Me and my wife decided that for my birthday celebration this year we will be going to Bali, an island off Indonesia.
This is the second time I have been to Bali.
As usual, I will try to make the post as informative as I can, including the photos and budgets so you guys can utilize this as a reference.
PLACE WE STAYED (ALAYA KUTA)
For the accommodation, we have chosen a hotel named Alaya Kuta. Situated in the centre of Kuta town, it is one of the known tourist destination with long stretches of white beaches, restaurants and bars etc.
And it is only 15 minutes (with traffic) away from the Ngurah Rai airport.
I received a birthday card from the hotel and also one small complimentary cake. (It is a small cake by the way, but who cares? It is the thought that count.
The room is really a bargain at approx. USD 60++ per night of stay. Plus, it is only 5 minutes walk away from a shopping mall (Lippo & Discovery malls), restaurants and bars. Quite convenient I must say.
And of course, if you fancy a night swim, there is a big pool on the ground floor next to the breakfast area.
But a dip in the pool after 8 bottles of Bintang Beer is not recommended...
TRANSPORTATION
As for transportation, there were a few to be considered. Now listen very carefully.
1. Taxi is the most convenient mode of transport, but could be one of the most expensive too. We tried the "Grab Car" apps on the phone, the difference? Eg. From airport to our hotel would cost Rp 100K in a normal taxi, but only Rp 28K via "Grab Car" application.
If you happened to have all the time in the world but travelling on a tight budget, i would suggest install the App.
2. For the dare devils, rent a bike for Rp 70K per day.
Along the way you will see many shops selling petrol for the bike in an absolute vodka bottle which will cost you about Rp 15K per bottle and probably a quarter of the tank filled.
I would strongly suggest, go to the nearest petrol station such as PERTAMINA, filled about Rp 10K and you will almost immediately get a full tank of petrol.
But riding a bike under the hot sun and with the terrible traffic condition can be both risky and exhausting. We took our bike from Kuta all the way to Seminyak, and I have lost almost half of my body fluid due to the hot weather.
3. Travel in style and not worry about anything? You may contact some rental car that come with driver. Renting a car (Toyota Avanza) normally cost about Rp 300K, and to include a driver, add in another Rp 100k.
We had a nice driver who called Mr. Tattoo (Not his real name but insist we call him that) who is very accommodating and speak really good English. You may contact him via +628123972131 or email him at mrtattoo95@yahoo.com.
And yes, he really does have some great tattoos on his body.
PLACES WE WENT
Apart from the more conventional places like Tanah Lot and Uluwatu, there are a few more interesting places which I would say, is a must visit.
1. ROCK BAR @ AYANA RESORT & SPA BALI
http://www.bali-indonesia.com/magazine/rock-bar-bali.htm#
With the Indian ocean as the backdrop, you and your loved one could enjoy a nice evening drinks while enjoying the sunset view. The bar opened at 4pm, but I would suggest since it is always pack with tourist, go as early as 3.30pm to join the queue.
As you will need to be "descended" to the bar on the cliff on a special vehicle, a cabin car.
Whenever there is beer, I am a happy man.
It is not the cheapest place in the world, but for the sake of experiences, USD 30 is not too bad for two bottle of beers and some light snacks considering the posh environment you are getting.
2. KU DE TA BALI
Another place would be the Ku De Ta Bali. Located in Seminyak, this is one of the restaurant and bar situated just right off the shore of the beach.
I think I will never get enough of the tasty Bintang Beer!
And some "traditional selfies" on the beach.
3. SEAFOOD DINNER IN JIMBARAN
When you are in Bali, you should never miss the seafood dinner in Jimbaran. Located half an hour from Rock Bar, this is the place well known for having seafood dinner on the beach while admiring the sunset in the process.
And no, I am not talking about the Raja Bomoh here. (I swear).
I wouldn't say it is cheap to eat here, anyway, eating in Bali is never cheap.
The seafood restaurant we went is called the Lia Café. Their menu comprised the ala-carte price and also the so called "package price".
For about Rp 300k, you would be able to enjoy a nice dish for two person which comprises coconut water, fish, clamps, prawns, squid, vegetable and also rice.
Looks small in the picture, but we were struggling to finish it to be honest.
5. ULUWATU TEMPLE
For those of you who has done some research on Bali, you will never miss out on this place.
The entrance fee from 2012 is Rp 30,000 and you need to be properly dressed to enter. Sarongs and sashes are available free at the entrance.
The temple is inhabited by large number of monkeys, who are extremely adept at snatching visitors' belonging, including bags, cameras and eyeglasses.
Keep a very close grip on all your belongings and stow away your eyeglasses if at all possible. If you do have something taken, the monkeys can usually be induced to exchange it for some fruit.
My advice, if you have no patience negotiating with a human being, don't try with monkeys.
6. HARD ROCK BALI
As spiritual as it may seem, I have the tendency to take a photo of Hard Rock Café in every country that I have visited.
And yes, one of my ultimate life goal is to own something like Hard Rock Café in the future.
Ha.
7. SOURVENIER HUNTING IN KRISHNA BALI
If you are thinking of buying souvenirs in Bali, try to avoid places like shopping malls. Krishna Oleh Oleh Khas Bali is one of the place where you can purchase lots of local souvenirs with very affordable price.
This is the place recommended by our driver for the day, Mr. Tattoo.
Sometimes I think It is better to buy in this fixed price store than bargaining in Kuta or Legian tourist shop which is more expensive.
8. BEBEK GORENG & PORK RIB AT NAUGTHY NURI'S (AKA HOG WILD)
Five years ago, I missed out on the "Bebek"-Duck in Bali. So this time we went to a place called Naughty Nuri (Renamed as "Hog Wild").
Needless to say, it is a must try dish when you are in Bali.
Quite a special set up, dine in the garden.
But honestly, I have no idea what it meant by "Wild Women - Wednesday".
Maybe there is some "special service" offered on the other end? Side business perhaps? :P
9. NASI PADANG SEDERHANA
The first time I came across the "Nasi Padang" is when I visited Jakarta. Originated from Padang, West Sumatra, it is a very popular dishes among the local.
I would say, the hotel bed.
I slept like a baby for the 4 nights I was there.
All in all, (apart from air tickets and accommodation), for the two of us we have spent about USD 500++.
And we had fun.
So where's next?
Say hi to Bali for me the next time you guys are there!
This is the second time I have been to Bali.
As usual, I will try to make the post as informative as I can, including the photos and budgets so you guys can utilize this as a reference.
PLACE WE STAYED (ALAYA KUTA)
For the accommodation, we have chosen a hotel named Alaya Kuta. Situated in the centre of Kuta town, it is one of the known tourist destination with long stretches of white beaches, restaurants and bars etc.
And it is only 15 minutes (with traffic) away from the Ngurah Rai airport.
I received a birthday card from the hotel and also one small complimentary cake. (It is a small cake by the way, but who cares? It is the thought that count.
The room is really a bargain at approx. USD 60++ per night of stay. Plus, it is only 5 minutes walk away from a shopping mall (Lippo & Discovery malls), restaurants and bars. Quite convenient I must say.
And of course, if you fancy a night swim, there is a big pool on the ground floor next to the breakfast area.
But a dip in the pool after 8 bottles of Bintang Beer is not recommended...
TRANSPORTATION
As for transportation, there were a few to be considered. Now listen very carefully.
1. Taxi is the most convenient mode of transport, but could be one of the most expensive too. We tried the "Grab Car" apps on the phone, the difference? Eg. From airport to our hotel would cost Rp 100K in a normal taxi, but only Rp 28K via "Grab Car" application.
If you happened to have all the time in the world but travelling on a tight budget, i would suggest install the App.
2. For the dare devils, rent a bike for Rp 70K per day.
Along the way you will see many shops selling petrol for the bike in an absolute vodka bottle which will cost you about Rp 15K per bottle and probably a quarter of the tank filled.
I would strongly suggest, go to the nearest petrol station such as PERTAMINA, filled about Rp 10K and you will almost immediately get a full tank of petrol.
But riding a bike under the hot sun and with the terrible traffic condition can be both risky and exhausting. We took our bike from Kuta all the way to Seminyak, and I have lost almost half of my body fluid due to the hot weather.
3. Travel in style and not worry about anything? You may contact some rental car that come with driver. Renting a car (Toyota Avanza) normally cost about Rp 300K, and to include a driver, add in another Rp 100k.
We had a nice driver who called Mr. Tattoo (Not his real name but insist we call him that) who is very accommodating and speak really good English. You may contact him via +628123972131 or email him at mrtattoo95@yahoo.com.
And yes, he really does have some great tattoos on his body.
PLACES WE WENT
Apart from the more conventional places like Tanah Lot and Uluwatu, there are a few more interesting places which I would say, is a must visit.
1. ROCK BAR @ AYANA RESORT & SPA BALI
http://www.bali-indonesia.com/magazine/rock-bar-bali.htm#
With the Indian ocean as the backdrop, you and your loved one could enjoy a nice evening drinks while enjoying the sunset view. The bar opened at 4pm, but I would suggest since it is always pack with tourist, go as early as 3.30pm to join the queue.
As you will need to be "descended" to the bar on the cliff on a special vehicle, a cabin car.
Whenever there is beer, I am a happy man.
It is not the cheapest place in the world, but for the sake of experiences, USD 30 is not too bad for two bottle of beers and some light snacks considering the posh environment you are getting.
2. KU DE TA BALI
Another place would be the Ku De Ta Bali. Located in Seminyak, this is one of the restaurant and bar situated just right off the shore of the beach.
I think I will never get enough of the tasty Bintang Beer!
And some "traditional selfies" on the beach.
3. SEAFOOD DINNER IN JIMBARAN
When you are in Bali, you should never miss the seafood dinner in Jimbaran. Located half an hour from Rock Bar, this is the place well known for having seafood dinner on the beach while admiring the sunset in the process.
And no, I am not talking about the Raja Bomoh here. (I swear).
I wouldn't say it is cheap to eat here, anyway, eating in Bali is never cheap.
The seafood restaurant we went is called the Lia Café. Their menu comprised the ala-carte price and also the so called "package price".
For about Rp 300k, you would be able to enjoy a nice dish for two person which comprises coconut water, fish, clamps, prawns, squid, vegetable and also rice.
Looks small in the picture, but we were struggling to finish it to be honest.
5. ULUWATU TEMPLE
For those of you who has done some research on Bali, you will never miss out on this place.
The entrance fee from 2012 is Rp 30,000 and you need to be properly dressed to enter. Sarongs and sashes are available free at the entrance.
The temple is inhabited by large number of monkeys, who are extremely adept at snatching visitors' belonging, including bags, cameras and eyeglasses.
Keep a very close grip on all your belongings and stow away your eyeglasses if at all possible. If you do have something taken, the monkeys can usually be induced to exchange it for some fruit.
My advice, if you have no patience negotiating with a human being, don't try with monkeys.
6. HARD ROCK BALI
As spiritual as it may seem, I have the tendency to take a photo of Hard Rock Café in every country that I have visited.
And yes, one of my ultimate life goal is to own something like Hard Rock Café in the future.
Ha.
7. SOURVENIER HUNTING IN KRISHNA BALI
If you are thinking of buying souvenirs in Bali, try to avoid places like shopping malls. Krishna Oleh Oleh Khas Bali is one of the place where you can purchase lots of local souvenirs with very affordable price.
This is the place recommended by our driver for the day, Mr. Tattoo.
Sometimes I think It is better to buy in this fixed price store than bargaining in Kuta or Legian tourist shop which is more expensive.
8. BEBEK GORENG & PORK RIB AT NAUGTHY NURI'S (AKA HOG WILD)
Five years ago, I missed out on the "Bebek"-Duck in Bali. So this time we went to a place called Naughty Nuri (Renamed as "Hog Wild").
Needless to say, it is a must try dish when you are in Bali.
Quite a special set up, dine in the garden.
But honestly, I have no idea what it meant by "Wild Women - Wednesday".
Maybe there is some "special service" offered on the other end? Side business perhaps? :P
9. NASI PADANG SEDERHANA
The first time I came across the "Nasi Padang" is when I visited Jakarta. Originated from Padang, West Sumatra, it is a very popular dishes among the local.
So, during one night when we running out of idea where to take our dinner, I suggested Nasi Padang instead. Initially my wife have this sceptical look on her face when I told her it is something like the "Mixed Rice" of Chinese.
But, she loves it. She was even surprised by how tasty the food were. And for you to know, you only pay for the dishes you eat.
The one you didn't touch, it doesn't count.
End of the day, the trip is a fulfilling one. I think mainly it is because we took it the "free and easy way".
But if you were to ask me what is the one thing I would bring back to Malaysia if I had the chance?
I would say, the hotel bed.
I slept like a baby for the 4 nights I was there.
All in all, (apart from air tickets and accommodation), for the two of us we have spent about USD 500++.
And we had fun.
So where's next?
Say hi to Bali for me the next time you guys are there!
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