A Disappointing Experience

A message to restaurants everywhere: no matter how beautiful the view is, basic cleanliness and decent service matter more.

I recently visited Akasa Specialty Coffee in Kintamani, Bali, lured in by glowing reviews and the promise of panoramic mountain scenery. What I experienced instead was a striking contrast between nature’s beauty and the café’s neglect. This review is a heads-up to future visitors: don’t be fooled by the photos.

Filthy Conditions: From the Toilet to the Tone

The first red flag? Well, that was upon trying to enter, but then… The toilet. Covered in black mould, full of cobwebs, and strewn with garbage, it looked like it hadn’t been cleaned in weeks, if not longer. I’ve attached photos to the Google review that say more than words can.

It’s reasonable to assume that if the restroom is in that condition, the kitchen hygiene may not be much better. That is why first impressions are just that… Lasting first impressions because I may never visit again.

Things didn’t improve with the staff, either. From the moment we arrived, we were met with arrogance, not the warmth you’d expect from Bali’s famously friendly hospitality. The entrance was roped off, and we were told no tables were available, despite half the restaurant being half empty. Only after some back-and-forth did they “find” a spot for us.

Poor Service: 30 Minutes for a Menu?

The service matched the mood: slow, distracted, and careless. It took 15 minutes just to receive a menu, followed by another 20-minute wait for a small, mediocre latte. Staff dropped items on the floor, barely acknowledged guests, and moved as if they didn’t want to be there. It felt like an afterthought of a café trying to coast on the view alone.

And while the view of Mount Batur is indeed gorgeous, the same (or better) can be had at many nearby spots that won’t make you feel like a burden for walking in.

How Akasa Can Do Better

If Akasa wants to live up to its hype, it needs more than scenery:

• Clean the toilets: 2xdaily.
• Train staff: to greet guests with a smile, not a sigh.
• Improve service times: coffee shouldn’t take 15-20 minutes.
• Fix the attitude: your guests are not the problem; your systems are.

With even minimal improvements, Akasa could easily become a highlight of the Kintamani café scene. But for now, it’s a miss. I much prefer Phadi Specialty Coffee!