So just one week ago, during the extended Chinese New Year weekend, my family and I made a little getaway to Bali! (Otherwise, it would have been the usual roadtrip down to Malaysia as our standard CNY ritual.) We had wanted to go there for the longest time and since my brother put in his request to celebrate his 21st birthday overseas as it coincided with the start of CNY, we finally settled on Bali. Tour packages to any other Asian destinations were all snapped up by typically kiasu Singaporeans except Bali, and only then on Garuda Airlines and not Singapore Airlines. So thanks to the tour agency City Asia 99 Travel (quite an established one at that, not shady at all) which we stumbled upon after much troublesome agency-hopping one fine day in Chinatown, we were able to secure us 5 places in their 4 days 3 nights Bali Enchanting tour package.
The plane we took was a pretty small one. It consisted of about 25 rows with 6 seats in each row. I was on row 23. The ride was generally smooth, though the environment was a little chilly, but I could only blame myself for wearing shorts. :P But blankets were provided on each seat! We also experienced a bit of turbulence, due to air pockets I venture to guess because the weather outside was fine. Garuda Airlines far exceeded my expectations actually, because you know, many of us have come to hear some pretty nasty horror stories about them. The only 2 hiccups were that, 1) The plane took freaking forever to take off. Because the freaking runway was crowded that evening for some reason. There was a queue of like, 5 other planes in front of us and we had the 'pleasure' of seeing them off before it came to our turn, which was around 40 minutes later. During that time, my annoying little bro took the time to show me that the airplane crew don't care if your handphone are switched on because certain phones like his actually have the option of 'flight mode' to them which auto changes the wave frequencies to not disrupt with the plane's? 2) I got terrible sudden migrane attacks at one point, which lasted for a few minutes and then went away just as suddenly. Something which I have come to expect ever since it started from one of the long-haul flights in my other travels.
Took this pic with our tour guide, Putu, on the 3rd night? He was
wearing compulsory sarong and traditional headgear. :)
So anyway, when we touched down at Danpasar (Bali is situated in that Indonesian state?) airport, we miraculously were able to locate out tour guide in the chaos of all the other receivers milling around at the arrivals area outside. He introduced himself as Putu and said we were good to go. At that point, we were like, 'huh? don't we have to wait for all the other approximately 23 of our tour mates?' and he was like, 'oh, because you were the only ones who requested an English-speaking tour, the tour agency then arranged a separate guide for you. Don't worry, it happens. Let's make our way to our transport now.' So we were like, 'er...okay...we totally did not expect this, we're in foreign territory, it's nightfall and late (like 10 plus), but we'll trust you on this. And oh, that is just the most coolest thing to hear ever!' Like, having our own exclusive tour when we paid the same as everyone else, is that not awesome or what?? Suddenly we felt very much like VIPs man, with our own mini-van with dark tainted windows, and personal driver (called Lucky while we're at that) and all. Indeed, what a kickass way to start a tour, we felt really lucky and blessed that night. And the ride to the hotel was just like what, 7 minutes away from the airport? score!
Our accommodation for the next 3 days!
The reception!-the peeps are all decked out in traditional garb.
saw this uber-chic ad for their spa services on the way to our room
Balinese people are so culturally-inclined and artsy fartsy people don't you think? It certainly prepared us for what was in store for us in our rooms...
Wood-carved keyholder...
...and light switch...and air-con remote holder :D
3 single bedzz for the single people yoz
This lady is a famous Balinese goddess
This lady is the er, (Wo) Man In The Mirror :)
Check out da bathroom:
I heart Balinese art!!
During the daytime, here are few more pics of the hotel area:
Super comfy but impractical? chairs at the pool area
My daily breakfast diet, the plate in front of me, cuz i was ill! Tragic la, not being able to eat much at a buffet :( The plate in the forground is my bro's.
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