Mr Tiger's Travel Blog: 2008

Monday, December 8, 2008

Bali Break - Sights and Activities

Tempak Sering

Famed for the spring water that is purported to improve the fortunes of those who bath with it.

S looking absolutely dapper in his flowy sarong.

The thing about visiting such holy grounds is that even if you are wearing longs and exempted from a sarong, you are still required to don a kung fu sash of sorts.

Lake Batur and Mount Kintamani

When we arrived at hilltop restaurant recommended by the driver providing a vantage view Mt Kintanmani and the lake, it was already very cloudy. The mountain top was already cloud-covered and one could hardly make out the lake.

Very soon, the rain came and the view was no more. Coupled with the lousy buffet food, S expression aptly sums up the experience.

A visit was also made to the Ubud terrace padi fields. Not spectacular but nontheless, pleasant.

Uphill from the fields, lies many shops where many crafts could be bought at significantly lower prices than the Ubud market downhill.

Beach

The day at the beach started with the free parasailing provided by the villa. It was enjoyable being high up in the air, enjoying the winds and tranquility. Just don't mind the slightly frayed parachute ropes.

Looming dark clouds threatening a "Benjamin Franklin". =P

Thereafter, a nice chill at the serene shallow beaches of Nusa Dua.

Tanah Lot

The landmark of Bali. Beautiful!

And they were wondering why the donations were not that forthcoming ...

Uluwatu

Located at a southern tip of the island. Took us 2 hour plus to get there. Really Ulu.

But the dramatic ocean cliff views more than made up for it.

This picture presents a member of the omni-present monkeys in a non-threatening pose. However, one should really tread with caution.

Babi Guling

Went to the Oka, adjacent to the Royal Palace. The spicy pork slices and fried veges were appetising but the supposed highlight - roasted pig skin - was so-so.

Bumbuh Bali

Meal at the multi-award winning Bumbuh Bali turned out to be decent but much less lip-smacking than the scrumpelicious dinner whipped out by our house-cook.

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Bali Break - The Villa

Chosen a private villa for a different experience. Was welcomed by the 2 house boys with a champagne and a cold towel. Overall, it was a great stay!

Nice little compound that we have with traditional thatched roofings,

Our own mini-pool with sun deck chairs

A comfortable pavillion to relax by.

A cooling dining cum chill area with surround hi-fi speakers.

Plus, we had a great cook who provided us an absolutely sumptuous dinner and pretty good breakfast.

Also comes with a car, driver inclusive, to bring us around at our own leisure! =)

Within the greater compunds, there's a 25m lap pool too.

Also a tennis court for us to relief our itch.

On top of it all, free parasailing and massage services are also provided.

Down-sides though:

Supposed to have free massage for all 4 of us, but were informed that there are only 2 slots left, and received no compensation. =(

The open settings of the dining area and pavillion provided some opportunities for the resident mosquitoes despite the presence of lit mosquito coils.

Rain on the final night attracted swarms of flying ants to the light over the showerhead in the bathrooms that was open-air and provided S a very memorable showering experience. =P ...

Bodies of flying ants floating on the pool the following morning

Overall though, it was still a great experience and worth a second visit. =)

Bali Break - The Beginning

Inexplicably, was in need of another holiday break just 2 months after the Beijing trip! Sure hope that this does not become the norm...

So it was with much excitement that i embarked on the trip. Adding on to that, was the "thrill" of the potential backlash from to the execution of the Bali bombers a few weeks back. =P

The trip started reasonably enough, with the jetstar flight better than expected. (enough space for my gangly limbs, free croissant and water). The company of an insightful book helped too.

Upon arrival, expecting only the driver, I was warmly surprised by the sight of my travel mates mischieviously waving. The drive to the villa was somewhat atmospheric. The unlit streets enveloping us in a cloak of darkness, sometimes pierced by flashes from car headlights, and its hues changing with the shop signboards lining the roads. Had some fun bantering with my friends along the way. Was also reacquainting myself with the occassional heavy-hearted sights of begging mothers, with babies in tow, and also kids sleeping on road dividers and pavements. The scenes seem to strike one harder at night with the surrounding darkness focussing their sorry states ever more starkly. Was silent for some time ...