Having heard so much about Bali, it is with great anticipation that we head off to the Indonesian island for our year-end holiday. We took an evening flight to Bali and due to a slight delay we reached the airport about 10pm.

Once out of the customs, the hotel had someone greeting us. We decided against the hotel limousine at US$17 and went for the taxi instead. It would be Rp95,000 (about S$14 or US$10) for the trip to our hotel, The Laguna Resort and Spa at Nusa Dua. Our vehicle was checked by security officers as we enter Nusa Dua area and again as we enter the hotel. Nusa Dua is home to many five-star resorts and that could be reason for the enhanced security.

We booked our room for our Bali holiday via the Starwoods website and had the offer of a 25% discount for 5 nights. The hotel had already given me an excellent impression right from the start through email correspondence as I enquired about various services and Bali info. 

We were warmly received by the hotel even though it was past ten in the evening. One butler, Pinto, saw to our check-in, brought us to our room and patiently showed us the facilities. Having mentioned earlier that we were celebrating our wedding anniversary, they did something special for us by surprising us with a delicious anniversary cake.

I love exploring hotel rooms and I was amazed at the spacious room, the comprehensive set of bathroom amenities available, the big bathroom and bathtub. The view from our room overlooking the garden was great both in the day and at night.

The first day in Bali, with nothing planned, we decided to walk to the nearest shopping area, Bali Collection, about 5-10 min away. Once we stepped into the lobby, we were welcomed by the melodious Gamelan instrument. There was not much tourists around the place so we decided to move to somewhere else. With recommendation from our friend, we decided to visit the Ubud area. Got a taxi from outside the Bali Collection and headed there.

What we didn't expect was the duration and cost to get us to Ubud from Nusa Dua. It was about 2 hours later that we reached Ubud. The distance seemed so short on the map; we later found out that Bali is about 10 times the size of Singapore! And since Ubud is out of the what was considered the town area (beyond Sanur), a 20% surcharge applies. That would work out to be more than Rp250,000. Our taxi fare to and fro would be ridiculous!

Initially we didn't want to be restricted by time, but our driver, Ketut, convinced us to take his taxi back to Nusa Dua for a cheaper fare of Rp400,000. We finally agreed after bargaining it down to Rp350,000.

Our stomachs were rumbling even before we reached our destination. First thing was to get a nice place for lunch. We settled into Nomad for lunch after seeing that there are other customers around and confirming that there is free Wi-fi (Most of the cafes and restaurants in Ubud has free Wi-fi). We ordered Seafood curry and Tuna Fillet Steak with 2 herbal tea. I just love the light refreshing taste of the herbal tea of lemongrass, pandan and ginger. Appetiser was some unknown leaves deep-fried. Turned out to be very frangrant and crispy. The portion of the main course was huge and food was fresh and yummy. And Bernard managed to clear a bulk of his emails during this time with the free Wi-fi, thanks to iphone. =)

With our stomachs filled, we walked to explore the rustic charm of Ubud. First stop was the Ubud market where vendors sell their ware of Balinese handicrafts and produce. We then moved out of the market and into the streets.

After walking for some time, we decided to go check out some of the massage places that line the streets. Most of the places quote about Rp50,000 for an hour of body massage. The first one we went to was too sleazy and we just walked off. The one we finally went to looks clean and neat through the glass windows. Price was slightly higher though at Rp85,000.

The owner of Reflexology Bali is Dewi who has worked in Singapore and many other countries before returning to Bali to open this shop. It was newly-opened in November and we just missed their one-for-one promotion. =P Like the clean, white towels and the comfortable seats. Our massage session began with foot reflexology and then hands massage. The seats were adjusted flat for a back massage and we had to sit up for shoulder and head massage.

Reflexology Bali
Address: Jalan Dewi Sita, Padangtegal Mekarsari, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia 80571
Tel: 0361 9222 100

It was almost time to meet Ketut for our trip back to our hotel. Before that, we hurried across the street to packet our dinner from Kafe Batan Waru. We had Ayam Rica-Rica (grilled chicken with shitake mushroom in coconut milk) and Sate Sapi Bali (grilled beef skewers) with steamed rice. One thing we realised, the sate (or satay) in Bali are made without fatty meat, healthy but a bit dry to taste. 

Since it was still early, we explored the hotel a bit and went for a walk along the beach. We walked the entire stretch of beach past other hotels as well and rested on the deck chairs to watch the stars in the clear night sky.

For today, we've engaged a driver to bring us around. We got this driver according to Tripadvisor's reviews. First impression counts. Made's (pronounced Mah-Dei) email responses were fast and helpful. Take a look at his website at Bali Discovery for his tour options.

As Made was not available that day, his uncle, Ketut, met us instead and was our guide for the day. Not wanting to visit any temples nor attend the religion-related Barong dances, Ketut altered our itinerary for the day. He brought us to the Batik factory and then to the wood-carving factory. Not much of factory though, more of a few craftsmen showing their skills and guides ushering you to the showroom to buy related products.

Next , we headed to the Coffee Luwak showroom. We could really smell the frangrance from the coffee beans being roasted in the pan. Enjoyed the view overlooking the valley. There was free coffee/ tea tasting. However, the tasting of the famous Luwak coffee was chargeable at Rp30,000 per cup. Taste of the drinks were not bad so we thought of buying some as souvenirs but a look at the prices nearly caused us to faint! Over-priced!

The highlight of the trip was going up for a view of the volcanoes. Ketut drove us to a restaurant, Batur Sari for our lunch, buffet-style. It offers a panaromic view of the three volcanoes of Bali, especially of Mount Batur and Lake Batur. For a good view, Ketut mentioned that we have to reach the place before 3pm. Anytime after that, the mount will be blocked by the clouds. The waitress initially quoted us Rp80,000 per person; thank God Made had mentioned earlier that it was Rp70,000 per person!

After lunch, Ketut brought us to the rice terraces and the waterfall. At the tourist spot overlooking the terraces, we could really see farmers at work and of course there are those who did not miss the chance to set up shop around the area selling souvenirs and sorts. At the waterfall area, we did some trekking to the river. It is also visited by many local couples and children.

Not wanting to return to our hotel so early, we got Ketut to alight us in the Kuta area, where it's famous for its nightlife and shopping. Of special mention is the shop Cinderella Souvenir and Handicraft at Legian Street. There is a wide range of souvenirs at very reasonable prices (as compared to the Ubud market and other tourist areas), so there is really no need to bargain.

Dinner was at the famous Poppies restaurant. It's situated in a small lane actually and we had to ask around for the way there. Not to worry though, it's so well-known that all those whom we asked knows exactly where it is. We love the cosy and warm atmosphere and glad that we have our Canon DSLR to bring out the effect. 

Wanting to try Indonesian delicacy, we ordered Rijsttafel or Rice table set for 2 which features small portions of Indonesian dishes (including sates) with steamed and fried rice. The customers around us were so amazed at the display that they asked to take a photo of the set which we obliged of course. Bernard had iced tea to go along and I had my lime soda  Highly-recommended! =)

As we  walked out to the main streets, the blasting music from the bars and pubs were obvious. It's such a difference before and after sunset. A good thing we did not stay in this area. Walked around the area a little before taking a taxi back to our hotel.  

Today we are going out to sea! Made is available to bring us around today. We met him at our lobby and he brought us to the seaside. We signed up for our package of Rp300,000 each for glass boat ride, snorkelling and visit to turtle island. The operator initially wanted us to pay an extra Rp100,000 for insurance but we insisted NO! saying that we've already got our own insurance.

On turtle island, we had a photo opportunity with a giant turtle and were given the chance to carry a young turtle that struggled to be free just as we struggled to hold it tight. The other residents on the island include a bat, a owl, an eagle, a pelican, an iguana and five little chicks with hair dyed by our guide. She thinks that it's amusing but I find it so cruel. And my fave was a little six-month-old monkey named Upin that originated from Monkey Forest. Had a drink of coconut before leaving the island. Was comparing to our Phuket trip and thought Bali to be an expensive place. Probably inflation caused by the numerous Australians to Bali. =P

Next stop, Uluwatu. As one of the top surfing destinations, Uluwatu boasts of huge waves reserved for the professional surfers. Many accidents and even deaths occur frequently here as surfers fight for the waves, according to Made.

We were given two options for lunch; either at a upclass hotel or a more economical eatery. With the same view, we chose the latter. =) The food portion was generous and delicious. I so love the crackers, crispy and frangrant! I had seafood fried rice and Bernard had sate with steamed rice.

After lunch, Made spent some time driving us around the vicinity explaining to us the development in the area, much with political influence. Then, we were brought to a Tamara Spa along the way where we enjoyed a 2-hour massage and spa session. Good time to change out of our saltish, smelling clothes. We had to bargain hard to bring down the US$50 treatment to US$30 per person.

And then, it was time to eat again! In the Jimbaran Bay area, we chose to go to the Sharkey's restaurant according to reviews again. It is actually very near to the airport. Made told us that it has been renamed Wali Beach Cafe. We arrived before sunset and was able to enjoy the awesome change of colours in the sky. From our beach front table, we saw the children playing, the dogs frolicking and some fishermen going out to fish.

We had a crab, some clams and squid with steamed rice. There was complimentary stir-fried veg and fruit slices too. It was then back to hotel for our rest.

With our friendly driver, Made, and his Toyota 7-seater at our hotel porch. Almost all private drivers ferries their guests around in 7-seaters so those with family and children can engage their services too.

We were just in time for the complimentary afternoon tea at Cafe Lagoon. It was such a relaxing afternoon just sipping tea/ coffee, enjoying the lndonesian delights and the yummilicious muffins served with condensed milk and jam and basking in the gamelan tunes amidst the lush greenery. Was surprised to see a brave little squirrel in search of food too.

Rested for a while after tea and then was changed for a dip in the pool. There we met other guests and also the wife and children of the Laguna GM who has just been posted to the hotel. We didn't bring our camera with us and thus not able to take a picture of the two adorable children. Spent about an hour in the pool and showered before heading out for dinner.

Took a taxi to the nearby Hardy's supermarket and bought some souvenirs and tidbits. Walked back towards the hotel in search of food. We didn't have to walk far before spotting the KFC signboard. Our last dinner in Bali was at KFC.

We woke up the next morning early enough to enjoy breakfast at the hotel. As our room package did not come with breakfast, we had to pay extra for the meal. A delectable spread awaits us. Had some cooked food and srambled eggs while Bernard preferred his sunny-side-up. Love the colourful display of fruits too. Some of the fruits like mangosteen, oranges, passion fruit and snakeskin fruit had their skins halved for easy eating.

It was then time to return to our room for our last-minute packing and check-out. We've thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Laguna. A blue-bird taxi trip to the airport costs about Rp65,000.

Compliments!
Thumbs-up for the excellent butler service provided by the Laguna and their thoughfulness. Having been sick throughout the trip, I need lots of water to soothe my dry throat and after requesting for 2 more bottles of water on the second day, the room service automatically replenished 4 bottles of water each day during the daily cleaning, all complimentary. And when a single box of tissue was used up within one day (due to my runny nose), I was provided with 2 boxes the following day! Laguna has delivered what it has promised! Highly-recommended! =)

Check out Laguna's website by clicking here