Find the high points for a low-key celebration in Bali

A recent statement from the Governor of Bali puts a sobering halt to the upcoming year-end festivities. Starting from 18 December 2020 to 4 January 2021, domestic travellers who come to Bali by air must show a letter of negative PCR swab test result, taken a minimum of 48 hours before departure. The circular also bans indoor and outdoor celebrations and festivities as well as fireworks display on New Year’s Eve. However, dining is still allowed.

Here’s a round-up of dining offers with strict health and safety protocols for your intimate Christmas and New Year’s Eve feasts.

SEMINYAK

W Bali – Seminyak

24 December: Both Starfish Bloo and FIRE host Christmas Eve’s dinners. The first offers a Seafood Market (from Rp700,000/person), a market-style experience with live stations. Meanwhile, the latter serves up a meat feast, from Sumac Spiced Lamb Shoulder to Christmas Turkey starting from Rp600,000/person.

25 December: It’s all about super brunch on Christmas Day. Enjoy a lavish seafood buffet and unlimited Canandian Lobster Bisque at Starfish Bloo or head to FIRE for a la carte buffet of smokehouse BBQ and charcuterie. Both prices start at Rp1,200,000/person.

31 December: Feast on seafood buffet filled with Papua crabs and slipper lobsters at Starfish Bloo. Meanwhile, FIRE offers an array of tasty nosh from the chilled seafood bar, charcuterie, imported and local artisan cheese, Balinese suckling pig, Australian aged prime beef tenderloins and a dessert cave. Both prices start at Rp1,700,000/person. Ring in the new year at Woobar with tunes by Mikey Moran, Damian Saint, Wilson, and Nanda. Table bookings are required.

For reservations, call +62 361 3000106 ext. 1603 or email bf.wbali@whotels.com

Anantara Seminyak Bali Resort

24 & 25 December: Share a turkey and all the trimmings or go local with the Balinese suckling pig to celebrate with your loved ones on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners at Sunset on Seminyak Restaurant. Also, expect generous serving of oysters, chilli crab and a wide range of desserts. The dinner is served family style, starting from 6.30pm to 10.30pm. Prices start from IDR 750,000++ for tables of up to six persons

31 December: Enjoy a four-course tasting menu (Rp567,890/person) or a family-style dinner (Rp2,987,654 for up to six persons) at MoonLite Kitchen & Bar. The open-air rooftop bar and restaurant provides an unbeatable view from its height, making it a suitable venue to end the year in style.

For reservations, call +62 361 737773 or email fb.asb@anantara.com

The Legian Seminyak, Bali

24 December: Make your Christmas Eve Dinner an elegant occasion at The Restaurant. The beachfront restaurant offers a curated tasting menu starting from Rp950,000/person.

25 December: Delight the little ones and watch out for the special appearance of Santa Claus throughout the day. Relax by the pool before heading to The Restaurant for a set lunch menu (Rp600,000/person, 12pm onwards). Head back to The Restaurant for a lively jazz performance and set dinner menu (Rp950,000/person).

31 December: Toast to a better year and dance the night away on New Year’s Eve Dinner. With a live music performance and scrumptious set menu, the calm celebration is yours for Rp2,500,000/person. Wine pairing option is available for Rp3,500,000/person.

For reservations, call +62 361 730622 or email fb@thelegianbali.com

Alila Seminyak

24 December: Starting from 6pm, have a Coastal Christmas Eve at Seasalt. The beachfront restaurant creates a five-course set menu, complete with a glass of mulled wine. With craft cocktails, Christmas carols from Lydia Rose and the bands, as well as the appearance of Seasalt Santa, make it a memorable one for you and your loved ones. Rp750,000/person.

25 December: Weaving brunch, ocean breeze and jazzy tunes together, Christmas Chandon Brunch at Seasalt is going to be a special occasion. Starting from 12pm until 4pm, enjoy the a la carte buffet starting from Rp685,000/person.

31 December: From a four-course set menu to a special cocktail selections crafted by the talented mixologist, Ayip Dzuhri, ring in the New Year at Seasalt. Rp1,100,000/person. Dinner starts at 7pm.

For reservations, call +62 361 3021889 or email hello@seasaltseminyak.com

JIMBARAN

Raffles Bali

24 & 25 December: Celebrate your Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dinner at Rumari. Indulge on exceptional six-course tasting menu, from Alaskan King Crab to Hokkaido Scallop. Starting from 6pm onwards, the dinner is priced at Rp1,700,000/person.

31 December: End 2020 with a lavish feast inspired by the archipelago’s rich flavours and exceptional wine pairing at Rumari. Executive chef Gaetan Biesuz and his team prepare a six-course tasting menu, using the best premium ingredients. The dinner starts at 6pm to 2am, priced at Rp2,200,000/person.

For reservations, call +62 361 2015800 or email dining.bali@raffles.com

UBUD

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan

24 December:  Ayung Terrace offers a seven-course tasting menu (Rp1,800,000/person) featuring traditional Christmas dishes such as Shellfish Bisque and Beetroot Tortellini with Ricotta Filling. Alternatively, give the a la carte Modern Indonesian menu a try. From Pork Belly to Rendang-style Beef Short Ribs, celebrate the yuletide from 6pm to 10pm.

31 December: Put the dozy year behind and embrace the spirit of the New Year with an intimate evening. Feast on a six-course set menu, from Squid Ink Crackers with Tuna Tartare to Roasted Lamb Rack with Goat Milk’s Puree and enjoy the live music performance. Rp1,800,000/person.

For reservations, call +62 361 977 577

NUSA DUA

The Apurva Kempinski Bali

24 December: There are three options to celebrate Christmas Eve Dinner. Head to Pala for a spread of Indonesian and International buffet (Rp800,000/person). Alternatively, Koral, Bali’s first aquarium dining restaurant is ready to serve you a four-course dinner at Rp1,500,000/person. For refined Japanese cuisine, opt for Izakaya by OKU where a five-course Okukase is served for Rp950,000/person.

25 December: Delight in a visit by Father Christmas at Pala while savouring  traditional dishes and roasted turkey as well as other delights for Christmas Brunch (Rp800,000/person). For aquatic dining experience, Koral offers a three-course Christmas Lunch (Rp950,000/person) and a four-course Christmas Dinner (Rp1,500,000/person). Have a Christmas Bento a la Izakaya by OKU (Rp450,000/person) for lunch.

31 December: Have a beachfront family-style dinner and join the countdown celebration afterwards. Reef Beach Club New Year’s Eve Family Dinner starts at 6pm onwards. Priced at Rp1,250,000/person.

For reservations, call/WhatsApp +62 811 3820 9541 or email restaurants.bali@kempinski.com

The Mulia, Mulia Resort and Villas – Nusa Dua, Bali

24 & 25 December: For a lavish spread of culinary feasts, head to The Cafe. With seven cooking theatres and all-you-can-order live cooking stations, find freshly cooked fare from Indonesia, Japan, Korea and the West on Christmas Eve Dinner as well as Christmas Day Lunch & Dinner. On Christmas Day, Soleil offers a special brunch featuring Mediterranean and Pan-Asian cuisine.

31 December: Indulge on a spread of international fare at The Cafe for New Year’s Eve Dinner. Alternatively, Soleil serves up fantastic gourmet Mediterranean and Pan-Asian spread in its beachfront location. If you are looking for a Cantonese feast, Table8’s spread of dim sum and a la minute dishes would satisfy your appetite. All dinners start from 6pm until 11pm.

For pricing and reservations, call +62 361 3017777 or email fb.reservation@themulia.com

ULUWATU

Bvlgari Resort Bali

24 & 25 December: Taking place at Sangkar Restaurant, the Christmas Eve’s Dinner as well as Christmas Day Lunch and Dinner are served in five-course menu. From Grilled Prawn, Shellfish Mousseline, Pistachio and Turmeric Coconut Sauce to Raspberry Souffle, Gianduja Ice Cream and Vanilla Sauce, the treat is priced at Rp1,300,000/person.

31 December: Start the celebration with sunset aperitivo at Il Bar and continue to a five-course dinner at Sangkar Restaurant. The New Year’s Eve countdown takes place at Il Bar and done with a Champagne toast. Rp2,600,000/person.

For reservations, call +62 361 8954644 or email restaurant.reservations@bulgarihotels.com