Johan Hensen Column The writer is a retired hopitality consultant and living in Bali. Any comment about this article, please email at johan@bits.bali.com or HP 081558582853

See, Feel, Touch and Enjoy
The Very Soul and Spirit of Bali

If you are interested in the Balinese people, meeting and interacting with them, discovering their way of living, experiencing the peaceful Hindu religion, village life, the stunning and beautiful nature with an unseen variety (from beaches till mountains, from mountain lakes till untouched forests) and views, if you like to do some trekking, water rafting, rice field cycling, enjoying the fabulous and rich Art & Culture and beautiful handicrafts and most importantly totry their food, well then, the Real Bali is waiting for you.

There are many options available to discover the "Real Bali", or as I prefer to say: The Other Bali. You can book through the many Tour & Travels agents, but of course they offer just commercial tours. Very understandable and like anywhere else in the world!
But if you want to explore Bali on your own, just rent a car and take off. My strong advice to you is to rent a car with driver (who also acts as your guide). Why completely stress out yourself in the hectic, dangerous traffic here in Bali. Just relax and enjoy the surroundings, which you will not see if driving yourself. There are many people offering their services. Just negotiate with them about the daily rate and your plans / wishes. If you can’t find a reliable driver, just contact me at the above mentioned address or mobile phone, as we know many good and reliable drivers with good cars and fabulous services.

Culinary Bali
How better to discover and experience the taste of a destination, its lifestyle, its culture than through a Culinary Discovery Trip. Enjoy the richness of the fabulous Bali Cuisine. All over the island they have their own local specialties. Just let me introduce you to some possibilities, without being afraid of hygiene or Bali Belly. Here we go:
South Bali (where you are probably staying):
Sanur: The best and original Indonesian food you will find at the Sanur – Sindhu night market (Pasar Senggol). Just have a look how many foreigners are dining there and join them. You will be sitting among the locals. Point out what you want and you will be surprised how delicious it tastes. And you will be surprised about the low costs!
If you prefer to dine on the beach, go to the Bonsai Restaurant.
Denpasar: Here I have 2 recommendations for you in the heart of the city. Nearby the governor’s residence, the Mayors office and the Inna Bali Hotel, you’ll find a warung (simple restaurant) called: "Mie Jakarta". Try their Mie Ayam Jakarta, ideal for lunch!. This warung is located on the main Jalan Veteran street. On one of its side streets on the right side, you should visit "Warung Satria". Ask for their specialty menu and tell them : tidak pedis / not so spicy. But also here you can point what you want to have. They offer absolutely fresh, hygienic and delicious food, the real taste of Bali. Just ask around, everyone knows the place. Combine this with a visit to the biggest local market ion Bali: the Pasar Badung.
Tanjung Benoa / Nusa Dua area: The best option here is a restaurant called: "Bumbu Bali". It is located on the main street of Tanjung Benoa. Best is to make a reservation, as it is very popular. Tel: 771256
Jimbaran: A must to experience the famous seafood here. You will find many beach cafes here, right on the white sandy beach. They all offer the same: grilled Seafood. The best is to go between 17.00 and 18.00 pm, because then you can enjoy a stunning and romantic evening: on the beach, a fabulous sunset, while enjoying a great variety of fresh fish. Try the café’s at the beach between the Intercontinental Resort and the Four Seasons Resort. They are all great.
Kuta: Try out here the Bamboo Café at Poppies Lane I, enter from Jalan Legian Street (Kuta’s main shopping street). You’ll encounter a great variety of Indonesian and western food available, at stunningly low prices. And that in Kuta!
The second recommendation for great Indonesian food is "Restaurant Ketupat". It is located at the above mentioned Jalan Legian Street, Kuta’s main shopping street.
Tabanan – West Bali: In combination with a visit of the famous Tanah Lot temple, on a rock in the sea, enjoy the sunset and then visit the nearby "Dewi Sinta Restaurant". Make your choice of their fabulous Indonesian food. Ask them for some advice.
Ubud – Middle Bali: The most popular and famous "warung" in Bali amongst the locals is "Warung Ibu Oka". Famous for its Bali Specialty: "Babi Guling". Just tell them how many portions you want as that is their main food. You will get a combination of: lawar, saté, and babi guling. Lawar is made of minced meat, vegetables, finely cut crackling, mixed with a lot of spices and uncooked-blood as a binding sauce. Saté or satay is grilled chopped meat that can be beef, pork, or chicken. Babi guling is a spit-roasted suckling pig. Their food is not only the best, mouth-watering delicious, but also guaranteed fresh! You will be surprised how busy it is. Go around lunch time. It is located in front of the Ubud palace, Tour guides, drivers, domestic and foreign tourists can be witnessed sitting down crossed-leg having crispy and spicy suckling pig here.
The first restaurant of Ubud and still one of the best in Ubud is Murni’s Warung , located in a beautiful, terraced setting. Not only great Balinese / Indonesian food (and not so spicy!), but their western menu is also fabulous. It is located direct next to the Campuhan Bridge in the centre of Ubud.
Candi Dasa – East Bali: This area is famous for their local fish delicacies. Fish satay and "pepes ikan’ Try here the restaurant of "Kelapa Mas Homestay & Restaurant" and ask for their specialty "Bali Fish Menu" or "the Special Seafood Menu". Also a great place to stay overnight.

North Bali:
Singaraja: the best place to go is the harbor. They build there a pier right into the sea. On it are four restaurants with good local food, including seafood, nasi campur or other specialties. I tried the one direct on the left side if walking in and it was great. But I am told by others that all 4 of them are serving great food. Also they serve fantastic fresh juices.
Last but not least: More than just lunch at the local Panorama Restaurant in Mayong North Bali. It is simply going away from the beaten tourist track.
If coming from the south and going north, after passing the Bedugul area and the Bratan lake, turn left at Wanagiri, instead of going straight to Singaraja.
You will have an unique and stunning eco and nature trip with outstanding panoramas at the Tamblingan and Buyan lakes. Almost at the end on your right side at Mayong Village you’ll find the ideal outlet for lunch, with a stunning view on the valley below. It is called: the Panorama Café. The owner Made Murjasa and his wife Karsini, will welcome you on the flowered roadside of their warung. The fresh fruit juices are the best of Bali, thanks to the fertile sloops around and the healthy food is organic.
This is absolutely Sense & Simplicity! If you want to see the Real Bali and visit the one & only Paradise of North and East Bali, this road and this place are really a must to visit. You will not regret it.
Keep in mind, that for the Balinese people, food is a celebration of life. Join them and fall in love with the real Bali, as love goes through the mouth and stomach first!
Enjoy Bali and fall in love with its people.