Bali is an island that is both stressful and relaxing, depending on how you choose to see it. The chaos from traffic is incredibly nerve wrecking, not to mention the waiting time one spends in the taxi or car to get to a destination. And unless you’re a pro-biker, it would be wise to skip the idea of using a bike because the locals give our mat rempits a run for their money. #truestory
Paradise
But despite the madness, there are things I find perfectly relaxing in Bali. Like a day-out in Seminyak, followed by a leisurely afternoon tea at The Mulia. It was by chance the folks at The Mulia learnt I was in town for a company getaway, and extended an invitation to tea.
Classic Afternoon High Tea
Indonesian Afternoon Tea
Pastel, a pie crust filled with meat and vegetables.
It was a grand affair and one that involved beautiful china, place settings and spectacular service. While the Classic Afternoon High Tea fare was to be expected, the Indonesian High Tea was an introduction to many local snacks – pastel, gado-gado, pisang goreng, tape goreng and jajan pasar. Except, I was having it in a comfortable setting and did not have to brave through any horrendous traffic to get these.
Indonesian layer cakes
Tape goreng, and sweet spring rolls
Tea cakes and pastries
Scones with fruit preserves and clotted cream
Signature finger sandwiches
I loved the finger sandwiches, especially the one with smoked salmon and cream cheese, and the rounds of hors d’oeuvres comprising more mini sandwiches, salmon profiteroles with caviar and quiche were a real treat. I felt more stuffed than the sushi rolls they had going around.
Dessert Menagerie
Chocolate pralines and more cakes
Serabi, an Indonesian pancake made from rice flour and coconut milk
Spoilt for choice
And then it was time for dessert. Yes, you read that right. There was an entire section just for desserts – chocolate fountain, assorted fine cakes, mousse, tarts and a live station. Plus, there was this whimsical selection of artisanal ice creams, sorbets and frozen yogurt to cool you down from the Bali heat. How is this afternoon tea, I’m still baffled.
Ice cream counter. All ice creams are made in-house by the way.
I swear these folks think I’m an eating machine and I wasn’t about to argue with that because our waiter came back with a series of Mulia Shaved Ice. I love shaved ice. :D Cottony ribbons of shaved ice in assorted flavours (Mango, Lemon, Milk Tea and Coffee), it was the best remedy to combat the sweltering heat. Have that in Mojito flavour and I’m ready to party.
Mango shaved ice
Coffee shaved ice
Milk tea shaved ice
By the time I was done (and I barely made it past half of the selection, because it was just that plenty), I felt like a dugong. Almost wanted to call for a bellboy to help push me out of the resort. One of the best afternoon teas I’ve tried, and to date, the biggest.
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Ambiance: 8.5/10
Price: 6.5/10
Food: 8/10
Verdict: Incredible variety and great quality. You will be tempted to try everything.
The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas – Nusa Dua, Bali
Jl. Raya Nusa Dua Selatan, Kawasan Sawangan,
Nusa Dua 80363, Bali, Indonesia
T: (62-361) 3017777
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