How to get there
Coming from the Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport
Bali’s Ngurah Rai international airport is 17 kilometers from Karma Kandara and the journey takes around 40 minutes depending on traffic. We would be delighted to arrange a private resort car to pick you up. To confirm this service please contact us at concierge@karmakandara.com
KANDARA ON THE PLATE
Our top picks of restaurants in the region
PLACES TO VISIT WHILE STAYING AT KARMA KANDARA
We look forward to welcome you to Karma Kandara – Bali Indonesia. We remain at your disposal for any additional information to help you plan your stay. Do not hesitate to contact us at
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Jimbaran Fish Market
(10 km from the resort)
The Pasar Ikan Kedonganan is the major fresh seafood retail market in Bali, where every day the fishermen land and bring their catches. The fishermen usually go fishing late in the evening and return after dawn to sell their fresh catches to market traders waiting on the shores. If you come to the fish market early in the morning, you will watch the fishermen unload their nets, ranging from large to small catches (sardine, shrimp, crab, lobster, etc.)
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di Mare Restaurant at Karma Kandara
Award-winning Mediterranean cuisine served in a stunning cliff-top setting overlooking the Indian Ocean. The seasonal fine-dining menu focuses on super-fresh ingredients, exotic flavours and classic cooking techniques, complemented by a superb list of international wines.
Open daily from 07:00 – 23:00
Location: Jalan Villa Kandara, Ungasan, Kuta Selatan, Ungasan, Kuta Selatan
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Uluwatu Temple & Kecak Dance
Temple Uluwatu is the second most important temple on the island of Bali. This is a popular place of worship, where hundreds of curious tourists gather every day and pray. The temple is located in a picturesque place on the southwestern coast of the island, on top of a cliff hanging over the ocean. The simple construction of Pura Luhur Uluwatu consists almost entirely of white and gray blocks of petrified corals; it is a state temple dedicated to the spirits of the sea.
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Waterbom Park
Waterbom Bali is where you can enjoy a full wet day out with family and friends, through numerous waterslides, rides and playful games. This island’s premier water park is just across the road from the Discovery Kartika Plaza Shopping Mall in south Kuta, and has grown to feature 17 exciting slides and water games for all ages. The park covers 3.8Ha of tropical gardens and pools, as well as a complete host of dining and leisure facilities. Waterbom Bali comprises numerous choices of slides that will keep you and your family occupied for a whole day. These include easy-going pools with mini slides to large scale adrenaline-pumping rides that start from significant heights. Waterbom Bali has again been recognized as the top water park in Asia for 2018 by TripAdvisor.
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Cuca
Created by Michelin-trained Chef Kevin Cherkas and launched in 2013, Cuca serves-up a radically different, super casual meets fine-dining experience with clever comfort food for sharing. Cucas’ signature concept is Tapas, Cocktails and Desserts, house-made with western cooking techniques and 100 per cent Indonesian natural products – maximizing freshness, exploding with intense tropical flavors and supporting local artisans and farmers.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 12 pm – 12 am
Location: Jalan Yoga Perkanthi, Jimbaran
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Surfing
The best surf spots in Bali are mostly on the southern coasts and around the Bukit peninsula. These fun playgrounds are strictly for advanced surfers as they mostly comprise serious reef breaks and greater curls compared to the more popular and leisurely sandy breaks of Kuta, Jimbaran and Legian. Here’s our compilation of the best surf spots in Bali where you can line up and ride worldclass waves together with surfers from around the world. If you’re a beginner, don’t worry our concierge team will be delighted to arrange a surf lesson for you. The most reliable source of information for surf forecasts and tides is.
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The Impossibles
This famous spot is between Bingin and Padang Padang, and features a long reef. Its nickname implies that it was once an intimidating break, urging experienced surfers to conquer its waves. Impossibles comprises three takeoff zones (or ‘peaks’), the first of which is accessible via Padang Padang (our next spot to the north). The two others are accessible from the spot’s midsection. Here you’ll get long and powerful swells with consistent barrels to enjoy.
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Balangan
Just north from the now crowded and overdeveloped Dreamland Beach, Balangan is a surfing paradise with a kilometre long stretch of white sand and green seaweed covered rocks. The reef is right in front of the beach, and it has southern swells with one of the longest left-hander breaks on the island that range from four to six feet. The beach is slowly sharing the similar fate of Dreamland, as once secluded beaches that now have improved access.
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Sardine
Sardine is a charming restaurant and while it’s in Petitenget next door to Seminyak the position is more in keeping with old Bali. Surprise. Housed in a striking bamboo structure overlooking a vista of endless rice paddies. The working rice fields which the restaurant faces are tended daily by the local farmers and the verdant field is surrounded by a herbaceous border of live bamboo and lily ponds.
Open for lunch 11:30am – Last Order 4:00pm Tapas, Desserts & Cocktails 4:00pm-6:00pm
Dinner 6:00pm – Last Order 11:00pm Close 1:00am
Location: 21 Jalan Petitenget, Kerobokan, Bali
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Bingin Beach
Bingin is a 20 minutes’ drive down from Jimbaran, and only several minutes north from Uluwatu. The waves here aren’t as big as Uluwatu’s, but being on the same south-western side of the Bukit peninsula, it shares the same hazardous reef. Bingin’s barrels are consistent, much like its sister spot of Uluwatu but a little shorter. This makes it a bit of a challenge in catching a good wave in time. Tides similarly play a factor here, so it’s good to keep your tide charts handy or ask around some local surfers who know the playgrounds well. Expect more crowds here than Uluwatu, as the waves are less intimidating.
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Uluwatu
Uluwatu is a classic, famous not only for its top waves but also for its location and the overall experience of surfing with beautiful scenery and Bali’s unique temple landmark. Where else in the world can you sit in the lineup after catching a big one and look up on the hill to see an ancient Hindu shrine and magnificent cliff face? Crowds become a factor when the waves are under four feet, but it really shines as it begins to produce epic barrels of over four.
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Padang Padang
Padang Padang is a favorite spot due to its consistent barrels, and most of all, its accessibility and unique hollow rock entrance that opens out onto an exotic, long white sandy beach. It is located between Bingin and Uluwatu, and the beach is a regular host for international surfing events, such as the regular Rip Curl Cup Padang Padang.
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Exploring Seminyak’s Exclusive Fashion Boutiques and Outlets
Most of the smaller shops line the main road of Seminyak’s Main Street (also referred to as Basangkasa Street), while a collection of other fashionable boutiques can be found along Laksmana Street and several corners of Petitenget Street. Whether modern or ethnic chic, with natural and silk fabrics adorned with beading and sequins in strong deep colors – their summer collections are perfect for Bali’s tropical climate and any summer day around the world. This glamorous tropical wear can be found at Auguste the Label or Uma & Leopold, while Deus Ex Machina and Drifter Surf Shop cater to the wave riding crowd with their cool boards and apparel.
If shopping in Seminyak is at the top of your Bali bucket list – we get it, and we’re with you! Almost every woman with a heartbeat wants to shop up a tropical storm on her holidays, so here’s our guide to finding your fashion fix in Seminyak – from sophisticated silk playsuits to island-boho maxi dresses, and everything fabulous in between.
Biasa Bali is one of the most popular Bali-based designer labels, catering to both ladies and men who are seeking easy and cool clothing that is both fashionable and ideal for the tropics.
Little Joe Woman: Laid back luxe meets pure Bondi chic at Little Joe Woman by former supermodel Gail Elliott. Adding serious fashion cachet to the island, Little Joe Woman is all about capturing that jetset, supermodel style.
Uma & Leopold might just be Bali’s ultimate feminine clothing, bags, shoes & accessories mecca. But we’ll let you decide.
Magali Pascal: French-born, Bali-based designer Magali Pascal has a range of stores through Seminyak and Petitenget, showcasing her chic fashion label. Her collections combine luxurious silks, laces and organic fabrics with refined embellishments – urban vintage with a French flair.
Uluwatu Lace: If you’re inclined to feel a stab of guilt floating around Seminyak treating yourself to material treasures, then take a trip to Uluwatu Lace and tell yourself you’re spending money for the good of preserving a local tradition.
Auguste the Label is a Byron Bay-born, Bali brand that has taken the island by storm in just a few short years. Following the roaring success of this iconic boho brand’s first Seminyak store, it was only a matter of time before the floaty frocks and vintage florals hit the relaxed, free-living life of Canggu, right next door to our fave island stay, The Slow.
The Bali Tailor: Ever since making its mark on Bali’s fashion scene, The Bali Tailor has taken the island’s fashionistas by storm with its custom, made-to-order leather designs and accessories that fit right in on the streets of LA and the dance floors of Coachella or Burning Man.
Lulu Yasmine: Silks, lace and handmade embellishments in elegant feminine shapes and pretty pastels – this is the Lulu Yasmine trademark. The perfect place to splash out for a big event or buy
a few signature pieces just because you’re worth it.
Natasha Gan: With her strong following in native Australia, Natasha Gan has multiple stores in Seminyak showcasing high-end, luxurious fashion designs (along with homewares and swimwear featured in some stores).
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Tanah Lot Temple
Tanah Lot Temple is one of Bali’s most important landmarks, famed for its unique offshore setting and sunset backdrops. An ancient Hindu shrine perched on top of an outcrop amidst constantly crashing waves; Tanah Lot Temple is simply among Bali’s not-to-be-missed icons. The onshore site is dotted with smaller shrines alongside visitors’ leisure facilities that comprise restaurants, shops and a cultural park presenting regular dance performances. The temple is located in the Beraban village of the Tabanan regency, an approximate 20km northwest of Kuta, and is included on most tours to Bali’s western and central regions.
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Pura Besakih: The Revered Mother Temple of Bali
Rising majestically on the western slopes of Mount Agung, and referred to as the Mother Temple of Hindu Bali, is Pura Besakih, or the Besakih temple, covering a vast area that offers breathtaking mountain scenery surrounding this beautiful and artistic temple complex.
Facing Mt. Agung’s highest peak, believed to be the abode of the gods, and located at an altitude of 900 meters, Pura Besakih is built in the village of Besakih, in the eastern part of Bali. The name Besakih comes from the word “Basuki”, derived from the word “Wasuki” which means Salvation in the classical Sanskrit language. Whereas, in the Samudramanthana mythology, the same name “Besuki” in fact refers to the Dragon-God “Naga Besukian”, who inhabited Gunung Agung, the main volcano in Bali. This grand temple complex has been revered as a holy place since ancient times. The first recorded mention of its existence comes from an inscription dating back to 1007 AD. It is known that since the 15th century Besakih was regarded as the central temple of Hinduism in Bali.
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Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
Travel to Bali’s highlands, and you cannot but be amazed by the beauty of the thousands of hectares of lush green paddy fields that cascade in terraces from the upper reaches of volcanoes down to the deep valleys below as if sculpted from the mountain side. Among the many fields that stretch almost all across the island, the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces in the heart of Tabanan Regency is the best example of Bali’s outstanding picturesque rice fields and represent the Subak system as Bali’s Cultural Landscape which has been inscribed a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site in June 2012. Jatiluwih, in the Balinese language translated means Beautiful Teak.
Here, one can marvel at the vast expanses of terraced, green rice paddies stepped along an entire mountain, from its peak to where its foot meets the sea. Aside from its agricultural development, this panoramic landscape has also established itself as a major tourist destination. By combining sacred traditional values with a highly organized system, therefore, the Subak, the unique Balinese rice farming culture isa manifestation of the Balinese Tri Hita Karana cosmological doctrine. It is the tangible reflection of the original Balinese ideas and beliefs that are essentially rooted in this concept, namely the awareness that human beings need to always maintain harmonious relationship between Man and God, Man and fellow humans, and between Man and Nature in one’s daily life. Such particular concept is in fact evident in the Balinese creative genius and unique cultural traditions resulting from the long human interaction, especially between the Balinese and the Hindu culture. Whether for agriculture, nature or heritage, Jatiluwih and other rice fields in Bali remain important sites that should be preserved and must remain sustainable for future generations.
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Find Serenity in Ubud
So, if you are a first timer to visit Ubud, where should you go first? Start early and gather your energy with a refreshing yoga and a good healthy breakfast. When the sun is still young, explore the magical Tegalalang rice fields. Afterward, make way to the iconic Ubud Monkey Forest. Meet some 700 long-tailed Macaques in their verdant home. The forest also has about 115 species of trees growing around its 27 acres land. Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal and a “Holy Spring” bathing temple can be found inside the Ubud Monkey Forest area. Here, you must always also be sure to secure your belongings from the monkey’s reach.
Next up, finding a great lunch stop to refuel. There are a plethora of choices for where to go. Feeling sleepy after a good full course meal? You can find some refreshing ambiance at Kanto Lampo Waterfall. Located in Beng village, in Gianyar regency, this marvelous cascading water is the perfect remedy for a sunny day. Towards the afternoon, you might want to try a more adventurous start by joining the white water rafting in Ayung River! An exciting adrenaline rush, with scenic routes along the way. For Instagramable holiday picture, you can try the exhilarating Ubud swing and fly up in the
air with Ubud’s green landscape as background.
Cool off and slow down to enjoy some artistic works in Ubud’s art galleries and museums. Museum Puri Lukisan, ARMA, Museum Rudana, Neka Art Museum and the eccentric Blanco Renaissance Museum are the checklists to explore. Don’t forget to stop by Ubud Market and browse for iconic handicrafts made in Bali for a precious souvenir. Since Ubud is relatively small, you can explore the town on foot or hire a bicycle or motorbike.
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The iconic Temple of Ulun Danu Beratan & Bedugul
Set within the highlands of the mountainous Bedugul Regency in Bali, atop a plateau that sits on Lake Beratan, stands the majestic Ulun Danu Temple. In the mild, mountain weather, approximately 1,500 meters above sea level, the air is crisp and cool. The stunningly clear lake is calm and almost perfectly still, save for the soft breeze that occasionally sweeps across, creating tiny ripples upon its surface. A thin mist rises from the lake and hangs in the air, surrounding the temple, giving it a somewhat surreal appearance. Pura Ulun Danu was built in adoration of the Goddess Danu. Danu, in the Balinese tongue, means lake, while the goddess Danu is queen of water, lakes and rivers.
The Bedugul highlands have a pleasantly cool climate. It covers four main villages, all of which are farming communities that produce much of the fresh fruits, vegetables and spices distributed to traditional and modern markets (as well as hotels and restaurants) all over Bali. The lakeside slopes around Beratan, including the neighboring lakes of Buyan and Tamblingan, are home to strawberry farms, some welcoming you to pick your own strawberries. You may find all of the fresh produce, as well as flowers, local snacks and craft items sold at the bustling farmers markets of Candikuning and Pancasari. Other main attractions in Bedugul include the Eka Karya Bali Botanic Garden, which covers a total area of 157.5 hectares with ponds and water gardens, leafy pathways, different greenhouses and orchards. Inside the botanic garden is the Bali Treetop Adventure Park, where you and your family can get a good dose of adrenaline rush through its six tree circuits of extensive Flying Fox zip lines, rope bridges and Tarzan swings that stretch from tree to tree.