Bali (Part 5) - More sightseeing & shopping (Tanah Lot)

It was bright and sunny the next day when we were at Tanah Lot.  The sky was so blue!

The new mascot of Tanah Lot. "Welcome, welcome!"

Common sight in Bali.  The Barong (I think).

We got hold of a tourist with kick an ass huge camera, like super pro like that, to take this shot of us together.  As it turned out, it sucks.  Not only were we out of focus, the composition were kinda off too.  *shake head* (LOOK like pro only...).

It was high-tide when we got to Tanah Lot.  Therefore, not able to cross over  to the temple in the cave under the little island.

Terri wanted to walk out to the edge of the rock where the girl in yellow stood.  You know, to get to where we already were we have to walk on slippery rocks, waddled thru almost knee deep water and braved strong waves which at one point, even got right up to my thigh and wet my shorts.  I screamed.  Lols... Actually, I don't mind getting wet.  I don't even mind if I fall into the sea.  The water was pretty cold and refreshing in fact.  I just cant bear the thought of ruining my camera.  :p  

Then I heard they announcing something over the loud speakers there and saw someone waving our direction.  I told Terri... "I think they are asking us to go back already... the waves is getting strong...".  Only after we got back that I realized they were actually announcing something for the event they were having there that day.  Totally nothing to do with us. :p  Terri gave me a look and went.. "Mo kwai yong..."... hahahaha.

This one turned out quite nice.  We found another 'look like pro' photographer at this very spot taking photos of his wife, to help us with this one.  We took quite a few shots and he even advise us to brighten them up slightly with PS and they will be perfect.  I guess this one is pro. :p 

After all that sightseeing, it was time to do some serious works - SHOPPING!  It was actually the highlight of our Tanah Lot outing.  Even Harrison can tell you that, for shopping, go to Tanah Lot!  Really, they are not as tough as in Ubud.  They are happy as long as they sell something.  No calculator throwing stunts. ;) hehehe..

We had fun trying on the many hats too.  I tried this one made of dried straws which left lots of bits and pieces of straws on my head after I took it off... 

I thought she look like a curious puppy in this photo... 

Then she have a go at the straw hat I tried earlier...

Halfway thru our FUN (trying on hats & taking photos with it), we noticed the makcik of the stall doesn't look very pleased with the FUN we were having with her hats :p.  And so, I bought this.  The cheapest hat in the world.  RM5 I think.

After all the talking & the sun-ning, it was coconut time!  Terri's coconut is bigger than her head!

Farmers working on a paddy field.  This shot was taken by Terri.  Very nice reflection of clouds.  

It was pampering sessions again after Tanah Lot.   We went to this huge spa recommended by Meko.  It was ok, but we both prefer the first spa we went to on Day 1 in Kuta.  We did the whole pampering package again - massage, scrub, wrap, flower bath + jacuzzi!  Still the same saying... I never felt so clean!  Lols... Whatever they were using is definitely working cause we thought we were kinda fair after all the treatments.  Or maybe we were originally fair.  Just that our fairness were dark out  beneath all those dirt.  :p

When we got back to Kuta, we requested Meko to drop us off at Warung Made (pronounced as Ma De).  Though not really hungry, I insisted that Terri should try their nasi campur and she loves it.  Trust me, they are yummy.  More so if you are hungry.  :)

Note: Warung Made have two outlets in Bali.  One in Kuta along Jl. Pantai (I think) and another one in Seminyak/Legian area.  I don't remember their exact menu but I do remember that they serves pretty good Balinese food especially their nasi campur.  A must try definately!

A temple opposite Warung Made.  Very intricate carving.

After Warung Made, it was more shopping before we headed down to the infamous Kuta Beach.

Karate kid... 

When I booked the hotel for our trip, I forgot to request that we wanted twin-sharing.  When we arrived, all that was left is a king sharing.  So I teased Terri... "Eh, so romantic hor... you & me, enjoying sunset by the beach... sharing a bed... spa in same room... we like lesbian on honeymoon le..." hahaha.... 

As I was busy trying to take the sunset with the right settings, a vendor walked up to us offering non-permanent tattoo.  Terri told the vendor no thank you and she turned to me and said... "Confirmed already la... she think we are that."  I went like... "That what?".  She continued..."lesbians la...".  I replied.. "Really? Why?".  She said, "She asked whether we wanna do love love tattoo or not...". hahahahahahaha... That was just so funny...

That night, we had a simple dinner in a really nice restaurant along Kuta beach (behind Discovery Mall).  

When saw these tables in the pool, we straightaway pointed out we wanna sit there.  Seriously, it was so comical to think of it now.  Got proper table and chair on dry land don't wanna sit.  Purposely pick on table & chairs in the water and have our feet soaked till all wrinkly.  Lols.... Really arr... like from some kampung only....hahaha... suaku!

And that, pretty much concluded our trip.  We had such great time.  Already start thinking for our the next destination.  Ahh.....

Bali (Part 4) - Shopping & Comel-ing in (Ubud, Uluwatu)

Meko, no, not the statue above, but our driver during our trip in Bali.  He work as a full time driver for a travel agency in Bali and freelances whenever there are private bookings.  Got to know him thru a friend two years ago and engaged him to drive us around for some last minute shopping when I was there last year with Harrison. 

Note: If you are one of those traveller who researched your destinations before hand, it is not necessary to join a local tour or engage a guide when you are in Bali.  You can just engage a driver for half day or full day depending on your itinerary.  Just tell them where you like to go and they will drive you. ;)  Cheaper too.  We paid our's for about IDR700,000 (RM250approx.) for one and a half day service which include a 7-seaters MPV too.

Meko was already at our lobby when we were on way to breakfast.  He said better be early than late.  After some quick bites, off we went, out exploring this beautiful island.  Though it was my second trip, I never get bored.  We went thru Batu Bulan (stone carving) and Mas (wood carving).  

In Celuk (silver), we stopped in one of the many silver shops.  Amongst thousands of masterpieces, these two pieces caught our attention.  Terri loves the lizard and as for the butterfly pendant/brooch, we wanted to get for a friend as a gift. But didn't in the end cause their prices were too rigid.  Not much room for bargaining.  Ish...!  

Workers at the silver shop working on a piece.

As usual, along the way, all over Bali, we see structure like these.  Beautiful...

When we were in Ubud, Meko brought us to one of the biggest art gallery.  Wanted to find some nice pieces but their prices were... hmm... too difficult to bargain.  Having no experience in art pieces, not sure how much are they worth or how to evaluate if the pieces are genuine. Didn't buy any in the end too. 

After all the boring stuff, comes the more interesting stuff, shopping!  Meko dropped us off at this Ubud Market where we gone mad shopping & bargaining.  Yeah, this the place where they throw calculator.  Lols... Nolar, actually it was just one stall that does that.  But still, it is very hard to bargain here.  The bargaining process can just drag on and on.  Rather draining.... We spent about 2 hours there I think.  Personally, I love the atmosphere in Ubud market.  The weather there is not as hot as in Kuta.  It's quite pleasurable to walk around there.  Just don't buy.  :p

After all the hardwork, we were famished.  Wanted to try their famous Babi Guling (which I did not try last time).  The moment we walked in, the smell of 'pork' were so overwhelming.  :p  The babi guling were just so-so only.  That will certainly be our first and also our last.  Just cant have a table full of porks.  :p

Left Ubud for Uluwatu after lunch.  On way, saw this really cool bike.  See how friendly they are... If it is over here arr.... "Ma Fu lat... what you staring at arr????"

When we finally arrived at Uluwatu, Terri went... "Wah... very nice hor?!".  Am glad she likes it.  She went to Bali with zero expectation and gave me the free reign to organise whatever I want.  Knowing her being not much of a sightseeing person (no sun, no hot kind too), I was a little worried.  But I have love Uluwatu when I first saw it and insisted that she should go too.    

I tell you arr... the process of taking this picture arr, was horrendous.  I stood there for so long and she went... "Move your hand a bit to the left, higher, oh no no, lower a bit, right right slowly...." and all she took is this!  I wanted to have the Pagoda on my palm!  Not this piece of flat don't know what thing... lols...  When I saw the picture, I almost died laughing....!

Beautiful sunset.  The clouds were a little not-up-to-expectation that evening.

This one taken at the other side of the cliff.  My favourite spot was taken that day.  I couldn't sit on the edge and dangle my feet.

Terri enjoying the sunset.

Beautiful.

I thought this photo of us look so cute with both our heads tilting in one direction.  Like cartoon only... lols... The beauty of this place is, other than its' scenery, they have helpful staff stationed at all the various photography spots to help tourists who need someone to take a photo for them.  Very thoughtful isn't it.  Eliminating the need to scout for honest looking fellow tourist to help who might run away with our camera after we said 'Cheezz'. :p

Terri directed this shot.  She said... "You walk... walk down the stairs... then look back..."...  Nice hor?  Though a bit blur, I like it.  The guys by the side, were some local tourist who finds us very comical.  Well, they kinda somehow blended in pretty well too.  Like I am the artist... they are the fans like that... hahahaha...

As we walked on, spotted this guy posed like a superman against the beautiful sunset.  Pretty cool huh?  And so, after he left...

we did just that.

And we did it twice too!  hahaha...  It has since been our favourite pictures of the trip!  

Another beautiful sunset shot.

Bali (Part 3) - DoubleSix & "Extra Service"?

As I was going thru my usual morning ritual (reading blogs), I came across something rather disturbing.  I didn't know they have surgery to slit the corners of your eyes to make them look bigger and longer.  All these while, I thought there is to eye surgeries are just double eyelids, eye bag removal, lifting of droopy eyes.  Gosh...  I told a friend after that... "Thank God we are born pretty... at least there is no NEED to spend for such corrective surgeries.  We only need to spend on extras like clothes, shoes & make ups."...lols... Seriously... the extend one would go.

Back to Bali.  Freshened up after dinner and off we went, down to 'DoubleSix', the most happening club in Bali to meet up with a girlfriend of mine who were coincidentally also there in Bali too for a wedding.  Terri was rather reluctant to go but I dragged her along.  We, after all, had had a long day.  I was tired too.  But thought, what's the possibility of meeting another friend in Bali?  And good ones too.  If not now, when will we have the opportunity to check out DoubleSix?

'DoubleSix', though most talkabout, it was the crappiest club for us.  Just not our kind of club - techno, yucks!  We left about 30 minutes later.  We were both trying so hard not to doze off... lols... crap!  No more DoubleSix or double whatever... total crap! :p

Note: For those of you fancy 'techno', DoubleSix is situated in Legian/Seminyak area.  It opens at 12midnight and charge a cover charge of IDR150,000/person for entrance which include 1 drink.  And when you have mustered enough courage from the intoxication, you can have a go at their bungee jump.  IDR500,000/jump for Asians and IDR1,000,000/jump for angmohs. :p

Getting a taxi back to our hotel alone was a big feat.  Full of dramas.  Not only were the fares exorbitantly high, it was a nerve wrecking experience too.  Lols...  We were so relieved when we finally got back to our hotel safe & sound.  Phew!

Outside the club, we were surrounded by taxi drivers offering their prices. When we finally settled for a price, the driver led us to his taxi.  We got a shock of our life cause it was not a taxi at all.  It was a black MPV with black tinted windows.  A typical serial rapist/killer set up.  I tell you... so scary lor...  We automatically grabbed each other's hand and went 'No.. no.. no..' and fled.  

Found another taxi soon enough after that, a real taxi, settled for a price, hopped on, and off we went.  We were both so relieved.  Half way thru, the cab driver went... "You like dancing?? Want to go local clubs?".  We were like... "Ermm.. no, no.  Hotel.".  Another minute passed as he was driving thru some dark alleys, he asked again... "You want EXTRA services??".  And I thought I heard wrongly.  One look at Terri confirmed she heard exactly what I thought I heard.  Cause we were both staring at each other, at the back of the taxi, jaw dropped.  WTF?!?  Lols....  This time round, we answered simultaneously, loud and clear..."No.. no.. no... no... we want to go back to hotel!!!".  

When we relate this incident to our driver the next day, he had a good laugh.  He said, maybe the taxi driver wanted the 'extra service' and we both gagged.  Ewwww..... :p  Hahahahaha...

Bali (Part 2) - An Exciting Start!

Our vacation started off pretty excitingly.  First, I accidentally checked-in Terri's unlock luggage (which she didn't want to have it check in) and secondly, upon arrival in Ngurah Rai Airport, we were both being asked to go into a special room behind the immigration counters *scary*.

Due to some transportation hiccups, Terri arrived at LCCT as I was queuing up to check-in our tickets.  As she was on the phone throughout, I signaled to her that I'll do the checking-in and she can go continue her phone conversation outside.  Leaving behind her luggage, I assumed it was to be check-in.  And so, I did, just that.  When I met her outside later, she was still on the phone.  Halfway thru she dropped her phone suddenly and went... 

Terri: "You checked-in my luggage also??  I got no lock.  Shit..." 

Me: "Huh?  I didn't know.  Checked-in already, nevermind la... anything expensive inside?"

Terri: "Not really la..."

Me: "Worst worst only your undies... the immigration officer will have a great time sniffing them... hahahaha...."

Terri: "Iiiye....shit...!"

The weather was really bright and sunny when we touched down in Ngurah Rai at 12:45pm.  When it was our turn at the immigration counter, instead of getting our passports stamped and move along like others, we were asked to go into this little office behind the counters.  We were like... o.O *wtf!*

In my head I was like... "Did they found anything illegal in our luggages?" even though the most illegal thing that I can think of for a muslim country are just my g-strings... :p "Or maybe something is wrong with our passports?"... hmm...

We entered the office as we were told and a fierce looking officer came over, took away our passports without saying another words.   As we sat nervously in the office, glancing around not knowing what to expect, I spotted a sign on top of the door way of another smaller room in the office that reads "Kepala Seksi".  I nudged Teri. "Kepala Seksi"?? (Sexy Head??)... That's when we started our giggling.  We just finds it extreme funny.  Sexy Head????  Maybe we are called into this office because we are sexy?  We looked around, there were another 2 person in the room and they were no where near sexy.  Then we thought, the head of Sexy Department must be super sexy.  Just then, a man walked thru that door way.  He was anything but sexy.  We have another bout of giggling...

There we were, gone all mad, coming up with all sorts of explanation for the sign - self entertaining.  Were giggling non-stop.  Tried to stifle our giggles but it only made it worst.  Lols.... As I was wiping away my tears, another officer emerged and handed back our passports and we were told that we are good to go.  Thank God!  He must have thought those were tears of fright!  Lols.....

We found out later that what happened was, we were supposed to get a visa on arrival first prior to queuing up at the immigration counter.  Assuming that Indonesia & Malaysia are abang alik (brothers), we happily skipped the 'visa on arrival' counters and went straight to the immigration counter.  Naturally when it was our turn, we were not allowed to pass.  So, instead of asking us to queue all over again, the officer just help us to sort it out while we waited. :p

NOTE: Queue for the 'Visa on Arrival' first.  Only after that, queue for immigration clearance.

Collected our luggages after that.  Yeah, Terri's undies are still there.  No traces of being sniffed before.  Hehehehehe...

Got a cab and headed for our hotel in Kuta - The Adhi Jaya Hotel.  I know, I know.  It sounded like some budget 'ciplak' (lousy) hotel.  But really, it was alright.  Exterior nicely landscaped.  Interior adequately furnished.  Could be better.  Smacked right in the middle of Kuta, within walking distance to everywhere.  Super convenient lor...

Note:  If you did not make any prior arrangement for airport pick up, you can easily grab a cab from the airport.  Just go to the taxi counter on your right as you walk out of the airport (situated among money changers/car rental counters).  The taxi fare are fixed and pretty reasonable.

Upon checking in, we were given a pile of vouchers - breakfast la, tea la, welcoming drink la, discount vouchers la... After dropping our luggages in the room, we headed straight to it's restaurant to redeem our welcoming drink.  Since it was already way past lunch, we decided to redeem for 'tea time' too!

We had 'Creme Caramel Tea'.  Though smelled heavenly, tasted so-so only.  Nevertheless, I thought it was lovely. Terri thought it tasted kinda like suin suin sook sook (sourish).  :p  We waited patiently for them to serve some snacks to go with our tea.  Waited and waited... until we couldnt wait any longer  and stopped a waitress who were walking passed,  "Is that all or will there be any light snacks served?".  She replied... "Erm... that's all.".

That's all.  Our tea time.  Just these stale tasting miserable chocolate chips cookies.  One for each of us... *gulp*.  Must han han eat... (eat slowly).  We could've order some food but neither of us were hungry.  I guess we were more excited to explore Kuta!

We scouted around for a spa after that.  Made appointments for our pampering sessions at a later hour and off we went, out exploring Kuta town.  Terri kept exclaiming "I love Bali already!".  Hahaha... We walked around and window shopped to gauge their prices as we nibbled on some super yummy seaweed tempura junk food.  I really do hope they sell them here too.  Super love it lor...  

Spotted these - "Bagus Watch".  The good fake watch.  Hehehe...

It was pampering sessions after that.  To be precise, 4 hours long pampering session which include body massages, scrub, wrap, flower bath, pedi & mani.  And all those only for less than RM140/person.  We felt like a queen!

The treatment room have two beds and two tubs.  After all the kneading, scrubbing and wrapping, we soaked ourselves in the drawn hot water bath with flower petals, chit chatted while enjoying our hot tea.  Total bliss!

Note for spa virgins: In case it is your first time and not sure what to expect, fret not.  Strip and changed into the disposable undies provided and lie face down on the bed.  The masseurs will guide you thru the rest of the session. ;) - I am talking about strictly 'Ladies' Only' spa ok.  I am not sure what goes on behind the closed doors of 'Gentlemen's Spas'. :p  You know, those that have 'extra services'.  But one thing for sure is, don't think they have a need for a disposable undies. :p

Terri having her mani and pedicure done after the blissful session.

And me, opted for 'hair treatment' and foot torturing (reflexology) instead of mani & pedi. You should see that piece of THING (torturing equipment) she used to poke my feet.  

Our new found friend, Michelle.  She was there with her mommy.  They are Mongolians based in Beijing.  I tell you, her mommy is so pretty.  Even after 3 kids.  And now I have a reason to believe that all Mongolians look like Altantuya.

After all the pampering, we went for some good dinner at this seafood restaurant opposite Paradiso Hotel.  We were famished.

We had this... some kind of deep fried brinjal.  Yummy!

And this of course, Bali's famous Gurame Fish.

And this too, if I remembered correctly, some kind of 'Fan Clam'.  It was a good dinner.  We sat there a little while longer, watched all the happenings around us - tourists walking up & down, restaurants calling out to tourists, horse carriages clinking past.  And Terri went again... "I love Bali.  We should make this a yearly affair!"... hehehe...