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Alison Emerick travel blog in Bali

My Place

My Bali

With Alison Emerick

@semicuratedlife

Alison Emerick is an American mom living in Bali. She is a family travel writer and blogger.

We moved to Bali for a few months to decompress after a few stressful years in Singapore. Over two years later, we’re still here. We fell hard for Bali, for the culture, the beauty of the island and the welcoming locals. Bali is special as it has a unique culture, year round tropical temperatures, a lower cost of living and creature comforts of the west. We live in Sanur, a seaside town popular with young families and retirees.

For me, the best part of Sanur is the paved beachside path that is always bustling with pedestrians and bicycles.

This path is about 7km long and a great way to explore this town. You’ll see local fishermen, women selling souvenirs, beachside massage places, tons of restaurants and a lot of local temples. It’s great people-watching and if you’re lucky, you’ll pass by a traditional Balinese ceremony!

Our favorite weekend getaway is a 30 minute boat ride from Sanur to the nearby island of Nusa Lembongan.

Unlike Bali, the waters here are crystal clear, making it the ideal place for snorkeling and surfing. I’ve seen dolphins, manta rays and turtles snorkeling here! The pace of life here is even slower than Bali. We love spending our mornings at the shady Coconut Beach with a coffee from Lago Cafe. My favorite spa in Bali is also here – don’t miss Spring Spa, where treatments take place in thatched cabanas overlooking the water.

If you come to Bali, you have to try “Nasi Campur”

It’s a great way to sample Indonesian cuisine and every restaurant has its own unique take on the dish.. My favorite one in Sanur is from Warung Blanjong.

Our favorite spot for dinner on the beach has to be Lilla Pantai.

Owned by a local Balinese-Swedish family, it has Balinese classics like beef rendang and nasi campur and also western favorites like swedish meatballs and freshly baked desserts. The kids can play in the sand while you enjoy adult conversation.

The best spot in Sanur that parents AND kids love is Byrdhouse.

It has inviting pools, a chic beachfront restaurant and delicious food here. You can spend a whole afternoon here dipping in the pool, nibbling on food and taking a nap with the ocean breeze. The gardens are beautifully Balinese, with a formidable temple that greets you as you enter the groundsof this hotel/beach club. Bonus: there is an air-conditioned bakery area where I love to work while looking out at the beach.

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