just got back from Bali two days ago.
the weather's DAMN hot. only rained on one night in Ubud.

got tanned a few shades, without even trying!

and got conned at the airport (Ngurah Rai) when the porters (two of them) automatically ran over and unload our bags from our van, and pushed to the check in baggages counters. IDR5000/RM1.90 per bag!!! for doing nothing much.
aiks.

overall, we went to more temples than beaches, and the food there is a little pricier than Bangkok's and Hanoi's.
but still, an enjoyable trip nonetheless.



We stayed in Bali Sorgawi Hotel in Kuta, for USD30 per night (for 2 pax) and USD35 for 3 pax.

clean, with air cond and hot shower, and TV, but a little cramped.

and walking to the beach/Poppies Lane I and II, Warung Made is a chore if you're not fond of walking much. at least 20 mins one way.

Day 1 in Bali - Bali Sorgawi Hotel & Warung Made in Kuta

actually i did hear about the cheaper exchange rate in Bali compared to Malaysia.
but i did exchange my rupiah here, in Ipoh.
rate's about RM3.65 = 10,000 rupiah.
in KL it was slightly better, about RM3.63 = 10,000 rupiah.

but i saw at the airport, it's written RM rate being 2.40.
hmm .... didnt ask how they calc though.

Sunset @ Tanah Lot, and TJ Mexican Restaurant

There are positive reviews, and equally disappointing ones about this eatery in Ubud of Bali.

Skeptical, we went for a dinner (reserved a day before, because the smoked duck needs to be prepared in advance) and the meal was one of our more memorable ones in Bali.

Dirty Duck Diner (Bebek Bengil) in Ubud, Bali

I think it's way more dangerous in Jakarta/Medan part of Indonesia, and not so much in Bali.
no matter you're in Ubud or Kuta.

plus we went during the anniversary of the bombing (12/10/2002) itself in Kuta,
and the scene was far from dangerous everywhere.

Dirty Duck Diner warrants a visit, if not so much for the food, maybe for the environment itself.

Ibu Oka on the other hand, may NOT suits everyone's taste.

We could not booked Green Fields nor Tegal Sari.
ended up at Jati 3 Bungalows in Ubud, monkey forest rd.

IDR250,000 for a double room.

IDR300,000 for a triple room.



For more information :

Day 4 (Bali) - Jati 3 Bungalows & Babi Guling Ibu Oka

erm, NOT as amazing as it looks, thats for sure.
hehehe .... though it was quiet and rather secluded. a small alley leads to the hotel, from Monkey Forest Road.

cleanliness ok, comfort also fine, for it's rather cooling at night.

we were promised 4 air-cond rooms (2 double 2 triple), but in the end they ranout of triple rooms.
hence we got a family suite, with 2 queen beds (one king i think), for the same price,
but without the air-cond.