4D 3N Bali Escapade

Prior to this, I have been doing much research about Bali. I start googling and found a really good starting point at lowyat.net. It has everything that you might probably want to cover if you want to plan a D.I.Y trip. Honestly, I value all the comments and posts there. Well, I even took the forumers' word and arranged my transportation with a driver there!

At the same time, I'm pretty glad that I bought the tickets ahead of time before the trip;(5 months earlier) when AirAsia was having a promotion. A return air flight ticket costs me RM 395 -- which is extremely cheap and I'm totally very satisfied with the purchase (and of course: the price..LOL)

Initially I thought I'd hop onto a bus from Sentral to get to LCCT but then again, I've got this complimentary voucher from Mayflower -- all thanks to allmalaysianbloggers project which I'd participated. My, they arranged a Camry for the pickup (which as seen on the voucher; was a return airport transfer) and you bet, I felt so comfortable. All the more, I really appreciated the timeliness of the driver in both events.

Personal recommendation

Upon arriving at LCCT, we went to check in the luggages and then grab a breakfast at MacDonald. Well, I'd suggest that if anyone has the cash flow to open up a mamak at LCCT. Seriously, any stall would have been cleaner than the MacD there!! The 5 of us were harrassed by flies when we were there and instantly agreed that the people there will not even consider entering that MacD if they were given the choice of other cheaper eatery.

Thus, we went off right away after our meal. Ehem, not to rant too much about the system in Malaysia but then again, I just can't help it. We have got this new chip-based checking in system...and of course, it's computerized. As you are now reading away in front of you computer; be it desktop or laptop, regardless of what processor it is, you'd expect it to be functioning fast to perform your given task. Else, you'd just upgrade or change it.

This system we have at the LCCT is outright cockroach slow! Even the lady at the desk is faster than it. Sighs.

Anyways, other than a bumpy flight landing (quite typical, I think but overall, it think it's not a problem at all), everything else went smooth and it was a safe journey. Ngurah Rai Airport is about the size of LCCT but the outlook of the airport is definitely more tasteful.

I present you: Kintamani's Mount Batur (I think) from the bird's eyeview

Upon arrival and disembarking from the plane, one immediately notices the sudden rush of the warm air and greeted by symbolistic statues. This airport has proven to its visitors that an airport needs not to be designed in a futuristic way to look beautiful...it just has to bring out its own cultural heritage;)

Indonesia is a warm place and being located near the Equator, it has no spring, summer, fall, or winter, just two seasons: rainy and dry. In most of the country (including Java and Bali) the dry season is April to October, while the wet season is November to March.

I went in October and it's a good thing that I did because my itinerary was not affected at all by rain. Precisely speaking, not a drop of water from the sky when I was there except for the sea water which rush up to my feet, washing away the tiredness it carried all the way from KL.

The convience which most hotels in Bali offers are its return transfer to the hotel. I'm glad that my friends and I made a right choice in picking Febri's Hotel & Spa.

The major choice of car used there is usually Kijang

It priced at only USD 73 (RM 256) a night for the Family Deluxe Room (we went in a group of five..so, it costs only about RM 50 per night for each of us). I did a search high and low, reading the reviews given by visitors (*note: it's important to read as many reviews as possible to get a good deal) and finally narrowed down to a few hotels. Initially I thought of staying in Sanur since I wanted a getaway from the common hustle and bustles of the city. Then my friend suggested that it's better for us to stay in Kuta as she wanted to have a glimpse of the clubs there.

I had this internal conflict in me because being a usual (used to..am retired now) KL clubber, I can assure you that clubs are all the same (even with Quattro,newly emerging into the clubbing scene in KL with its 4-season theme, it is still...afterall a common club) because if they have lousy music, then it sucks. If you have lousy company, then it sucks (big time too). And regardless of how beautiful the place is, inside the club, the booze is what's more important. All the more,it's dark and smoke-filled in the compound and when you are drunk, even the cold hard dirty floor looks beautiful and welcoming.

Anyways, I agreed with her and pick this hotel since the reviews sounds really promising for a 3-star hotel. Then I thought, it's a norm for Bali's first-timers to visit/stay in Kuta, so I might as well follow the norm.

Green Garden Group's Febri's Hotel & Spa

The hotel offers guests a complimentary breakfast with a free pick-up to and fro the airport, as well as warm and friendly customers service. The most important of all --> the hotel room is CLEAN and has a LOVELY SWIMMING POOL!! In addition, the hotel also offerst o safe-keep your luggages for your convenience -- without charges.

It is located only 10 minutes away from Ngurah Rai Airport and 20 minutes (walk) from Kuta's (happening) clubbing area. Even though the hotel is located just off the street, it offers you complete privacy with its stategically built cafe.

The cafe

The food are not bad. Most of all, I'm thankful that they offer green vegetables.

It is a must to bring your swimsuits!!

Ehem...no climbing, no hanging, but welcome: to be taken from the back

Beautiful compound complete with spa services, steam room, jacuzzi and children playpen

Gorgeous Dewi(s)..ehemm

Despite the dim and 'romantic' lamps (not recommended if you want to read in the room), one malfunctioned lamp and the lack of toileteries, the room offers a clean and splendid stay (complete with hot shower and air-conditioner)

Cute!

I would recommend one to book an early flight so that upon arrival, you can hit the road right after putting down your luggages. Our driver, Pak Nyoman (contact number: 081 2361 0391 -- can be reached by either text or call), who is operating under Jhony from Meta Sari Transport, arrived on time at our hotel, to take us to wherever we wanted to go. He is charging us Rp 400,000 (about RM147) per day for a 8 hours trip (but he actually drove us for about 10 hours, which is rather nice of him). He speaks moderate English but since we know Bahasa, we converse in Bahasa with him most of the time. Hehe, came to think of it, it's pretty funny as we know that Bahasa Indonesia resembles bahasa diraja and it's totally different with Bahasa Malaysia (especially with his Indon slang). Anyways, we managed to converse and cope well with each other.

A nice guy I'd say but as always, you can't trust him too much in recommending you a place to shop. I guess it's common with the drivers there that they will take you to the places which other tourists may go (for food) since I don't think they have much of an eating out experience.

He told us that most of the time he will eat at home with the wife and his kids. Well, eating out is expensive -- that's for one, but another, he's very much a family guy.
So, even though he didn't manage to recommend us good and cheap food, he did helped us in saving up in the entrance fees. Yes..haha..since my bf has very dark skin, and Pak Nyoman is not such a good driver (mind you, he is a cautious driver...which means he guarantees your safety by driving slow...HAHA...which means if you can bear with his slow driving at 50km/hr, then he is the driver for you!), so Jay took over as the driver during the day. Then he asked us to pose as Indonesians with 2 drivers and that was how we managed to pay for 4 persons' entrance instead of 5.

His eyes glitters with innocence at that moment. Seriously, you could see it from his reactions! He was so happy and gave you the impression of a mischievous boy who has lied successfully to his mum over a small misdeed -- which made me thought that might be the first time he did that.

Okay, 'nuff said about our cute supir (driver), I'll keep the itienary planned for the days as informative and simple as possible.

Day 1

Lunch (2pm) at Sari Bhuana -> Rp 33600

Uluwatu -> Rp 3000 (entrance fees)

Jimbaran Bay (Cafe Jukung) -> Rp 175 663 ( 2X set dinner)

We had Babi Guling for lunch. Initially I wanted have Ibu Oka's Babi Guling, since it's so much recommended by forummers but didn't managed to since it's quite out of the way for the first day's itienary.

Anyways, this one is not bad. I like its soup. Oily yes, but it has this peppery taste (that I like) which is rather spicy but it is soon successfully drowned by the local tea. It tastes nothing like the teh in malaysia. This tea has a distinct taste. I make a good guess that it is a herbal tea with sugar added in it.

The pork will be prepared by stuffing it with vegetables and spices and this pork meal comprises all edible parts of a pig. Blood sausage, pork meat (satey), pig's skin, the intestines (urrg), anchovies and the internal organs..and god knows what else. Quite an experience of babi guling for the little me who doesn't like taking pork skin due to health concern. Yea..I ate the whole plate (included the blood-made sausage) with the exception of the over-cooked liver. It's just too hard to chew..hahaa

Nice setting

Uluwatu

There are many pura (=temples) in Bali due to the fact that once upon a time, it was governed by many kingdoms and all these kingdoms, use temples to exert their presence. Typically each kingdom will build 3 temples for this purposes and 3 is the mininum number. Why 3 is because 1 would be the Sea Temple, another is the City Temple and the last, a Mountain temple.

Pura Luhur Uluwatu is obviously the sea temple and it is one of the important temples to ward of evil spirits from the South West direction.

Seemingly a lot of people warn the tourists of the monkeys around in Uluwatu but thankfully, we had no problem with them. But of course, we make sure we have put our loose items such as spectacles safely and be aware of our surroundings. I'd say that if you don't feed them, then they will not harrass you. Tee-heee...

Mr monkey must be thinking: "Sighs, another monkey want to snap a pic"

The definition of 'do not feed' including food stuff and PLEASE: don't throw your bottles or plastic bags around! I'm so upset when I saw this poor monkey chewing on the plastics. Some irresponsible buggers treat the monkeys as their dump collector I supposed and that is so wrong! They might get choked and suffocate -- though they inhabit the place in large amount but it doesn't mean that you can choke them with plastics!

Too bad, non-hindus are not allowed to enter any (ANY) temples in Bali to get a close up view.

Famous breaking point

Jimbaran Bay

A beautiful and romantic beach for dinner, no doubt. BUT, the food sucks and I think it's over-priced and not worth for the amount charged. As compared to Telok Gong in Malaysia, I must say that we here have better seafood.

Anyways, if you speak Bahasa, do always remember to ask them for a discount. Yes...we've got a 30% there.

Food sucks but view wise...breath-taking

The above were the entertainment for the night. Seriously, I love their cultural dance there because they do it in a professional way and not to mention, very graceful.
You know what, I'm really amazed with Balinese, they are so well versed in different languages. I mean, these group they can sing and speak in different languages! I guess it's common for them to master a few such as Japanese, Korean, English and French.

Day 2

Barong Dance : Sari Wisata Budaya -> Rp 50 000

Art Center : Semar Kuning I

Lunch (Kintamani) : buffet at Batur Sari Restaurant -> Rp 70 000

Coffee plantation

Souvenir shop : Segara Windhu

Tegalallang Paddy Field

We set off at 11am then next day and went to check out the ever famous Barong Dance. It was a good show although I don't quite understand the story. Basically it is a good triump hover evil kind of traditional dance performance yet in the end, the story seems to me, like...uhm..hanging. The good supposed to triumph...to win but in the end, I do not know what happened that Barong seems to lose the fight. *swt*

Anyways, this is the mystical creature: Barong (like all other mystical creatures, he is mischievous and playful)

And again, I must praise the Balinese dancers for their grace and concentration in their performance especially in terms of controlled expression. Yes, they ARE brillant.

This coffee plantation is located along the way towards Kintamani. They sell one type of coffee (along with other drinks powder such as ginger tea,and cocoa) which are said to have medicinal properties. Kopi Musang : they feed the fox with coffee and the fox poop the coffee seeds, they pick it up and fry them like what the lady did in the photo above. Well, you judge. I bought cocoa powder as souvenirs instead. Of course, be sure to haggle! I got mine at Rp 40 000 for the medium jar.

I did not take a photo of the foxes because I pity them for being locked up in a hen's cage with filthy environment. They look so sad. I'm not an environmentalist..I just don't like the idea of locking up a defenseless animal like that. At least, they could provide the foxes a cleaner cage?

Moving on, along the way, we see lots of statues and figurines. There are some hideous ones, but we drove too fast for me to catch a good picture of it.

We saw lots of food stalls too...hehe...tempted to try these authentic local food.

Besides that, we also saw a lot of these craving shops. I think if you've got a good courier contact, you should consider buying at these shops. They are located deep in the village, and the price is far more cheaper. I remember buying one pair of beautiful marble carved statue(allegedly told by the seller that it's made from horns...which I don't think so) at Rp 50 000 (initially was Rp 100000 but we insisted in walking away...so he chased up and offered us at this price. (Again) Balinese are very talented and the statue is wonderfully carved with such details that we can't resist to buy). So, when we went to the village near the paddy fields, the people there priced it at Rp 10000. Anyways, I caught a glimpse and I thought that the seller at the Coffee Plantation's sell better products. Hehe...so always, check the quality of the things that you buy when you are at Bali. Don't be too tempted by the price ;)p

Okay, ta-da! This is Mount Batur and Lake Batur at Kintamani!

The air is much cooler here and aww...the view is magnificent!

Though the food is so-so good. Oh, just to remind you again, yes, please ask for a discount. Hehe...yea...you can, the key is speak Bahasa and they will lower it down by 20%.

And I guess we bunch are attractive to flies because we see flies not only at LCCT but here at this restaurant too. A family of them! but when you look at it at another angle:

Much better right? heheee....

The chess set sold outside the restaurant....I so wanted to buy it...if only he has another set because this set looks a little dirty and old. (I didn't ask for the price since I don't intend to buy)

Okay, next:

the paddy field

Long time back, Mount Batur was an active volcano and this is the result of the lava over-flowing the land. It made this area fertile and that is what we have now: Rice Terrace at Tegallalang

And this uncle here...he is so smart. He wanted to charge you Rp 5000 for taking his well posed picture.

The journey was so pleasant. But it's a regret that we didn't manage to spend some time at the Lake side temple. Ah...all due to girls' shopping impulse attact at the souvenir shop.

We've got one of these in the form of a bottle opener for our dear friend..LOL...(again, remember, ask for discount -- eventhough it's a shop)

And I've got myself this...at Rp 150 000 for the dress and the hat, I bought it at a stall near Ubud beach at Rp 50 000. I love the design!!

We reached our hotel at about 9 at night. After a round of swimming and showering, me and my Bf, went out trying to scout for supper. We didn't walk to the clubbing area but instead took the road less travelled. We went past the church and past it....which is not a wise idea because there is no food.

We ended up enjoying the walk rather than having supper. LOL...coz there isn't any stall that is open at 12am there....well..there is some stalls selling Nasi Padang (= our 'economy rice') -- which you can pick from the variety of food stuff on display, but the ones we saw don't look fresh.

Day 3

By past Sanur

Sukawati

Tanah Lot -> Rp 8400 (entrance fee)

Nasi Padang and Smoked Duck (from ubud) for dinner -> Rp 12 000 and Rp 26 000 respectively

Legian, Sanur, Denpasar (Night time)

Supper at Kuta's food court (delicious fruit juices they have but try not to have mango. Take orange instead -- really fresh!)

The day started fresh with floral scents floating in the air (literally)...haha...nah, I smell food from the cafe rather than flowers..but ehem...what I'm trying to say is that Balinese, they put their talents into good use. Look, they can transform a pot of simple looking water container into this beautiful thing with just flowers...and the amazing part is that they do that every morning without fail -- just as how they will pray 3 times a day, every day without fail.

Given the chance, I'd love to laze there with a book and a nice cooling drink...

There you go, sukawati. Pak Nyoman told us that the quality of the things here are not good...I don't know but I personally think if you want to get any good art pieces at an affordable price, get it here. Not only that but souvenirs too ;)

Besides, the mineral water here is cheap too! Only at Rp 3000. The stall at the side of Febri's is selling the same 1.5L bottle at Rp 5000 while the mini mart down the street sells Evian at Rp 22000. The difference lies in both the location and brands. Otherwise, they taste like any other mineral water....hahaa...

Sad to say that my bf bought 2 art pieces at Semar Kuning I at Rp 600000. He's too 'smart' ... LOL...I mean...seriously when we got to Sukawati, we were like...heck....we got slaughtered...i mean..he got slaughtered..ehemmmm

so we control ourselves from buying more 'I want' stuff and bought the 'I need' stuff instead -- souvenir for lil' Sumeisha! For only Rp 45 ooo! Cute no?

This is Bakso. We retired to the nearby stall for one bowl and boy! It's tasty! Only Rp 5000

This is not a coke. Hehe..I think it's common for them to have tea in this kinda bottle. It costs Rp 2000

Then off we go, heading towards Tanah Lot! One can only get access (as in walk towards the temple) when the tide is low..else the water will rise up and subsequently cover the land; rising up till the plateau where the temple is. So, that explains the fresh seaweeds...I bent down to take a photo because I thought it's worth a capture and the other tourists must have thought that I've found something. Because after taking a shot, I start touching it out of curiousity. Thereafter, the other tourists follow suit after I walk away.

That is a nice kite rite?

Check out that silhouette...simply a spectacular view...and with that, I'll let the photo do the talking..

Everything about Tanah Lot is simply magnificent until I saw...a packet of chili sauce....sighs...not even this temple is free from pollution as long as human breath

This aunty is selling palapong at Rp 5 000 for 8 pieces...it's some brown sugar wrapped with glutinous skin. It's not exactly tasty but something new to try. I'd say our Onde-onde tastes much better!

Saw this there...hehe...art shit sex tour...interesting

Our dinner was at this place en route to our hotel. Spoilt with choices! And the one below is our Smoked Duck (= herbal duck). The next time I wanna try crispy duck..LOL...

At night, we went back to the hotel and right away jumped onto the bike. We rented it for Rp 80000 for 1 and a 1/2 day with petrol included. A bargain I'd say and a total advantage if you know how to ride a bike because you will be able to tour the city, get lost in the midst of it, found you way, navigate further...and experience more of the Island.

So at night, we went from Kuta to Legian, to Sanur, then Denpasar...then back...yes...the tank of petrol is able to last us those journey. However, the traffic there are terrible. Well...I re-phrase. It's dangerous! They do not have a roundabout but their 'roundabout' is triangular in shape and so, cars and bikes can come from every...EVERYWHERE. And one thing is they use honk as a signal to overtake.so don't feel offended when they honk at you eh ;)p

thus, you must be very careful when you ride or drive in Bali - for the first time.

Kuta

Legian

Bali bombing site. A tragedy but I guess the terror has passed because this area is not dead but in contrast, it is very much alive, flocked by tourists. I supposed one should not worry too much since so many other foreigners are touring this place and if you are a traveller at heart, all the more I think that you shouldn't strike Bali out of your list. I can't deny that this Island is pretty commercialized, but if you look at it at a different angle, you'd appreciate the culture that it offers.

I find this stand hilarious...it's not for parking but you can park your doggie there huh?

Day 4

I toured around in the bike and got lost yet again. But it was really fun because I got lost yes, but I gained lots of sights. Went to the Discovery Mall too and haha...to my disappointment, the brands that they sell there..is not any cheaper. Instead, if I were to make a comparison, I'd take Esprit de Corp. The one in Hong Kong offers more variety at a cheaper price compared to that in Bali.

I found that the street is inundated with Polo boutiques (as well as crocs). The price looks good but I'm not sure about authenticity.

So this day, I had allocated it to be my SPA day! heheee...I thought to going out to the street and pick just any spa but thought better. My first Bali spa experience should be at a place where they offer good spa, so that I can take it as a reference for my next spa visit.

However, I didn't get much idea for this one and so I just chose from the spa package in Febri's

We've got this Royal for Her package which I thought as OK..since I'd prefer massages with more strength to it. I guess balinese massage is meant to be soft. Anyways, its complimentary tea and muffins are seriously quadruple thumbs up! I have to make a mental note to buy their ginger tea on my next visit.

(btw...this is the only one event which we can't get discount on as the prices are fixed)

Conclusion:

Regrets:

I didn't watch the Kecak dance...

Must-do during the next visit:

1. Join Harley Bike Tour
2. Experience more massage parlour
3. Get the ginger tea
4. Visit Besakith and Goa Gajah and Lake side Temple (skipped besakith 'coz we heard that they are charging a very hefty price for the must-hire guide. Thus I thought it's better to do some researches and check to see if there is a standardized price or something. And goa gajah..since, I guess we just spent too much time shopping)
5. pay a visit to Bayu Indah
6. check out more and MORE temples!
   

Spending for this trip (4 days):
Flight ticket: RM 395
Hotel room: RM 150
Transportation: RM 100
Airport tax: RM 55 (must remember to stash away Rp 150 000 for airport tax!)
Souvenir and shopping: RM 200
Spa: RM 130
Food: RM 100

Total : RM 1130

Why Bali:

Basically, Bali has nothing more than its own heritage and culture to offer. I do not think that the clubs there are a selling point (at this, I must rant a lil': I mentioned that my friend wanted to have a look at the night life of Kuta; which is why she wanted to stay there. But guess what, in the end, we didn't visit any clubs. So yea, she is not wrong, it's just that I've interpreted her message wrongly. She did only want to have a look).

So why Bali when you are not a surfer is like I said: it's cultural beauty and a gateway away from civilization. I regretted not able to cover as many temples/places of interest as I initially planned but the journey from one place to another is already a good experience.

Which is why: ehem..skip this my dear readers as this is nothing informative...this part onwards are for ranting:-

I thought if you wanted to make the trip as fruitful as possible, one should do a bit of a researching and not divert from the conversation when others were waiting for you to make a mutual decision on where to go for the next destination. Sighs.

Anyways, I was glad that I managed to handle the trip well enough to make the most out of it. Which is why: I wanted to apologize to Kath, if you are reading this, I'm sorry if the trip didn't turn out to be as expected and true to the heart, I hope you enjoyed the trip as much as I did. Hehe..and btw..you know well that the person whom i'm ranting on is 100% not you. *winks* and *hugs*

The author welcomes any queries and comments (especially recommendations) either by email/postings. She will bunny hop to your queries in her fastest pace possible and if you are interested in the photo which she had taken, and would like to post it in your blog, please do take the courtesy to post your link under her comments column for this blog so that she can be proud of it. Thank you.