Monkey Business

Apologies for being slightly late with this post, but just as I was finishing it, I hit the wrong button and it disappeared into oblivion (deep breath and begin)

So we packed our bags and headed north up into the jungle to the spiritual heartland of Ubud. This was around one and a half hours transfer from Nusa Dua by taxi and we waited patiently in anticipation. As we passed through the rice fields we stumbled across the thatched hotel reception where we were greeted by the hotel manager and a nice glass of fresh beetroot and ginger juice. He explained about the local environment including the ongoing village Hindu festivals, visiting monkeys and singing frogs - this place was truly wild and we were definitely in traditional Bali jungle!

We were then escorted to our thatched villa as we waited to see what it would be like with great anticipation - we were not disappointed. Here it is.....






Our pool was fantastic, the bath tub in the middle of a pond with hundreds of fish was also AMAZING - the architect who put this together had created a masterpiece.

We then headed to the restaurant and pool area to be greeted by some friends along the way...


Wild monkeys wondering around the complex looking for food and a bit of mischief. Now this is the first time we have seen monkeys at large and they were fabulous - jumping, swinging and leaping from wall to wall and onto the guests thatched villa roofs.

As I sit here I am being accompanied by a frog who is taking shade under some grass around our pool - the wild can do funny things to you as I just made a passing comment to him a few minutes ago, to which it replied...... nothing of course!

So, to the main pool area, here it is .....






Again this looked amazing as it appeared as if you were going to swim off a cliff edge into the jungle! Incidentally this picture was taken at 0600 this morning as we had read about the jungle mist rising upon sunrise. Then pool is rated as one of the best in the world and I'm sure you can see why from the photos above. There was also a Hindu festival taking place in a local village and the haunting sounds of Balinese music really added to the atmosphere. This takes place once every 50 years so we were lucky to be there at the time of the nine day celebration event.

After a brief exploration of the complex, we decided to go for a 60 minute Balinese massage at the spa. This was the first time that I had been for a 'proper' massage and I was not disappointed - it was very relaxing.

Our attention then turned to the evening and dinner at the hotel. The menu was varied and we decided to go for the seven course tasting menu. I will not list out all of the courses but we have included a photograph below of one of them - duck egg on a bed of salt with haddock croquettes and asparagus - delicious!



This place has been pretty magical and we would definitely visit again. Now we pack our bags and take a five hour flight to Hong Kong on the 23rd for what will be a completely different experience. This is where we will send the next blog.

Location:Ubud, Bali - 21&22 May 2011

Seasick Sarah

After a nice lazy day by the pool in 90 degrees of heat on the Tuesday, we decided to jump in a taxi and head to Kuta which is the main tourist destination in the south of the island and once a Mecca for surfers. We did not know too much about this place except it's reputation for great sun sets and the place where the terrorist bombs went off in 2002 at the Sari Club and Paddys bar. A 1/2 hour journey and we had arrived - the place was chaotic, lots of bars and restaurants but nothing that really caught the eye. Security here was pretty unbelievable with guards outside every restaurant and bar. We headed to the beach in search of an amazing coastline but to be honest we were a little underwhelmed. We sat ourselves at a bar on the beach front and watched as the sun started to set and it became clear as to why it was worth the journey. Here it is.......






We settled down with a few delicious cocktails and food and that was that. Home bound just as the rain started. I could not help thinking about the chaos that must have ensued following the attacks in 2002, even more so than in New York. Bali simply does not have the infrastructure to cope and the stories on the Internet combined with visiting the actual place really brings it home as to what must have gone on that night. There is now a permanent memorial at the site of the bomb which is held in significance by both the Balinese, Australians and other affected countries.

The following day we were up early for an 0730 pick up at the hotel for a trip on a catamaran to Lembongan Island. An hour transfer by bus saw us arrive at the port, through security and onto the catamaran. Now this was a new experience for us both - a beautiful day, red hot and the boat was fairly modern with 22 people on board. A quick drink on deck and we were off. At this time the water was very calm we took seats up on deck where we could get good views. The captain then informed us that it would take two hours to reach the island ( one more than we we thought). As we got further out the waves got bigger and the catamaran started to move up and down more and more. It got to the point that every wave gave the sensation of going over the crest of a hill in a car where your stomach drops. At this point Sarah went very quiet. Then suddenly from nowhere, a big fat girl ran up to the side of the boat and started spewing for Bali - not very gratious at all as she flashed her big white knickers in the process. After 5 minutes Sarah admitted she felt sick and we headed to the back of the boat.

There were many sick looking people and the worst (of which Sarah was one) were asked to lie down while the Balinese crew performed anti-sickness massage exercises on them. "Christ" i thought to myself "this will be the last time we do a catamaran trip"!

Two hours slowly passed and we arrived. Snorkelling was first up and it was FANTASTIC - we saw angel fish and other bright coloured aquatic creatures and for over an hour we were bobbing round in the sea. Unfortunately we could not take photos but it was a great experience nevertheless. A quick lunch and bit of sun bathing and we decided to get the big boat home to avoid the outbound trauma. A great decision - half the time to return, a live band on board and beer - what more could you wish for! The picture below is of me onboard the Bali Hali supping a Bintang while listening to the Balinese interpretation of 'Living next door to Alice' by Smokey. "Alice, Alice, who the ?!&@ is Alice?






So back we made it back safe and sound and headed for tranquillity of the local restaurant for dinner. The next two days we would be based at the hotel for more R&R and enjoying afternoon tea by the pool before packing up and heading to the hills of Ubud on the 21/05. This is were you will read our next blog.



P.S. We got this photo off Facebook of Lizzie and Plunky taking the dance floor by storm at our wedding - we love it!




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Location:Bali - Indonesia 18th & 19th May 2011

Going Balinese I think I'm going Balinese I really think so

After a quiet day at the pool soaking up the Indonesian sun it was time to prepare for our adventure and explore the real Bali! An 0815 pick up in the Bedford rascal van and we were off for a 10 hour adventure. In the morning we visited some local craft stores including silver manufacturing and wood carving - both were very impressive and gave a feel for some of the real local talent in the area.

The picture below shows some local Balinese working to create fabulous sculptures from woods like teak, mahogany, sandalwood and ebony.





We then went to see a local Balinese dancing show. Full of Indonesian locals -there were even a few youngsters trying to take sneaky pictures of us. I could not understand or follow the plot of the play, but it was entertaining nevertheless. Here it is......




It was then time to leave the bizarreness and head for the hills to see the rice fields. These are prevalent throughout Bali but these fields were particularly impressive! Anyone for special fried rice?




We then headed to see one of two active volcanoes on the island. The last time this one erupted was in 1976 killing over 2000 people - naturally I was not nervous. While at the volcano (which was pretty uneventful) we stopped to have lunch at a local Balinese restaurant. This was ok once you saw past the flies and sounds of local hindu music!

Swiftly moving on, we headed back down from the cloud covered mountains to visit the oldest Hindu temple on the island. This was really special place even though I had to wear a sarong like David Beckham once did, although I felt more like a tranny. Unfortunately I forgot to take pictures with my phone and can't post them but the place was spectacular. We also managed to upset a bee hive to the point that they started firing wax at us and Sarah's face got covered in it!

We then moved to my favourite part of the day, visiting the coffee plantations and forest area where they grew all sorts fruits etc; banana, cinnamon, cocoa and coffee berries. We also tried many of the locally produced teas and coffees including a very special coffee............
This coffee has been known to be sold in new York for up to $1500 per cup! But today I was able to buy a jar for £20 and taste it. The coffee berries are selected by mongoose who ingest them as part of their diet. The mongoose has the ability to pick out the best beans and therefore enable the best coffee to be ground for drinking. Once the beans are ingested and come out the other end (yuk) they are cleaned and prepared ready for drinking. It was very nice and I will share some of my mongoose poo coffee when we get back!

Picture shows a mongoose kept for farming good coffee... Nice!



The final destination of the day was an art gallery from local artists. There was some great pictures of local Bali and we spent quite some time wondering around the gallery before heading for the hotel. The pic below is of my beautiful wife with her new Bali made silver earrings.





So the end of an exciting day and ready for a quiet day by the pool tomorrow, before heading off to Kuta to watch the sun set. It's a tough old life but someone has to do it!
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Location:Bali, Indonesia 17/05/2011

If you can't stand the heat.......

Well we took our flight from Singapore on Thursday Just after a pretty impressive thunderstorm in the morning. At the airport I managed to fall asleep and snore like a pig waking myself up with a huge snort. A little over two hours would see us arrive at Bali airport. Singapore airlines were kind enough to give us a chocolate cake as congratulations for getting married and to help with out waistlines! Here it is.....



We were met at the airport by a local Balanise man in full regalia and a short trip in his Bedford rascal van got us to the hotel. A short sharp reminder of how poor Bali is as a country was a girl a little over five years old Knocking on the door of the car at a busy intersection begging for money. Entering the secure compound our vehicle was thoroughly checked by several security guards with metal detectors - again a reminder of how this part of the world has changed since the events of 2002. This place is no more risky than anywhere else so mum(s) please do not worry!

We enter the hotel lobby at 19.30 in the evening to 32 degrees of heat and 98 per cent humidity. The place is magnificent - 5 star accommodation and comfortably the best we have ever stayed at. Our room is fully air-conditioned (god send) with great facilities. A butler is on call 24 hours a day for complimentary tea and coffees. A quick tour around the magnificent gardens and pools before an early night confirmed that this would definitely be a great place to stay.

Day 1.

We got up at 0630 in the morning in preparation for a 0700 buffet breakfast. Let me assure you there is no slim fast shakes on offer here! Instead, one of the most impressive selections of food from around the world. Bali appears to attract a host of diverse people, Japanese, Americans, Europeans and of course our best friends the Ozzies! There was Home made sushi, English breakfast, Chinese beef, chocolate fountain with marshmallows, fruits, teas, pizzas, home made breads and croissant to name a few - FANTASTIC! Picking up our full tummies we headed for a full tour of the facilities and started with the beach.



As you can see it looks horrible - just too difficult to find a bed!
We then took in the hotel pools, including a man made beach.


There was also a normal laguna And therefore no shortage of places to
Swim. The water was 89 degrees and it was literally like having a hot bath!






So we are going to kick back and enjoy the facilities for a few days before exploring the island on Monday and Wednesday. We also managed to find a cheap supermarket to avoid paying the extortionate bar prices at the hotel of £9.00 a beer - happy days all round!!


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Location:Bali, Indonesia 14/05/2011

Botanical Gardens and late night zoo!

After waking up to another brilliant blue sky and 32 degree heat we decided to head out to the Botanical Gardens, once there it really was hard to believe you were in the middle of a city with155 acres of tropical landscape!





Part of this was the Orchid gardens with hundreds of varieties on show as modelled here! Eat your heart out Marks and Spencer - these are what you call orchids.






Although very different, we think that this is more impressive than Central Park in New York. The amount of effort required to keep the gardens in check must be a logistical nightmare!

From here we went to Clarke Quay, a very westernised part of Singapore with many different Bars and restaurants. We had time for a quick beer and steak before heading off to the night safari. Although a nice place, you could be anywhere in the western world and we therefore did not spend much time there.

Clarke Quay:


The night safari was great! About 25 minutes north of the city were were taken through the jungle on an electric car (in the pitch black). Unfortunately we were not allowed to take any photos but we did see many animals including some huge hippos - we subsequently want one as a pet!


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Location:Singapore Day 3 - 11/05/2011

Mount Faber - Little India - Arab St - China Town

After a breakfast of prawn dumplings, we decided for our first trip in Singapore to go up Mount Faber and catch a cable car to the neighbouring island of Sentosa! The cable cars were great but not good if you are scared of heights! The amount of development in this area is significant and they are building a Disney type theme park for tourists.



We then took a trip to little India walking along Arab Street, you really could believe you had left Singapore altogether! The picture below shows some of the traditional buildings that still remain today.



We then decided to visit another part of the world and headed for China town! This was far more impressive, a bigger area with much more character - so big in fact that we needed to stop and check the map while sneaking a quick beer!




After a walk through the bustling streets we decided to take in some of the local food on "Food St" at hometown restaurant. This place has many reviews for it's quality of food and we were not disappointed - pork noodles for Sarah and chilli chicken for Chris. Both full, we headed back to the hotel for some well earned rest.

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Location:Singapore - Day 2 10/05/2011

Raffles

A taxi straight from the airport to the hotel and into our room. We are staying at the Fairmont hotel which is opposite the famous Raffles hotel. Our room is great, two balconies and an amazing view of the new Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Here it is.......



The hotel had gone to the lengths of covering our room in rose petals which made the room look very nice. Bags dropped off and straight out to Raffles Long Bar for the famous Singapore Sling. A very colonial bar with old wood panels and big fans and shells to help disguise the 32 degree heat at 7pm! Drinks were lovely but for £30.00 for two you would expect so - I have just come to terms with the bill. Anyway here is a picture of Sarah Enjoying her drink while cracking monkey nuts.





From Raffles it was off to one of the local Malls for some traditional food aptly named 'Grandmas' the curry and chicken rice was delicious. Anyway off to bed now in preparation for a fun filled Tuesday.

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Location:Singapore Day 1 09/05/2011

Heathrow Flight

After the most AMAZING of days on Friday it was time to travel to Heathrow for our flight to Singapore - 13 hours on a plane was a little daunting but the end result would be interesting. We have never been to Singapore before and were looking forward to the experience. The Plane was the new Airbus A380 (the biggest in the world) and the flight was only half full - loads of space, 7 hours sleep and before you knew it we had arrived!




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Location:London