City Guide: Suku Home’s creative director and founder shares her favourite spots in Bali
WORDS BY CAIT EMMA BURKE
From where to stay to the best places to shop.
Here at Fashion Journal, we recently launched our City Guide series with the intention of unearthing the hidden spots in Australian cities that only locals know about.
There’s no gatekeeping here – this is a breakdown of the best bits of our cities. We want the underrated date spots, favourite restaurants, treasure trove op shops and the bars people will always want to go back to.
This week, we’re deviating from our usual fare and heading overseas to take a look at Bali, as seen through the eyes of Christine Lafian, the creative director and founder of Suku Home. Christine now bases herself full-time in Melbourne, but would spend half her year in Bali pre-COVID.
Interested to hear how others navigate the world? Head to our Life section.
The colourful vibrancy of Bali is seen in her label’s designs, and as she says, “There is an energy here that is so relaxed… that often inspired me to do things and be calm about it. For some reason, things will just happen here”.
As for her ideal day in Bali? It involves a sunset reformer Pilates class, a day lounging in the sun sipping coconuts, eating fried banana and finishing it up by wearing a “nice dress to show off my new tan at a dinner with friends”. Read on for her recommendations.
Drink
Bar Souvenir, Berawa
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On my last trip, I went to a place called Bar Souvenir just outside Canggu. It’s a small ten-seater bar with good cocktails. I do love small bars, like the ones you find in Japan. Personally, I’m a one-on-one person who loves a good conversation, so this type of bar suits me when I want to catch up and hang out with friends.
Potato Head, Seminyak
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For a bigger and busier vibe, I’d go to Potato Head rooftop!
At Daisy’s, Canggu
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If you are really after a good quality cocktail, try At Daisy’s in Canggu. That’s where all the young Bali crew go these days.
Eat
Warung Wardhani, Denpasar
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[I go here] for the Balinese rice.
Souphoria, Canggu
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[They have] the best crispy pork belly rice.
Menega, Jimbaran
[For] classic grilled seafood.
Warung Eropa
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[I go here] for the crispy duck.
Warung Ibu Oka, Ubud
[They have] the best suckling pig.
Cuca, Mosto, Pica, FED and Riviera Bistro
[Go to any of these] for a nice dinner!
Shop
Frog Market (Pasar Kodok), Tabanan
It’s the BEST secondhand market I’ve ever been to (I’ve never been to the one in NY, though). I can spend a day here. Me and my friend Jume, who owns the label Shop Jume, used to ride our scooters and spend a day there. Sometimes we would find pieces that are so cool we used them as samples.
Escalier Store, Seminyak
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For a good selection of local and international brands, go to Escalier Store at Potato Head.
Date
Jimbaran
If you feel like dressing up for your date, book a table at Cuca, Jimbaran, or for something more casual, a seafood platter by the beach in Menega, Jimbaran. All followed by a stroll on the Jimbaran beach afterwards.
R&R
Uluwatu, Karangasem and Sidemen
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Head to Jasri Bay Hideaway and Dreamsea Surf Camp, Uluwatu, for the beach, or [go to] Hideout in Karangasem and Darmada at Sidemen for the mountain calmness.
Nirjhara
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[For] a weekend away in a nice hotel/resort where I just sit by the pool, order club sandwiches and get lots of massages and spas. A weekend in Nirjhara will sort that out. They do the BEST massages.
Celebrate
Potato Head or PNNY parties
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If you feel like a good dance party as part, go to any Potato Head party or any PNNY’s party happening on the island. My other form of celebration in Bali also means an adventure – I would do a weekend outside a town like Amed (a three-hour drive from Bali) or Lembongan (a one-hour boat trip).
For more of Christine’s Bali adventures, head here.
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