Indeed, Jalan Oberoi was once a small sinuous country road, imprinting its path amongst the rice fields, and lead to a swampy river and its obscure beach front neighbour: a quiet temple with black magic attach.
A surprise it always was, to say the list, to the exclusive and elegant clientele of the prestigious Oberoi hotel, which in the mid eighties chose with much foresight, this off the track and wild virgin setting to welcome the gorgeous ground of its beach front property in Bali.
Some 20 years later, the unlikely path has become the world renown “Jalan Oberoi”, a mandatory stop for all visiting Bali the beautiful.
Jalan Laksmana, Jalan Lesmana are amongst the many other names used to refer to the street, today the host of the trendiest Bali has on offer in shopping and dining choices.
A name so evocative....Jalan which means ‘street’ or ‘walking’ depending on the context of its use, and Oberoi which by the defining standards of refined travel is synonym to select, indulging and most exclusive.
History should have it that it remains such, as it may be the saving grace of an area that has foregone, in the last 15 years, such an overwhelming development its surroundings are nowadays rather urban than country and on the verge of loosing their “noble” flair.
Nonetheless, Le “tout Bali” is here and celebrates daily its “pretty” shops and succulent tables. Many a name arising to become internationally known, from jewellers to stylish frock makers, luxury asian vintage and more.
“Walked”, the street most certainly is and worth the while, though decent sidewalk would be a most welcome feature.
Number 1 is home to a stylish unisex summer wear boutique appropriately named Jalan Oberoi 1, one of the few places on the island i which casual elegant menswear is a pleasure to purchase. Cotton is light, linen comfortable, cut simple and colours basic to fit any style and wardrobe.
Right across the street, Tina’s Shop is a very balinese enclave filled with a selection of ever lovely basket wear and shiny embossed tin boxes.
Places are many after that, below is the list of the ones we like:
The Corner Store, has been since its appearance a great all day breakfast, lunch and “chit chat” spot, with a busy shaded terrace to see and be seen.
Exactly opposite you’ll stumble upon I love Bali, funky and probably the smallest store in Bali, yet host to a live tree amazingly stretching its branches through the roof. Slinky resort wear and groovy prints.
Buddha Wear, next door is its perfect antithesis, with basic shapes and solid tonal range in fluid jersey and some silk.
Sabia, for sexy sandals and espadrilles and Joy for precious “charm” jewellery.
The prisoners of St Petersbourg is a mix of vintagy trinckets and easy “printed wear”. Dinda Rella is all lace, frills, paillettes, feathers and swarovski.
Then two kids only places worth both the visit as their style could not be more different.
Kiki’s Closet is all girls, pink, pretty, and shine. Kids a go go is fresh cotton, simple lines with bold prints and summery colours.
Further on, Mekong is a welcome breeze amidst its “fashionable” neighbours, with a well picked mix of one of a kind asian vintage and antiques, elegant jewels and some casual wear.
Next in line is the Blu shop home to a collection of lovely and eclectic jewels, sharing its green entrance with Zuttion, the all australian t-shirts, t-dress, t-suits shop and its delicious Zucchini cafe.
Then comes Shalom glass craft with some nice ready to buy though most of all will tailor make any decorative cut glass mirrors and small furniture item you may wish for.
State of Georgia, is a small quaint boutiques filled with big and extravagantly printed leisurely gowns adjacent to Street dogs the “gold” and funky brass jewellery shop.
On the opposite side of that portion of the street we notice mostly women’s wear with K & I all sparkle, glimmer, glam and glitter, sexy, short, strech and fitted, a great neighbour to So Clothes, somewhat more peace, love & Rock’n roll, while SKS celebrates as its name implies “simple concept” offering clothes for both he and she, as well as homewares, with much Italian charm and attractive playfulness.
Around the corner, Deefusion means to be a reference in contemporary outdoor furnishing and does it with smiles and precision.
Its three note worthy and gorgeously feminine neighbours are Magali Pascal, simply lovely with great bags, elegant blouses and feminine wardrobe must ; Lulu which rides along the same lines in a less precise, more casual manner. Sweet “mommy and I” crossover line ; and Lily Jean’s parlour who's attire is an eclectic mix of sassy beach and evening wear and accessories.
Heading on, By The Sea is all about the beach in a hawaian-copacabana classic mix of print.
Knit is the jersey sister of one of the island shopping must Biasa. Lines are fluid and flattering, great travellers, and will assure anyone elegance under the sun as well as back home.
Religion is the UK brand emporium in Bali, appropriately hip, trash and rock’n roll just as we like them.
Earth cafe is a favoured stop for healthy grubs, soothing drinks, sustainable groove.
Uma and Leopold is incoherent at best yet attractive and always has something fab to grab, just the thing missing in my wardrobe and often a gorgeous piece of jewellery to go with it.
Uluwatu is a local success specialised in the classic cotton lace produced on the island. Their bed linens is our highlight and a stylish add to any confident home.
Oceano in case you forgot your swimmers home. One of the only place on the island stocking protective sunwear for kids.
Past this point food is the feature! We choose:
Trattoria for its paper thin and simply yummy pizza, pasta and lots and lot of people!
Ultimo again good pizza, best enjoyed at the bar.
Khaima for great tajines, pastillas and a delicious walnut cake.
Cafe Bali definately a must. Friendly, stylish, fabulous and always atmospheric!
Warung Murah for a little local feel and taste. Basic indonesian food. Simple. Good
Pizza Club, my 8 year old’s favourite spot! Great american-style pizza......order in advance on week-end and in the summer as call-in can pile up fast.
Kaizan & K2 Korean-Japanese or Japanese-Korean, which ever way you choose to have it, we like it.
Chandi, definately the new, fantastic might I add, kid on the block. Great food, hip and happening eves. Love it.
The Orchard is singled out amongst this emporium of tasty venues, nonetheless remarkable however for its contemporary colonial bespoke furniture.
Next door, back to the theme, Kunis is a great Japanese!
Home, is mild cafe during the day and ragging club on week-end nights. Fun fast and frilicious. Colourful homewear boutique
Yaz is a new comer noticed for its urban cool t’s and accessories, across The Junction a welcoming and breezy salad parlour
Periplus has to be the best magazine stand on the island.... perhaps because it is the only one! It shares a parking with many amongst which Casa offering great food find for anyone in the area... delis are finally venturing at diverse corners of the south beaches :-)
Past another corner is Fresh, trendy japanese sushi bar, and a little further on the fabulous Quarzia shop for slinky, silky feminine wear and earthy cotton and linen for men. Gorgeous batik print and precise italian style.
Icon is elegant, knowledgeable and most of all a beautiful gallery of antique artefacts and jewels from the Indonesian archipelago
The Oberoi Hotel, the first and dominant estate on the road. Absolutely refined! Lovely for an al fresco lunch or early sunset drink.
Kudeta, no comment.... just go.
Maru, beautiful jewellery combining local silversmith techniques with contemporary western influenced design.
Nafsu, elegant, sassy, sexy wear and gorgeous selection of accessories. A must!
Blu & Co, Blu’s funky jewels paired with sensual clothing and accessories.
The Legian, stylish, trendy, great view, great food.
And last for now, The Samaya, airy, spacious grounds floating over the beach, supreme for sunset drinks.
Jl. Oberoi 1
Il Cortile Jl laksmana 1a, Seminyak
T. 0361 738 776
Tina’s shop
Jl laksmana 37, Seminyak
T. 081338703377
Corner store
Jl laksmana 10a, Seminyak
T. 0361 730 276
I love Bali
Jl laksmana 13, Seminyak
Buddha wear
Jl laksmana 15x, Seminyak
T. 0361 730 110
Sabia
Jl laksmana 17, Seminyak
The prisoners of St Petersbourg
Jl laksmana 42, Seminyak
T. 0361 736 653
Dinda Rella
Jl laksmana 45, Seminyak
T. 0361 736 953
Kiki’s closet
Jl laksmana 45a, Seminyak
Kids a go go
Jl laksmana 45b, Seminyak
T. 0361 736 651
Mekong
Jl laksmana 47, Seminyak
T. 0361 730 509
Blu
Jl Laksmana 57, Seminyak
T. 0361 735 591,
Zuttion & Zucchini cafe
Jl Lakasmana 57, Seminyak
T.0361 736 633
State of Georgia
Jl laksmana 60, Seminyak
T. 085857124697
Street dogs
Jl laksmana 60x, Seminyak
T. 0361 737 819
K&I
Jl laksmana 18, Seminyak
T. 0361 736 477
So clothes
Jl laksmana 28, Seminyak
T. 0361 737 653
SKS
Jl Laksmana 40, Seminyak
T. 0361 730 393
Deefusion
Jl laksmana 117x, Seminyak
T. 0361 738 308
Magali Pascal
Jl laksmana 117xx, Seminyak
T. 0361 736 147
Lulu
Jl laksmana 100, Seminyak
T. 0361 736 763
Lily Jean
Jl laksmana 102x, Seminyak
T. 0361 743 5715
By the sea
Jl laksmana 29, Seminyak
T. 0361 736 651
Knit
Jl laksmana 78c, Seminyak
T. 0361 736 995
Religion
Jl laksmana 29, Seminyak
T. 0361 731916
Earth cafe
Jl laksmana 99, Seminyak
T. 0361 736 645
Uma and Leopold
Jl laksmana 77x, Seminyak
T. 0361 737 697
Uluwatu
Jl laksmana 79, Seminyak
T. 0361 735 973
State of Georgia
Jl laksmana 60, Seminyak
T. 085857124697
Oceano
Jl laksmana 56, Seminyak
T. 0361 733 050
Trattoria
Jl laksmana, Seminyak
T. 0361 737 082
Ultimo
Jl laksmana 104x, Seminyak
T. 0361 738 720
Khaima
Jl laksmana 334, Seminyak
T. 0361 742 3925
Café Bali
Jl Laksmana, Seminyak
T. 0361 780 1515
Warung Murah
Jl laksmana, Seminyak
Pizza club
Jl laksmana 60, Seminyak
T. 0361 730 614
Kaizan & K2
Jl Laksmana 33, Seminyak
T. 0361 747 2324
Chandi
Jl Laksmana 72, Seminyak
T. 0361 731 060
The Orchard
Jl Laksmana, Seminyak
T. 0361 736 724
Kuni’s
Jl Laksmana, Seminyak
T. 0361 730 501
Home
Jl Laksmana 3, Seminyak
T. 0361 862 0455
Yaz
Jl Laksmana, Seminyak
T. 0817555619
The Junction
Jl Laksmana, Seminyak
T. 0361 735 610
Periplus
Seminyak square, Jl Laksmana, Seminyak
T. 0361 736 851
Casa
Seminyak square, Jl Laksmana, Seminyak
Fresh
Jl Laksmana, Seminyak
T. 0361 736 834
Quarzia
Jl Laksmana 3a, Seminyak
T. 0361 736 759
Icon
Jl Laksmana, Seminyak
T. 0361 733 875
The Oberoi Hotel
Jl Laksmana, Seminyak
T. 0361 730 361
Kudeta
Jl Laksmana 9, Seminyak
T. 0361 736 969
Maru
Jl Laksmana 7b, Seminyak
T. 0361 734 102,
Nafsu
Jl Laksmana 7a, Seminyak
T. 0361 736 634
Blu & Co
Jl Laksmana (right across the Legian), Seminyak
The Legian
Jl Laksmana, Seminyak
T. 0361 730 622
The Samaya
Jl Laksmana, Seminyak
T. 0361 731 149
Biasa
Jl Raya Seminyak 38
T. 0361 730 308
- Posted by Stephanie Robert |
