Ji Terrace By The Sea – Hotel Tugu updates the classic Canggu cocktail

Now that the sleepy surf village of Batu Bolong has been transformed beyond recognition, with a massive influx of millennial tourists and digital nomads, one could be mistaken for thinking that it’s all over for those who don’t have a thriving Instagram account, a beard or a baby. Read more

Now that the sleepy surf village of Batu Bolong has been transformed beyond recognition, with a massive influx of millennial tourists and digital nomads, one could be mistaken for thinking that it’s all over for those who don’t have a thriving Instagram account, a beard or a baby.

Not true. In fact those who first saw the beauty of this once sleepy surf village remain and have found a new and enthusiastic audience among the modern travellers. One absolute must to visit is the Tugu Hotel. Once confined to the outskirts, the thoroughly unique art hotel is firmly placed at the centre of the action and a new audience is discovering the magic of Indonesia’s heritage just moments from the bars, cafes and beach bars.

While veggie-burgers and smashed avocado are now the order of the day, Tugu has remained true to its roots and offers something that is created with grown ups in mind, offering a stunning alternative to the action closer to the ground.

Tugu Hotel Bali Area
Surround yourself with lush greenery at Tugu Hotel

Ji Terrace-By-The-Sea and the full restaurant, Ji, on street level, embraces the Tugu-style, dedicated to preserving local arts, culture and architecture. They imported an old Chinese temple from Java as the main stage for the restaurant, which marries Japan and New York in its menu. Eclectic it has always been and remains so.

Sunset at the beach Tugu Hotel
Romantic sunset views from the beach

With the surf lapping at its heels, it was only natural that Ji expanded to the terrace upstairs, overlooking the lawn beside and the sea beyond. The menu is created by their team of Japanese and Asian-trained chefs and shaped by
consulting chef Colin Buchan, formerly with Gordon Ramsay and personal chef to David and Victoria Beckham. They are setting the bar high with Ji.

Ji Terrace offers a fascinating fusion of Japanese, Indonesian and contemporary Asian dishes on their all-day dining menu. The ambient terrace occupies two levels with a long bar, turning out some fabulous exotic cocktails, a sushi bar and a hot kitchen preparing intoxicating grills. Large sofas and day beds are scattered for comfort and the balcony is lined with stools to enjoy the view.

Sushi is big here. A good half of the menu is devoted to the Japanese section. Light bites include tempura and gyozas, succulent crisp pork belly bites and agadashi tofu. Raw and cured seafood includes red snapper and fennel with wasabi mayonnaise and yellowtail tuna tataki. The sashimi is fresh and vibrant and includes buttery raw salmon and a delicate akami, a toploin tuna. An assorted sashimi plate with 10 pieces comes at Rp150,000, so the prices are Canggu-friendly.

They take great pride in their nigiri and this covers everything from the traditional to modern combinations like the foie gras and roasted apple, a popular choice for the foodies. A host of maki rolls are the perfect sundowner or entrée for those who want to stay beyond sunset.

Sushi at Ji Tugu Hotel
A host of maki rolls
Sushi with a view

While the menu focuses on small plates designed to share on the terrace, some meatier mains are available including a flavourful imported tenderloin of beef with Japanese mushrooms, grilled salmon with eggplant, or a very tempting grilled lobster with Cilantro butter.

Beach views at Ji Terrace by the Sea

The crowd on the upper terrace is a testament to the new Canggu crowd, a mix of visiting tourists, local hipsters, surfers and young families. It’s all mixed up and Tugu is the perfect antidote to the crowds below and the booming soundtracks offered in many of the local bars and beach clubs.

Ji terrace By the Sea at Tugu in Canggu is an experience that goes beyond the excellent cocktails, the appealing menus and the view. It’s a chance to experience something that is truly unique. Tugu is as far from a cookie cutter resort and, it is a living museum that celebrates traditional art in all its forms.

For a real treat, check out their menu of cultural events and enjoy some of the very best Balinese performances without leaving Canggu. Weekly events are featured on the website.

Room at Tugu Hotel
Enjoy the luxury of having a private pool at Tugu Hotel

To really indulge in the full experience of Tugu, book a night, a weekend or a full week and explore. Every space is filled with beautiful art, references to culture and history. Rooms that pay homage to famous artists who have lived and worked in Indonesia are a highlight but every room speaks volumes of the magic of Indonesia’s culture.

The spa at Tugu is another highlight and an experience that goes beyond your average spa and incorporates ancient healing methods in a beautifully restored old building. Visitors are welcome to stroll through the lobby and the grounds, book in for one of their incredible cultural shows, book a spa treatment that will introduce you to traditional healing methods in the most memorable way or simply enjoy the spaces.

Spa at Tugu Hotel
Tugu spa is all about traditional healing massages
Spa at Tugu Hotel
A flower bath for ultimate relaxation
Show at Tugu Hotel
Traditional Balinese dance is accompanied by the Indonesian gamelan

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