How many of us keep wondering, looking for information from friends, locals, and the internet about when Bali is reopened for international tourists?. It’s been a year we all lost our freedom to travel, which arguably one of our basic necessities. While some of us still can travel domestically or to some nearby countries, depending on what kind of travel policies our respective countries and countries of destination have, most of us only can hoping Indonesia’s travel restrictions will be ended soon. How long should we wait to play with soft white sand on Bali’s beaches ?. And, there is definitely more places to visit when Bali is reopened…

The prospect that Bali reopens soon is excited many of us, who have been wanting to hear the good news from the Indonesian government. Both local and international tourists are the same, been desperately waiting for the time they could spend their relaxing time on the island of God. Hence, many complained about the Indonesian government’s decision to close off the country from any foreigners due to the current situation. Yet many are still hoping that Bali is reopened this January. That means the Bali economy will have to endure more suffering until the ban is lifted. Let’s hope for the best so we all can visit the paradise of the earth to have whatever in our plans, whether for partying, have a romantic holiday, learning yoga, or get a weekend escape.

I know I am lucky that I can visit Bali by end of the year since I am a local and it took only 1,5 hours to fly to Bali from Jakarta. Although I’d lived there before and continuously visiting Bali whenever I got the chance, Bali never fails to amaze me with its attractiveness. Some new friends showed me new places to chill while enjoying Bali’s remarkable nature. I hope you guys can also visit these places and enjoy both the places & scenery once Indonesia and Bali reopen:

1. Montana del cafe in Kintamani

One of my favorite parts of Bali as I am so into the mountains & the lake (the last Europe trip was arranged to visit some lakes around Europe!). I’ve been to Kintamani many times to soak in Toya Bongkah hot springs and to admire the wonder of mount Batur. A few weeks ago, an invitation from new friends in Bali got me the chance to visit one of the most talked-about places in Bali. Montana del Cafe that is so popular on Instagram was packed by visitors who came to either enjoy the sip of coffee while overlooking the mighty mount Batur or taking some selfies. When you come here, you can opt to sit indoors or on the terrace. If the first floor is already packed, you can go downstairs to sit at the below terrace. I love this cafe very much. It felt so peaceful sitting at the terrace enjoying the mountains, forest, and Batur lake view although the cool wind made me chill a little bit. It didn’t feel as if I was in Bali but more like in some colder countries…

Montana del Cafe is located at Jl. Raya Penelokan No.889, Batur Tengah, Kintamani, Bangli, Bali. You can drive by either motorbike or car to reach the place. It took 1 hour from Ubud by car. Montana del Cafe is open from 8 AM to 6 PM (7 PM on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). A cup of cappuccino is Rp.40.000,- ($ 2,87).

2. La Brisa Canggu

Bali was almost empty but if there’s one area that was consistently packed with people and even jammed is Canggu. It took me more than 40 minutes to reach Canggu from Kuta by GrabBike as the traffic around Canggu was pretty jammed. Canggu must be very crowded once Bali reopens.

I’ve been hearing people mentioned about La Brisa beach club, but I’ve never been there including during my last visit to Bali since I was busy exploring Ubud and Uluwatu. What can I say about La Brisa? I love it! More than Finn’s beach club, honestly. I love their interior decorations, their lively atmosphere, and wonderful scenery, also the market (it was a Christmas market when I was there). It’s the perfect place to witness the sunset in Canggu and having good times, really, besides Old Man’s.

Before I entered the dining/ chill area, the staff put a sticker to cover the camera of my phone and told me that I can open it (and take pictures, of course) after I ordered something on the menu. Perhaps they took the decision because many visitors came to take selfies only, I thought at that time. The other thing that I find interesting about the beach club is the colorful market located on the front side. It sells various cute things ranging from stone jewelry, clothes, food, and home decorations. I was thinking to buy my favorite drink during the Christmas season, Gluhwein or mulled wine, and bring it on the plane but the seller said they don’t have something to cover the cup.

Address : Jl. Pantai Batu Mejan Gang La Brisa Echo Beach, Canggu 80361 Indonesia

3. The Forge Petitenget

This place must be so popular and has good food, I thought when I arrived there. It was full of people and I had to queue to get a seat. My friend who is living in Bali suggested us to meet here. The waitress then directing us to seat on the upper floor. Soon I understand why The Forge is packed with people. The atmosphere is lively, it plays good music, and it has a lot of promotions almost every day. Every Monday they have wine & steak for Rp. 100.000,- ($7.19), not include tax & service fees; while on Tuesday, they have a special offer for the main course.

Address : Jl. Petitenget No.43C, Kerobokan Kelod 80361 Indonesia

4. Bebek Bengil Ubud

Fried duck is one of the signature cuisines of Bali. You should pay a visit either to Bebek Tepi Sawah or Bebek Bengil when Bali reopens. Both of the restaurants serve Bebek (duck in Bahasa Indonesia) as the main dish, but for me, Bebek Bengil tastes better. The meat is tender while the skin is crispy. It served with selections of vegetables and sambal. Both of the restaurants also have a ricefield view.

Address : Jl. Hanoman Padang Tegal, Ubud, Bali.

Besides those cool places, I saw with my own eyes how many places & business is Bali closed due to the pandemic. The shops in Legian was all almost closed and nobody on the street. While the situation in Seminyak & Petitenget was a little bit better. Since many people chose to hang out around those areas, many businesses are still survived. It was sad, really. Hopefully, when Bali reopens tourist will flock again and everything will thrive again as it used to be.

Curious about my adventures in Europe and America ?. You can click the following links to see my traveling videos that have aired on Net TV :

1. Desa Hallstatt, Desa dengan Arsitektur Klasik di Pinggir Danau
2. Imutnya Park Guell, Dunia Fantasi Ala Gaudi di Barcelona
3. Ada Turki Mini di Bosnia Herzegovina
4. Nyobain Makanan Khas Bosnia, Kaya Rasa dan Pasti Halal
5. The Bean, Seni Kontemporer yang Ada di Film – film Hollywood

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