House of travel Bali Brochure 2017 | Page 6

6 TIPS for your Bali Holiday Shop 'til you drop Explore for yourself Foodie heaven Shoppers are spoilt in Bali. From local markets to world-class malls, save some space for a medley of take-home treasures. Hiring a driver is a smart idea, and for two main reasons. On a practical level, you remove the worry of driving a manual in a foreign country, alongside scooters, traffic jams and livestock! Secondly, everything is planned for you. It’s less hassle, less time consuming, and you get driven from door-to- door, absorbing all the highlights. A warung is a small, casual dining establishment, usually family owned. They don’t look flashy but they’re your go-to for authentic Balinese cuisine. Local markets offer a dense assortment of both trinkets and foot traffic, with Sukawati Art Market well regarded as Bali’s most legendary. This two-storey hub of sellers and hagglers stocks all manner of handmade keepsakes. Malls such as the Discovery Shopping Mall and Beachwalk on Kuta Beach offer an air-conditioned escape from the heat and can be accessed directly from the beach. Bartering is mostly only accepted at markets and won’t be well received in malls or boutiques. Venture to Seminyak for designer items and if you’re looking for something more in-keeping with Bali’s harmonious reputation, sustainable and ethically-conscious stores are popping up everywhere. 2 From volcanoes and mountain regions, to small villages and coffee plantations, your driver will take you to sites you might not have found yourself. While discussing each location, you’ll get insider’s knowledge from a genuine local, including your driver’s personal thoughts on just about everything. Hiring a driver starts from as little as $40 per day. Prices usually cover petrol, whereas additional costs (like entrance fees) won’t be included. Start your day at a warung serving strong Balinese coffee (kopi). Thanks to the upper region’s rich volcanic soil the coffee will please the most distinguished Kiwi palette. As for must-try dishes, babi guling (suckling pig) is a favourite. Pasted with turmeric and stuffed with at least 10 ingredients, the pig is then spit roasted over coconut husks. Bali has an overwhelming choice of beautiful restaurants, some of our favourites include Mama San Kitchen Bar Lounge, this fabulous restaurant offers old and new world influence in their Asian cuisine. For a unique setting head to Ayana Resort, home to the infamous Rock Bar! Secure your spot in time for the sunset and 360 degree views.