We stored our van at a Seven Day Adventist camp near the airport. It meant an early morning getting ready. Then me being me didn't want to be late for the plane, so we got there super early. We were so early we couldn't even check in! It meant a few boring hours at the airport. Mark soon entertained himself in Duty Free, stocking up on alcohol and perfume. But much to his absolute disgust they did not sell cigars! He utter, "David would be devastated". I think he enjoys his cigar appreciation with my father! We changed some Aussie dollars for some rupiah, the kids thought we were rich. Then began the very long talk on currency conversion. Not sure they got it, but they were super stoked to have thousands of "dollars" even though I kept telling them it was rupiah.
Finally we checked in and boarded the plane. Was an experience taking the kids through customs. They were a little daunted but the customs guys were really nice. Truth be told, I was nervous too. We've become seasoned travellers around OZ, but the rest of the world, maybe not!
Because we were being cheap, our flight didn't arrive into Bali until near midnight. We had pre arranged a transfer and were greeted by a very helpful guide called Mardi. They put beautiful lays of flowers over our heads and ferried us to the car. We could feel the temperature change as we got off the plane, we could only imagine what the next few days would be like until we got used to being warm again. I think it was almost one by the time we got to the hotel room. And of course the next day Jake woke at 530am and wanted to go to the pool!! Kids!!
We chose to stay at the Hard rock Hotel for our entire time in Bali. Mainly because we got such a cheap deal and its a great hotel. It is in the middle of the chaos of Kuta, but we found that entertaining. Next time though we would book in somewhere quieter for a week by the beach, we think.
The first day in Bali we really didn't do much. Pigged out on the buffet breakfast first of course. We only did that a couple of times then settled down to smaller breakies. Charlotte had pancakes and fruit every day, Jake had chocolate milk and chocolate cereal, I had an omelet and Mark had a bit of everything. We went for a walk around the streets of Kuta, did a bit of shopping and looked at Kuta beach, then spent the rest of the time swimming in the pool at the hotel. Kids thought it was great, they have a water park, with kids area and big bucket and four water slides. They were in their element. Plus a handy swim up pool bar for the adults. Soon becoming our favourite haunt. We went for a short walk, a whole 2 minutes down the road to Poppies 1 for tea at the Sand Bar. We couldn't get over the quality of the food and the price. We had two lots of drinks, entree and main, for like $30 for all of us. The nasi goreng and mee goreng were yummy!!
Our second day in Bali the kids wanted to go to the kids club at the hotel. We thought that was a great idea. So they spent the day there mucking around with the other kids, and Mark and I went looking around. We walked on the beach, then got harassed by the 'nice' ladies and men on beach. We were suckers, we said yes to a massage then got completely surrounded by 'friends'. Soon I was having my toe nails painted, buying sarongs, but I said no to everything else. Then I look around and Mark is getting his nails done, they are trimming his neck hair and loads more. Looked hilarious. Mark was trying to make them stop as he didn't want any of that, next thing he jumps up and backs away, leaving me there surrounded getting my nails done. They wanted money but he didn't have any, so he dobbed me in and said I have the money. The look on poor Marks face was rather amusing. I got my nails done, paid for the services we had agreed to and quickly walk away from the others. I think its a pretty iconic situation for tourists, we luckily had only taken a few rupiah with us, can imagine a lot of people get completely scammed here. We loved it though, made our day!!
We picked the kids up and they had had a great time, and took them out for tea, so nice to not be cooking.
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| we popped in and watched them rock climb during the day |
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| very proud kids |
The weather was so warm, kids, especially Jake was finding it hard. So off to Water Bom Park for the day. We were all pretty excited, we very gung ho, ran for the first ride. They have double inflatable rafts, Jake went with me, and Mark took Charlotte. You go down this really big slide, which was fine, then into this big bowl and go round and down a hole in the middle. Only problem was Jake and I managed to go the wrong way and flip the raft. Poor Jake smacked his head and came out of the ride screaming. The life guards ran for ice packs and I tried to console him. All I kept thinking was I'm sure he's OK, but crap what if he's cracked his skull in Bali of all places. Luckily he had only frightened himself, not even a egg on his head. Up he jumps and raced off with Mark to go on the next big ride. No matter that Mum was traumatised by it! The rides were fabulous in the end, we had such a great fun day. Mark went on all the rides at least twice and the kids and I went on most of them. They are all pretty high and scary, including one you do in the dark. We were so exhausted by the end of the day from climbing up the wooden stairs to the top of each platform. We were standing on the top of the platform chatting to another man and he asked if we had felt the earth quake last night, we were sound asleep and didn't feel a thing. Think it was only a pretty small one. Luckily there were no more! Such a good day, enjoyed ourselves immensely.
Our next major outing in Bali was to Lembongan Island to the pontoon on the reef. We had done this on our honey moon and absolutely loved it. It was an hour or so boat ride out to the pontoon. As soon as we got there Mark went for a dive and I took the kids for a snorkel. Unfortunately the current was really strong and was far too hard with kids, plus Jake had mouth ulcers from a loose tooth and wouldn't put his mask on properly. So I dragged them out of the water to wait for Mark to help. So we went to the underwater viewing area and watched Mark finish his dive. Then we went on the banana boat ride. The kids absolutely loved these, we ended up going on it nine times. One magical time we were out there on the banana and a pod of dolphins swam by, so pretty and special. We took the kids back in the water together and luckily the tide had changed. We had such a fabulous time snorkelling after that. The coral was so pretty and the different types of fish were very cool. Charlotte is very good and loved it. Jake not as much, so we took turns hanging and helping him. We had a buffet lunch then went on the glass bottom boat ride, then back to more snorkelling. And in no time it was home time. A definite trip highlight.
Luckily Mark had a few drinks that night and decided to fix Jake's mouth ulcers by pulling out his loose tooth that was rubbing. Only problem was the cotton in Bali is really fragile and it kept snapping as he tried to use it to pull the tooth out. Mark finally got it out and Jake woke up screaming but soon went back to sleep and couldn't remember any of it the next day! Was very amusing for us, we're such good parents....
We were up in our room one night when Mark and Charlotte realised that they could watch on the TV the live stage performance from the main bar. But not that wasn't good enough, so off they went to see the show. Charlotte loved it, she got to meet the band and get their autographs and even requested a few songs. They came back and dragged Jake and I down. We had a few drinks and enjoyed some music. That was until the cat ladies came out. Jake loves to dress up but heaven forbid if anyone dressed up comes near him. Well the cat ladies decide he was a cute boy and would harass him, was so hilarious he hide, then got mad then climbed under the table and as a last resort ran out of the bar. All while Mark, Charlotte and I were almost wetting ourselves. We did chase him and console him, silly bugger!!
Unfortunately Jake got sick and then Charlotte. Some viral illness with temperatures and a small rash. Meant we had to spend a few days around the hotel. Horrible seeing your kids sick, especially in a foreign country. The hotel did have a medical clinic if we had needed it. The kids got over their sickness but were a bit flat and lethargic for a couple of days. Mark and I took turns watching the kids whilst the other went for a massage. I sent Mark first, I was a little nervous as where to go. He comes back, having had an OK massage, but looked a little weirded out. He had excepted a massage from these people, who then took him to some dodgy room behind a tattoo place! I was a little worried after that, but I just walked the street until I found a massage and beauty parlour with lots of people in it. I had a wonderful hour long full body massage, heavenly!
I took Charlotte back to the same place and we had a manicure and pedicure. We felt very decadent. Was so cute watching her face as the lady painted her toes. I paid and put my feet in the fish tank. Its these tiny little fish that eat the dry skin off, felt so so weird, but my feet felt much smoother after! The boys had hair cuts and Charlotte got her hair braided. Took two ladies and an hour to do it, but she loved it and look very fancy!!
Jake wasn't completely one percent but we decided to try to see some more of Bali anyway. We hired a driver, for a whole $30 for the day, plus a tip. We drove south from Kuta to Benoa first. Its the water sport area, we were hoping for a nice beach but it was crazy there. We opted not to do the water sports as they were pretty expensive plus it just looked yuck. We went instead on a boat ride to turtle island. That was pretty cool to hold the turtles. Only negative was its very targeted at tourist and getting their money. Felt a lot like a production line and lots of hands out wanting tips. We still enjoyed it though.
From Benoa our driver Wayan took us past Nusa Dua so we could see were we stayed on our honey moon. He even took us right up to the reception, bought back lots of happy memories.
We were getting pretty hot by this stage. Wayan took us to a beach that had only recently opened to the public called Secret Beach. It was such a nice place, you drive down these granite cliffs past these giant incredible sculptures. To this amazing white beach with sun lounges and a few huts selling food, massages etc. Must be like Bali used to be before it became so overrun and populated. We had lunch, swam, relaxed on the sun lounges, yep it was hard to take.
Wayan also took us to the location of a popular scene from Eat Pray Love, Julia Roberts Movie. Another gorgeous beach but a fair bit more popular and crowded.
Our last stop of the day was Ullawattu temple. We had to wear some rather fetching sarongs and belts for cultural reasons. It was very educational for the kids and us too probably to walk around and have Wayan explain all about it. A truly beautiful place, the art and sculptures were so nice. The monkeys were cute too, and not too aggressive thank goodness!
And most exciting of all my brother James happened to be in Bali for a couple of nights on his way through to Lombok. We hadn't seen James for a year. Was so nice to catch up with him and enjoy some of the delights of Bali. We had lunch then went shopping at the markets and for a swim. Then out for tea and breakie with him. A short visit but a sweet visit :)
One of Marks favourite things is elephants, as most people are aware. He has always wanted to ride an elephant and it was a must do in Bali. So of course we went to Elephant Park and what a day we had. I don't think Mark stopped grinning the whole time we were there, he was just so happy. We spent a lot of time walking around the park, patting and interacting with the elephants and their babies. It was just so incredible to be up so close and cuddle such wonderful large gentle creatures. Then we went on the ride. It was the weirdest thing sitting so high up, kind of like riding a horse just bigger. We went for a lovely walk through the forest and then into the water area at the end. They put on a elephant show with soccer and a few stunts as well. Was very entertaining seeing the young elephants playing. Am thinking this day was most definitely a trip highlight for Mark and all of us. One of our favourite days in Bali.
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| Jakes little red elephant and friend! |
The kids wanted to go to kids club again, oh shucks what a pain, not! So off we went exploring and shopping. Mark had been told about how cheap it was to get a suit made in Bali, so of course he had to get one made. Its was only $50 for the full suit, what a deal!
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| Mark suited up Bali style |
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| Bali building OH&S |
Then that night we went to Jimboran Bay for the sunset and seafood feast on the beach. We went here on our honey moon and had an amazing meal and a crazy cool sunset. So we were pretty amped about the experience. Its very pretty how the tables and chairs are right on the beach. The fresh seafood was fabulous but unfortunately it was fairly cloudy and the sunset wasn't that great. We still had a great time though.
Another evening we went to Kuta beach to see the sunset. Along with a thousand other people!! Was pretty hectic but we managed to find a slightly quieter area to get some pictures. We were planning to go straight out for tea after but the kids decided it was nice enough to get wet and play in the sand. They ended up having a blast chasing each other around. Was lovely to stand in the sunshine listening to the delightful screams of the kids. Ended up taking some great pics too.
Our main guide/driver Wayan took us for a full day tour up to Ubud and surrounds. We had a fabulous day, one of the most memorable of Bali. We started off the day watching a traditional Balinese dance called a Borong Dance. It told a very interesting story, that the kids had a bit of troiuble understanding. They still loved it though. Jake was hilarious watching it and getting involved and hiding behind his hands. At the end we had a long chat with Wayan as we drove to the next destination. He explained the story behind the dance, made for a very entertaining discussion with the kids.
We drove up to Ubud and had lunch in this really nice restaurant overlooking the rice fields. The kids had a coke spider each, and typical Bali style they overfilled it and we had two volcanoes overflowing on the table.
Ubud is well known as the place to go for silver and wood carvings. Wayan took us to a couple of silver places and I bought myself and my sis a beautiful pair of earrings each. Was a bit sad seeing the production line type work place at the big silver place, not sure how much the workers get, the jewellery was very expensive. We ended up buying from a small family own business instead. It was interesting watching the wood carvers at work. The kids were fascinated by all the different wood works. Charlotte purchased a beautiful little wooden horse, which she loves!
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| Wayan and his daughters pink headband |
We went to go to do some Batik art but had trouble parking. Wayan ended up dropping us off. We wandered down this small path to an old hut and out came an old Balinese woman in just a skirt. You can imagine the kids faces seeing she was topless. She points for us to go down the back and resumed her gardening with the chooks running around her feet. We found the place and the kids each did an artwork. They had a lot of fun painting with the wax. Took a bit for them to design and then paint their works. Wayan was great and helped the kids heaps. Charlotte did a beautiful flower piece. Jake being Jake painted Return of the Jedi, whilst continually humming the Star Wars theme song! Of course the Balinese had no clue what he was doing. We ended up buying Wayan a copy of the movie so he could watch it too. We absolutely love the art work they did, the finished product looks great. Am sure we will have them on display once we have a house.
From Ubud we went to the Volcano, just a quick visit but very worth the drive, the scenery was amazing up there. Love being out of the busy Kuta and into the country side.
We also went to a garden and coffee place. Was very interesting seeing how coffee is made. Especially this special coffee, the beans are eaten by a little critter and then extracted from their poop. Kids very very grossed out but Mark loved the coffee!
We stopped on our way home at some rice paddy terraces. A very good photo opportunity, the view was amazing. One of those quintessential photos I've always wanted to take.
The pool bar, the cabana's and a Bintang tower (10plus beers at least), you can imagine the afternoon and evening Mark had. A very memorable experience, at least for me, Marks a little foggy with all the details!! It was one of those fun, happy days were we met lots of great people and just had lots of laughs and a good time.
We couldn't help ourselves, be bought matching outfits. It was the one and only time we would all wear them, I promise. But we just had to do it. Charlotte even accessorises hers with a mask and wings! They'd had fun at kids club doing craft. We went to the Hard Rock bar for drinks before dinner, Mark was disappointed. A lot of the memorabilia isn't there anymore.
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| just pretending |
We spent the day at Bali Safari and Marine Park. It was good, but not as awesome as we had hoped. We saw lots of animals and went on a 'Safari' ride. The best bit was patting the baby tiger and getting to hold the orangutans. The orangutan was fascinated with the feel of Jake's bare chest, it was hot so Jake wouldn't wear his t shirt. The orangutan kept patting his chest, which Jake didn't like. I ended up holding its hands but it got its foot and stroked Jake's chest. Pretty funny! Actually the high light of the day was Mark being part of the elephant show, he even got kissed by an elephant, once again he was smiling from ear to ear!!!
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| putting my hand in the piranha tank |
We were lucky enough to also catch up with our friends Marlena and Bert from the Gold Coast who were also visiting Bali. We went out for dinner and they gave us lots more hints about what else to do in Bali and told us stories of their fun times.
Our last night was spent around the pool. They had a big special buffet dinner in the pool side restaurant. A show and a foam bubble party for the kids. It was such a laugh that night. We were almost too busy in the pool and in the bubbles to even enjoy the meal. The kids and Mark had such a delight with everyone running a muck in the bubble pit. It was such a great way to finish our trip in Bali.
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| Kids club carers |
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| Charlotte and her friend Natalia |
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| Charlotte being tossed in the pool |
And that's the end of our Bali adventure. It was a rather long blog, sorry but we did so much whilst we were there. We had such a great time in Bali, other than the kids being sick. It was so worth us going there. Its now months later and the kids are still talking about what we did in Bali. They still pull out a few Balinese words too, especially Jake's favourite Tidak (No)!
