D

o you want to try bebek tutu, baked duck filled with spices? Or seafood barbecue served with fresh vegetables and hot chili sauce? These treats are available at food stalls near the famous Muaya beach in Jimbaran, south of Denpasar.

In addition to its natural beauty and rich arts and traditions, Bali is the perfect place for visitors to embark on culinary adventures. Just visit Kedonganan beach where lines of seafood cafes are always filled with hungry customers, especially at night.

"During this holiday season, we receive at least 2,000 food lovers," explained Wayan Merta, head of Kedonganan Beach Tourist Site agency, which overview around 24 cafes and restaurants in the area.

Each restaurant or food court belongs to local residents at Kedonganan beach. All sea products were procured from local fishermen. Most workers also come from nearby villages. "So, everybody here is almost involved in this small-scale business," Merta said.

Since Bali was opened to international visitors in early l960s and l970s, many hospitality industries including hotels, restaurants and cafes have been operated by large-scale investors coming from outside Bali.

"The majority of restaurant and caf* owners at Kedonganan feel so happy when holiday comes. June through September have always been our busiest months," one caf* owner said.

Most food establishments serve similar dishes like barbecued squid and prawns, lobsters and a large array of seafood. Denna Fahmi, a visitor from Yogyakarta, said she was addicted to the prawns and squid satays (grilled squid). Experiencing great food in Bali is easy. Kuta resort has been a food heaven for both foreign and domestic cuisines.