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Holly Kingston’s Guide to Bali
Written by Luxury Escapes
TV personality and influencer Holly Kingston (and co-host of the new season of Luxury Escapes: The World’s Best Holidays) knows Bali like the back of her hand. These are her top tips for the Island of the Gods.
It’s fair to say Holly Kingston is a Bali regular. From knowing the best spots for cocktails to the hottest restaurants in town, she’s got her finger on the pulse of this Indonesian island. With this in mind, she was a natural choice to co-host the Bali episode of the latest season of Luxury Escapes: The World’s Best Holidays.
Read on to uncover her favourite Bali experiences, including where to find cliffside cocktails, the best traditional nasi goreng for loose change, and even a lavish seven-course Japanese sushi feast.
Discover more about Bali on the new season of Luxury Escapes: The World’s Best Holidays, airing Tuesdays 8.30pm AEST* on Foxtel Lifestyle and on demand on Binge and Network 10. *Check your local TV listings for details.
Discover Bali
LE: What’s one experience every traveller to Bali must have?
HK: We’ve spent a lot of time in Bali and I think the main thing I’ve learned is that every traveller should aim to experience a few different parts of the region. Whenever we go, we try to book at least two vastly different areas or hotels per trip.
For example, Canggu (beachside, bustling) and Munduk (waterfalls, mountains, rest and relaxation), or the two places featured on the TV episode: Uluwatu (cliffside, surf culture and an abundance of cafes, restaurants and beach clubs) and neighbouring Sumba (off the beaten track, stunning wildlife and unique accommodation).
LE: What was your favourite spot for a cocktail in Bali?
HK: SO many! There’s a spot for a cocktail on every corner in Bali, from stunning beach clubs to beautiful resorts and local beachside shacks.
Finns Beach Club or Sundays Beach Club at high tide are both pretty spectacular, perfect for days spent relaxing by the pool and the ocean with a cocktail in hand.
For the evening, it’s hard to go past Akasa, the cliffside restaurant and bar we visited at Jumeirah Bali. It has panoramic views of the Uluwatu coast, and the sunsets up there are breathtaking.
LE: Name the best restaurant in Bali and why.
HK: It’s impossible to choose one!
There are local warungs in every part of Bali that serve up delicious nasi goreng full of local flavour for just a few dollars – a fraction of what we’d pay in Australia.
We’ve been to a stunning restaurant nestled in the rice paddies in Seminyak several times called Nook, which I just LOVE for cocktails and Balinese dishes (there are also western options) in the most tranquil location.
Akasa at Jumeirah Bali is an unforgettable experience as a more upmarket option, for incredible views and flame-grilled dishes created with local, fresh produce. Think contemporary Asian fusion and fabulous, interesting cocktails.
A culinary experience I’ll never forget is the seven-course omakase offering at Kaboku at NIHI Sumba. The talented Japanese chefs prepare your meal right in front of you in a secret oceanfront sushi and sake bar, using the freshest of local fish from the ocean and ingredients from the onsite NIHI farm. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
LE: Tell us about the new Jumeirah Bali resort.
HK: One word comes to mind… utter OPULENCE. You go to Jumeirah Bali to truly live like a king or queen, with every little detail from the room interiors to the grand architecture thought out. The second you enter the resort, you feel like you’re in another world.
One thing I particularly loved is that you have the privacy and spaciousness of a private villa, with all the perks of a luxury resort. I would go back in a heartbeat.
Discover more about Bali on the new season of Luxury Escapes: The World’s Best Holidays, airing Tuesdays 8.30pm AEST* on Foxtel Lifestyle and on demand on Binge and Network 10. *Check your local TV listings for details.
Looking for more inspiration? Discover To Infinity & Beyond: The Most Phenomenal Pools in Bali.
