Day 4
This morning we were all set to visit Waterbom but unfortunately B had woken with a head cold and J had stomach cramps and all the rest of it. Nothing major but enough to keep her at the hotel for the day. We don't think it was anything she ate or drank or touched, just the inevitable "Bali Bum" that you get halfway through your holiday. This was the day that Reception kept bothering them. So OH and I set out to Kuta on our own, not to go to Waterbom but just to visit Centro and Matahari's etc. Things have changed, Centro's usually fabulous shoe department was a little lack lustre but Matahari's made up for it. And what I didn't buy in handbags this trip (only 3 bags!! Who would have thought!) I made up for in shoes...he he he. After not being to Bali in 2 years the shoes I bought last time are starting to a) wear out and b) get boring! They of course had huge sales, like 70% off but if you look closely the prices were hiked up for the sale, all in all though I got some really nice and comfy shoes for around AU$10 pair. There of course was limited styles in my size (39/40) but that is to be expected. Also bought some too cute outfits for our friend's new twins at Matahari's, the most gorgeous baby Safari suits and some basic newborn stuff. Visited Ours for lunch before heading back to the hotel to check on B and J. J hadn't improved but B was feeling much better so after a lazy nanna nap and a bit of a swim we headed back to Ours for dinner. As usual Ours was great, I think the food has improved here since last visit although I was very disappointed to find they no longer make Bali Moon Eclipse cocktails so had to settle for a Margherita instead. Staff, as always, are fantastic. They always come up and chat but seem to know the right time to leave you to it.
Oh the other thing, we visited a Guardian Pharmacy today to try get some cold and flu stuff for B and some anti-sting stuff for my bloody mozzie bites (no one else was bitten and I doused myself in Indo-strength repellent constantly but it wasn't enough). They had nothing decent for colds and little more than savlon stuff for my bites (which we already had) and they were charging more than what you'd pay in an Australian pharmacy. A couple of days later we visited an Apotek and found exactly what were looking for and it costs us about 40 000 rupiah (just over AU$5). We just asked a local where the nearest Apotek was and they gave us directions and the girls spoke very good English. We went to the big one near the Bintang Supermarket.
Day 5
Lazy day today as J was still feeling a little tender. OH and I went back to the Healing Centre as we figured we looked as though we had a highly contagious tropical disease we might as well put it to use and get these guys to work on our problem spots. This was the best massage I've had. It has taken 2 weeks for the pain to return in my shoulder. After treatment in Australia (massage, chiro etc) it usually takes less than a week so I reckon money well spent although wouldn't get the cups again as I like my summer dresses too much! We all looked a sight when we went for a swim, all 4 of us with this big round bruises all over our back LOL! Had lunch at Wayan and Friends. Their Mie Goreng is still top notch, best in Bali, I was very pleased to find. After speaking to a couple from the Lokha about their trip to the Safari Park we decided to go tomorrow. OH and I were going to go but B and J weren't going to so we were going to do it while we were in Ubud.
As it was Valentines Day, OH took me out to dinner at La Lucciola in Seminyak. Was beautiful as usual. The sunset really was amazing and this time we knew how to work our camera properly so got some fantastic sunset shots. Food as divine and service 5 star but it was so bloody windy our napkins, straws and garnishes kept flying off our plates LOL. My parmesan landed in my lap and the poor waiter lurking in the background copped a faceful of basil leaves! Still though, the staff insisted whenever we got up, even to take 2 steps to get a better shot, on draping our napkin over the side of the chair even though it ALWAYS blew off. Made us chuckle anyway.
After dinner we caught up with B and the feeling much better now J at Ours. Got there just in time for a last Happy Hour round, chilled out and had a few drinks before heading home. We really wanted to take them to the Hulu Cafe show at the Bali Beach Shack but everytime we tried one of us wasn't well or we were all literally dead on our feet. Tonight was one of them and our last chance so we gave it a miss. One of the many things they put on their 'next time' list. So nice to hear a couple of Bali virgins say 'next time'! You know you've successfully converted them; well the charms of the island have anyhow.
Day 6
J and B's last day in Bali and our last day at the Lokha. The other couple from the Lokha's driver, Agus, arrived spot on time to take us the Safari Park. He charged 300 000 for transport and entry fees were US$25 each. Not sure if we could have got the transport costs cheaper, I know there is a shuttle bus but hear that this can be tricky with the times etc. Figured we hired him for almost a whole day so it was probably fair enough. This got us the safari bus trip, a photo sitting with an animal and free entry everywhere else.
We just loved the Safari Park and took SOOOOOO many photos. We had a professional shot with the baby tiger. The lion looked so out of it, we didn't want to have our photo with it but the tiger seemed very alert and playful. We also had a sitting with Efi, the baby orang-utan but she was a bit grumpy when we were there and really didn't want to be sitting people's laps. I can understand why. It must be very boring for her. She was beautiful though, and her hands and feet were sooooo soft. I wasn't expecting that.
B and J got their elephant ride that they'd wanted badly on this trip. It cost them an extra 100 000 rupiah in addition to their entrance fee and they enjoyed it very much. Meanwhile I fed 2 very naughty elephants and had a great time. I really love elephants and it is always nice to be able to get up close to them. We then all wandered down to watch the elephants have a bath. Took lots of photos. You just don't get this close to animals in Australia (good reasons why I know) but it is really nice to be able to interact with them. During the bath, we were sitting right at the front and the elephants would come up and touch your hand with their trunk (looking for food no doubt).
We had lunch at the Lion's Restaurant. It was very nice, a little more expensive than the rest of Bali but you expect that in a theme park don't you! Still cheaper than home. It was great to be able to see the sleeping lion in the toilets but I wonder, is the lion enclosed in that small area all the time just so we can have the novelty of seeing him when we wash our hands?
After a big day, a relaxing swim and a last minute trip to Ketut's for all that 'handi' stuff we'd forgotten about last time it began to rain. And rain. And rain. And rain. There was thunder and lightning and the works. We decided though that we'd be damned if we were staying in and decided to go to Ultimo's again (namely because everyone wanted to try the creme brulee again!). We were originally going to just wander down the street and find a place to eat but with this rain we just went straight back to Ultimo's. On the way the roads were almost flooded, water was lapping at the doors of the shops along Jl Legian. We've never been to Bali in this type of weather before and it was amazing. The taxi pushed on although it did give a few shudders. There was no way the bikes were able to get through and at one point the water was halfway up the tyres on a Kijang. Although no way of telling that was all across the road as they're not exactly level! We were joking that our rooms might get flooded, before we left the water was almost at patio level. I replied that if it did at least we'd be okay because I'd be able to bail the water out with my giant Tupperware container!! Already just so 'handi'!
As B went to sit down at Ultimo's he disturbed a distinguished and well loved old dog. After ascertaining that he wasn't going to bite and just wanted somewhere to sit out of the rain he settled under B's chair and didn't move an inch the entire time we were there except to give us a little nuzzle in the hand each to say goodbye. He was obviously owned by someone and was a lovely old dog (the usual 'Bali' breed but in much better condition). The waiters tried to shoo him (but he couldn't or wouldn't hear them) but we told them that if they were fine with him, we were. It is so nice to see well loved animals in Bali. He didn't have a collar but had a collar mark, if that makes sense and I'm sure the staff knew who he was because they seemed relieved when we told them he could stay. Too wet outside for such an old boy.
Anyhow, Ultimo's was as we expected. B shook things up a bit and had lasagne this time! When it came time for desserts of course the boys decided they 'couldn't possibly fit it in but you go for it girls'. We'd already ordered. Then after the waiter left, laid down the ground rules. You didn't order dessert so don't expect to eat ANY of ours. Our creme brulee's arrived and lo and behold boys are feeling well enough to just 'have a little bit'. After a heated discussion we allowed them and then from the looks on their faces gobbled the rest down before they could scoop any more out. Will have to savour the creme brulee another time. Maybe I'll go by myself...
Made our way back to the hotel, had a few drinks on the patio watching the thunderstorm and then said our goodbyes and went to bed. We had an early start in the morning to Singaraja and B and J were flying out at 2pm. It turns out that their driver arrived at 1030 instead of 1130 so our recommendations for the Departure Lounges came in very handy and they definitely got more bang for their buck there! They went to the Prada as they couldn't find the Dewa but my parents tried the Dewa last time and agreed with other posters that it was better than the Prada. I priced them and the Prada was more expensive by 50 000 rupiah. We didn't bother with either in the end as we got there a little later than expected and it was just as easy to buy some fries and chill out at one of the restaurants.
To come....Singaraja/Lovina and Ubud.