Ask the crew: Faye Setiawan’s favourite Bali beauty spots

This month, we chatted to Faye Setiawan, a Flight Purser with Cathay Pacific, about his favourite things to see, do and eat in Bali. 

“Bali is my home. I grew up here, and I come back whenever I have days off. There’s so much to see and do in this beautiful part of the world.”

Must-do

Take a mini trip to Nusa Penida, a small island about an hour from Bali by boat. It’s known for being highly Instagrammable – but beyond that, the island has so much genuine beauty. My favourite place there is Kelingking Beach, where you can see cool rock formations, including one that looks like a T-Rex. 

Most beauty spots on the island are remote, so to avoid rushing from one to the next, I’d recommend staying on Nusa Penida for at least one night. It’s worth taking the time to enjoy it slowly. 

Bali is also big on religious festivals. One that stands out for me is Nyepi, the Day of Silence. On this day, everything stops so that people can stay at home and meditate. Because all lights are switched off, you can see the stars at night – it’s magical. 

If you plan to visit during Nyepi, it’s best to arrive a few days ahead, as on the day itself, nothing will be open or running. You’ll also get to witness the Ogoh-Ogoh ceremony on the eve of Nyepi, where demonic effigies are carried through the streets and burned at the end of the night to bring peace and prosperity in the new year. 

Must-eat

My all-time favourite Balinese dish is ayam betutu – spicy roasted chicken. Just ask for it in any local restaurant. Traditionally, it’s cooked underground for three days to make it extra juicy and tender, but you can get it much faster. 

I also like Balinese suckling pig; it’s crispy, tender and a little bit spicy. I’d recommend eating it at Pak Malen or Naughty Nuri’s , the latter of which also does great barbecue pork ribs.

Must-bring 

One thing Bali is never short of is sun, so you need suncream . It’s also a very laid-back place, so bring a pair of comfy flip-flops and you’ll feel right at home.