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.
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.
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.
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