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A Creative's Guide to Bali, Curated by Imogene Barron

Australian photographer and director Imogene Barron has traveled the world for work, and her latest creative project has taken her to Bali. She’s spent the past few years meticulously building Casa Sumarah, a two-bedroom guest house in Munggu that she designed herself, drawing inspiration from her travels and filling it with pieces by local makers. To celebrate its recent opening, we asked Barron to share her favorite places across the island, from a tiny Korean restaurant and cozy mountain retreat to a beautiful homeware store and the island’s best snorkeling spot.

Portrait of Imogene BarronImogene Barron
A Creative's Guide to Bali, Curated by Imogene Barron
Casa Sumarah

Casa Sumarah · Bali

Casa Sumarah

My home away from home, and a little island paradise I built over three years. It’s a design-led, two bedroom stay surrounded by rice fields, with a sauna, cold plunge, jacuzzi, and rooftop for slow mornings and sunset evenings.

Bali Asli

One of the most beautiful restaurants in Bali. Nestled in the mountains with incredible views of Mount Agung, Bali Asli celebrates traditional Indonesian cuisine using ingredients grown in its own gardens and sourced from the surrounding area. I’ve been coming here for years—it’s some of my favorite Indonesian food in Bali! It’s a bit of a detour, but well worth it—especially if you’re heading to Candidasa or Amed.

Menjangen Island

Menjangan Island is home to the cutest wild deer (you'll see them roaming freely everywhere), rare ebony leaf monkeys, crystal-clear teal water, and beautiful pops of coral. It also has some of the best snorkeling in Bali!

Della Terra

Della Terra · Bali

Della Terra

Hands down one of my favorite restaurants on the island. Incredible Italian food with a very European feel, plus great cocktails, an excellent wine list, and impeccable service!

Serpentine

Serpentine · Bali

Serpentine

Serpentine Studio is one of my favorite homeware stores in Bali. Its founder and designer, Clancy, also consulted on some of the interiors at Casa Sumarah, recommending makers and creating a few bespoke pieces for the house. If you love interiors, it’s definitely worth a visit!

Soogi Roll

A cozy little Korean spot with floor cushions, a super-relaxed vibe, and delicious, home-style cooking. Simple, comforting Korean food done really well.

Batukaru Coffee Estate

Such a beautiful place to disappear for a night or two. High up in the mountains and surrounded by coffee plantations, Batukaru has simple rooms, amazing food, incredible coffee, and some of the best sunsets I’ve seen in Bali!

Kabunku Coffee and Eatery

Kabunku is one of my favorite spots for breakfast or lunch, and I always order the rendang rice. The fresh juices are also great, and the garden is beautiful. There are always lots of cute dogs running around, plus a little vintage store that’s worth popping into.

Neighbourhood Food Seseh

If you’re in Seseh, don’t miss Neighbourhood. Opened by my friend Maya, it’s my go-to for breakfast or brunch, with fresh, simple food, great coffee, and such a good vibe.

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

I was lucky enough to document a project here recently, and it really is as beautiful as you could ever imagine! The Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are part of Bali’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Subak landscape, where the centuries-old irrigation system is still used today. I’d definitely recommend going early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. Such a special place, and well worth making the trip.

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