Batique at Alila Villas Uluwatu sits high above the Indian Ocean, where waves crash against limestone cliffs and time seems to slow. Hidden within the resort’s tranquil expanse, this secret speakeasy has evolved from a classic whiskey-and-cigar lounge into a bold, soulful bar experience – where cocktails are discovered, not ordered, and each creation weaves together flavour, memory, and heritage in true artisanal style.
Woven in tradition
When Batique first opened, it was a sanctuary for connoisseurs of whiskey and cigars – a niche retreat where guests lingered over smoky indulgence. But under the vision of Saptha Dwiyatmika, an acclaimed mixologist, the concept has blossomed into something more intimate: a journey of flavours inspired by trust, surprise, and a sense of place.
Like the intricate patterns of Batik – each motif a story, each line a reflection of heritage – Batique reimagines cocktails as personal works of art. Guests are invited to share their mood, their spirit of choice, or even a single flavour memory. From there, the bartender – better described as a liquid artisan – creates a series of bespoke drinks that exist for that night alone. Some may never return, while others are immortalised for those who come again.
For those seeking a more personal journey, a Tailored Cocktail awaits – designed in dialogue with the guests, shaped by their preferences, and brought to life through the hands of the artisans.
A collector’s salon steeped in culture
Entering Batique feels like stepping into another world. The space is intimate, designed to seat only a select number of guests at a time, ensuring conversations are whispered rather than shouted, and every detail is seen, not overlooked.
The venue designed for intimacy; the bar rises at the centre like a stage. Along the walls, shelves present a curated collection over 100 premium and rare whiskies, from Asia to the wider world, while the humidor showcases an equally distinguished selection of cigars – from local treasures to renowned names such as Partagas, Montecristo, and Cohiba. Together, they create a backdrop that invites both appreciation and conversation.
Meanwhile, the upper walls are framed by over 800 antique batik stamps – a tribute to Indonesia’s textile heritage. These carved copper and wooden moulds, once used to imprint wax patterns onto fabric, now stand as silent witnesses to history, artistry, and craft.
The name Batique is more than a play on words. Just as batik is created through layering – wax, dye, and cloth interlacing into motifs rich with symbolism – so too are the cocktails here constructed: layer upon layer of flavour, fragrance, texture, and story. Leather armchairs and low lighting complete the atmosphere. The room feels like a collector’s study, a space that belongs equally to a connoisseur of art and a devotee of fine spirits. It is not loud, nor hurried; it is a place of patience, appreciation, and indulgence.
A canvas of cocktails
Central to the Batique experience is a menu that unfolds like artistry in motion. Guests are invited to discover New Signature Creations, expressions of culture and imagination woven into the glass. Each evening also reveals a Cocktail of the Day, crafted from seasonal inspiration and the harvest of the resort’s organic garden.
Rooted in the spirit of discovery and crafted with reverence for Indonesia’s cultural richness, the collection of concoctions is a voyage across the islands – from Sabang in the west to Merauke in the east. Each cocktail draws on flavours, rituals, and soul from a different region, blending garden-to-glass botanicals, indigenous spices, and sustainable craft into stories that unfold sip by sip.
The journey begins in Sumatra with Bika Ambon, a golden tribute to Medan’s iconic cake. Coconut rum, turmeric, and kaffir lime are layered with brioche warmth and lemongrass brightness – soft yet spiced, an opening that sets the tone for what lies ahead. From there, Tape Singkong from West Java arrives playful and earthy, weaving fermented cassava and mango sticky rice with the citrus lift of jeruk limo, a reflection of the Sundanese love for balance and fermentation. Momentum builds in East Java with Mega Mendung, inspired by Surabaya’s iconic batik motif.
A coastal blend of local gin, seaweed, yuzu, and wakame vermouth, it flows with savoury freshness and artistic grace, capturing the maritime spirit in liquid form. The rhythm deepens in Bali through Cocoa diBali – a sultry mix of infused cocoa and vermouth, kissed with limo bitter and sea salt. It connects the island’s volcanic terroir, forest, and ocean into a dark, layered harmony.
The journey reaches Kalimantan in Borneo Refashioned, bold and mysterious. Bourbon and Cognac meet banana saccharum and local jasmine tea, an elegant reimagining of rainforest bounty and highland magic. Finally, Papua offers a gentle landing in Embun – vodka, matoa, elderflower, and grapefruit soda recalling the ethereal freshness of morning mist in the highlands. Delicate, floral, and refreshing, it lingers as a whisper of the archipelago’s farthest edge.
From Sabang to Merauke, this is more than a menu of cocktails – it is an exploration of Indonesia’s vast landscapes and cultures, distilled into liquid craft where every sip tells a story.
THE KEEPER OF STORIES
At the heart of Batique’s team of liquid artists is its guiding force: Saptha Dwiyatmika, simply known as Saptha. With years of experience behind the bar and recognition as a Top 8 finalist in World Class Diageo Indonesia 2025, Saptha approaches cocktails not merely as beverages, but as vessels of narrative.
Saptha’s respect for Indonesian heritage is evident, but so is his willingness to innovate. He draws inspiration from classic mixology, yet never hesitates to twist tradition – much like the batik makers of old who evolved motifs with each generation.
What first drew you into the world of mixology, and how did your journey as a liquid artist begin?
I began my journey in 2011. At first, it was curiosity – the idea that spirits, flavours, and techniques could be blended into something far beyond a drink. Over time, it grew into an art form for me, where every glass carries both technique and storytelling.
Can you walk us through your creative process when developing a new cocktail?
It starts with an inspiration – I love to explore Indonesia in search of ingredients that are a little unexpected, bringing a rarely explored touch to our cocktails. Just as important, I enjoy learning the stories behind the local spirits we use – the craftsmanship, the people, and the traditions that give each bottle its soul.
At Batique, your cocktails are described as sensorial journeys. How do you balance taste, presentation, and storytelling to create this experience?
For me, each cocktail is a composition. The base is taste, presentation is the visual canvas, and storytelling is the layer that gives it depth. Only when all three come together does it truly become an experience.
Batique at Alila Villas Uluwatu has a unique identity. How would you describe its essence and how does it influence the drinks you create?
Batique is a place of culture, refinement, and intimacy. It’s where craftsmanship meets rituals. This spirit influences me to create cocktails that are not only delicious but also reflective of Bali’s artistry and traditions.
Are there cultural rituals, forgotten recipes, or indigenous ingredients you’re currently researching that may inspire your next creations?
Yes, I am fascinated by Balinese arak rituals, as well as the underexplored use of spices like nutmeg, cloves, and turmeric in cocktails. I’m experimenting with these to reinterpret traditional flavours in modern mixology.
What cocktail of yours best represents who you are as a person, and why?
I would say the Cocktail of the Day best represents who I am. I love to bring an element of surprise, and this cocktail is never the same – it evolves daily, guided by what our organic garden yields and what the season offers. It reflects our commitment to sustainability and staying true to our roots by working with local spirits whenever possible. For me, it’s also about learning from the local producers – the people behind the bottle – whose craft and stories inspire each creation.
What emotions or memories do you hope guests take away after experiencing one of your cocktails at Batique?
A sense of discovery and connection. At Batique, every cocktail is a moment of surprise, revealed only when the guest chooses to step inside this hidden speakeasy. I hope guests leave with a sense of culture and craftsmanship in every sip. Our cocktails tell a story of garden to glass – using ingredients from our organic garden and spirits from local producers – each created with purpose. More than flavour, it’s about experiencing the culture, sustainability, and artistry in liquid form.
How do you see Indonesia’s (particularly Bali’s) cocktail scene evolving, especially in comparison to other regions in Asia?
It’s evolving rapidly. Bali, in particular, is becoming a hub where tradition meets innovation. Compared to other regions in Asia, we have the advantage of abundant local ingredients and cultural narratives – which gives our cocktails a unique edge.
Local ingredients are abundant here. Which ones do you feel are still underexplored in mixology, and why?
I believe ingredients like salak, mangosteen, and local herbs are still underexplored. They carry unique flavour profiles and cultural resonance, yet are rarely highlighted on the world stage. My mission is to bring them into the spotlight.
Do you think Indonesian bars and bartenders are gaining the international spotlight they deserve? What still needs to happen to elevate the scene further?
We are indeed gaining recognition, but there is still considerable room for growth. More international collaborations, participation in global competitions, and platforms for storytelling will help elevate Indonesia’s cocktail scene to new heights.