Local ingredients and community initiatives are at the heart of TELU, a sustainable cocktail bar in Jimbaran.
Once a cautioned spirit, Balinese arak has entered its renaissance. From the sap of the island’s palm trees comes a spirit that represents the landscape and local culture, a drink used not only socially, but for ceremonies too.
As such, it was only natural for TELU Bar to have a dedicated ‘Arak Cellar’, where the brick-wall shelves are lined with the many iterations of this local spirit – some infused with herbs and spices, as part of ongoing experimentation by the TELU Bar team.
Far from your ordinary ‘resort bar’, TELU lies almost hidden in the grounds of the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay. Inside a verdant courtyard, the arak cellar, herb garden and charming open-air pavilion define this intimate cocktail destination. Chic yet rustic, the venue was built using repurposed furnishings, fixtures and decor from the resort, its very inception an ode to the bar’s sustainable mission.
Meaning ‘three’ in Balinese, TELU is inspired by the local philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, the tripartite harmony between ‘Nature, People and Soul.’ Exemplified by TELU’s signature drinks menu, nine distinct cocktails represent these three realms, with each drink contributing to a chosen charitable organisation: Sungai Watch, Bali Children’s Project and Ocean Gardener respectively.
With modern mixology, each cocktail showcases local sustainability through thoughtful recipes. Outside of the required top shelf spirits, cocktails feature locally sourced or rescued waste ingredients, transformed into tasteful tinctures, tepaches and infusions.
Highlights include the ‘Subak Negroni’ rebalancing a classic with banana skin and tomato leaf Vermouth and strawberry-infused arak. Inspired by those morning Bali coffees, Pagi Bersama brings together Disaronno, Nomad Whisky, aged arak, spent coffee, almond milk and local Trigona stingless bee honey into one smooth, creamy concoction.
During the bar’s third anniversary celebration, the space was graced with a new piece of art by Michael Hockey of Nyaman Gallery, who transforms discarded beach waste into striking mixed-media works. Vibrant, colourful and matching the bar’s ethos, the artwork is now the bar’s centre-piece, a visual representation of what TELU stands for.
From the Arak Cellar and zero-waste approach to the creative cocktail creations, TELU’s distinct concept invites patrons to enjoy a drink whilst going on a journey through Balinese ingredients, stories and culture.
TELU also serves zero-proof cocktails, a selection of bar bites and offers cocktails classes and workshops.
Open Wednesday to Sunday, 5pm to 12am.
Book Now: @TeluBarBali or Via FS Chat
TELU Bar
at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay
Jl. Bukit Permai, Jimbaran
+62 361 708 333 (
fourseasons.com/jimbaranbay
