Travelogue 0.4: Insights on Bali, Indonesia. 1.3

So, here's the last post to a short insight on Bali, from my first trip there, last October on the MUST-DOs in Bali. Read the first and the second one here!


MUST-DOs:

1. Try the Babi Guling and Ayam Bertutu.

Their local famous delicacy. Its a combination of 3 types of pork cooked differently. They are of different textures; crispy, braised and roasted. But they are generally spicy and that is exactly why I like it. But the one I tried apparently isn't very good and authentic. If you want to try the "real" one though, make sure you see them rolling the pig on the stick to roast it. Those are what they say, the authentic, delicious ones. The delicacies here in Indonesia is slightly different compared to Malaysian food. They are generally more spicy and if you don't take spicy food, believe me, you'll opt for fast food/ western cuisines that they have along Kuta Beach.

Ayam Bertutu.

Babi Guling.

2. Bargain!

MUST REMEMBER TO BARGAIN! Start really low and work your way up. Believe me, you won't regret. When I was there, I was afraid of bargaining with the locals, as usual, feeling shy, not nice etc. But when my friend worked her charm, fuhh... believe me, its worth it. They will go really low and that's when you realise that it their profit margin is super high if you were to agree to the first price that they name. Not a very smart move for you, believe me.

 

3. You can get your essentials there.

I'm not pulling your leg when I'm saying this; you can go to Bali without packing anything. Believe me. Clothes there are dirt cheap; dresses are around RM10, towels RM4-6, essentials like shampoo, cotton bud, are averagely cheaper than those in Malaysia. Oh, and remember, they use the two-pin plug socket. So remember to bring your universal adapter there, but if you don't yes, you can get it from their 24 hours drug stores too.

4. Get your Hard Rock Tee.

I don't know about you, but I have made it a lifelong goal of mine, to collect all the Hard Rock t-shirts from all around the world. So yes, if you too have the same goal as I do, remember to get the one from Bali. Its along the Kuta Beach. The prices around the world is similar. RM 80++

5. Try Fukutaro's sushi.

If you are an avid fan of sushis like I am, you have to try the sushi in Bali. I was over at Fukutaro Legian, and their sushis are by far, the best sushi that I have ever tasted. Their two-storey Japanese house-like design makes you feel as though you are in Japan. They have a wide variety of Japanese cuisines but as usual, me and my friend, we went for their sushi platter. The fishes that they used were very fresh, thick and succulent, it leaves you wanting more. We also ordered the potato salad and it isn't like the one we have here in Malaysia, the coleslaw-looking type, but its a whole potato, baked and only seasoned with a small amount of salt. I loved it. And best of all, the prices here even slightly cheaper than the normal chain sushi restaurants in Malaysia. So head on over to Fukutaro if you are ever in Bali. They have a few outlets in the whole of Bali. Check them out here.

Fukutaro Legian Paradiso

Chair 58 persons, Zashiki (Tatami room) 40 persons

Open 9:00-24:00

Jl.Legian118Legian Paradiso Hotel

Tel:758777

My take on Fukutaro Legian Paradiso:

Ambience: 7/10

Food: 9/10
Price: 8/10

6. Stroll along the beaches or the streets of Bali yourself.

If you really want to experience Bali for yourself, remember to opt to walk more often than to take taxis or motor rides that the locals offer. Believe me, it would be an experience to remember for life but do be careful. Street hagglers will approach you trying to sell whatever they have in their hands, and this includes magic mushrooms. You will also get to feel first hand, how exactly the locals live their lives, how they behave and how they talk.

7. MUST try their local Bintang Beer.

I have made it a point for myself to try all the beers from the places that I've been to. I'm not a huge beer fan, whiskey and coke works best for me, but well, beer comes in second after liquor. Anyways, yes, trying the different types of locally brewed beers from all over the world is my goal after collecting the Hard Rock Tees.  And you must try their local Bintang beer. It is really cheap actually compared to other international beers like Budweiser and whatever-nots. If I'm not mistaken it is only about RM5 per bottle of Bintang beer if you get it from their local 7/11. Price is good, but what about the taste? It is rather smooth compared to some beers we have here Carlsberg and Tiger. But of cause, its still a tad bit far from top beers like Hoargarden. But hey, its still pretty good for such a price.

8. Spa.

It wouldn't be a complete holiday without a full Spa treatment session. I'm one who wouldn't mind paying for a self pampering session any time of the day and being in Bali, all the more reason for me to go for one. It is comparatively cheaper than the ones we have here in KL and for that 2 hour getaway session, rest assured that you will feel rejuvenated and refreshed. The prices ranges from RM 50-60 only for 2 full hours of massage. How good is that?

 

The one above which I took picture of is pretty much so-so, but there are much better ones that my family who've been there had recommended. So you can give the one below a try:

Jaens Spa Bali Ubud 

Phone : +62361 971312, +6281236866590.
Email : jaensspaubud@gmail.com
Website : www.jaensspa.blogspot.com

*ps. All pictures are taken by me. Pictures are not to be taken without permission.

Travelogue 0.4: Insights on Bali, Indonesia. 1.2

Here's my second post to insights on Bali, the MUST-GO places and also the first post here!


MUST-GO places:

1. Kuta Beach

Kuta Beach was where I witness millions of lives from all over the world, playing, enjoying, relaxing by themselves without any worries in the world. The beach there isn't exactly a beautiful sight, but if you wish to have a pedicure/manicure session overlooking the sunset, this is the place to be. Just remember to bargain for the best value. Kuta beach is also one of the few surfing spots in Bali, so girls, if you are hoping to hook up with some surfer dudes, remember to go to Kuta beach! Also, Kuta is where the city center of Bali lies. Here is where you get to shop and eat your MickeyDs if you miss them. Oh, and McDs in Indonesia have spaghetti as one of their value meals! So now, Italian is fast food too? And also, they have a lot of fake brands sold in "legitimate-looking" shops, so beware. Oh and also, Kuta would be the most ideal place for you to stay cause they have most of every thing you need there.

2. Dreamland Beach

Personally, the most beautiful beach in Bali. Dreamland beach is the site of the failed Pecatu Graha development planned by Tommy Suharto, the corrupt son of former president, Suharto. Dreamland beach is also dubbed as the new Kuta beach, mainly cause its cleaner and yet is one of the best surfing spots in Bali. They too have many stalls selling good bargains for dresses and hats, and again, remember to bargain. One of the most beautiful sunset spots in Bali.

3. Uluwatu Temple
Uluwatu Temple is the first temple that I've visited during the course of period that I was there. You will have to pay a small entrance fee when you enter the temple and you will be required to wrap a cloth around yourself as a respect to their gods. Oh, and remember to take care of your belongings. Keep your necklaces, earrings, bracelets etc before you enter. Uluwatu is also known for their mischievous monkeys that goes around stealing from the tourists. As for Uluwatu, if you are there, make sure to pay a little bit more to experience the "Kecak dance". It is a tribal dance that the locals have every night to tell the tourists the mythical story that has been passed down for generations. Experiencing the local culture with the tribal-like setting, against the sunset, it's an experience you'll love if you like watching Pirates of the Caribbean, Survivor or perhaps, Indiana Jones. Oh, we found out from the locals that Uluwatu is apparently the best place for surfing. So do ask around if you are a surfer yourself and wish to take on the waves of Bali.

4. Nusa Dua

Nusa Dua is the place to go if you wish to go for water sports. If you have been wanting to give water skiing, parasailing, snorkelling a try, be sure to head on over to Nusa Dua. The prices there are relatively cheap compared to the ones in Malaysia. If you wish to get your diving licence for a while now, Bali is the perfect place to do so. I regretted to staying long enough to get myself a diving licence cause its dirty cheap over there. However, I wouldn't recommend you to go for snorkeling in Bali. I find it a complete waste of time and money cause the places that they've brought us to was dirty and only filled with dead corals, not even a single fish was seen.

5. Tanah Lot Temple

Tanah Lot temple is a Hindu-Buddhist temple. It is one of the main tourists spots in Bali with its countless rows of stalls and street hagglers trying their best to sell whatever they have in hand to anyone that they can find. Of cause, you can find many things here, from beautiful dresses even up to handcrafted items such as handwoven bags or wooden handcrafted home deco. But what reminded me most of Tanah Lot was, yes, once again, the sunset. Though I've said that I love Bali primarily for its sunsets, the sunset in Tanah Lot was the one I remembered most. Oh, and remember to try the grilled corn there. I miss the taste of it till this very day.

6. Kintamani Volcano

Kintamani Volcano is right up north from Kuta. It takes around 2 hour drive from Kuta up to the Volcano where you can rest and enjoy a buffet lunch overlooking the breath taking view of the volcano. A little background brief for you about this volcano. It is still an active volcano and it has erupted for 24 times since 1800s. Its last eruption was in the 1940s. And Mount Kintamani is actually rested upon the beautiful Batur Lake. So, what more could be better than to enjoy lunch in the midst of God's great creations? Oh, and remember to give the Kopi Luwak a try when your on the way to the Volcano.

7. Legian

It wouldn't be a complete experience if you are in Bali without experiencing its night life. Bali's night life has been raved about by people from all over the world. I'd say, it was definitely a fun experience to have. If you are there, be sure to head on over to their tourists club. You will have to show them your passport to grant entry and it sure is fun partying there. Legian is one of the places in Bali that you can go to for pubs and bars other than Kuta and Seminyak.

8. Jimbaran Beach
If you wish to enjoy a romantic fresh seafood dinner against the beautiful sunset view, make sure you head on over to Jimbaran. There will be a long stretch of seafood restaurants overlooking the calm blue seas and it is the perfect setting for you to charm your girlfriend over as the sunsets for the day. You can even hire the local singers who goes around, hoping to serenade their customers as an extra mile taken to charm your girl all the more. And be mindful that all these, including the scrumptious meal fit for a king, is relatively cheap compared to the prices here in Malaysia. What can be better than good view, good food and good company?

9. Tegalalang Paddy Terrace

The Tegalalang paddy terrace field is also one of the places I'd suggest you pay a visit to. The period when I was over there, the paddy hasn't yet ripe and they were all bright, strong green in colour. Overlooking the view from the top, witnessing the tiny humans, harvesting the paddy rice from the ripe paddys, made me realise how small we humans actually are in the midst of God's green creation, the Earth and how lucky we are to have food and meat as our dinner everyday and yet we act as our own gods destroying what has been given to us. Anyways, make sure that you head on over to Tegalalang and I promise you your heart will skip a beat. Make sure to catch a souvenir or two from the street hagglers around. Their paintings and handcraft work there deserves admiration.

If you ask, what is the best way to get around Bali, I'd advice you to get a local tour guide. Make sure you ask him to quote exactly the price for the amount of days that you will be there and make sure that you ask him, if its possible for him to bring you all around without extra charges. The local tour there is rather cheap, but make sure you do the usual, bargain. I have yet to tour Bali fully but here's the places that I've been to on my last trip to Bali. If life permits, I hope to go back to Bali and to fully explore the beautiful place, and perhaps, try to take my heart back. haha.

Here's one if you're interested.
Name : Gusti Ngurah Jelantik
Email : info@balidaytour.com
Phone: +62-361-7882335
Mobile: +62 85 857226955 (international)
            085 857226955 (local) 
Address: Sukawati Gianyar 80582 Bali Indonesia




*ps. All pictures are taken by me. Pictures are not to be taken without permission.