
A recent trip to Bali after 25 years revealed a changed island, with Sanur emerging as a relaxed, family-friendly alternative to Kuta. The author, traveling with her two children and a friend, found Sanur to be leafy and calm, with a seven-kilometer beachfront promenade ideal for walks and cycling. The area boasts a thriving coffee culture and a variety of dining options, from traditional warungs to beachfront restaurants and the popular Massimo Italian restaurant. While staying in a villa in Sanur, the family also visited Waterbom Bali in Kuta, describing it as clean and well-managed. Other activities included shopping at local markets and the Icon Bali Mall, fishing from Sanur beach, and enjoying massages and beauty treatments. The trip also included excursions to the Bali Glass Bridge and the Taman Sari waterfall and natural pool, both about 15 kilometers from Ubud, and the Uma Anyar Waterfall in Kemenuh village, south of Ubud. The author noted Bali's evolution into a more sophisticated destination, particularly in Sanur, which offered a relaxing experience during their late March visit.
This summary was generated from a story originally published by Bali news.
Must readBali's cafe scene provides a wide range of options, catering to various preferences from specialty coffee enthusiasts to those seeking plant-based meals or a comfortable workspace. The island features numerous roasteries, all-day institutions, and cafes with distinct atmospheres. Notable establishments include Copenhagen Cafe Canggu, known for its build-your-own feast boards and a no-laptop policy during peak hours. Milk & Madu, with multiple locations, offers big breakfasts, wood-fired pizzas, and family-friendly amenities. Kynd Community Seminyak is a popular plant-based cafe, recognized for its bright decor and extensive vegan menu. Sea Circus in Seminyak provides a diverse menu from breakfast burritos to tacos and cocktails in a vibrant setting. Woods Pererenan stands out with its darker, timber-heavy interiors and an extended brunch window, offering Mediterranean-leaning plates. I Am Vegan Babe in Canggu focuses on generous, in-house made vegan dishes. Revolver Canggu, a well-known homegrown coffee brand, offers strong coffee and Western comfort food in a moodier setting. Seniman Coffee in Ubud is a serious specialty coffee destination, emphasizing single-origin Indonesian beans and various brewing methods. Sisterfields in Seminyak is a popular spot for Australian-style brunch, known for its strong coffee and lively atmosphere.
Must readThis July, Api Jiwa at Capella Ubud and The Long Table at John Hardy will host "Forged by Fire," a two-part four-hands dining collaboration. The event explores the connection between craftsmanship, culture, and fire-led cooking, featuring Chef Arvie Delvo of Api Jiwa and Chef Tomy Saputra of The Long Table. The collaboration aims to create a dialogue between Filipino and Indonesian culinary traditions. The first event takes place on July 10, 2026, at The Long Table at John Hardy in Seminyak, offering a family-style feast. The second event is on July 24, 2026, at Api Jiwa within Capella Ubud, presenting a 10-course tasting menu. Chef Arvie will draw from his Filipino heritage with dishes like Adobo Bone Marrow and Cebu Lechon, while Chef Tomy will reinterpret Indonesian favorites such as Iga Bakar and Bubuh Bali. The experience focuses on how culinary traditions evolve through collaboration and storytelling. Api Jiwa is known for its immersive dining and fire-led cuisine, and The Long Table extends John Hardy's commitment to artistry and community, championing Indonesian ingredients. For information and reservations, contact fb.seminyak@johnhardy.com or +62 81138118004.

Bali is hosting an international forum in Sanur, Denpasar, bringing together policymakers, researchers, and agricultural experts from Asia and Africa. The event, held on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, focuses on advancing low-emission rice and livestock systems to address food security and climate challenges. Participants, including government officials, research institutions, international organizations, academics, and agricultural sector representatives, are exchanging knowledge on cutting-edge technologies for low-emission farming. The forum is part of the FSIP-FOLUR Second Global Dialogue on Sustainable Rice Transformation. Puji Lestari, Head of the Agricultural and Food Research Organization at Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency BRIN, stated that the forum aims to connect existing networks for stronger knowledge exchange between Asia and Africa. Developing countries face common challenges such as limited technology access, inadequate human resource capacity, and insufficient climate financing for agricultural emissions reduction. The agriculture, forestry, and land-use sector contributes about 22 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions but receives a small share of climate funding. Discussions include water management in rice fields, improved fertilizer use, digital technologies, and farmer-friendly emissions monitoring systems. The forum also seeks to strengthen South-South Cooperation and accelerate innovation adoption and financing access. Key objective