Where to play and stay in Petitenget: Seminyak’s coolest neighbourhood
Oh, Bali. We just can’t get enough of you. We’ll pop over for a quick escape from Singapore just to go shopping Canggu, dive into one of Asia’s most beautiful pools in Ubud or sprawl out in a spectacular villa with the gang. But one place that’s got us wrapped around its little finger? Seminyak. More specifically, the vibrant neighbourhood of Petitenget, where the coolest cafes and restaurants, beautiful stores and beach bars have made themselves at home… in the centre of it all? One pretty sweet spot to stay. Read on for our faves in the neighbourhood to tick off your list during your next Bali jaunt…
PETITENGET’S CAFE AND RESTAURANT SCENE
Kynd
Bali is the plant-based devotee’s paradise, and you’ll notice more than a sprinkling of clean-eating and vegan cafes in this neck of the woods. We loved the vibe at Kynd (pictured top), which serves feel-good smoothies, badass breakfasts, hefty salads and fantastic coffee – and of course you can get it here with almond, soy or coconut milk.
Kynd, Jl. Petitenget No.12X, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia p. +62 859-3112-0209
Kiln
If you’ve ever feasted at Oxwell & Co on Ann Siang Hill right here in Singapore and met chef Nicholas Scorpion, you’ll know that his other passion, Kiln restaurant in Bali, delivers the goods. Here, the menu takes its lead from the Mediterranean, and comes to life with fire and smoke. Think kebabs loaded with charred meats, broccoli and beets blackened in the best way possible and wood-fired sourdough pizzas. Booking your flight yet?
Kiln, Jl. Petitenget No.40X, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia p. +62 361 4733054
Merah Putih
Walking distance from the L Hotel (our recommended stay) is Merah Puti: famous for its jaw-dropping interior – there are palm trees growing inside for goodness sake – and modern take on Indonesian cuisine. Just don’t load up on bar bites and too many tipples while you’re waiting for your table (I made this rookie mistake) – you’ll want to be in it for the long haul with this menu. Save room for the Balinese pork jowl in banana leaves.
Merah Putih, Jl. Petitenget No.100x, Kerobokan, Bali, Indonesia 80361 p. (0361) 8465950
Sarong
Word to the wise: book well in advance if you want to have dinner at this award-winning institution. Sarong has a strong reputation thanks to chef Will Meyrick’ss elegant take on South-East Asian and subcontinental cuisine, and the hype is real. If fine dining is your thing and you want to tick one of Asia’s best restaurants off your list, you know what to do.
Sarong, Jalan Petitenget 19XX, Kuta Utara, Badung p. +62-812-3634-3386
Sardine
Sardine is no secret, but you can’t visit this neighbourhood without dining by the tranquil rice fields and lily ponds in this restaurant’s backyard. The seafood-heavy spread evolves according to the catch of the day – which is sourced from the fishing village of Jimbaran. The menu here is more Mediterranean, but you’ll spot the local influences, from the hints of sambal, ginger and clams steamed in Bintang beer.
Sardine, Jalan Petitenget No.21, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta Utara, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia p. 62 811-3978-333
Grow
Ryan Clift showed us what he’s made of via The Tippling Club and Open Farm Community here in Singapore: his Bali project Grow at the L Hotel is all about farm-to-table dining, and damn, it’s good. Case in point: the kale soup with charred croutons was slurped up in seconds by my six-year-old. You try getting a kid to have kale soup for dinner. Head to the rooftop bar Grow Up to catch the sunset and sip on some pretty cool cocktails, but make sure you dedicate night during your stay for the tasting menu. You’ll be in good hands – just make sure they have the matching wines available first!
Grow, Jalan Petitenget 8L, Seminyak, Badung, Bali, Indonesia 80361 p. +62 361 8947908
Nook
Adeline Quek, Resident Tastemaker at L Hotel (read all about it below) and regular visitor to Petitenget, told us about this quiet brunch spot, which is one of her go-tos for good coffee and breakfast with a local twist. Talk about a tranquil atmosphere: Nook looks out over rice paddies, which makes for one serene start to the day.
Nook, Jl. Umalas 1 Gang Nook No. 1, Kuta Utara, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
BY THE BEACH
Petitenget Beach
Petitenget Beach is prettiest in the morning: you’ll spot local fishermen trying their luck and daily offerings placed on the clean sand. But we all know this stretch is all about the beach clubs…
Mano Beach House
You’ll find this gem right by the entrance to the beach, and it’s a fantastic little place to spend a sizzling afternoon. Snap up a spot under the shade, order one of the amazing smoothies and the excellent fish and chips, and take a dip in the pool before dessert. You’ll find more families here as the vibe is much more laid-back (during the day, at least) than the famous beach clubs below.
Mano Beach House, Jl. Petitenget, Petitenget Beach, Bali, Indonesia p. +62 361 4730874
Potato Head
You’ve got to hang out at Potato Head at least once in your lifetime. Make the pilgrimage to take that photo in front of that ampitheatre made of Balinese shutters, gawk at the shenanigans in the pool or join in the fun. The sunsets here are spectacular…
Potato Head Beach Club, Jalan Petitenget No.51B, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta Utara, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Ku De Ta
It’s all about the tropical vibes, lounging and sunsets at Ku De Ta. Stop by this Seminyak institution, claim a day bed and soak up the Bali scene for hours on end. You don’t even have to get up from that day bed to dance to the DJ’s set.
Ku De Ta, Jl. Kayu Aya No.9, Seminyak, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali, Indonesia
WHERE TO STAY
L Hotel
We stayed at L Hotel, a fantastic boutique property that ticks all the boxes with its super convenient location and brilliant food offering at Grow Restaurant – the Bali baby of Singapore-based star chef Ryan Clift, which we raved about above. What we loved during our stay? The personal butler service: the genuinely warm and attentive service we were greeted with every time was one sweet touch.
We say L Hotel is perfect for getting away as a couple, or for that weekend away with the girls: it’s an intimate, stylish space with a pool just a short stroll away, and you’ll appreciate the luxe details in the room – remember to look up to enjoy the intricate wooden carvings in the ceiling. The absolute highlight, however, was the restaurant and bar: Grow is so damn good you’ll be tempted to spend every meal (and drink every sundowner) here.
L Hotel, Jl. Petitenget No.8L, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
AND WHERE TO SHOP
Little Joe Woman by Gail Elliott
Former supermodel Gail Elliott turned her hand to fashion design after her career on the runway and never looked back. Her boho dresses and silk lingerie are just made for the luxe life in the tropics, so stock up for your Singapore wardrobe, ladies.
Little Joe Woman by Gail Elliott, Jl. Petitenget No.198, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia, p. +62 361 4735964
Magali Pascal
Adeline Quek tells us this boutique by Parisan-born, Bali-based designer Magali Pascal is one of her fave shopping spots when she’s in town. The brand is one of her top recommendations as it’s “feminine, floaty and with a sway to its style.” Check out the bohemian silk numbers here and you’ll fall in love too. Right now, we’re seriously into the designer’s new sister line, Nomàd by Magali Pascal, and that jumpsuit.
Magali Pascal, Jl. Raya Seminyak No.62, Seminyak, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Bali Boat Shed
If fun dresses made for the tropics are your thing, prepare to drop some cash at Bali Boat Shed. Known for its collabs with labels such as Mister Zimi and State of Georgia, no vacay in Seminyak is complete without a shopping sesh at the famous Bali Boatshed.
Bali Boat Shed, Jl. Laksamana Basangkasa No.55, Seminyak, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Bamboo Blonde
Maxi dresses, flowing skirts and playsuits in tropical prints. You get the idea, and you’ll be tempted to seriously expand your holiday wardrobe with the fun, affordable pieces here.
Bamboo Blonde, Jl. Raya Seminyak No.16C, Seminyak, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Uma & Leopold
Another recommendation from Adeline, Uma & Leopold boutiques are dotted around Bali for good reason. Handmade by local artisans, this collection features playsuits, maxis and wrap dresses with beautiful detailing such as embroidery or beadwork. This is one unique boutique worth seeking out – the leather accessories and shoes are to die for too.
Uma & Leopold, Jl. Petitenget 198 Unit building #3, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
GET PAMPERED IN PETITENGET
Soham Wellness Center
Here’s one final hot tip, courtesy of Adeline: L Hotel has partnered with Soham Wellness Center to allow guests free access to the gym, jacuzzi, and swimming pool. Feel like indulging in a spa treatment, facial or massage? Ask the L Butler to hook you up for a guest discount – and they’ll of course arrange your ride to the spa too.
Soham Wellness Center, Jalan Lebak Sari, Gang Stap No. 7, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta Utara, Kerobokan Kelod, North Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361, Indonesia
