Chilling out at Ingka

Ingka has only been open a few months and is a great new addition to the Kerobokan scene. Located on Jalan Mertanadi it is a lovely setting with a garden full of lemongrass out back and lovely plants decorating the entrance. There is a good range of food, from Asian delights to Western fare and prices are reasonable. I opted for the Pad Thai, and it was really good. However, I felt the portion could have been a tad bigger but then that just might be me and my big appetite. The vibe is chilled with sofas here and there and in the evening the candles come out and it feels intimate and romantic. I will definitely be back to try some of the other dishes on the menu and am delighted to see more and more cafes like this opening in Kerobokan. They are very welcome additions!

Xich Lo...Vietnamese deliciousness nestled in the rice fields

After driving by Xich Lo many times, we finally decided to try it out for lunch. It's right round the corner from where we live but you know the way sometimes you just take for granted that somewhere will always be there so there's no rush? Well, I have to get back into going to new places and not falling into that easy way of just visiting all the familiar places. Yes, I'm back in Bali and loving every second of it all over again. 

Back to Xich Lo, it's a small Vietnamese warung that looks right on to the rice fields. The 'window' seat allows you this stunning uninterrupted view of green bliss. The menu selection is quite small but covers all the main fare that you would find in Vietnam. There are raw spring rolls, fried spring rolls, papaya salad, noodle soups, rice dishes and a pork sandwich. We had the raw spring rolls and papaya salad to start with and they were delicious and fresh. I went with the beef noodle soup which was delicious and Hubby went with the rice and pork which was well presented and tasted great. Is like to say I have lots of photos of delicious food, but it was 2.30pm and we stopped on our way back from the beach after a good swim so when the food came there was no time to snap the deliciousness. Next time we are back I will update with more photos, because there will definitely be a next time. This place is too good for just one visit!

The Fat Turtle, Petitenget

If you haven't yet had the chance to pop into the Fat Turtle in Petitenget (next to Deus) then you are truly missing out on one of the best brunch spots in town. I discovered this place quite by accident and instantly fell in love with it. From the cosy interiors with copper piping on the walls, to the sack covered cushions, you feel immediately at home. The menu offers a wonderful array of brunch options, like french toast banana bread, eggs benedict, red velvet pancakes and breakfast sandwiches. The coffee is good and strong and staff are friendly and welcoming. Portions are perfect, prices are very reasonable. What are you waiting for?

Bali Starling Homestay

On another recent trip to Bali, I again wanted to seek out a place to stay that was some way off the beaten track. After a few search missions on Google, I came across Bali Starling Homestay. I was instantly struck by the decor of the rooms, the delicious breakfasts offered and it's location in Pantai Berawa. I like nice clean attractive rooms, I love a good breakfast and the area around pantai berawa is a favourite of mine so it seemed like I was on to a winner. When we arrived we were greeted by the owner Mike, from Holland, who showed us to our room and showed us the rest of the facilities. Our room was bright, spacious, clean and cool. There was an upstairs communal eating area, with a balcony overlooking a green open space and beautiful blue sky and another outdoor seating area. With a total of four rooms at the homestay, I knew that it was going to e peaceful and quiet and I wasn't disappointed. With it being situated down a small alley, there were no sounds of traffic either. Mike was a great host and also helped us rent a motorbike. A stay at Bali Starling also comes with free access to Canggu Club where you have a range of facilities including a nice big swimming pool. Mike also prepares your breakfast every morning and the choice is excellent, so much so that you really don't know what to choose. There's homemade granola, fried eggs and bacon and ciabatta sandwiches to name a few. Each breakfast comes with fresh fruit, juice and coffee or tea. I wasn't disappointed with a single choice they were all delicious and a refreshing change from the regular fare offered at many other hotels or guesthouses. From the homestay, it was a short motorbike ride to the beach where you can walk along the waters edge, watch the surfers or just find a nice tree to lie under and enjoy the sound of the waves.

Next time you're in Bali and you want a great priced homestay that feels like a home away from home, definitely consider a stay at Bali Starling. 

The room

Seating area in room

Bathroom

Communal area

View over green space

Fried eggs and bacon

Avo ciabatta

BLTE (bacon, lettuce, tomato and egg ciabatta)

Buttermilk pancakes with banana and palm sugar syrup