Before reading this review, it might help to know some background of the writer. I often could not get an accurate impression from previous reviews because they were written by non-Asians. Coming from Malaysia, my standards are very much higher because food is actually much cheaper in Malaysia, and I have sampled some of the most delectable nasi goreng in Kuala Lumpur. I am a well-travelled 28 year old Malaysian Chinese female, who has spent much time in Australia.
(+): indicates the plus points for the day
(-): indicates disappointments for the day
Day 1: 22 Jan 2005
We arrived the Kuala Lumpur airport at 8.45am to catch the early flight to Bali. Unfortunately Air Asia's plane was grounded and we were delayed until the evening flight departing at 5pm. Finally arrived Melia Bali Nusa Dua hotel at 9.30pm and had a fantastic Balinese dinner at Bumbu Bali nearby.
(+): The Melia Bali was very beautiful, the entrance and lobby area was breathtaking
(+): We made it on time for dinner at Bumbu Bali, last order 10pm. They provided free transport
(+): The meal itself was fascinating, our meal for 4 came to Rp300,000.
(-): Air Asia provided us with only 1 McChicken and 1 bottled water as compensation for the 6.5 hour delay
(-): I had expected the rooms at Melia Bali to be a little bigger, even by Asian standards.
(-): The Melia Bali hotel room was very damp, it was a little uncomfortable sleeping. I do not know if this was because I was placed at the ground floor.
(-): No bedroom slippers provided, the floor felt very damp and sticky to walk on. Still, I can't complain too much for USD$62 a night.
Day 2: 23 Jan 2005
I started the day with a horrible tummy ache and vomiting at 2am. I have a more sensitive stomach than the rest, it may have been due to the flight delays, or food from Bumbu Bali which the rest didn't eat. After 6 charcoal pills, 2 Bascopan pills for gas and 2 Ponstan painkillers, I had to call a doctor at 4am to my hotel room to stop my vomiting (which had by then reached its 10th time). But the rest of the morning was enjoyable by the seaside, in the swimming pool and at the jacuzzi (chargeable at USD7++ per person per day). We checked out of Melia Bali and proceeded to the more touristy area, Kuta Beach. Cost of Bluebird metered taxi from Melia to Mercure Kuta was Rp36,000. Our taxi driver gave us a little tour of the area, and we did shopping for the rest of the evening.
(+): When we checked in to Mercure Kuta hotel, the staff brought a cake each for 3 of us celebrating our birthdays in that week, and sang Happy Birthday to us! I had emailed them beforehand about the birthdays, but since they asked me to purchase the cake, I declined then and wasn't expecting any. Very friendly staff at Mercure.
(+): We went out for a quick lunch, and found a fruit platter on our table when we returned.
(+): The environment at Kuta Beach was nice, a little like Surfers Paradise in Gold Coast.
(+): The sunset view was very nice from the rooftop swimming pool of Mercure Hotel
(+): There's a nice restaurant called Bintang a few shops away from the Yulia hotel. Good Nasi goreng at only Rp16,000.
(-): The medical bill was USD$100 for a doc to come and give me 2 injections, and some medication
(-): The sun was scorching hot in Bali, the taxi tour was torturous with his lousy A/C. Choose a newer taxi if possible.
(-): Breakfast at Mercure wasn't very nice, even the omelette tasted weird. The rooms were even smaller than Melia Nusa Dua, though quite comfy. But again, can't complain for USD$46 a night. I would still stay here again.
Day 3: 24 Jan 2005
Met our driver Didin (or Dean) at 9am, who came in a Toyota Kijang 4WD lookalike. We started the day at Denpasar art market, where almost no tourists can be found. A lot of items were at wholesale prices, this is where we bought most handicraft items for very cheap. But we didn't realise how cheap they were until we went to other shopping areas, and wished we had bought more at Denpasar market. For example a simple wooden placemat was Rp7000 at Denpasar market, but up to Rp60,000 at Kuta. Next up was Ubud. It looks very much like the streets of Melaka in Malaysia, with a slightly different architecture. Shopping at Ubud was impossible, prices were ridiculously high and catered to tourists. Couldn't get a single thing here. Somewhat a waste of time coming to Ubud, thankfully the nice lunch made it a bit more worthwhile. Nasi Babi Guling, a combination of roast pork, veggies and rice served in a banana leaf in a basket Rp15,000. This shop was near the Grand Temple, where drivers ate. The name of the place was Okra something. Finally we visited Tanah Lot. Fantastic views. We arrived Tanah Lot at 2.30pm in the scorching sun, and left at 4.30pm where bus loads of tourists were arriving. I was glad to be leaving before the crowds arrived. After a long day, we went back to the hotel for some last minute shopping.
(+): The scenery at Tanah Lot was wonderful, a slight reminder (though nowhere as good) of the Great Ocean Road in Australia.
(+): Dean's car was comfortable and didn't have the musty smell most taxis had. Rp300,000 for the whole day and he spoke good English.
(+): I found the most variety of local T-shirts at Tanah Lot, very cheap at Rp15,000 each.
(-): Dinner at Made Warung was horrid and expensive. I thought I had read some good reviews of this place, but it was horrid by Asian standards. Rp32,000 for nasi goreng is ridiculous, and it didn't even taste nice. They pushed us into a little corner, sharing a table because there were only 2 of us.
Day 4: 25 Jan 2005
Not much excitement this morning, spent some time at the beach taking photos. Had an uneventful journey back home.
Interesting facts about Bali:
- The population of Bali comprises of 90% Hindus, surprisingly pork is everywhere and halal food is hard to find if you need it.
- Balinese people spend a great deal on ceremonies and "offerings", which is a woven tray the size of your hand with flowers and rice/meat inside. These offerings are put at the roadside twice a day, and you have to be careful not to step on them. A lot ceremonies, processions and offerings are given to the victims of the recent tsunami.