Bali 2013 (Day 1)

Bali has definitely been on my Places-to-Visit list for quite some time now, and i'm glad to say, ITS DONE! 

We bought the flight tickets about 7 months ago for about RM400 (per person) return + luggage + meals. We also pre-booked our hotels for a grand total of RM 600 for 5 nights.

Our 6 Days 5 Nights Bali Itinerary:

Day 1: Kuta Beach, Beachwalk

Day 2: Kuta, Seminyak, Legian, Tanah Lot

Day 3: Ubud, Pura Agung Batan Bingin, Tampak Siring

Day 4: Mount Batur, Ubud Monkey Forest

Day 5: Jimbaran

Day 6: Kuta Discovery Mall

This is just a rough list of where we went in Bali. 

As you can see, we didn't jam-pack our days with activities after activities. This trip is more of a free and easy, relaxing, holiday escape! So for those of you who plans on visiting all the hot tourist attraction sites in Bali, this itinerary is not sufficient for you. But for those who are like us, free spirited, casual and adventurous, this would be ideal!

14 April 2013 (Sunday)

Our flights were scheduled for departure on a Sunday morning. Airasia did not disappoint! Flight was on time, and the crew were all smiley and helpful :) 

 Filling in the immigration card.

Meals on board.

 Malaysian cyclops. haha

Ngurah Rai International Airport

A quick mention about something that happened on board the flight. The day before, a Lion Air plane carrying more than 100 passengers and crew overshot a runway on the Indonesian resort island of Bali  and crashed into the sea, injuring nearly two dozen people. The plane was still partially submerged in the sea on Sunday morning, and our pilot, after pointing out the Lion plane wreckage, cheekily told us not to worry, he wont be like the other pilot and overshoot the runway. haha.

Upon reaching the airport, we collected our luggage and headed straight out to find the Blue Bird taxi. After walking around a bit (in that scorching weather!), we decided to screw it and just take an Airport limo. Everything and anything in Bali is negotiable! So make sure to always bargain with them, no matter what! #truestory. Starting price for a limo ride to Kuta Square was Rp150,000 (RM50). We bargained our way all the way to Rp50,000 (RM16). See the difference! Crazy! If you can find the Blue Bird taxi, even better! Price ranges from RM5-8 for a trip to Kuta. 

Kuta is actually pretty near to the airport. If you want to save that RM5/RM15 taxi ride, you can always opt to walk over. It might take you about 15-45 minutes (depending on your speed and your hotel location), but it might be tedious if you have many luggage to carry. 

Hotel for the first 2 nights was Favehotel, Kuta Square. 

How can you say no to a hotel decked in pink??? (I kid.)

 Hotel exterior.

 Decent and clean room.

 View from our window. T.T

I don't have much complaints for this hotel. Its decent for the price we paid (RM240 for 2 nights). Beds were comfy, room was clean, and the staff were friendly and helpful. The only thing i dislike was the occasional sewage stench coming from the toilet. Good thing is, the smell is contained in the toilet and not in the bedroom!

By the time we settled in, got a good few minutes rest, it was already late noon and our tummies were grumbling! We headed over to Kuta street (which is forever happening no matter what time of the day it is). We were so hungry we just decided to grab Pizza Hut and call it a meal.  

Kuta street (left: beach, right: a row of chain hotels, restaurants and bars) 

 First officially couple pic in Bali!

 Mong's colorful fizzy drink. 

Shrimp Brushetta (this is the bomb! sudden craving for it right now T.T)

 Chili Hot Rice (his)

 BBQ Beef Fusilli (mine)

After our late lunch, we grabbed some beers and alcohol from the local convenient store (Circle K) and walked straight to the beach.

Bintang beer and Bickfords's Old Style Lemon Lime & Bitters

 Sunset at Kuta Beach

Kuta Beach was, a little disappointing. The sand and the water was not as clean as I imagined it to be. And it was crowded. But the view and the atmosphere was fantastic! We sat on the sand  for about an hour or two, just taking in the view and the company. We saw a few runners and I was so gung-ho wanting to try running along the beach the next morning. We planned the whole thing, from the time we wake up, to what to wear, and where to eat after the morning run, but... in the end tak boleh bangun XD

After a while, it was too dark to see anything on the beach, so we walked over to a nearby mall. 

 Tony Romas. 

Didn't eat here, but Mong insisted I take a picture with it #ihavenoideawhy

Everything inside the mall was branded (Tophop, Nike, Pull&Bear, etc etc). There were a few local designer brands as well. I bought a pair of Nike running shorts (which i wore to hike Mount Batur). 

By the way, watching movies in Bali are so pricey! Rp100,000 (Rm35) a movie, per person!

Went back to hotel, showered and headed out again for supper! It was about 11pm and most restaurants are closing up. But lucky for us, we stumbled upon this Japanese restaurant which operates till midnight. 

 Mong's Ramen (RM35)

Only Mong ate cause I wasn't hungry. We bought fries from McD for me to munch in the hotel. Super cheap ok their fries! RM2 for a pack. Fell asleep halfway while munching on the fries and watching a movie on the TV.