Jimbaran

We left Uluwatu at about 11:00AM Saturday morning for a short drive to our final stop in Bali - Jimbaran. Here we rented a private villa with pool at Gending Kedis Luxury Villas and Spa - a deal we saw on Groupon Malaysia. What can I say - WOW! A beautiful 2 level villa - walking through the entry gate we approach our villa - upper floor consists of a large living area with bar, separate smaller bedroom and an en suite bath. Down a flight of stairs and there it is - our private infinity pool overlooking the jungle - nothing but trees and birds (and apparently monkeys but we haven't seen any yet). A huge open air kitchen over looking the pool is adjacent to the beautiful and HUGE master bedroom with ensuite. This villa is probably at least two times as big as out home in Toronto. The pool is beautiful - all natural stone lining with small boulders inside used as steps. And cool water so quite refreshing in this heat and humidity. Bathing suits have not seen the light of day :) On Saturday we decided just to laze around by the pool and relax. Lunch in the resort restaurant followed by a dip and nap. 

Uluwatu or bust

Michael on motocycle

Our driver Putu arrived on time and picked us up - a nice guy but much quieter than Bobi! We loaded our things (for the record we packed WAY too much this trip) and off we went. Good bye Lovina!! Putu suggested a few stops along the way but all had been done 2 days prior en-route to Lovina so we kept on - with a short stop to have a tire changed. Along the way we passed through the hill sides once again - so beautiful and cool (most of the vegetables and fruit are grown here). Past the beautiful temple by the lake and more amazing rice field/terrace vistas. An uneventful trip (good!!) and we arrived in Jimbaran - the seafood capital of Bali. We stopped for lunch at small cafe/restaurant on the beach for some fresh seafood. We ordered and picked our own fish - 1x 1.5KG Red snapper and 1X1.2Kg white snapper (I much prefer white snapper - not quite as fishy tasting and much firmer fish). Ohhhh sooo good!! fresh seafood with all the fixings - $60.00 for 3 people (tax/tipo included). Off we went to Uluwatu - 2 phone calls later and we arrived at our new destination - Mamo Hotel (we were scheduled for Padang-Padang Breeze but suddenly found out it did not have air conditioning so quickly changed plans). Beautiful spot - nice spacious room, great pool and motorbikes for rent. (hmmm.... should we???) We checked in, bid farewell to Putu and settled our stuff. We decided to walk to the left out on the main street to see where all the crowds were headed - ahhhh... surf spots! Clambering down a multitude of concrete and stone steps, we reached the bottom cave where most surfers start their adventure - for those of you who watched Amazing Race this year - this is where it was filmed - in addition to the Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud). Beautiful colours in the water, huge cliffs and tons of small restaurants/bars line the edge. We stopped for a quick drink - took about 100 photos of the surfers, water and waves splashing against the rocks, then headed back for a rest from the heat. We had planned on going back for sunset until we realized we could see it from outside our room - right to the ocean - so snapped a few from there - not the best sunset though - too may clouds out over the Indian Ocean. Dinner back down at the cliffs, then home to bed - the heat really drains you!! Friday morning we awoke early and headed across the road for breakfast. We came back and decided "what the hell" - lets rent a motorbike (remember... I don't have a motorcycle license nor have I ever driven one before). A quick 5 minute lesson and off we went - slowly!! Our first stop was the Uluwatu Temple - sitting high on a cliff. About a 15 minute bike ride away - it was very quiet (evenings are crazy because of the Kecak dance and sunset) so we opted of lesser crowds. After being warned to keep your hat, glasses, everything inside your backpack due to the aggressive monkeys off we went. They didn't bother us this time, however one poor girl from China was mobbed by them - one pulling on her sarong while one tried to take off her shoes!! I helped chase them away and once we got through the worst of it, had to have my picture taken with her and her friend - guess I was the hero! The scenery from the temple was amazing - so high up and the huge waves crashing down below - amazing - we took tons of pictures. We walked around for about an hour then headed back to the hotel taking a longer route to get more used to driving the motorbike. Back to the hotel, we gathered our bathing suits and headed by bike to Padang-Padang Beach - one of a few great swimming spots. Climbing down more steps (oh no we have to climb back UP!) we reached the beautiful white sand beach -it's quite small and crowded but everyone was friendly and we found a spot to leave out things. Into the Indian Ocean we go - ahhh so refreshing! I LOVE swimming in the ocean. We spend about 2.5 hours there, swimming, sitting around people watching and had a light lunch (fried noodles) at one of the local spots - poor girl working - a monkey came out of no where and stole a bag of chips from her stall! Back on our bike and back to the hotel for a swim in the pool, another Bintang and an update on the blog - next stop tomorrow Jimbaran for a private villa with swimming pool!

Lovina continued

Day 2 in Lovina consisted of a Bemo ride (their version of public transit) to the Holy Hot Springs. About 20 minutes away, this hot spring was built in the 11th century and still used today by tourists and locals alike. Consisting of 3 pools, the average temp is approx. 27C - not hot but refreshing all the same. After about an hour, the dark clouds started rolling in so we headed back to the parking lot to find our Bemo driver (yes public transport will wait for you here) Back into town (their version of main street), we had a bite to eat and Bintang to get out of the rain. Lots of Indonesian food this trip - Nori Goreng, Mei Goreng and of course some western food. After a rest, the rain let up so off we went to find transport for the following day to Uluwatu - as a reference, Lovina is almost at the northern most tip of Bali, while Uluwatu is almost at the southern most tip - about a 4-5 hour drive. We found a little transport office and for $40.00, we were booked for 9:30AM the next morning. We headed back to the hotel on foot (about 20-30 minutes) and had a rest before dinner. Unfortunately it rained most of the day so we were limited to what we could do as snorkeling was on our list but never happened. Early to bed for a good night sleep before heading out in the morning - good night Lovina!!

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Next stop..... Lovina Beach

 Cremation Tower

Tuesday May 14 - Cremation Day As we bid farewell to Ubud, our driver Bobi arrived to pick us up at 10AM. We were a little disappointed that we did not know about the cremation ceremony prior to our arrival as this would have been amazing to see, however we didn't so on we went. First stop enroute were several "side of the road stops" to take photographs of the beautiful vistas and rice terraces along the way. This area we traveled through is where most of the fresh produce is grown as it is at a higher elevation and cooler -a welcome treat to us North Americans! 

Last day in Ubud

Our morning started with breakfast at our usual spot - Coffee Copper - always good! Down the lane way is a sign pointing to a rice field - so off we went to explore. Small but beautiful. Green as far as you could see. Pictures, pictures and more pictures - did I say beautiful?! Into town we went and who did we run into but Pat, the lady from Thailand we met the day before. After a brief chat, we headed up to the Information center to get some info on Tuesday's Cremation Ceremony of the Royal Family Member. Unfortunately, it starts at noon on Tuesday, but we will be heading out at 10AM - so we will miss it. However we did take some amazing pictures of the cremation tower ( so many colours) and all the months long preparations, including a brief view of the body encased in wrappings in the Royal Family grounds. After a beer and bite to eat at OOPS CAFE ( a great spot to people watch) we were off to Chez Moniques, a small silver store in town where we booked our jewellery making class. A short taxi ride later and we were quickly introduced to the Master Silversmith. Michael and I both chose simple rings which were fun to make. After pounding the silver, the helper completed the buffing and polishing. Nice rings if we do say so ourselves! After about 2 hours we were finished and headed to a local spot for a beer and rest from the extreme heat and humidity of today. It was HOT HOT HOT!!! Back to our place for dip in the VERY refreshing pool and out to dinner at Coffee Copper, yet again. Tomorrow, Bobi picks us up at 10AM for our trip to the north coast and lovina.

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An 8 hour tour

Goa Gajah - the Elephant Caves

On Sunday, we went on a tour of several sights around Ubud. However before that, thanks to Michael, he was able to negotiate 2 sarongs for a measly $15.00 instead of one for that price. It pays to be able to speak the language - but pays better when you don't speak it until the end :) We were picked up at the end of our lane in front of Chili Cafe. There were 3 of us on the tour, me and Michael and a lady from Thailand who quite her job a year ago and has been traveling - twice to India and ending in Bali. Our first stop was at Goa Gajah - the Elephant Caves. This cave is built into the rock with amazing carvings at the entry. Once inside, there really wasn't much to see, however the surrounding gardens were amazing. Our next stop was a Batik weaving factory. When speaking to one of the weavers, it takes a full day just to make 3 meters and a month for a roll. A great photo op here and a real appreciation for the hard work that takes place to make these amazing pieces of art (not just material as these are ALL hand made with old fashioned weavers - nothing electronic here). Next was the second largest temple in Bali (WE FORGOT THE NAME!!) - Beautiful spot with spectacular carvings and colours - we spent about 40 minutes there just taking pictures. Next was a stop at a coffee and spice plantation - a quick walk through was followed by a sampling of their many types of coffees, including the Civet Coffee - the coffee that is "popped" out of the Civet a small animal similar to a muskrat. Extremely expensive abroad (upwards to $50.00/cup), only cost us $4.00 here. So of course we sampled and it was great - very smooth and full of flavour (coffee flavour that is). Next stop was a spectacular view of a rice field from ahigh. The rice field is close to the highest volcano in the country called Gunung A Agung. After some great picture taking, we enjoyed a lovely buffet lunch overlooking the fields. 

Ubud

    We left Seminyak early Friday morning heading to Ubud. Bobi picked us up and off we went for a 5 hour tour. First stop was Sanur Beach - known for it's colourful fishing boats resting along the shore. We strolled around for a bit and dipped our feet into the water until a big wave came in and then I was soaked to the upper thigh. Got some nice shots of the beach and boats though. Next off to see the amazing views of the Rice Terraces. Beautiful scenery - so many terraces lining the hill side - not as many shades of green as we had hoped for as the rice is almost ready for harvesting - nonetheless a beautiful spot! Continuing up the mountain side we headed to the top for a spectacular view of the volcano Batur and adjacent Batur lake. Last erupting in 1999, this volcano, although still active was silent the day we were there. We had a great buffet lunch here with an amazing view of the volcano - I never tire of these beasts - so powerfully destructive yet beautiful at the same time. 

Denpasar and a COZY Massage!

    

    Up bright and early again for breakfast by the pool before taking a taxi into Denpasar - the capitol of Bali. We had the driver drop us at the main market - Pasar Badung - a huge indoor/outdoor market selling foods, spices and clothing. Walking through the market was a breeze - telling the throngs of sellers NO to every item was a pain after a while. That's what happens when you're one of maybe 3 white folk in an asian market :) The street aligning the market is filled with textiles - any type you want. Although we are looking for some nice batik, it was impossible to determine what was good and what wasn't - although the sellers tried to convince me that all of their stuff was great! Again, my favourite words - no thank you - just looking!! After heading down some side streets to get away from the sellers, we finally found our way to Museum Bali - next door to a beautiful temple. we strolled the grounds taking pictures then toured the museum. We read some reviews of the museum and most were not very favorable however we found it quite interesting - not huge and in some need of repair but well laid out and informative. 

Beaches and Temples

Taman Anyan

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On our second day in Seminyak we awoke on the morning and had a great breakfast at our villa by the pool - what an amazing way to start the day! After a dip in the pool, we cleaned up and headed to the beach - which unfortunately was a red flag day - no swimming as the current was too strong. We walked up and down the beach for an hour or so then stopped into a small beach front bar for a smoothie and rest from the heat. How beautiful watching the waves and surfers rolling in. After the beach we decided to explore the town so headed inland - having no idea which way we were heading! As it ended up, we were almost in Kuta - the next town! we stopped and asked for directions an finally found our way back after walking for about 2 hours (although the girl said it was too far we decided to walk anyway). A short break for lunch in air conditioning (it was soooo hot!!) then we headed out again in search of our hotel. After another 45 minutes or so, we finally arrived - drenched!!! A dip into the pool, a quick rest and then our driver Bobi arrived to take us to Taman Anyan and Tanah Lot. Taman Anyan was a beautiful temple that is used only every 6 months for offerings. We could only walk around the perimeter as you can only enter with a priest and during the offering session - but it was beautiful. The funny thing is that on the outside in a near by garden was a cock-fighting ring - still used today with some major bets being laid down for the fight to the death - and although it seems against all that the temple stood for, the spilling of the blood into the ground is used to appease the evil spirits (gambling and all!!) 

BALI

 

We have arrived!!! Bali at last!

We left Michael's home by taxi thanks to his sister jun.  An hour later we were at KLIA awaiting our flight to Denpesar Bali about 3 hours away 

Upon arrival we quickly got our VISA, through immigration and picked up our bags in about 20 minutes- very fast!  To the taxi and away we went.  

WOW!  Traffic ( bike that is). And I thought Cambodia was crazy!!!  Everywhere you looked there were scooters, motorbikes, crazy. So many!  What should have taken us 15 minutes probably ended up being an hour! 

Despite that we arrived in seminyak.  A bit of trouble finding our place but there it was. Hidden off the main road - nice and quiet.  

We checked in and took our belongings to our villa overlooking the pool. Nice place! Big room with all the amenities and air conditioning!  Wow... It's hot!  After downing our welcome drink, into the pool I went.  Ahhhh so refreshing:)

We wandered around town to see what was available and stopped in for a mojito and calamari as a snack before dinner. Dinner consisted of mixed satay(chicken and beef)  rice and a bintang - local beer.  

After dinner a little more walking then an early night so we can start fresh in the morning.  

Stay tuned for temple adventures!!!

Malaysia And Bali - 2013

Prelude : 

Feb 23 2013

            Well... it's time for another trip. Back to Malaysia to visit Michael's family and then 2 weeks in beautiful Bali!! Can't wait. We head out in early May and come back at the end of the month. Flights are booked and now researching Bali to wee what to do.... stay tuned for more!!

April 11 2013

            Well, we are about 3 weeks away from our amazing trip to Malaysia and Bali. All flights and accommodations have now been booked. We'll be spending about 4 days at Michael's parents place before heading to Bali for 2 weeks. Afterwards, back to Michael's parents for another 4-5 days to have a visit with his sister, brother-in-law and 2 nephews from the States. This will be the first time the entire immediate family has been together. Should be exciting!!! Michael's sister Jun has agreed to pick us up at Central Station after we take the train from the airport. We arrive in KL around 12:30PM so will have lots of time when we arrive to visit and likely head out for an amazing dinner as we did the last time. Below are the accommodations we have booked for Bali (links to each are on the right side) - some small, some not so small. As a treat, we are staying in a luxury Villa with private pool for our last 2 nights - a great deal booked through Groupon Malaysia. Can't wait. Our travels in Bali will take us to Denpasar upon arrival where we will head to Seminyak for 3 nights to sightsee and do some day trips along the south coast. Who knows... maybe even a surf or paddle board lesson :). In Seminyak we will be staying at Kutaville Villa. It looks like a great place centrally located to all the restaurants and a short walk to the beach After 3 nights here, we head to the central area and stay in Ubud for 4 nights at a small compound owned by a Canadian Family who moved to Bali 2 years ago - in talking with him we found out they have a house in Toronto that is currently rented out. From here we will be able to watch some of their amazing dance shows, photograph spectacular vistas and stroll the Monkey Forest. This.... I am waiting for!!! After Ubud comes Lovina Beach on the north coast. here will stay at Adirama Beach Hotel. A laid back coastal town, Lovia is close to the formal Capital of Bali - Singaraja. Visitors flock to Lovina Beach to take an early morning boat trip to watch the dolphins feed - this will be amazing!! From Lovina we head to Uluwatu and stay at Padang-Padang Breeze. Our main reason for visiting Uluwatu is to see the famous Uluwatu Temple which is located 250 feet above the waves on a cliff and is known to guard Bali from evil spirits from the southwest. Also known for its spectacular sunsets - this will be truly awesome!! Following Uluwatu is our final stay at Gending Kedis Luxury Villas and Spa Estate in Jimbaran on the south coast. 2 amazing nights here eating some of the best seafood prepared in Bali - I may never come back!! Stay tuned for more updates once we arrive!