Have a slice of Balinese paradise all to yourself

A NEW eatery offering a piece of Bali in the Sultanate is now officially opened for the public to enjoy its truly Indonesian cuisine.

Bali Paradise Restaurant was opened by its owner, Major (Rtd) Hj Md Salleh Hj Hidup, on July 17 this year to give locals the experience of tasting real Balinese food.

Although the place is relatively new, there are a few menus that customers usually order such as Ayam Bakar, Ayam Tutuk, Satay, Ikan Jimbaran, Ikan Bakar and more.

Hj Md Salleh said, "Bali Paradise attracts people from all races and all walks of life. I have seen people from the embassy bringing their colleagues and guests. Indonesians, Chinese and Malays are the usual customers, but every now and then tourists from European countries dine here too."

Balinese furniture and design decorates the restaurant. "The concept of this restaurant is not just to satisfy a person's hunger but also to satisfy their minds. We want people to relax and enjoy their visit here," stated the owner and he added, "sometimes even customers who aren't hungry come in to sit and enjoy the view."

"Most of the decorations seen here are either ordered direct from Bali or designed and handcrafted by a professional. For example, the arch on the outside is called a Gapura, which was designed and created by an Indonesian reflecting some of Bali's cultural and historical places," explained Hj Md Salleh.

Apart from Bali Paradise, Hj Md Salleh also owns Wira Rimba outlets around the Sultanate and they will be opening their third branch in Mulaut next to the new Sugarbun.

Next to the restaurant is Bali Paradise Spa and Salon which also offers the same concept in a more relaxing ambience. The Spa and Salon is only for women at the moment but they plan to open a men's section in the near future.

Bali Paradise Restaurant is located in Kiulap behind Concepts Computer and is opened from 6am until late at night. The food is reasonably priced between $3 up to $15.

"It is better to do an advanced booking when coming in big parties during peak days such as Friday or Saturday night because it is usually packed," advised the owner of Bali Paradise Restaurant.

For further enquiry or booking call 7209992. 

The Brunei Times

Tunisia

Don your sunglasses and prepare to be dazzled by the multicoloured Al-Zaytuna mosque, one of Tunisia's architectural gems. Image by Yoshio Tomii / The Image Bank / Getty Images

Low prices had just begun to lure travellers back to Tunisia, but a terrorist attack in the capital on March 18 has dealt a blow to the tourism industry’s recovery. Tourists are being asked to stay away from the Bardo museum and parliament building area in Tunis. The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office advises against non-essential travel to some parts of Tunisia. Please check with your relevant national government for more information.

The violence couldn’t have come at a worse time, as travellers had just started to look at North Africa’s most compact package with a renewed appreciation. Prices are tempting, and lower crowds mean those who do go will get a more rewarding experience whether they stay in Tunis, head for Star Wars sets or explore the Roman remains that dot the north of the country.

Seasonal charters from European airports to Djerba can be an excellent-value gateway into Tunisia.