3881-2502

Fancy dining underwater with schools after schools of fishes swimming around you while you enjoy fine seafood cuisine? Then you have to check out Koral Restaurant.

Koral Restaurant is Bali’s first underwater restaurant within an aquarium and it sits within the one-year-old The Apurva Kempinski Bali. The multisensory restaurant has been super popular among both locals and visitors since it was introduced and reservations are most definitely recommended.

Our recent visit sure didn’t leave us disappointed.

Helmed by Executive Chef Eric Cocollos and Executive Sous Chef Ho Weng Kit, Koral Restaurant’s menu is concise and straightforward. Expect a selection of refined seafood dishes and fine desserts crafted using locally sourced ingredients; think a gastronomic adventure with nuances of Indonesian influences.

Dining at Koral Restaurant is quite unlike any other experiences. Whether you are seated within the glass-roofed tunnel or by the “windows”, a fine evening awaits. The aquarium is made up of more than 80 species of marine life, including your usual sea anemone, blue starfishes, sea urchins and a single Nemo. Yes, there is just one clownfish. Try to spot it.

One appetizer that you have to try is the Blue Crab (RP360,000). Presented theatrically in a sphere and dry ice, this luxurious salad features lumps of fresh blue crab, Granny Smith’s apple, crispy jicama and caviar.

On the mains, go for the signature Prawn & Lime (RP420,000)—a true oceanic delight of deep-fried stuffed prawns and Indonesian salsa.

The Red Snapper (RP420,000) was also memorable. Steeped in a broth infused in Balinese herbs glazed vegetables, this fish dish was an instant hit for us with its fresh and subtly complex flavour notes.

You have to try the desserts at Koral Restaurant, because Executive Sous Chef Ho Weng Kit has spent 18 years in France and is a renowned chef who has won numerous pastry competitions.

One to mention is the Strawberry Crème Brûlée. The classic French dessert is prepared with a twist—served in a strawberry, this is one of Chef Ho’s proudest creations and also one that made his name in France.

Do note that the dishes are tasting portions from the degustation menu and the prices stated are for the a la carte dishes.

Koral Restaurant is only open for dinner, and there is a dress code to observe. Reservations are also highly recommended to avoid disappointment.

Tip: The tables within the glass-roofed tunnel are better for photos as the area is brighter but the tables next by the “windows” in the tank are better to admire the fishes in the aquarium.

Koral Restaurant
Benoa, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
The Apurva Kempinski Bali
Mon to Sat: 6pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 6pm – 12am

Bali has no lack of cafes, and it seems that everyone is just trying to outdo one another with new concepts, OOTD spots, special menus etc.

If dining on the table is too basic, well, you can now dine in the pool at Cabina Bali. We kid you not; brunch is served on a tray that floats on the in-house pool and you dine from the pool. Sounds cool already?

Cabina Bali also has many OOTD spots to boast, so pack along your cutest bikini and prettiest dress for a trip to this tropical paradise in Canggu!

Cabina Bali is a tropical paradise with lots of palm trees, deck chairs, fairy lights, a bar and the coolest vibe. There is also a pool that sits in the middle of the space, and that is where the floating brunch happens.

The Floating Brunch Experience happens from 9am to 12pm, and it costs IDR180,000 per person and IDR350,000 for a pair. Reservations are highly recommended to avoid disappointment.

Every set comes with coffee/ tea, a glass of pressed juice served in a pineapple, a main and a dessert.  There are vegan and gluten-free options, too.

We have to say that the food wasn’t the most impressive. It was the novelty of the idea that attracted us (and the world). You do not even have to bring your own towels; Cabina Bali will provide you with fresh ones once you are done dining in the pool.

Its regular all-day menu is a comprehensive one that includes a huge selection of breakfast items, salads, sandwiches, tapas, and pasta.

Coffee is good here, and you’d be happy to know that Cabina Bali works with ST. ALi Melbourne to serve specialty coffee. The daily Happy Hour happens from 5pm to 8pm, where you enjoy 1-for-1 cocktails.

Cabina
Jalan Batu Belig Gang Daksina No.1, Kerobokan Kelod
Bali 80361, Indonesia
Tel: +62 361 4740989
Daily: 9am to 9pm

For more recommendations, read our Bali’s guides to discover the best places to visit on the island.

There are a great host of things to see, experience and do in Bali from raving till the cows come home in Kuta or cafe-hopping in Seminyak, but perhaps one of the more popular draws among tourists these days is the adrenaline pumping, Bali Swing.

Located in Ubud, Bali, the Bali Swing is fairly new playground that boasts a number of giant swings—some going up to as high as 78 metres above ground—that not only makes for one heck of a heart-pumping joyride, but gives visitors a spectacular view of the forest and coursing river directly below it. But fret not if you’re not a fan of heights because there are also giant overhanging pods modelled after bird nests that you can sit and admire the view in just the same.

For the thrill seekers or those who simply want to relish in the playground’s tropical vibes, Bali Swing is definitely something you need to include in your itinerary for your next Bali getaway.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT BALI SWING

Bali Swing houses numerous jungle swings ranging from 10m, 15m, 20m and 78m above ground. A treat for adrenaline junkies, each swing comes with its own unique thrill factor so depending on how ballsy you are, choose your swing wisely.

But regardless of the swing you choose, you will still be guaranteed a pretty spectacular view unlike any other—one that overlooks the river, tropical greenery and waterfall.

If you’re not a fan of heights but still want a beautiful photo to take away from the experience, consider one of their many ‘Hanging Nests’ that are scattered around the playground.

Wedged between two enormous palm trees, these nest-like structures serve as look-out points but also make for good spots for photos. A ladder is positioned below it allowing guests to climb onto it and is eventually removed to make it seem—in photos—as if you were dangling in midair among the tall trees.

Other attractions include the Butterfly Garden, Helicopter, Heart-shaped Rock and Huge Stone—all of which come with a magnificent view overlooking the valley as well as the canyon and waterfall.

GETTING THERE

The location of Bali Swing is very far inward and the only possible way in would be through booking a driver or a taxi. But courtesy to the folks at Bali Swing, there are a number of hassle-free options you can consider.

• PAID TRANSFER SERVICE (from your hotel/villa/homestay):
  Car transfer service to & from your hotel/villa in Ubud (6 USD or S$9)—at least 2 people required with a maximum distance of 15km from Bali Swing; other locations will be additionally calculated; single person pays double price.

• FREE SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE
  Free shuttle bus service from the ‘Queen’s of India’ Indian Restaurant in Ubud, Jalan Suweta (near the Ubud Palace). To book a seat on the free bus, send a request via WhatsApp at either +62 878 8828 8832 or +62 877 7708 8801, stating the day and time of pick-up and the number of people. Reservation is mandatory.

BALI SWING PACKAGES

BALI SWING ACTIVE PACKAGE — 35.00 USD (S$48) per person

Includes entrance fee, open bar (soft drinks, coffee, tea, water, cake), lunch buffet and 13 activities: 4 single swings (10m, 15m, 20m and 78m above ground), old-school tandem swing, 4 nests, butterfly garden, helicopter, heart-shaped rock in the jungle and huge stone over the edge above the valley with an amazing view of the canyon and waterfall.

BALI SWING ENTRANCE PACKAGE — 10.00 USD (S$14) per person

Includes entrance fee, open bar (soft drinks, coffee, tea, water, cake), lunch buffet, butterfly garden, helicopter, heart-shaped rock and huge stone.

ADDITIONAL PAID SERVICES

• Photo shooting service (swing and nests area).
• Buggy ride down to the river beach and back to the top.
• Tubing excursion at front of river waterfall with photo shooting service.
• Towels on the river beach.
• Additional drinks (beer, coconut water, soft drinks), snacks & ice cream.

Bali Swing
Jl. Dewi Saraswati, 80352
Bongkasa Pertiwi, Kapubaten Bandung,
Bali (Banjar Tegal Kuning)
Tel: +62 878 8828 8832 / +62 877 7708 8801
Daily: 8am – 5pm

For more recommendations, read our Bali guides to discover the best places to visit on the island.