02 September, 2017

Bali Trip 6D5N (25/08/2017 - 30/08/2017)

It's been a while since the last time I updated my blog. Thought of sharing out my most recent trip to Bali with everyone as a guide if you are planning to head there for a short getaway.

Tips:
#1 Arrange for airport pick up beforehand so that you have a piece of mind that transport has been arranged and you do not need to run around finding local taxi drivers to drop you off at your hotel. Just in case you are unlucky, you might get cheated and end up paying a big sum for taxi fare. I paid IDR 150,000 from airport pick up to hotel at Kuta/Legian/Seminyak area. If you were to go to Ubud from airport, they charge a little extra (approx USD 25 one way) as it is much further.

#2 If you are travelling alone, you can arrange to join the local tours. If you are travelling in a group (best is group of 4), you can hire a local driver to drive you around to places to visit. Most of them provide suggestions of places to visit and eat. I hired Gede Wiyata (instagram: bali_happy_tour) for 3 days which cost IDR 650,000 per day. He is definitely not the cheapest around but he drives a Toyota Kijang Innova which is more comfy than some of the ones who offered slightly cheaper out there (Suzuki APV or Toyota Avanza). Apart from that, he's quite flexible with the hours. We hired him for slightly over 12 hours for each of the 3 days and still pay the same amount. Most drivers allow the hire for a maximum of 10 hours (approx 45-50 USD), additional charges applies for each additional hour.

#3 Do not drink water off the tap. Always buy mineral water from the convenient stores.

#4 Include breakfast in hotel to save you from finding decent food places around the area. Most of the shops do not open till around 10am to 11am.

Day 1
Boarded the 13:50 Jetstar flight from Perth to Denpasar. Due to the excessive number of flights arriving Ngurah Rai Airport around the same time as ours, landing got delayed for a little longer than usual. Of course, the immigration section took a while longer too as it is packed with people. One of the security officers actually offered us to go to the fast track lane, but "ah-ha" he wants some tips from you! I decided to just queue up and wait for my turn. Got shocked when I arrived at the arrival gate as there were lots of people, mainly drivers, waiting for their respective passengers. Thank goodness Gede spotted me! En route to hotel from airport was horrific due to the traffic. Took us approximately 45 mins to an hour to arrive at our hotel - The Akmani Legian which is located at Jalan Legian, Kuta. After checking in to the room, left for dinner at the famous Made's Warung at Jalan Pantai Kuta. Prices are reasonable, food and drinks aren't too bad either.

Day 2 - KINTAMANI Tour
Gede picked us up from hotel at 09:00.
Went to Warung Sari Nadi for Babi Guling for breakfast. Food isn't too bad but it's quite spicy.
Head to Tegenungan Waterfall (IDR 15,000 pp).
On the way to the next destination, we stopped by for some local durian along the street.
Head to Gunung Kawi Temple (IDR 15,000 pp).
Then to Tirta Empul Temple (IDR 15,000 pp).
Had lunch at a nearby restaurant named Pangkon Bali. Wasn't satisfied with the food served there. Atmosphere is pretty nice though.
Next, head to Tegallalang Rice Terrace (IDR 10,000 pp).
Went to the famous original crispy duck restaurant, Bebek Bengil for dinner. Atmosphere is good but I find the food is overrated and definitely overpriced.
End of Day 2.

Day 3 - BEDUGUL Tour
Went to Kopi Pot for breakfast. Food was pretty bad.
Gede picked us up at 09:00.
Had 2nd round of breakfast at Babi Guling Pak Malen, Sunset Road. By far the best babi guling I had tasted over there. Ordered jeruk hangat (warm orange juice) for drink and it's good!
Head to Taman Ayun Temple (IDR 20,000 pp).
Head to Monkey Forest (IDR 25,000 pp). Not worth the money.
Then to Ulun Danu Temple and Beratan Lake (IDR 50,000 pp). One of the best places that I've visited over there.
Had lunch at De Danau, just across the road from Ulun Danu temple.
Stopped by some coffee place along the street to explore and understand how Luwak Coffee is made, also tasted a few other varieties of coffee and tea.
Caught the sunset at Tanah Lot Temple (IDR 60,000 pp). Love this place too!
Had grilled pork ribs and crispy pork knuckle at Warung Sunset. Unfortunately it is again overrated and overpriced too.
End of Day 3.

Day 4 - ULUWATU Tour
Breakfast at Warung Tujuh, Food ain't good but still edible.
Visited Nusa Dua area.
Lunch at Babi Guling Rahayu.
Head to Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Village (IDR 100,000 pp). Also watched the free Balinese dance and Barong Keris dance.
Visited Blue Point beach and saw lots of surfers from afar.
Head to Uluwatu temple (IDR 40,000 pp) for sunset. Had to give the Kecak dance (IDR 100,000 pp) a miss, but if I were to head back, I will definitely not miss this special dance.
Went to Lia Cafe at Jimbaran for seafood dinner. A whole new experience to have dinner by the beach.
End of Day 4.

Day 5 - Free & Easy
Breakfast at Made's Warung again.
Visited Kuta beach and tempted to do some surfing but did not go ahead.
Walked North along Kuta beach up to Legian beach. Then went to Beachfront shopping centre to see what they offer.
Went back to Kuta beach to catch the sunset once again.
Had dinner at Sate "Bang Udin". Had chicken and goat satay sticks and they are very tasty and cheap too! Also ordered teh botol for drink.
Went to Warung Mina for a Smirnoff Ice drink and enjoy the live band for an hour. Love the experience and atmosphere and the people there!
End of Day 5.

Day 6 - Free & Easy
Breakfast at Lucky's Warung. Food was ok but juice was really cheap and nice! The juice was only IDR 10,000 a glass.
Lunch at Warung Etnik. Had some Western food there and it's pretty bad.
Chill and walk around the area for a while before heading off to airport.
Airport drop off (IDR 150,000 one way).

Now, looking forward to my next holiday. Till then. Ciao!