Day 4 cont..
So we arrived at the Bali Niksoma at 11.40 after a scenic drive from Ubud. We were greeted with a welcome drink and then taken straight to our room. We were in room 103 which was on the ground floor. It was just a hop, skip and jump from the pool which was great. Our verandah at the back looked out onto grass and garden. It was really quite private. We were very excited to see a shower in our bathroom after our bathing issues in Ubud. We got settled in record time and headed off towards Seminyak. We shopped (bought bead necklaces) and tried things on and crossed the street again and again (not so easy with the traffic) because we kept seeing things on the other side of the road that we wanted to look at. Common sense would have been to walk down one side and then back up the other but no, we clearly didn't have any. We were hungry so we decided to walk down to Jl Kunti to find Taco Beach Grill. It was quite a hike but we made it. Once we arrived B2 decided it looked too dodgy (I assured her it came highly recommended from T/A but she couldn't be convinced) so we walked back to Seminyak Cafe (next to Bintang Supermarket). We both had a cheeseburger, fries and coke. I don't have the receipt for this so I can remember the price but it was very reasonable and after walking for what felt like miles the food was enjoyable.
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| Ok not exciting but I do like my food photo |
We then headed into Bintang Supermarket with the intention of buying up big. Well I bought 2 x ponds scrubs and 2 x biore cleansers for my girls (want to see if they like them and if so I will stock up in June/July), 2 x Oil of Olay gift packs for my mum (108750rp for the olay and a cleanser, so cheap), 2 x kispray sachets, 2 x razors (2packs) and 2 x toothbrushes. This came to a grand total of 343,600rp. I didn't buy nearly as much as I thought I would but plan to stock up more next trip. I purchased two pairs of black shorts for my girls in the little shop in the car park, you can get similar shorts in the markets that are cheaper but these were a little bit nicer I think, they love them.
We dumped our shopping in the room and then headed to Circle K (at the end of the Niksoma driveway) to exchange money. Exchange rate 9850rp. We changed money there the whole trip. It was so handy. Then we headed to Santai to see when we could book in for a foot massage. They couldn't fit us in until later (we went here so many times last trip but didn't make it back here again this time) so we decided to try out Briella Spa (at least we are working off all the food and Bintang's). I had a foot massage and B2 had a reflexology. I don't think the spa itself is anywhere as nice as Santai however our massages were excellent and that's the main thing. B2's reflexology masseuse had us in stitches however it's probably not appropriate to share on TA. I don't remember laughing that hard in a very long time, B2 was crying with laughter.
We had dinner at Hitana, I had the rump with pepper sauce which was delicious and B2 had some sort of steak with blue cheese (can't remember exactly).
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| Rump with pepper sauce |
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| Looks the same as above but it was the steak with blue cheese thingy (same same but different)
After dinner we decided to check out Cocoon. What a waste of time, it was dead, possibly because it was so windy. We jumped in a cab and headed to Seminyak. First stop was Zappaz Bar. It was quite busy and had a good band playing. Quite a few people were up having a boogie. We met an ex-pat at the bar and it was lovely talking to her but it was so hard to hear each other. It had a fun vibe but the music wasn't really what we felt like listening too so after a drink and some people watching we headed to the Red Carpet Champagne Bar. We both really liked this venue and preferred the music. You could actually hear each other talk which was a nice touch. I drank beer (San Miguel 4000rp) and B2 drank a sav blanc (9000rp). They handed out free shots and canapés throughout the night which was a nice touch. The food was actually really good. At around 2am we headed to Bali Joes, they had great music and it was good fun as always. We had a boogie and at about 3am we headed to La Vida Loca (at the end of Double Six). This wasn't my type of place so we didn't stay long. Getting a taxi was a bit of an issue and although we weren't far from our hotel there was no way I was walking along the beach road. We got to bed about 4am.
Day 5
Up at 8am.......I have no idea how I managed that after only 4 hours sleep but it must be the holiday environment and not wanting to miss anything. We had our first brekky at the Niksoma and I have to say that it wasn't too impressive on any of the 5 days we ate there. It wasn't awful but it was just nothing special. We exchanged more money (exchange rate 9825rp) and dropped off laundry at JR Laundry in Jl Padma (cost a whole 21500rp, so cheap) then headed to Ketut's. I bought a box of incense for 70000rp and a metal lizard wall art thingy for 30000rp (a gift for my dad, he loves it). We then headed to the markets on the corner of Jl Melasti and I bought two jumpsuits for about 60000rp each. It was soooooo hot and I just could not be bothered bargaining. Might also have something to do with the fact I could hardly keep my eyes open. I love both jumpsuits so I
Dads lizard
 
We headed over to Miss Debbie's. I had never been to this shop and I much prefer it to Ketut's. Mainly because I can breathe and people aren't standing in one room like sardines. I bought an incense holder (not very exciting) but I will head back next trip to buy more. We dropped off our shopping at the hotel and headed to Biku for our 1pm booking. It took about 30 mins to get there as the traffic was a shocker, there looked like an accident in Jl Kayu so we ended up taking an alternative route which was four wheel driving in a blue bird taxi was interesting, lots of laughs with the driver.
We were going to have High Tea but due to our state after our big night we decided to order from the menu. We shared the potato skins (you have to try these if you ever go, they are so yummo).
There were three of them but I almost forgot to take a photo.
We both had our tarot reading, 100000rp for 15 mins. We had a different lady to last time. My reading was quite interesting, time will tell if she was right. She did talk pretty quick so I'm sure I missed a bit (once again could have something to do with my lack of sleep). For lunch I had the leek and potato soup which was nice. After lunch we headed to Geneva. This is my second visit here and I didn't buy anything. I don't think I would bother going back because I only bought a couple of bits last time that I could have got at Ketut's or Miss Debbie's. We walked for a bit, shopping along the way but it was just too hot. Headed back to the hotel and had a swim. It wasn't as windy as yesterday but the sun was still in hiding. We ended up laying under a bule where I had my chocolate milkshake (I posted about this in TA) while watching the gorgeous view.
For dinner we decided to walk along the beach path until we found somewhere we liked. We decided on Restorante Italian @ Kumala Pantai. They had a Barong dance on while we were there which was nice. It is a lovely setting at this restaurant. We sat out under the trees. They gave us a complimentary bread and I had the carbonara and B2 had a marinara soup thingy. Both meals and 2 soft drinks came to 200000rp.
  
After dinner we went for a bit of a walk to work off some of the carbs before hitting the sack early.
Day 6
Woke up to a nice hot and sunny day. Exchange rate 9825. Headed off to Bagus Watches. We checked out both stores as I was after a particular watch. I bought a Tag Hauer Watch for 664000rp and a pair of silver earings for 130000rp. I was surprised I didn't buy more as I have a bit of an obsession with watches.
We decided to drop into a spa for a manicure (75000rp) for B2 and a foot massage (65000rp) for me. The spa was Steiner Salon and Natural Day Spa on Jl Pantai. It is quite a nice spa with nice decor. I enjoyed my massage. Afterwards we checked out Mataharis and tried on many shoes but didn't buy anything. We headed back to the hotel for "pool time". Today was the best weather we have had. We ordered lunch by the pool, a bintang and club sandwich with fries for 100000rp. Bel headed off for an aromatherapy massage at the hotel spa while I lounged by the pool. At 4pm I was booked in for a complimentary 10 minute head and shoulder massage at the hotel spa. It was a nice quick revitaliser. I wouldn't have bothered if it wasn't complimentary. I am not a huge massage fan.
We headed off to get my DVD's @ Jimmy Disc Centre on Jl Padma. Got the usual, buy so many get so many free deal (can't remember the exact deal). Ended up purchasing three pairs of shoes.......how did that happen. Paid about 120000rp each.
Went back to the hotel for another swim before getting ready for Potato Head. We arrived at about 7.30pm and got a day bed straight away. Our first drink was the Millionaire's Martini (seems to have become a tradition to order these first but Im not sure why because I didn't enjoy this one so much). We had the linguine with slow cooked lamb ragout for dinner. The serve was huge and neither of us could eat it all, we probably should have shared. I went on with Bintangs but B2 doesn't like beer so she drank the Cape Discovery Sav Blanc. When we asked for our bill it was 2100000rp......What The......we questioned it and they came back with a revised bill of 910000rp (big difference). Thank goodness we checked the bill, the strange thing was that the items on the bill were correct but the total was wrong, I think they may have been giving themselves a rather large tip. We left about 1.30am.
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Day 7
Made it to brekky at 9.30 after frantically trying to find our room key. We got into the room so it had to be there. Found it!!! Confirmed our pickup for Monday. Although our flight wasn't until 5.25pm they wanted to pick us up at 12pm. I tried for 1 but they would have it. We headed off to check out the Padma gift shop. I love this shop as they have some lovely things. I bought a pair of shoes for 49000rp. Just a tad expensive but I do love them. I tend to buy stuff like that near the end of the holiday if I haven't spent too much.
Back at the hotel I had pool time while B2 had a nap. We headed off to Biku (yes again but we had to have High Tea). It was the quietest I have ever seen the place, maybe because it was so hard to get there with all of the parades. Once you got to Ku De Ta there was thousands of people everywhere as they were headed to ceremonies. We managed to arrived on time and ordered the traditional high tea. The tarot lady we saw last May was there so we thought we would see if we could get in. Well it was our lucky day as we both could get in within half an hour. The high tea was delicious as always and we couldn't eat it all as usual. I took photos of the parade while B2 had her reading. I really loved being in Bali to experience the excitement of the ceremonies and the lead up to Nyepi. I hope to actually be there for Nyepi Day one year.
We got a taxi to a street in Seminyak to check out a few things we saw on the way there. We always seem to love things from the comfort of a taxi but when we actually look at it or try it on we don't love it anymore. Oh well. We walked to Bintang Supermarket. The traffic was really bad and I have to say it was the hottest day I can ever remember (might be exaggerating but it was hot). We managed to grab a cab and went back for a swim. The parade was going past the hotel so I took loads and loads of pics.
For dinner we decided to check out Mozzarella at The Magani. I am not a fan of this hotel, yes it is lovely and new but it seems too "QLD hotel like" and I don't like the pool in the middle, it felt quite claustrophobic. Having said that the staff were all lovely and the food was delicious. I had the Snapper Bumbu Bali and B2 had the Tuna, Capers and Rocket pasta. We also had an Illusion cocktail and a water each. The total bill was 293000rp. I will stick to Mozzarella By The Sea as I think it has a nicer ambience and view.
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| I love how they add the bowl of chilli on the side. If anyone can let me know what exactly is in it I would appreciate it. I think there is chilli and onion but what is the liquid? |
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| BFF's. I love the wall behind us. |
After dinner we walked along the beach path and decided to check out Cocoon again. Don't know why we bothered. It was really quiet again. We had a drink and then headed home as B2 was feeling a bit dodgy.
Day 8
After brekky we headed off to Mugshots to get an Iced Coffee and Iced Chocolate. They were 40000rp each. Then we waited for our driver to pick us up at 9.30am to head to Tanah Lot. I have wanted to go here for so long and finally managed to get there. The traffic was good in both directions. We paid 65000rp to get in (30000rp each and 5000rp for the car). It was a beautiful day but so so hot. There were hundreds if not thousands of Balinese here for their ceremonies. It was actually lovely to look around and see everyone sitting down, all dressed in white with big smiles on their faces. They looked so beautiful. I took a heap of photos (surprise surprise). I really love it here, I think it is such a beautiful place. I am glad we experienced with hundreds of Balinese rather than hundreds of tourists.
Because it was so hot we didn't hang around for too long. We had paid our driver 200000rp and he offered to take us elsewhere however we just wanted to hit the pool so back to the hotel we went. We lunched by the pool again and spent a couple of hours there.
We decided to see if we could get in for our massage we booked for 4pm earlier, just to have a break from the sun. They could fit us in which was great. We went to Inner Glow and we both had a head, neck and shoulder massage for 70000rp and I had a 30 min pedicure for 40000rp. I decided to see if I could get a manicure as well and they could fit me in so that was also 40000rp. B2 decided to stay for a 90 min warm bamboo massage (150000rp). I headed back to the hotel and bought a buddha statue in the hotel gift shop that I had been eyeing off. It cost me 250000rp but I love it.
I hit the pool again and waited about an hour for my mani/pedi to dry. I think by the time it dried I had smudged every single finger. Oh well. B2 returned a while later declaring it "the best massage she has ever had". She could not stop raving about it. She is a massage nut so for her to say it is the best, it must have been good. We had a couple of cocktails poolside before heading off to get ready for dinner.
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| Got to have the crazy photos |
Day 9
This morning we packed and spent the rest of our time pool side. We snuck in a quick bite to eat at Hitana before leaving for the airport. We left the hotel at 12 and got to the airport in 20 minutes. Our driver was the grumpiest road raging driver I have ever experienced. I guess he was in a hurry. He wouldn't let anyone merge, pull out of side streets, cross in front of him (even though we were just sitting there waiting for a small amount of traffic to move), he almost hit several motorbike riders (within a hair of hitting them). I could have kissed the ground when I got out of the car. I have to say it was the fastest trip I have ever had to the airport. Ahead of us was 5 hours sitting in the airport. I guess we will never know if the roads would have been an issue if we left and 1 but at least we got to the airport. We spent almost 2 hours sitting on the floor waiting for check in to open. Once we were through we went and had a snack. $5 for a really small amount of wedges (are we back in QLD). We decided to get a Magnum (as I discovered the chocolate brownie variety whilst in Bali....YUM) and one store wanted 50000rp each. We ended up paying 3000rp for two at the Circle K. Whilst enjoying our Magnum who do we see...................yes the passengers from hell that were behind us on the way over. OMG are you kidding. We said many prayers before getting on the plane that none of them were near us. In the departure lounge they stood next to us happily dropping the "F bomb" with no regard to the children right next to them. I really wanted to say something but I had to remember I could have ended up sitting next to one of them on the plane. Thankfully our prayers were answered. We didn't hear a peep out of any of them so maybe they had been warned. We scored with our seats as we had a row of 3 between us so we could stretch out a bit. The flight home was uneventful other than scoring a free bag of m&m's because every flight attendant managed to drop something on my lap, from ice to sauce packets etc. It was quite funny really. We had to wait on the plane for a bit as an ambulance was called for one of the passengers but other than that I high tailed it to duty free and through customs in no time.
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| Some of the Ogah Ogah's we saw in our travels |
All in all this was another fantastic Bali holiday. I came home a night owl and it has taken me a week to start getting to bed at a more reasonable hour. For some reason in Bali I didn't get to sleep before midnight which is unusual for me. I just felt wired all of the time. I have a couple more days off until I have to return to work so hopefully I will survive the 5am wake ups.
Even though I had a lack of sleep on this holiday I do feel totally relaxed. I was planning on doing a shopping blog but when I got home and saw what I bought it would have been a bit sad. I didn't really buy much at all. I spent quite a bit of time relaxing by the pool, reading and just chilling out. It was exactly what I needed.
I am really glad we stayed in Ubud and tried out a different area and I am also so glad I finally got to Tanah Lot.
My next trip to Bali is already booked for June/July with my two girls (17 & 14) who have never been to Bali. We will be staying in Sanur (never been here before) for 5 nights before heading to Legian for 7 nights (I do love Legian). I hope they love Bali as much as I do.
Thanks for reading and happy holidays to you all.
Brooke :0)
