Actress, radio DJ, television host, presenter, vocal coach and wedding planner.

Since her television debut as Denise in the local sitcom Under One Roof, Vernetta Lopez has captivated audiences, fans and clients alike with her effervescent, quirky personality - inimitable traits she carries with her through her myriad professions.

For Vernetta, there is no better place to unwind in than Bali, the land of the gods. A delightful blend of culture, arts, sun and sea, Bali is one destination that is certainly more than agreeable with her personality.

JIMBARAN Bay is the most vibrant, beautiful place I can ever find. The view is fantastic, it's near the airport so the planes are coming in and out, and you can see the luxurious hotels perched on the hills. Go for the seafood, just pick out anything and the cooks are so good, the food will taste fantastic. You can't go far wrong. Just hang, chill out, ask the band to play a few reggae songs and you will be in the mood for 'lurve'.

Kafe Warisan is another nice one, right next to the padi field, and at night it's really gorgeous. It's in Seminyak and just a few doors down from Villa Kendil. It boasts great food and a beautiful atmosphere, really something to experience. The food is all good but you must try the créme brulee dessert. It's just a simple recipe but it tastes so good it's something to die for. You must be thinking, what? Créme brule in Bali? But yes that's what's so special about Bali - you can find all sorts of great food there.

On the way to the airport, stop at one of the side street restaurants in Pelangan, and sample the free-range or kampung chicken there. It is really good and you can't find that in Singapore. No way! The chicken is never that fresh unless it's hopping around in your backyard. This type of cooking, maybe you can only find in someone's house.

CHECK out the Ubud Market located in the Ubud square area in central Ubud. You can get all sorts of souvenirs, sarongs, and knick-knacks.

Vernetta's bali lamp

I love artifacts. If you want to decorate your house, Bali's the best place. Really good wooden crafts even though I don't advocate wood but if you are into that they have great accessories for your house. Whether it's interesting furniture, stools, hammocks, statues, or things for candles.

I bought candle lavas for my business. They are rod-iron, green and you can put it anywhere in the house or the garden, or as decorations for the party. I got it for S$8. They are light and cheap. I bought this on the way up to Ubud, there are so many artifact stores on the way up, you have to keep an eye out. Stop, get out and bargain. They are more than happy to bargain, as they are pretty used to it.

I bought a little Bali lamp from there too, its residing in my garden right now. It's thatched and looks like there's black hair on top of the brown lamp.

They have so many beautiful, creative people and they make a wonderful variety of things. Especially if you are an all-things candle fanatic (like myself), there are lots of candle stands there.

The quality is amazing, which is why sometimes I feel it's a pity because they go for such cheap prices. I feel like I am ripping them off!

Grab a jeep and just wander around and you can find all kinds of shops. The roads are quite basic, so you can't get too lost. It's not the destination, it's the journey. Okay that's been said to death before.

Carry or buy an extra bag for all the shopping, you will need it. Just remember you might have to pay for the excess baggage.

THE Nusa Dua area has one of the best beaches. The beach there is: do not swim, because you will drown. I tried once and almost got swept away and thank God I was already hanging on to a life buoy. People on the beach were screaming: "Come back! Come back!" There's a really strong undercurrent and even if you are a surfer you will have to be careful.

The best thing is to just sit under one of those beach umbrellas, lie on a deck chair, put on some light music. Just relax and chill with a nice cocktail. I don't need to swim and I don't need to make a sandcastle. Knock off and snooze whenever you like.

A nice little fruit cocktail. Try orange, watermelon and vodka. Be careful and drink lots of water because you will get dehydrated.

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