13th OF JULY
BALI BUGGIES
Once we were safely back in Sanur we began the LONG one and a half hour journey to the Bali Buggy tour. Ideally we would normally do this tour from Ubud but I had a late conflict in our schedule and I could not miss the Bali Buggy experience all together. Thankfully the Bali Buggy manager was very kind and wisely provided us with a private driver without charging us extra.
I must say that we passed the most beautiful rice paddies on our journey to the Bali Buggy location. Once we arrived we scoffed the buffet lunch and were eager to begin tearing around in the Bali buggies. Unfortunately the staff seemed a bit more sensible and took their time setting us up.
I had read that this tour was a lot of fun and a great day out. However, I seem to have also glossed over the JBR warnings about the enormous pot holes and steep downward hills let alone the ginormous roar that the buggies make.
To say that you get dirty on this tour is a complete understatement. I had a great belly laugh when I saw my poor husband's face caked in dirt. My laughter stopped when he proved to me that my face was even dirtier! You cannot stay a princess for long on this tour.
But let's face it we were as happy as pigs in ... mud!
Once again I would have preferred for the pack to go slower so I could enjoy the scenery but this was not to be. Now that I am safely back at home I can say that this tour was awesome. Tearing around the track, seeing village life and the magnificent rice paddies was just sensational but as common sense would tell you, you had to be careful as these machines could easily run out of control with an inexperienced buggy driver ie me!
THE CONRAD
Once we were thoroughly filthy it was time to head towards Nusa Dua and check into our 5 star glamorous hotel - The Conrad. We had to laugh out loud when Hubby thought he had cleaned himself up well enough to accept their refreshment face towel. He was wrong as the towel turned brown in a flash! Oops!
Needless to say the Conrad was a sophisticated modern resort with a huge pool. On our arrival we were pleasantly surprised to learn that we had been upgraded to the Conrad suites which has access to an exclusive section of the hotel. This suite was at least 3/4 of the size of our house back home. We were assigned a personal assistant who introduced us to all of the gadgets and the classy decor.
We set off to explore the hotel and found ourselves at Suku where there were dancers entertaining the audience with a back drop of the Conrad's beautifully lit pool and garden with the ocean in the distance. We were lucky to get a table right out the front and we enjoyed a wonderful posh dinner here.
We loved the fact that they gave you a pen shaped light to read the menu in the candle light. The test tube olive oil and balsamic vinegar added to the classy atmosphere.
We were delighted to see that they had creme brulee on the menu. We fell in love with Brulee in France and have been in search of a great brulee ever since. I must confess that the water palace did offer a sensational brulee but the Conrad served you 4 different flavours of brulee. With the combination of the setting, the dancers, the music, the cocktails, the gracious waiters, and the magnificent brulee we felt thoroughly indulged which provided a suitable ending to our last full night in Bali.
The morning also delivered us some pleasant surprises as we explored the beautiful hotel grounds in day light. When we arrived for breakfast at the exclusive suites breakfast area we were given the usual option of breakfast meals.
We decided to go for a serve of eggs each and also indulge in some waffles as well as some banana pancakes. (Well, it was our last breakfast in Bali:D) As soon as we placed our order another waitress invited us to partake in the breakfast buffet AS WELL! (We had no idea that a buffet was available too!)! It was a bit of a struggle but we managed to devour the whole lot. The banana pancakes were absolutely superb!! :D
Although we had a great time and the staff were very professional and helpful I would not go back to the Conrad again. It lacked the rich Balinese feel for me. It was a bit too modern and 'perfect' for my liking. Also the fact that my husband and I were unable to enjoy the jacuzzi TOGETHER was also a bit odd and to make it worse the pool was freezing.
Can anyone tell me what the deal was with the beach bags on the beach bales? Were they complimentary with free goodies or did everyone coincidentally buy the same bag and put their own similar belongings in it?
Check out the photos at http://smedley.id.au/BaliSpoilers7
MY HASSLE SAVING TIPS FOR BALI NEWBIES BEFORE YOU GO...
TIP: Do the Bali Buggy tour when you are staying in Ubud. Apparently Ubud is only 30 minutes away.
TIP: Bring wide sunglasses to protect your eyes from the dirt of the that the buggies kick up.
TIP: Bring a change of clothes and leave your tiara at home.
TIP: Be aware that if you are tall your knees will rub on the buggy.
TIP: Be aware that the buggies are LOUD.
TIP: Keep one foot on the accelerator and one foot ready over the brake. If you do not accelerate enough the motor may cut out especially down hill.
TIP: Be aware that this will not be a clean, smooth or quiet ride.
Once you understand this you will enjoy the tour a lot more:)
TIP: I believe that the Conrad have a dance performance on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Suku.
TIP: The Conrad make the best banana pancakes in the world! (according to my research:P)