Hi everyone,
Trip was my partner and I for our 2 year anniversary and to relieve the stress of my exams which I finished a few weeks ago.
Flew out on Thursday 23rd June at 7.15am with Garuda. No problems, straight through immigration - didnt get fingerprints scanned, but saw all the machines for it.
Stayed at the Bali Rani Hotel. Couldnt check in as it was too early so we stored our bags and walked to Matahari. Met my mum (who was over there for her surprise 50th birthday) at the cafe next to Matahari (always forget the name - Dungang maybe?). Also organised the Safari package for the next day.
We went and checked in - big surprise when we found out we had been assigned to a room with 2 single beds and we couldnt be moved due to lack of spare rooms. They pushed the beds together and moved us the next day, but it made for an uncomfortable night LOL.
Dinner at Beras Morah/Merah? across from Discovery. I figured I would do the right thing and order Indonesian food so got a Nasi Bedang (i think it was called that). Bit too strange for me. The beef was in pieces asnd I think it had been poached so was very very very soft - almost a pudding texture. Then I tried this thing on the plate that I can only describe as looking and feeling a bit like some jellyfishy thing from the deep. Ate the whole piece and wasnt sure about the taste. Rowan (a chef) couldnt identify it either. Asked the waiter and he told me it was pig! Not like any pork Ive tasted before - though omg i've eaten some offal or something. Turned out the waiter was a trainee and it was actually jackfruit! Oh how we laughed.
Day 2 was SAfari Park Day. We chose the Leopard Package for 800,000 - SO worth it. Rowan loved the elephant ride (he had never done before
), the lunch was YUMMY (even though I unknowingly at fish - something I avoid pretty much at all costs - and enjoyed it!!) and the elephant show was just mindblowing. The acting in that show was incredible. ANd it had a good message too. Held the orangutan and cuddled the tiger. All in all a great day. Went to Maccaroni on Legian St for dinner - delish! Had the spicy chicken with potato risotto (unfortunately had mushroom which I dont eat) and Rowan had pork ribs with chips and coleslaw. And of course - cocktails!!
Went to Waterbomb next day - expensive day it was. We had a great time on all the rides - I couldnt bring myself to do the new Climax ride - the floor falling out from under you was too much for me.
Had a afternoon snack at Rosso Vivo on the beach - yum iced caramel blend.
REst of the trip was just shopping - mainly in Poppies II. Bought lots of clothes for Rowan from Dorro - his shopin the last big one on the left hand side before Bounty Hotel and that stretch of no shops. Lovely man with new baby - if you go there tell him Rowan and Ashleigh say hi!
Went to Alta Moda to get some quotes and samples of material for Rowans sisters wedding. Amazing place.
Had a lovely grill at Italia Pizzeria (?) next to Matahari.
Had Dim Sum at Golden Century in front of Discovery - SO GOOD, recommend it. The Beijing duck was especially good, as well as the BBZ pork dumplings and these fried meat dumplings which were amazing.
Massage at Shinkei Spa - could not believe how good the foot massage was.
Got my hair chemically straightened at Bella Spa in Poppies II. They are so lovely there, I always get them to do my hair - whether it be a cream bath or the full on straightening. Adam is the hairdresser there - lovely man.
Got some pants repaired and copied for Rowans mum from the tailor in our hotel (Valentino collections) - she just tried them on and says they are great.
Very sad when I woke up this morning - had my bag all packed, and getting into a taxi was devastating. Paid the 100,000 for the Dewa lounge - fully worth it.
Rate varied from 7100 to 7800.
Anyhoo thats about it - any questions please ask.
Thanks for reading
Ashleigh