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There’s a reason this humble Indian-Malaysian restaurant is consistently packed: It serves mouthwatering curries, naan, dosa, biryanis and murtabak (a stuffed, panfried bread) at very reasonable prices. The extensive menu can be overwhelming, but you can’t go wrong with garlic naan with dal, tandoori chicken and an invigorating freshly squeezed juice.

From its beachfront locale to the sweeping terraces and sliding-glass doors, everything about this hotel is aimed at maximizing views of Bali’s most sought-after shoreline. Local stone and wood put an Indonesian twist on the resort’s Thai design, which incorporates a dark-wood color scheme, a mini waterfall, and lattice screens. The hotel offers one-of-a-kind experiences, including special-occasion dinners on the beach and spice-infused cooking tours that introduce guests to regional flavors (don’t miss Spice Spoons, in which you’ll sample exotic fruit and other local ingredients, or the seaside Indonesian cooking class with a master chef). Bustling Seminyak lures travelers to its restaurants, bars, and nightclubs—often early into the morning—but Anantara’s spacious sundecks, refreshing pools, traditional spa suites, and umbrella-shaded beach chairs are waiting to revive you the next day.

Nestled between jungle and sea in the remote Karangasem Regency, Amankila evokes the shapes of the nearby Ujung Water Palace yet also captures the spirit of everyday Bali. Modeled after traditional Balinese beach houses, the 34 suites are stilted among bougainvillea and frangipani trees and topped with alang alang thatched roofs; inside, royal doorways, pillared bed canopies, and marble vanities blend with more understated pieces crafted from bamboo, rattan, and coconut wood. Elevated marble walkways turn and intersect until they reach the colonnaded main buildings and three-tiered pool, inspired by the country’s hallmark rice terraces, and steps wind down from the resort to the oceanfront Beach Club, which features a restaurant, a 130-foot lap pool, and eight shady bales (pavilions) tucked into a coconut grove. Windsurfing boards, Hobie Cats, and outrigger boats resembling jukung (traditional fishing crafts) encourage guests to get in the snorkel-friendly water. Though Amankila offers everything a guest could need for a relaxing holiday, visits to nearby temples, ornate water palaces, and artisan villages complete the experience.

I know when you go on holiday to Bali Mexico is probably the last place you’re thinking you’ll want to be, but Motel Mexicola is an awesomely kitsch Mexican cantina and bar not to be missed. Go early for dinner because even though this place is enormous, it gets packed on the weekends. The feel good factor is fueled by the bright decor, awesome margaritas, beers served super cold and food that is as close to real Mexican as you’ll get in Bali.

For a one-stop intro to the best in Jakarta’s street food (Indonesian, Indian and Chinese, mainly), join the crowds at the Pasar Baru market. One of Jakarta’s oldest markets, it’s been doing a brisk business since the 18th century. All kinds of accessories and clothing are for sale alongside little restaurants serving cheap snacks such as martabak, nasi goreng, papadums and biryanis.

Located just outside town proper, the Colo-I-Suva Forest Park offers a place to cool off and have a little peace and quiet and a nice walk. A trail leads from the Upper Pools up to Waisila Falls, with some good swimming holes and a picnic area along the way. While you may not see much in the way of native plants, you might add a Fijian species or two to your birding life list.