Bali 2013: Day 1

We went to Bali for hubs’s 35th birthday. Can you believe it, neither of us have been there despite wanting to for the longest time. I think in some silly ways we were a little spooked by the so-called Bali curse…apparently unmarried couples who have been to Bali together will break-up.

Of course I think it’s all bollocks since about 50% of couples whether married or unmarried will break up eventually (don’t ask where I derived the figure, just look around you, man). So if you’re going to split, leave Bali out of the equation.

That said, you never know.

Because it’s for the hubs birthday, I decided to eschew the budget carrier and paid full price for comfort and emergency exit row seats. It was a 3 hour flight after all, not long but not too short either.

# – On our way to airport.

Then, I was sandwiched between my 6’5″ tall husband (nice) and a dude with spillover back flesh who kept camhoring in the plane (not nice).

We stayed at Rama Beach & Villas in our own private garden villa. It’s in Kuta, 10 minutes from airport (with some traffic) and 10 minute walk to Kuta beach.

# – Nice king sized bed.

# – Our garden.

Got the place from TravelZoo, which is my favourite website for holiday deals. The deal I bought included free massages, airport transfers, daily breakfast and etc.

Before leaving, I mailed the resort to check if they could leave a note in our room on the day we check-in wishing my husband happy birthday. Instead, they surprised us with a delicious moist chocolate birthday cake. I was really pleased! Wonderful, wonderful service.

# – Cake!

# – Happy birthday to hubs.

We lazed around for a bit before collecting our car key from Best Bali Car Rental. I recommend their service because it’s very stress free, everything was done via the website and emails. Most importantly, very reasonably priced. I also rented a GPS device from them. Full payment upon picking up of the vehicle.

They will drop off and pick up the car at airport or your hotel, so very convenient. Full payment upon picking up of the vehicle. I chose the self-drive package for more freedom.

We initially wanted to rent a Suzuki Jimny for novelty as well as cheap, alas they proved too popular. Our Jimny was replaced with an Avanza for the same price. It was a comfortable ride until something happened…will talk about this in subsequent post :P

Petrol was quite cheap, about RM50 for a full tank but only Ron92. If you saw the word “Solar” at the fuel pumps, becareful cause it’s actually diesel. One of the attendants were literally running towards us screaming Nooo in slow motion when the hubs reached out to use the “Solar” pump.

# – Token camho picture. My comfy holiday garb…flowy loose top, harem pants and sandals.

For our first dinner in Bali, we headed to Ubud for Naughty Nuri’s Warung & Grill pork ribs.

# – In our ride for the next few days.

It was a little over an hour’s drive thanks to the narrow roads and heavy traffic. We were okay though because we took it as an opportunity to check out Bali.

# – Naughty Nuri.

The environment was really cozy with paintings, vintage & humourous posters. The ribs? They were to DIE FOR!

# – My favourite painting at Naughty Nuri’s.

# – Pork ribs…yummy yum yum.

# – Clean bones.

We also ate other dishes like grilled pork sausage, fried potato wedges, salads and chicken satay. We added another portion of ribs later on.

# – The chicken satay.

Our bill came up to 409,400 rupiah, about RM130 with beers. Quite reasonable.

# – The bill.

Naughty Nuri’s Warung & Grill
Jl. Raya Sanggingan
Ubud, Bali
GPS: S8.49243 E115.25328
Phone: (361)977547
8am-10pm daily

Another hour drive back to hotel later…we crashed, but not after popping by a convenience store opposite the resort for local beers and snacks.

Till next post!