Bali 28-29Apr2006
3 months before 28/4/2006
Sourced information from LonelyPlanet, BaliTravelForum, InsightGuide & various websites.......
2 months before 28/4/2006
Booked AirAsia.com (AA) Flight AK904, departure from LCCT (Kuala Lumpur) at 1640 and arrival at 1940 at NgurahRaiIntAirport (NRIA) (Bali) Return flight - departure 20.10 from Bali and arrival at LCCT 23.10. Total cost for 2 persons RM1205.96 (fares RM879.96 tax RM326)
1 months before 28/4/2006
Reservation through Indo.com for 3 nights stay at KutaSeaviewCottage (KSC) at US$120 (there is another website offering US$35 per night) and for 1 night at MasaInn.com the hotel name MasaInn(MI) at Rp200,000. We would very much luv to stay at Ubud, but since this was a short stay, we had to forego it.
2 weeks before 28/4/2006
Applied visa for Cindy at IndonesiaEmbassy, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur. Prepared 2 passport size photos, photocopies of passport/workpermit, photocopy of AA's confirmation/itinery print-out & cash RM135 and filled in application form. Even though visa is valid for 90days they only allowed for 7days stay for Cindy. Collection to be done 3 days later. If we were to apply for VisaOnArrival at NRIA I guess it should be cheaper, however to avoid hassle and to save time, this is better option.
1 week before 28/4/2006
Exhange rate : US1=RM3.67; RM418=Rp1,000,000; US1=Rp8824.94; RM1=Rp2392.35
1 day before 28/4/2006
Called AmarCheng (AC) for taxi to airport, he charged extra RM20 about meter rate, should have call SunlightTaxi as they only add RM13.
28/4/2006
1430 AC arrived at the appointed time sharp.
1505 Reached LCCT in about 35 minutes, AA's low cost terminal, it is minimalist airport. Even the signboard to LCCT along the expressway looks plain in white background. Check-in for boarding pass and was informed that flight will be delayed for about 50minutes... sigh! imagined we rushed to get to LCCT.
1730 Boarded and managed to secure seats whereby flight not that full. Cindy was able to lie down sleeping occupying 2 seats & my thigh became her pillow. The no outside food & drink was not strictly enforce.
1505 Reached LCCT in about 35 minutes, AA's low cost terminal, it is minimalist airport. Even the signboard to LCCT along the expressway looks plain in white background. Check-in for boarding pass and was informed that flight will be delayed for about 50minutes... sigh! imagined we rushed to get to LCCT.
1730 Boarded and managed to secure seats whereby flight not that full. Cindy was able to lie down sleeping occupying 2 seats & my thigh became her pillow. The no outside food & drink was not strictly enforce.
2030 Arrived safely at NRIA and through immigration in about 35minutes and straight to AirportTaxi counter. Secured a taxi at Rp45,000 at airport counter . Informed driver to MI at GangPoppiesI (PGI), taxi obliged to drive until front door of MI, as GPI is a small lane. At MI we were given a room at one corner, groundfloor not directly facing pool. The first thing greeted us was the mosquitoes. 2 single beds and clean bathroom, cement floor with tv&fridge.
2200 Left luggages & off looking for dinner. Turn right of MI, passed by Yogi, Un's (have security man at entrance for bag-check) & few other places to eat until the lane getting narrower. Here there was a massive motobikes jam. This small junction splits into 2 smaller lanes (both will reached main road), took the right turn to reach main road turn left and found MadeWarung (MW) easily, our intended place. Took a table at mezzanine floor looking down below at the crowded place. The waiter recommended NasiCampur & NasiGorengAlaMade. Cindy ordered carrotjuice and me, KopiBali. NasiCampur was served on a platter with rice in the middle and assorted dishes surrounding it vegetable (4types) meat (3types) fishfillet (1type)- delicious aroma flavour. The NasiGoreng tasted sweet with salad and chicken meat. KopiBali with the coffee powder rested at the bottom and no floater at all compare with home coffee. This coffee proved to be a nightmare for me as I encountered sleepless night with all the mozzies, I believed me managed only 4hours of sleep. After dinner & people watching we walked back, passed by a hotel, a few doors aways from MI, which had a huge chariot statue. At MI we saw 3 Japanese gals swimming with their KutaCowboys and we decided to sit at corridor and chitchat watching the guess swimming in the middle of the night under the skylit star.........
29/4/2006
0730 Me woke up early had a cigarette while waiting for Cindy to wake up. Saw 3 Japanese going surfing with their board. MI's cleaners were collecting empty Bintang bottles. I went to the reception office to enquire about transport for our trip to places of interest. Was quoted by Wayan at Rp250,000 for half day to cover TamanPuraAyun(TPA), AlasKedaton(AK), PuraTanahLot(PTL) sunset. Decided to discuss with Cindy when she woke up. Since she was going to wash her hair she prompted me to have my breakfast without her and leave the decision to me for hiring transport. So I walked up again to Wayan and bargained & only managed to reduced to Rp225,000. Since the day had started and not to waste time I confirmed with Wayan. Had my breakfast sandwich ham & KopiBali again. I needed it to last me whole day. Packed a sandwich for Cindy and returned to room and we were ready to walk to the beach. At the hotel front a driver in blue-uniform enquired whether we need transport. Was quoted Rp350,00 for a day, me replied too expensive & was requoted to Rp250,000. I was thinking compare with the half-day trip this was more reasonable. Cindy suggested to reduce to US25 per day (8 hours). Last night I told her whether we could get transport for RM80 (suggested price pre 2005 bombing) but had to consider the benzine price increased since 2005 bombing. Nyoman agreed to US$25 per day (was this reasonable?) and we requested him to fetch us tommorow 0830 morning at KSC & he gave us his contact. NyomanSuda 081338645331 (not recommended).
1000 So we walked toward left of MI reached a hotel decided to look the garden inside & took some photos. The hotel is KutaPuriBungalows??? After crossing KutaBeachRoad(KBR) the white wave, blue sea, the surfers & sunbathers that striked my eyes when we reached KutaBeach. It is wonderful
to watch the surfers. We just stood on the beach watching. Of course the massage, hairplaiting, tattoo, drinks ladies were trying to sell their wares but our eyes just glued at the sea. We walked to another spot to take photos, continue watching at the wave - however this place is not for swimming ..... suddenly without us realising a stronger wave washed ashore and wetted Cindy's shoes & socks & my feet. So quickly cleaned up at a water pipe and suggested Cindy to buy new shoes. After searching at some shop nearby at PoppiesGangII not suitable to her taste. Since it was going to 12noon we walked back to MI hoping on the way we were able to see one. Stop at JungleSurf KBR, a surfing accessories shop, no shoes except sandals, decided to try few no size suitable until found one. Paid Rp105,000 and get back to MI. Was informed by the saleperson at the surfshop that Rp225,000 for the noon trip is cheap (?mark).
1000 So we walked toward left of MI reached a hotel decided to look the garden inside & took some photos. The hotel is KutaPuriBungalows??? After crossing KutaBeachRoad(KBR) the white wave, blue sea, the surfers & sunbathers that striked my eyes when we reached KutaBeach. It is wonderful
to watch the surfers. We just stood on the beach watching. Of course the massage, hairplaiting, tattoo, drinks ladies were trying to sell their wares but our eyes just glued at the sea. We walked to another spot to take photos, continue watching at the wave - however this place is not for swimming ..... suddenly without us realising a stronger wave washed ashore and wetted Cindy's shoes & socks & my feet. So quickly cleaned up at a water pipe and suggested Cindy to buy new shoes. After searching at some shop nearby at PoppiesGangII not suitable to her taste. Since it was going to 12noon we walked back to MI hoping on the way we were able to see one. Stop at JungleSurf KBR, a surfing accessories shop, no shoes except sandals, decided to try few no size suitable until found one. Paid Rp105,000 and get back to MI. Was informed by the saleperson at the surfshop that Rp225,000 for the noon trip is cheap (?mark).
MI has beautiful garden the green contrast with blue pool. The red orange brown color of building all blend well together. There are some statues but I think the best part is the wide space and uncluttered by statues/structures/pots of flower. There is plenty of ray to catch on. The pool at the back are bigger compare with the front. Observed the door panel and carving of some rooms. Recommended for its cleaniness, spacious compound and pool. Minus point will be the mozzies ... zzzz...zzzzzzzz.... a repellant will come handy. PGI has lot of accomodations that suit to your budget and its convenient place to shop.1200 Procceded to pack our bags to checkout as the receptionist called to confirm checking-out. Our mobile was waiting too. Paid the hotel & transport bill and was introduced to Putu, our driver. Showed us his van (can accomodate to 6 persons) & me reasoning why not able to bargain down further yesterday. First we had to changed money, so Putu brought us to a moneychanger exchange rate US$1=Rp8600 (same as at Airport), we changed US$100 (printed 2001 CBseries ), the owner was reluctant to change at first but after flicking & examining it to be real note - it was done. Our destination TPA, Mengwi, one the ancient ruler's temple & garden. On the way I saw Gianyar's sign & remember reading somewhere that the best BabiGuling can be found there. Requested Putu to find a warung & he said no problem but he mentioned that Gianyar was out of the way. Found a shop by the roadside and saw the whole skin of the roasted pig hanging at the serving counter operated by 2 ladies. A plate of rice with pork meat - 3 types - minced, shredded & pieces together with its hard skin & some vegetables & chili was served. Ordered Coke. It cost about Rp20,000 for 2 persons. After lunch, our journey continue along the narrow roads with bamboo poles representing pura agung I was told, decorated the roads. Balinese houses looks weathered but blended well with nature. Putu suggested us to see silver products, we knew that if we purchase something, he'll entitled to some commission (included in the purchase price). We said okay, reached a place, greeted by a salesgirl greeted us in Korean, huh????. I am proud to say that I was greeted as a Siamese, Japanese, Nepali before & now Korean...... I have international looks. They have factory whereby you can see the production of the item, however we found out it's too unreal. Anyway next to the showroom, we spent about 50minutes browsing earings & bracelet. The salesgirl "helpful" in another sense & at last Cindy bought a pair of earings (Rp206000) no discount/bargaining.
It started to rain and still raining when we reached TPA. Decided to wait in the van but after about 30minutes we
hop out with an umbrella as the rain drizzled. Paid parking (Rp2000) to KapsupatenBadung, entrance tickets (Rp6000) and search for toilet (Rp2000) just behind a large stage meant for cockfighting/dance. It is a 16th century royal family temple built in 1634 with picturesque beautiful temple with multi roofed shrines, carved wooden gates & garden. Dissapointed that not much lotus in the moat (signifying the world of ocean) surrounding the complex. There is a viewing tower (not its original purpose, i guess). A guide for another group of four was taking photos and suggested to take for us with white frangipani flower on our hair, suggested by him, a first for me! There is a meaning to it, but what???
Our next destination was AK whereby there is a monkey forest, flying foxes aka bats and an old temple. Paid parking (Rp5000 - Putu's van was deemed a 4WD) entrance tickets (Rp6600). There was a system whereby a lady in uniform will follow you as you purchased the tickets for the purpose as a guide. At first I thought they were the guide provided by the temple. Found it later that it quite innovative and equitable for the souvenirs sellers to take turn acting as guide - nothing much to guide/information given except as to guide you to their respective stall. The monkeys are tame and the bats are huge. At the lady's stall, you are encourage to browse not necessary to buy - standard operation procedure. I bought a small metal Buddha head (Rp25000) I admit it I am not good at bargaining.
It was still cloudy and we were praying for good weather, hop into van and on the way to PTL which is famous for it's beautiful sunset. Paid entrance fees (Rp20000). Reached there surprised to see load of tourist as our visit to TPA and AK we didn't see any tour group. Van parking cost Rp5000. Lot of shops selling souvenirs on the road leading to the famous spectacular temple. The 11th century temple built on black lava rock (like an island cliff - a promontory ) about 200 meters from shore. On the left you can see a long shore with its waves and on the right another cliff for viewing and fishing, someone was at it (need a long rod & line). Not able to see the whole temple exactly from where we were, noticed that a restaurant operates there high opposite the temple and diners can view sunse
t while having their dinner. Wondering whether the area we were standing will be covered in water in the morning. The sunset was not that spectacular but to capture it in on photo with the land sea sky was pretty good. Not able to take a silhouette of temple during sunset but able to take silhouette of Cindy. Guess which silhouette is hers (photo on top page). There was a pretty caucasian lady sitting on rock reading a book waiting for the sunset but her romantic idea was abruptly disturbed and maybe flattered when 3 young Indonesian gals requested to be photographed with her, she obliged. Yes she is pretty with smooth tan model's face. But I took the close-up photos of Cindy and those beautiful eyes looking in the camera, I bet she is also as beautiful with the orange ray on her face, he.... he...... :-). But photos not shown here, it is for my own viewing only.
1900 So backed to KSC. We checked-in & was given welcome drinks. Our earlier request for seaview room was not available despite confirmation by email. Was promised a change the next day. Say goodbye to Putu who left his contact number (0361 231351 HP 08174700918) because he intended to get us to book his transport for tommorrow. However during the day we had talked about his charges which he quoted at Rp450000 to Rp600000 for the whole day depends on the distance. I gave reason that we might be spending our time at Kuta only. I just kept quiet & did not bargain as I had made arrangement earlier with Nyoman. Putu seem a nice chap but his charges was too expensive. Climbed our way to top floor, no elevator. No flower on bed as advertised in the website. Clean room with balcony but the air-con not functioning well. Made a complaint & waited for 30minutes, no shadow of the technician at all. Have a short & quick shower & rest and hit the road to KutaSquare as we noticed a few sportshops there. Bought HaagenDass to suppress the hunger. We intend to get a tennis shoe & backpack for Cindy to replace the wet shoe and to replace her tennis shoe at home which was deemed not healthy to her feet. Not able to find any to her liking except one that out of size. So mission failed. Window shopping for a while and noticed a Kappa backpack on 50% sale but decided to leave it later. By that time the shops started to close at around 2200. We were tiring fast so we were wondering whether to go back to PGI to have our dinner. We decided to settle for PizzaHut. She had her soup with croissant and me spaghetti marinara. Finished our dinner she wanted massage and so we settled for BeachSalonSpa(BSS), KBR. Their massagers were at the roadside promoting brochure since they only started 2 months ago. We noticed that there were a lot of promoters trying to promote timeshare by introduce themselves "where are you from ... we are not selling...... please have a look at this brochure..." Back to BSS, they have clear view of foot massage in progress. They have a branch at LegianRoad called KambojaBali. The boss is a Korean. So both of us had foot reflexology (shiatsu). Cindy wanted a lady massager as most of the reflexologers (am I correct???) were guy. Luckily there is a young lady. The guy who done my leg keep on asking "Is it painful?" "Of course it is damn painful" "If pain here/there than there is problem with your lung, heart, head, reproductive system, etc" I were diagnosed to have problems all over me as my whole sole was painful when kneaded. Of course the massager were friendly chit-chatting, making jokes and laughing all the way. After an hour & finished with a "thump thump" on your back & shoulder. Paid Rp120000 for both. Bought 1 litre mineral water Rp2500 at a nearby convenient store. KSC is a few steps away so we walked to the beach listening to the sound of wave and Balinese couple enjoying their moment together. Teased Cindy that I'm going to have my breakfast alone as yesterday, her reply "Nooo...! I want to have breakfast too!", sacrifying her sleep to have breakfast with me. We hit the sack at about 0100.
It started to rain and still raining when we reached TPA. Decided to wait in the van but after about 30minutes we
hop out with an umbrella as the rain drizzled. Paid parking (Rp2000) to KapsupatenBadung, entrance tickets (Rp6000) and search for toilet (Rp2000) just behind a large stage meant for cockfighting/dance. It is a 16th century royal family temple built in 1634 with picturesque beautiful temple with multi roofed shrines, carved wooden gates & garden. Dissapointed that not much lotus in the moat (signifying the world of ocean) surrounding the complex. There is a viewing tower (not its original purpose, i guess). A guide for another group of four was taking photos and suggested to take for us with white frangipani flower on our hair, suggested by him, a first for me! There is a meaning to it, but what???
Our next destination was AK whereby there is a monkey forest, flying foxes aka bats and an old temple. Paid parking (Rp5000 - Putu's van was deemed a 4WD) entrance tickets (Rp6600). There was a system whereby a lady in uniform will follow you as you purchased the tickets for the purpose as a guide. At first I thought they were the guide provided by the temple. Found it later that it quite innovative and equitable for the souvenirs sellers to take turn acting as guide - nothing much to guide/information given except as to guide you to their respective stall. The monkeys are tame and the bats are huge. At the lady's stall, you are encourage to browse not necessary to buy - standard operation procedure. I bought a small metal Buddha head (Rp25000) I admit it I am not good at bargaining.It was still cloudy and we were praying for good weather, hop into van and on the way to PTL which is famous for it's beautiful sunset. Paid entrance fees (Rp20000). Reached there surprised to see load of tourist as our visit to TPA and AK we didn't see any tour group. Van parking cost Rp5000. Lot of shops selling souvenirs on the road leading to the famous spectacular temple. The 11th century temple built on black lava rock (like an island cliff - a promontory ) about 200 meters from shore. On the left you can see a long shore with its waves and on the right another cliff for viewing and fishing, someone was at it (need a long rod & line). Not able to see the whole temple exactly from where we were, noticed that a restaurant operates there high opposite the temple and diners can view sunse
t while having their dinner. Wondering whether the area we were standing will be covered in water in the morning. The sunset was not that spectacular but to capture it in on photo with the land sea sky was pretty good. Not able to take a silhouette of temple during sunset but able to take silhouette of Cindy. Guess which silhouette is hers (photo on top page). There was a pretty caucasian lady sitting on rock reading a book waiting for the sunset but her romantic idea was abruptly disturbed and maybe flattered when 3 young Indonesian gals requested to be photographed with her, she obliged. Yes she is pretty with smooth tan model's face. But I took the close-up photos of Cindy and those beautiful eyes looking in the camera, I bet she is also as beautiful with the orange ray on her face, he.... he...... :-). But photos not shown here, it is for my own viewing only.1900 So backed to KSC. We checked-in & was given welcome drinks. Our earlier request for seaview room was not available despite confirmation by email. Was promised a change the next day. Say goodbye to Putu who left his contact number (0361 231351 HP 08174700918) because he intended to get us to book his transport for tommorrow. However during the day we had talked about his charges which he quoted at Rp450000 to Rp600000 for the whole day depends on the distance. I gave reason that we might be spending our time at Kuta only. I just kept quiet & did not bargain as I had made arrangement earlier with Nyoman. Putu seem a nice chap but his charges was too expensive. Climbed our way to top floor, no elevator. No flower on bed as advertised in the website. Clean room with balcony but the air-con not functioning well. Made a complaint & waited for 30minutes, no shadow of the technician at all. Have a short & quick shower & rest and hit the road to KutaSquare as we noticed a few sportshops there. Bought HaagenDass to suppress the hunger. We intend to get a tennis shoe & backpack for Cindy to replace the wet shoe and to replace her tennis shoe at home which was deemed not healthy to her feet. Not able to find any to her liking except one that out of size. So mission failed. Window shopping for a while and noticed a Kappa backpack on 50% sale but decided to leave it later. By that time the shops started to close at around 2200. We were tiring fast so we were wondering whether to go back to PGI to have our dinner. We decided to settle for PizzaHut. She had her soup with croissant and me spaghetti marinara. Finished our dinner she wanted massage and so we settled for BeachSalonSpa(BSS), KBR. Their massagers were at the roadside promoting brochure since they only started 2 months ago. We noticed that there were a lot of promoters trying to promote timeshare by introduce themselves "where are you from ... we are not selling...... please have a look at this brochure..." Back to BSS, they have clear view of foot massage in progress. They have a branch at LegianRoad called KambojaBali. The boss is a Korean. So both of us had foot reflexology (shiatsu). Cindy wanted a lady massager as most of the reflexologers (am I correct???) were guy. Luckily there is a young lady. The guy who done my leg keep on asking "Is it painful?" "Of course it is damn painful" "If pain here/there than there is problem with your lung, heart, head, reproductive system, etc" I were diagnosed to have problems all over me as my whole sole was painful when kneaded. Of course the massager were friendly chit-chatting, making jokes and laughing all the way. After an hour & finished with a "thump thump" on your back & shoulder. Paid Rp120000 for both. Bought 1 litre mineral water Rp2500 at a nearby convenient store. KSC is a few steps away so we walked to the beach listening to the sound of wave and Balinese couple enjoying their moment together. Teased Cindy that I'm going to have my breakfast alone as yesterday, her reply "Nooo...! I want to have breakfast too!", sacrifying her sleep to have breakfast with me. We hit the sack at about 0100.
posted by YSLim @ 10:22 am
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