Bali: The best of Indonesian shopping, dining, delicacies

I recommend hiring a driver or renting a motorbike to Erlangga, in Denpasar, a one-stop shopping destination for all of the Balinese souvenirs, trinkets, and clothing imaginable. Itemsare cheap, no bargaining is required (like it was in tourist hubs Kuta and Seminyak, where we would often haggle 70% off asking prices). A hand-made Balinese sarong is a must-have. I hit the jackpot with a sassy summer dress that fit well in all the right places — it cost $2. How can you beat that?

After the outdoor market, refuel at my favorite restaurant in Bali, called Gubug Makan Mang Engking, located in Denpasar. Tables are positioned above a vast fishpond next to a hand-washing station that you’ll need after eating all their delectable seafood with your bare hands. I recommend ordering Udang Super, a sweet-and-sour barbecue shrimp, as well as Gurame Kecil, a whole fried fish; if you love it as much as I did, you’ll find yourself sucking the bones dry. It’s a good thing they had that hand-washing station!

I suggest staying at the luxurious Jayakarta Hotel and Resort in Seminyak because this beach club resort offers all you need on your singles’ beach vacations to look your best: a fitness room, sauna, and two large swimming pools. It overlooks the beach, is within walking distance from the club La Vida Loca, and is a short motorbike ride from other beach clubs like Double Six and a spicy salsa bar called Bahiana. Other beach club resorts in this area include the Oberoi Lombok and Puri Cendana Resort.

Brooke Lenzi enjoys discovering hot spots and hidden gems with the hopes of inspiring readers to pack their suitcases and hit the road.