THE KAWI RESTO POOL AND BAR

Jungle-edge escape near the rice terraces

Five minutes from the famous swings and right across from the Tegallalang rice paddies, THE KAWI RESTO POOL AND BAR sits just off Jl. Raya Tegallalang No.5758, tied to Kawi Resort but open to anyone. Guests describe it as peaceful and “a real escape” from the crowds, with the restaurant perched by a valley and rice-field views that feel more jungle than roadside.

Open daily from 07h00 à 22h00, it runs from breakfast to candlelit dinners, with Afternoon Tea between 15h00 and 17h00.

Pool, day pass and infinity views

The big hook here is the pool: access is free as long as you order food or drinks. Several visitors mention spending the afternoon swimming after touring the nearby rice terraces, some even eating lunch or dinner in the water.

There’s an infinity-style pool with a swim-up bar right in the water, plus jungle and partial rice-terrace views from the edge. One reviewer loved cooling off with a beer in the pool; another noted that some rice-terrace views are partly blocked by buildings, but still called it a great spot to relax.

Food favorites: crispy duck, nasi goreng and more

Collina Kawi Restaurant (the more formal name) leans into both Indonesian and international plates. The crispy duck comes up again and again as the standout dish, described as very crispy, full of flavour and “seasoned to perfection”.

Nasi goreng ayam, Gurami Nyat Nyat, fried duck, burgers, pizza, chicken sandwiches and spring rolls all get nods; one guest warned the pizza base tasted frozen, but still praised everything else. Desserts like plantain fritters and surprise birthday cakes appear in several stories.

Prices, portions and what to expect

Many diners call prices “a bit expensive” or “on the pricey side” compared with local warungs, yet still “reasonable” given the pool, calm setting and service. A few felt portion sizes could be larger for the cost, while others were satisfied, especially with set menus on tours including starter, main and dessert.

On balance, the value seems strongest if you actually use the free pool and linger with cocktails, lunch, or a floating-style experience.

Service, staff and digital presence

Online, the place rates around 4.8 / 5.0 on Google Maps and is well ranked on TripAdvisor. Reviews repeatedly praise “swift and attentive” service and mention staff by name: Devi, Piska, Listya, Sevi, Eka, Devani, Imo and chef Gede Mega all receive warm shout-outs for kindness, quick refills and helpful recommendations.

Guests note welcome drinks and cassava chips on arrival, staff checking in without being pushy, birthday surprises, and even staying open late for dessert. One critical review mentions very slow service despite an almost empty dining room, suggesting occasional inconsistency.

On Instagram and Facebook, the restaurant leans into its “Instagrammable” look: poolside cocktails, floating breakfasts, wicker nests and jungle backdrops, all under the Kawi Resort brand.

Atmosphere: calm, aesthetic and slightly weather-dependent

The setting is consistently described as calm, relaxing and aesthetically designed, with a large restaurant space, clean toilets and shaded seating areas. Several guests call it a “hidden gem” near Ceking, perfect to decompress after the heat and crowds of the terraces.

Because the appeal rests heavily on the outdoor pool, views and open-air dining, heavy rain or a very wet season can dampen the experience, and the 20–30 minute drive north from central Ubud can feel long at night in traffic.

Who will enjoy it most

Travellers who want a pretty, quiet base to eat well, swim for free with a drink in hand, and linger above the rice fields—rather than rush through a cheap meal—will get the most out of THE KAWI RESTO POOL AND BAR.