🏨 The Apurva Kempinski Bali – Family Luxury with Toddler-Friendly Touches

Stay details: 4 stays | Jan 2020, Mar 2021, Oct 2021, Oct 2023 | Family of 4 (2 adults + 2 toddlers)

Rooms booked: Junior Suite Ocean View with Private Pool (100 sqm), Grand Deluxe Ocean Court (65 sqm)

Category: Luxury Splurge Stay

Rate: High-end; better value in off-season (Grand Deluxe ~IDR 4–5M, suites higher)

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👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Room Layout & Sleeping Setup

💬 Child policy: Kids stay free on existing bedding.

💬 Suite perk: Cliff Lounge access — quieter breakfast, snacks/cocktails, adults-only pool/jacuzzi.

🔎 Planner note: Even Grand Deluxe had space for 2 extra-large suitcases + stroller.

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🛁 Child-Friendly Amenities

🚫 Cribs and high chairs on request, not default.

☀️ Limited shade around pools/gardens — we found afternoon swims the most comfortable.

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🍽 Food & Convenience

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📍 Location & Access

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🕐 Travel Day Logistics

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📸 Visuals & Atmosphere

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💰 Category & Value

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🔍 Booking Tips

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🧳 Nearby Hotels for Nannies

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💡 Who It’s Good For

Perfect for families with toddlers who want luxury without giving up kid-friendliness. Ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or splurge staycations where you stay mostly inside the resort.

👉 Verdict: Still our #1 in Nusa Dua. Worth it if you want a high-end resort that remembers families as much as couples.

🏨 Renaissance Bali Nusa Dua Resort – Playful, Spacious, but Not Our Repeat Pick

Stay details: 3 nights | Family of 4 (2 adults + 2 toddlers) + 2 nannies (separate room)

Rooms booked: 2 Interconnecting Double Rooms

Category: Mid-Range Family Resort with Marriott Polish

Rate: 4.8M IDR for 3 nights / 2 rooms (via Marriott Vacation Club promotion, required 90-min MVC presentation)

We booked Renaissance Bali Nusa Dua through a Marriott Vacation Club promotion that gave us two interconnecting rooms for a fantastic price. On paper, it ticked all the boxes: spacious rooms, splashy design, kid-friendly amenities, and Marriott polish. Many families rave about this property, and while we appreciated the space and playful touches, it didn’t feel like “us.” For our family’s preferences, it was fun to try once — especially with grandparents joining — but not a place we’d return to regularly.

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👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Room Layout & Sleeping Setup

Our two interconnecting double rooms were very generous in size, with two large double beds in each room. Co-sleeping with toddlers was easy and comfortable, and there was still plenty of floor space for luggage, stroller parking, and play. The big drawback was the bathroom layout: instead of a door, there was only a curtain partition between the bathroom and bedroom. It felt modern and open, but less practical for privacy when traveling with extended family or helpers. Kids under 12 stay free using existing bedding, and overall, the rooms were clean and modern, but the design choice around the bathroom wasn’t ideal for us.

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🛁 Child-Friendly Amenities

This is where Renaissance shines: the kids’ pool has a colorful splash zone and water play features, and the kids club is lively with supervised activities like arts, crafts, and games. Cribs, high chairs, and kid-sized amenities such as toiletries and slippers were provided on request. The design is clearly family-oriented, with playful décor throughout the resort, but it didn’t feel as naturally relaxing for parents as beachfront or nature-integrated resorts like Apurva Kempinski.

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🍽 Food & Convenience

Breakfast offered all the staples — eggs, pancakes, fruit, Indonesian dishes, and a small kid-focused spread. It was fine, but nothing memorable flavor-wise. On-site dining options included Backstage for buffet meals, Lava Land Pool Bar for casual family bites, and Tanah Liat with seafood and plant-based menus. Room service included a decent kids’ menu, which we appreciated. Overall, the food worked, but it lacked the “wow” factor we’ve experienced at other Bali resorts.

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📍 Location & Access

The resort sits in the hills of Nusa Dua, which means it isn’t beachfront. Shuttle or car access is required for beaches like Geger or Samuh, about 10–15 minutes away. The property itself is modern and mostly stroller-friendly, though multiple levels and elevators can be a bit tricky. It’s fine for a resort-focused stay, but don’t expect walkability to shops or cafés.

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🕐 Travel Day Logistics

Check-in through MVC was smooth and friendly, though the required 90-minute presentation is something to keep in mind if you book on promotion. Staff were warm toward our kids, quick with cribs and taxis, and overall service was consistent and professional. The property felt clean, organized, and efficient throughout.

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📸 Visuals & Atmosphere

Renaissance is bright, bold, and playful. Murals, cheerful art, and multiple pools make it an Instagram-ready spot that younger kids will find exciting. That said, the resort lacked the calm, nature-integrated feel we loved at Apurva Kempinski — it felt more commercial and energetic than relaxing.

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💰 Category & Value

💡 Comparison:

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🔍 Booking Tips

Look out for Marriott Vacation Club offers if you don’t mind sitting through a presentation. Marriott Bonvoy status may help with upgrades or late checkout. If traveling with toddlers, we recommend booking Two Double Bed Rooms over king + sofa bed — it’s the best setup for co-sleeping.

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🧳 Nearby Hotels for Nannies

Hotel Santika Siligita Nusa Dua is a solid option just a few minutes’ drive away. But for us, the promo deal at Renaissance made it easiest to keep everyone — kids, parents, and grandparents — under one roof with two interconnecting rooms.

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💡 Who It’s Good For

Families who want an affordable, modern resort with splash zones and a kids club, especially if traveling with grandparents or booking on promotion.

✨ Renaissance was fun to try once, but with so many other Bali resorts that better match our family’s style, we wouldn’t return again.

The Mulia is one of Bali’s most iconic luxury resorts — famous for its palatial design, lavish buffets, and sprawling beachfront grounds. It’s the kind of property that feels like its own world, with multiple wings, endless dining, and a reputation for over-the-top service. While it isn’t the most toddler-focused resort, it’s firmly on our wishlist for a future special-occasion family trip.

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👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Room Layout & Sleeping Setup

The Mulia is divided into three distinct sections:

Entry-level rooms in the Resort start at 57 sqm, with a king or twin setup and space for an extra bed or crib. Families looking for more privacy often choose a 1BR Villa or Royal Suite Ocean Court. Bathrooms are oversized with tubs and double sinks, and villas include spacious living areas for group stays.

💬 Child policy: Kids under 12 stay free with existing bedding.

💬 Booking tip: The Resort is best for young kids; Villas are ideal if you want quiet, privacy, and butler support.

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🛁 Child-Friendly Amenities

Mulia offers a kids’ pool with fountains and shallow areas, along with the Mulia Kidz club (ages 3–8) for supervised play, toys, and creative activities. High chairs, cribs, and baby amenities are provided on request. Villas add the benefit of a private pool — shaded and perfect for little ones to splash safely.

💬 Compared to Apurva Kempinski, Mulia feels more adult-luxury, so highly active toddlers may be better suited elsewhere.

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🍽️ Food & Convenience

Food is one of Mulia’s biggest draws. The Café has become legendary for its award-winning buffet, often considered the best in Bali for sheer variety and presentation. Other restaurants include:

Villa guests also enjoy private dining or The Lounge for breakfast. Kids’ menus are available, but the vibe leans more toward indulgence than kid-practicality.

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📍 Location & Access

The Mulia sits on a quiet stretch of Nusa Dua Beach, calm and swimmable during low tide. The wide beachfront paths are stroller-friendly and connect to other resorts. Within 5–10 minutes you can reach Bali Collection for shops, pharmacies, or more dining variety.

The property itself is huge, so expect lots of walking or buggy rides — manageable with strollers but not as compact as Kempinski or Ritz.

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🕐 Travel Day Logistics

Service is famously polished and attentive, especially in villas and suites with butler support. Check-in/check-out is smooth, though the Resort lobby gets busy at peak times. Butlers help with everything from dining reservations to child routines, making villa stays particularly seamless.

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📸 Visuals & Real Reviews

The Mulia is grand, opulent, and photo-ready — Roman statues, infinity pools, beachfront cabanas. Reviews consistently praise the lavish design and pristine grounds, though some families feel the atmosphere leans adult-focused. It’s a resort made for big occasions — weddings, milestone birthdays, or once-in-a-lifetime holidays.

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💰 Category & Value

🏷️ Category: Ultra Luxury Beachfront Resort

⭐️ Best for families who want space, elegance, and indulgence.

💡 Compared to others:

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🔍 Booking Tips

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🧳 Nearby Hotels for Nannies

For helpers or relatives, Mercure Nusa Dua (~10 minutes) is a practical and affordable option (under 1M/night with breakfast). If you book a 1BR Villa, however, there’s usually enough space to keep everyone together onsite.

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💡 Who It’s Good For

Families looking for a sophisticated beachfront escape, especially with older kids or multigenerational groups.

✨ While it’s not the most toddler-geared hotel, Mulia shines for privacy, elegance, and food — and it’s firmly on our wishlist for the next big family celebration.

Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua blends French-inspired elegance with Bali’s tropical warmth, making it one of the most popular luxury beachfront resorts on the island. On paper, it ticks many family boxes: beachfront access, spacious rooms, multiple pools, and an excellent kids’ club. We haven’t stayed yet, but it remains high on our wishlist for a refined, family-focused stay in Nusa Dua.

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👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Room Layout & Sleeping Setup

Entry-level rooms start at 48 sqm with either 1 king or 2 queen beds, and some allow for a sofa bed or extra bed setup. Families often choose the Luxury Room with 2 queen beds for convenience, or the Prestige Suite for a separate living area. Villas and Luxury Pool Access Rooms are also available, offering direct swim-up access or private pools.

💬 Child policy: Kids under 12 usually stay free using existing bedding.

💬 Booking tip: The Luxury Room with 2 queen beds is practical for families with two small kids. Suites or villas work best if you want more privacy or a pool to yourselves.

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🛁 Child-Friendly Amenities

Sofitel is often highlighted as a kid-friendly luxury option. The Kids Villa club hosts supervised activities, arts and crafts, and indoor play spaces. The resort has several pools, including a dedicated kids’ pool with slides, plus shaded cabanas for family lounging. Cribs and high chairs are available on request, and many families note how warmly the staff interact with children. The beach is calm and swimmable, especially at low tide, making it toddler-safe.

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🍽️ Food & Convenience

Breakfast is one of Sofitel’s biggest strengths — praised for its variety, quality, and French pastries, alongside Indonesian staples and kid-friendly basics. Dining options include:

Villa and suite guests may have access to private dining venues, while room service menus offer kid-friendly choices. Another bonus: the property is within walking distance of The Bay Nusa Dua, where you’ll find more casual beachfront dining.

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📍 Location & Access

Sofitel sits on a prime stretch of Nusa Dua Beach with calm waters and stroller-friendly pathways. It connects directly to the beach promenade, great for bike rides, sunrise walks, or family strolls. Bali Collection Mall, convenience stores, and pharmacies are a short drive away. The resort itself is flat and accessible, making it stroller- and wheelchair-friendly.

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🕐 Travel Day Logistics

Families often note smooth check-in/check-out and staff who are proactive with kid-related requests (crib setup, early meals, etc.). Early check-in is frequently accommodated. Airport transfers are easy to arrange, and large taxis or hotel cars are available for outings.

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📸 Visuals & Real Reviews

Design combines modern French-Balinese style with tropical landscaping. The lagoon-style pools, beachfront cabanas, and gardens are very photogenic. Families consistently praise the clean, colorful kids’ club (though best for ages 3+) and the relaxed yet polished vibe of the resort.

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💰 Category & Value

🏷️ Category: Family-Friendly Beachfront Luxury

⭐️ A splurge-worthy option for families who want upscale comfort, quality food, and real beach access.

💡 Compared to others:

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🔍 Booking Tips

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🧳 Nearby Hotels for Nannies

Practical nanny stays nearby include Hotel Grand Whiz and Amaris Nusa Dua (5 minutes by car) — clean, affordable, and reliable.

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💡 Who It’s Good For

Families who want a polished beachfront experience with plenty for kids to do, without giving up luxury. Works well for those who value brand-name polish, good food, and a full resort atmosphere that balances parent treats with child-friendly fun.

✨ We haven’t stayed yet, but Sofitel remains high on our wishlist — especially for its legendary breakfasts, villa options, and direct beach access.

The Ritz-Carlton has been on our wishlist for a while — the room sizes, beachfront access, and calm resort layout make it a strong contender for a peaceful, luxurious family holiday. But when the price is close, we often end up choosing Apurva Kempinski, simply because it’s a known favorite. Still, Ritz remains high on our list for the next special occasion trip.

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👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Room Layout & Sleeping Setup

Even the entry-level Sawangan Junior Suites are huge at 84 sqm — larger than many standard Bali hotel rooms. Most come with 1 king + sofa bed, with the option to add an extra bed or crib. Families often upgrade to Pool Access Suites or Two-Bedroom Villas for more space and privacy. Rooms include walk-in closets, oversized bathrooms with tubs, and private balconies or terraces.

💬 Child policy: Kids under 12 stay free using existing bedding.

💬 Booking tip: The Sawangan Junior Suite is great value if you want luxury space without villa pricing.

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🛁 Child-Friendly Amenities

Ritz takes families seriously with its Ritz Kids program, offering a beautifully designed kids’ club, cultural activities, and supervised play for ages 4–12. The resort has a dedicated kids’ pool with splash zone, along with shallow toddler-friendly sections in the main pools. Cribs, high chairs, and baby amenities are available on request, and staff often leave coloring kits or towel animals in the room.

💬 Compared to Kempinski: Ritz feels calmer, with bigger base rooms, while Kempinski is more dramatic and architectural.

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🍽️ Food & Convenience

Breakfast is beachfront and generous, with both Indonesian and international selections. Dining options include:

Food is refined and consistent, though with fewer venues than Kempinski. Families note the quieter atmosphere — perfect for slow breakfasts or early dinners with kids.

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📍 Location & Access

Set directly on Nusa Dua Beach, the Ritz enjoys calm waters safe for toddler paddling at low tide. The property connects to the Nusa Dua beachfront promenade, ideal for stroller walks or morning jogs. Layout is flat and stroller-friendly, unlike cliffside resorts, and the Bali Collection Mall is a short drive away if you want dining variety.

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🕐 Travel Day Logistics

Service is warm and high-touch from arrival. Villas and higher suites come with butler service, which can assist with children’s routines and meal preferences. Marriott Bonvoy members often receive late check-out or early check-in, and staff are noted for flexibility with families.

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📸 Visuals & Atmosphere

Elegant and tropical, with lush but uncluttered landscaping. Many rooms feature sweeping ocean views. Families highlight the balance of luxury and warmth, noting that it feels serene without being overly formal.

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💰 Category & Value

💡 Compared to others:

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🔍 Booking Tips

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🧳 Nearby Hotels for Nannies

Hotel Santika Siligita (~10 minutes by car) is the most practical choice for helpers — affordable (under 1M/night), breakfast included, and clean. If you’re booking a 2-bedroom villa, a nanny can also comfortably stay onsite.

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💡 Who It’s Good For

Families who value large rooms, refined service, and a slower pace, with all the comforts of a luxury beachfront property.

✨ Still high on our wishlist — and likely the spot we’ll book when we want a calmer, restorative stay. If we didn’t love Kempinski so much, we probably would have stayed here already.

From the web: Modern hotel featuring a 24-hour restaurant & a multi-level pool, plus a free beach shuttle.

From the web: Polished rooms & suites in an upmarket property offering a relaxed restaurant & an outdoor pool.

From the web: Streamlined accommodations in a laid-back property within a beach resort, plus a spa & dining.

From the web: Chilled-out spot on a white-sand beach, offering Mediterranean fare, an outdoor pool & cliff views.

From the web: Relaxed, pay-to-enter beach club featuring waterfront dining, live music & sunset bonfires.

From the web: Large zoo featuring orangutans, elephants & African lions, plus interactive encounters & shows.

From the web: Family-friendly locale offering safaris for animal viewing, elephant rides & a water park.

From the web: Animal park with exotic-bird shows, feedings & displays, plus reptiles, native plants & a cafe.

From the web: Lively water park with a rides for all ages, plus restaurants, a food court & a swim-up bar.

From the web: Asian-European dishes, wine pairings & degustation menus in a stylish venue amid an aquarium.

From the web: Mellow grill joint on Muaya Beach, preparing barbecued fish & seafood with dramatic sunset views.

From the web: Traditional Balinese fare, Western classics & cocktails on offer in a vibrant garden setting.

From the web: Bustling spot with an old-school feel serving traditional Chinese fare, with an emphasis on seafood.

From the web: Japanese grilled specialties, noodle dishes & raw fish in a contemporary space with an open kitchen.

From the web: Tempat makan yg menyajikan aneka menu western dan local, menu andalannya bebek goreng dan sambel.

From the web: Asian-European dishes, wine pairings & degustation menus in a stylish venue amid an aquarium.

Not a steakhouse, but the steak here was juicy, perfectly cooked, and memorable. Honestly, everything on the menu feels special — even the complimentary bread at the start. The menu is broad, from seafood to meat, with thoughtful wine pairings if you’d like to indulge.

Elegant yet relaxed, with breezy beachfront seating and ocean views. It’s quiet and polished without feeling stiff, making it perfect for a slow-paced, meaningful dinner.

Luxury-level pricing (expect $$$), but worth it for special moments. Kayuputi is one of those restaurants where the whole experience — food, service, and setting — feels worth the splurge.

Kids are technically welcome, and the menu has a few kid-friendly options. But for dinner, it’s best enjoyed as a parent-only night out — the calm pace suits adults. If you want to visit with kids, their weekend brunch is a better fit: more relaxed, wider variety, and family-friendly.

Couples celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or just treating themselves to a peaceful evening.

✨ One of our top Bali picks for special occasions — the steak is great, but truly, everything here shines.

🛍️ Best for: Takeaway or delivery only — we’ve never dined in

🔥 Spice level: 🔥🔥 (2/5) – Manageable heat, which is why it’s our go-to!

This is our #1 pick when we’re craving Nasi Ayam Bali that’s flavorful but not overwhelmingly spicy. The sambal has a kick, but it’s mellow enough to enjoy the full plate — shredded chicken, lawar (spiced veggies), egg, and satay lilit over warm rice. A great intro to Balinese flavors for spice-sensitive adults.

📦 Delivery Tips

💬 When we eat this: Perfect for a quick lunch back at the hotel or a solo dinner once the kids are asleep. It travels well and always arrives warm.

🛍️ Best for: Takeaway or GoFood only — we haven’t dined in

🔥 Spice level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥 (4/5) – Quite spicy, but you can request the sambal to be separated or set it aside easily

Craving bold, flavorful Nasi Campur with serious local flair? Warung Pojok delivers the punch — their sambal is intense, but the toppings and rice combo are worth it. Great for adults who love sambal, but still workable if you tone it down for yourself.

📦 Delivery Tips

⭐ Add-ons we recommend:

💬 When we eat this: Usually a grown-up lunch while the kids nap — definitely not toddler-friendly, but so satisfying if you're craving real spice

✨ This is one of our top two Nasi Campur spots in Bali — we always order this and Warung Nasi Ayam Bu Oki!

🛍️ Best for: Takeaway or GoFood only — we haven’t dined in

🔥 Spice level: 🔥 (1/5) – More on the sweeter side than spicy

A longtime local favorite that consistently delivers comforting, well-balanced flavors — we love Warung Wardani for its kid-friendly options and generous portions. Their signature Nasi Campur isn’t spicy, making it one of the more toddler-tolerable options (or at least easy to modify).

📦 Delivery Tips

👶 Kid-Friendly Option

✅ “Nasi Box Anak” – rice, egg, shredded chicken (non-spicy), vegetable soup, and satay lilit

It’s a rare find to have a kid's nasi box that’s truly mild and thoughtfully portioned

⭐ Best-sellers we recommend:

💬 When we eat this: Ideal for a laid-back lunch in the hotel room or a quiet dinner after a long beach day. Feels like a treat without burning your mouth 🔥

🛍️ Best for: Takeaway or GoFood only — we’ve never dined in

🔥 Spice level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 (5/5) – But sambal comes separately in a plastic pouch

This is our top pick for delivery in Bali — we always order it at least twice every trip. Simple, comforting, and consistently delicious. The menu is straightforward: pulen (fluffy) rice, crispy tempe & tofu, your choice of fried protein, and a side of sayur rebus (boiled vegetables) — a complete and balanced meal that works for both grown-ups and kids.

🍗 Menu Notes

✅ Choose from fried chicken, empal (beef), fried shrimp, or fried squid

✅ Comes with rice, fried tempe & tofu, and sayur rebus (steamed greens + vegetables) — always included in the set

✅ Sambal is very spicy (level 5🔥) but packed separately — easy to skip or adjust

👶 Kid Notes

✅ Our kids love it — they eat the rice and fried tempeh/chicken happily

✅ Easy to divide into toddler-friendly and adult portions

✅ Veggies included in the set make it feel a bit more balanced

📦 Delivery Tips

💬 Best eaten while still warm, but even leftovers hold up surprisingly well. Total comfort food, especially after a long day out.

✨ One of our most-ordered meals in Bali. Toddler-approved, adult-loved, spicy sambal optional = a win for everyone.

Usually, I order via WhatsApp (+62 812-3812-138) and have a GoJek pick it up and deliver to our hotel — either the day before or on the same day as our flight back to Jakarta.

Our picks: Lapis Original & Roll Cake Cheese. They come in several sizes, so if you want to try different variants, I recommend ordering the mini sizes first.

From the web: Behind a simple storefront, this kitchen bakes pastries stuffed with cheese or chocolate.