As a Filipino digital nomad working for a tech startup based in Sydney, I thought I had everything figured out. My job was stable, I worked remotely, and I had the freedom to travel. But somewhere along the way, in the hustle of deadlines and the endless Zoom meetings, I lost touch with something vital: my sense of purpose. That’s how I found myself booking a flight to Bali—hoping the island known for its culture, sustainability, mindfulness, and health could help me reconnect with myself.
I had always admired Bali from afar, seeing it on social media and hearing stories from friends about its yoga retreats, eco-consciousness, and beautiful landscapes. After years of living in Manila, where my life was confined to the walls of a call center and the suffocating city traffic, I craved the peace Bali seemed to offer. So, with my laptop packed, I headed to Ubud, ready to rediscover what I had lost.
Soul Searching in Bali
Upon arriving in Ubud, the air immediately felt lighter. The rhythm of life here was different, slower, and more intentional. My mornings were spent sipping coconut water, working from cafés that overlooked rice terraces, and attending meditation sessions at local wellness centers. Despite the idyllic setting, something was still missing—a part of me that felt incomplete.
I was surrounded by health-conscious meals, vegan bowls, and organic smoothies, yet I found myself craving something more familiar—something that reminded me of home. There’s a comfort in familiarity, especially when you’re away from everything you know. And for me, that comfort has always come from food. Filipino food, to be exact.
It wasn’t long before the craving for Adobo, Lechon Belly Sisig, and Lumpia Shanghai started to creep in. Those flavors that I had grown up with, the ones that carried memories of family dinners and laughter, felt like the missing piece of my Bali journey.
Discovering Kilig: A Taste of Home in Bali
One afternoon, as I scrolled through my phone looking for a place to eat, a word popped up that caught my eye—Kilig. For a moment, I thought it was a coincidence. But when I clicked on the link and read that Kilig was a Filipino restaurant in Bali, I knew it wasn’t. The universe was nudging me toward something familiar, something that would reconnect me with my roots.
Kilig was located in Gianyar, and the thought of sitting in a Filipino restaurant in Bali filled me with excitement. Upon arriving, I was greeted by the warm smiles of the staff, and as soon as I saw the menu, my heart felt at ease. The dishes listed were more than just meals—they were stories, reminders of my childhood in the Philippines, and a reflection of my culture.
The Comfort of Familiar Flavors
As I sat down, I ordered a few of my favorite dishes: Adobo, Lechon Belly Sisig, Lumpia Shanghai, and Sinigang. The first bite of Adobo instantly brought me back to my mother’s kitchen in Manila. The perfect balance of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and peppercorns marinated the tender meat, reminding me of the Sunday lunches we would have after church. This was more than just food—it was nostalgia on a plate.
I also ordered Lechon Belly Sisig, a dish that has always been a party favorite back home. The crispy pork belly, combined with spices and a squeeze of calamansi, offered a crunchy, savory delight that felt celebratory. It reminded me of the street parties and family reunions where Lechon was the star of the table, and Sisig was the perfect end to the meal.
The crispy Lumpia Shanghai followed, with its golden wrapper encasing the flavorful filling of minced meat and vegetables. Every crunch felt like a bite into my past—Filipino birthdays, town fiestas, and afternoon snacks with friends. Lumpia Shanghai was the go-to snack for every occasion, and having it here in Bali, miles away from home, felt like the warm embrace I needed.
And then there was the Sinigang—a tamarind-based soup that offered the perfect balance of sour and savory. I hadn’t realized how much I missed this comfort food until I tasted it again. The rich broth, filled with tender pork and fresh vegetables, immediately reminded me of rainy days in Manila, where Sinigang would always make the cold weather more bearable.
More Than Just a Meal
As I sat at Kilig, relishing these familiar flavors, I realized that this was more than just a meal. It was a reconnection with the part of myself I had been searching for—the part that found joy in simple things, like a good meal shared with loved ones. Kilig, with its heartfelt dishes, provided a space for me to reflect on my journey, and I began to understand that home isn’t always a place; sometimes, it’s a feeling—a flavor that stays with you no matter where you are.
The name Kilig itself, a Filipino word that describes the thrill of joy and excitement, perfectly encapsulated what I was feeling. This was the very sensation I had been looking for—a sense of connection and belonging, even in a place as far from home as Bali.
Events and the Kilig Experience
Kilig isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a gathering space for Filipino culture and community. They host Pinoy Digustation where diners can enjoy a traditional Filipino feast, bringing people together for a shared experience. There are also regional food tastings, where you can explore different flavors from across the Philippines. For those who enjoy live music, Kilig offers acoustic nights, where Filipino and Balinese melodies blend together, creating a harmonious fusion of cultures.
The space itself is designed with sustainability in mind, reflecting Bali’s eco-conscious lifestyle. Kilig has an intimate function room called the Kilig Sala, perfect for private dining, as well as a larger bamboo venue for hosting cultural events, storytelling dinners, and more.
Why Kilig Matters
In Bali, where every corner seems to offer something new to experience, Kilig reminded me that it’s okay to crave something familiar, too. For Filipinos like me, Kilig offers more than just food—it’s a space to reconnect with our roots and share that with others. For the Balinese and tourists, it’s an opportunity to experience the heart of the Philippines, one bite at a time.
As a Filipino restaurant in Bali, Kilig brings the warmth of Filipino hospitality and the rich flavors of our cuisine to the island. Whether you’re craving the tangy comfort of Sinigang, the savory richness of Adobo, the crunch of Lumpia Shanghai, or the crispy delight of Lechon Belly Sisig, there’s something at Kilig that feels like home. And for me, that’s exactly what I found—a piece of home, right here in Bali.
