Part 2
Waterbom Park was on our list of things to do. We decided to do it early on in the trip as it was still reasonably quiet. Over 1,000,000rp later...we had a ball. Yes it is very expensive but I would much rather go to Waterbom than Adventure World at home. I thought the idea of the wrist band was good so that you could lock your valuables away & not have to worry about them. My daughter LOVED the kid's area and constantly wanted to be showered by the huge cup that dumped water. Honestly I think the adults were more excited than the kids!! Was a good day and look forward to going back in April.
After Waterbom we checked out Discovery Plaza. Last time we were in Bali it was still being built so it was interesting to see it. I don't think we bought anything but wandered around for a couple of hours. We played in the Timezone like area which my daughter loved and it was soooo cheap. She also got a ride on an electric elephant that walked around the shopping centre. Made her day and it was only $1!!!
Xmas eve we headed off to Bali Safari & Marine Park. Initially we were in two minds whether to go but in hindsight we are so glad we did go!! It is really well designed and worth every cent. We had Jack pick us up at about 9am and take us. We were lucky enough that Jack is allowed to come in and act as a tour guide. I'm so glad we had him to show us around as everything was timed so well and we didn't have to wait in line for anything, he knew what to do first and where to go next. As soon as we got there he grabbed the pram and led the way. We had pictures with the orang-utans and baby tigers, they were all so cute. Still surprises me that you are allowed to take your own pictures too. The shows weren't too long and although a tad boring, had a good environmental message. When watching the elephant show Jack sat us in a spot and told my mum to put her hand up when they asked for a volunteer. Surprisingly she was selected and as she was walking up he whispered to her to stand last. She did and received a kiss from the elephant!! The Safari bus was brilliant especially being that close to the animals. Pity we couldn't open the windows and chuck the RUDE Japanese/American guy out of the window, who insisted on talking on his mobile phone loudly the whole time. My dad and I finally had enough and turned around and told him how rude he was and that he should apologise to the tour guide for talking so loudly throughout her whole presentation. He then proceeded to threaten my 70 year old father and tell him that he (my dad) was rude for interrupting his phone call!!! Put a bit of a dampener on the day but we soon got over it. We chose not to have lunch at the park as we wanted to go to Ubud too but will definitely eat there next time and investigate the kid's water play area.
A couple of days we walked the streets of Sanur and by the end of the trip decided Sanur was for us. We went to Kuta twice and within half an hour wanted to leave again...each to their own and personal opinion! We just found Kuta a little too hustle and bustle especially with a child. In April we are staying in Tuban (trip was booked before our Sanur stay)
One day we did shopping in Denpasar, only going to a couple of shopping areas and treating Jack to McDonalds (was the only meal he accepted!!) and they on to Tanah Lot. I was surprised by all the market stalls on the walk in to Tanah Lot and they weren't at all pushy. Perhaps they get a lot of business so don't have to worry so much?! Tanah Lot was PACKED!!! Along with the normal tourists it was also holiday time for the locals from Jakarta etc. The crowds were enormous and we chose not to watch the sunset, been there done that. We did go to a cliff top restaurant but the name eludes me. Personally I wasn't overly impressed. The menu was seafood or seafood and I'm not that into seafood. We did order some grilled fish but it only came with steamed rice & steamed pak choy, no other option. Let's just say we had dinner twice that night LOL
I found a nice little salon opposite our hotel that was reasonably priced. My daughter got her toes and fingers painted for 70 000rp and the second time even got a foot & hand massage!! In between the manicures, pedicures, leg massages, shoulder massages and cream hair baths at Chic Salon in Sanur, we managed a little bit of shopping!!
I was impressed by the shops at Bali? Kuta? Galleria. We managed to spend up big in the first three shops we went into. Everything was on sale so I had too!! Polo had 50% off store wide, kid's shops had 30-70% off and Matahari had the same. What made me laugh were the signs that said 50% + 20% off and somehow in the end it worked out to 65% off?! I got a really nice handbag for 70% off and was stoked as it was my first real purchase for myself, other than my Gucci glasses from Garlic Lane that had the 'G' upside down on one side (which I didn't realise until that night). My mum stayed in her hotel that day (The Griya Santrian) as she was unwell, so we dragged my 70 year old dad with us. He was such a trooper and enjoyed wandering through ACE hardware. He even bought my mum a handbag and was nearly wrestled by a perfume lady trying to sell him perfume at Matahari. She really really, really wanted a sale! Just a little titbit I found out, the front section that is expensive and for the Japanese is because they are not allowed to bring anything copy in to Japan. Including DVDs, sunnies, bags etc etc that is why they buy the expensive things.
From the Galleria we went to the Ripcurl outlet which was a tad disappointing. Busy, busy and stinking hot. A lot of the clothes were dirty and personally I don't think the bargains were that great. We did go on to the Billabong outlet which I thought was better. It was more organised and although perhaps not as heavily discounted, there were still great bargains. I finally got a red leather handbag that I have always wanted and for 75% off. In the end I believe it cost me $12.
New Years Eve we had a compulsory dinner at the hotel which was incorporated in the package. We received a drink on arrival and a shirt each from the hotel. I must admit it wasn't anywhere near impressive as the New Years Dinner at the Griya Santrian but they tried their best. Dinner lacked variety but we expected as much so had eaten earlier. There was a Ramayana dance which was nice to watch and they also handed out a document telling you the order of the dance. We left at 10.30pm and went back to the room to watch a DVD. The fireworks were unbelievably loud. They had been going off every evening leading up to NY but you can imagine at midnight it was on for young and old!! I laid there thinking that 'this must be what it's like living in a war zone', it was so loud! I'm not a party pooper at all but there were thatched roofs all around and people were letting the fireworks off right underneath them. Our window in our bungalow was lighting up because people were crouching down out front and letting them off, we ended up moving out 4 year olds bed away from the window, just in case. By 1.30am the fireworks had stopped which surprised me, I thought we were in for an all nighter.
New Years Day we headed off to Goa Gajah in Bedulu. I had been there as a teenager but as an adult you see things differently and I found it very interesting. We hired a guide for 20 000rp who told us the history etc. I surprised myself by walking into the cave, only to realise 5 steps in that I don't like enclosed spaces. I had my 4 year old holding my hand and braved the rest. Was steaming inside and the guide told us that during certain ceremonies the priests sit in the alcoves in the dark meditating for days. All I kept thinking was how freaky it would be to walk into a dark cave and see people in the alcoves. We walked down and up all the steps and my 4 year old got blessed. It made her day (...)
From Goa Gajah we headed to Tampaksiring (Tirta Empul) where the Natural baths are. We splashed in the fountain of youth, unfortunately hasn't worked yet! Was a pretty place, as was the President's Residence that overlooks it. Jack was telling me that the old president positioned his rooms so that he could watch the beauties bathing in the springs. Apparently he was a bit of a ladies' man hehe. I believe the residence is no longer in use except for important meetings when official come. There was a school group doing a tour but from what I heard you can't do tours. Such a shame as I'd love to have a peek at how the other half live!!
Off to Candidasa after Goa Gajah. My hubby was feeling really sick all day but stuck it out. He figured he would have felt worse had he stayed in the hotel, me I'm not so sure. By the time we got the Pondok Bambu restaurant he really wasn't well. We had a quick lunch which was lovely and started the 1 ½ hour journey back. Was a shame as we wanted to see the Floating Water Palace but at least we have something else to do in April now. A quick swim in the lukewarm pool and he was back to himself and wanted Fish & Chips from the Star Bistro.
The following day we headed in to Seminyak to check out Biku restaurant. That was one of the things on my to do list - Have high tea at Biku. Boy was I not disappointed. For 65 000rp I received spinach tarts, fruit mince tart, 2 scones with jam & cream, cucumber sandwiches, ham & mustard sw, smoked salmon & cream cheese sw, mini mudcake cupcake, gingerbread man, strawberries & cream and a pot of rose tea. For 35 000rp my daughter had the kid's high tea and which had about the same but had juice, peanut butter s/w, ham s/w, fairy bread and a big cupcake as well as the scones, strawberries, spinach quiches and gingerbread man. All was presented on shabby chic crockery. Was gorgeous and a definite to do for next time too. My hubby had grilled fish with mash & pesto which he refused to share and my dad a sausage roll & chips. Was a really nice experience and was lovely to see our friend Wayan who announced she is pregnant. Her husband Santika works at the Adi Dharma Cottages and is my mother-in-laws Balinese son, having known each other for 12 years. So you can imagine the excitement of a baby!
From Biku we thought we'd check out Nusa Dua. We liked the Bali Connection but noticed that things were definitely pricier than other areas. Nusa Dua was beautiful but personally I think it's a shame about all the security and the fact that the locals aren't allowed to walk around!! It's their land?! So we enjoyed looking but won't be staying there any time soon.
That was our last day (...) our trip didn't go fast at all which was great and we really look forward to heading back in 13 weeks with 26 family and friends for my brothers 40th. Staying at the Santika so will be interesting to see what that's like.
Cheers
Vicki