4D3N Bali, Indonesia Complete Itinerary (2012)

Here is the compilation for all the post relating to my trip to Bali, Indonesia last year for 4 days and 3 nights. And there are even few tips given based on my own experience, especially for those who are going Bali for the very first time.

Day 1 (11th August 2012)

Arrived Bali, Warung Mak Jo, Garuda Wisnu Kencana, Uluwatu Temple & Seafood Dinner at Jimbaran Beach

1. Garuda Wisnu Kencana - Admission fee is IDR60,000
2. Uluwatu Temple - Entrance fee  is IDR20,000
3. Kecak dance - Pay extra of IDR70,000
4. Seafood dinner at Jimbaran Beach

Stay: Jocs Boutique Hotel & Spa
 

Day 2 (12th August 2012)
Batuan Village, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul at Tampak Siring Temple & Luwak Coffee 

Entrance fee for Tegalalang Rice Terrace is IDR5,000 wherease for Tampak Siring Temple is IDR15,000.

Mount Batur in Kintamani, Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka & Ubud Market

Entrance for Kintamani is IDR10,000.

Day 3 (13th August 2012)
Turtle Farm of Tanjung Benoa, Nusa Dua

-We paid USD$25 each for this tour and to be frank, we were kinda disappointed with it. Short, expensive and totally not worth it.

Tanah Lot Temple, Puru Ayun & Puru Ulun Danu - My Most Favourite Temples in Bali

Entrance fee for three of these temples are IDR30,000 each.

Day 4 (14th August 2012)
Bali Bombing Memorial, BeachWalk, Kuta Beach & Ngurah Rai International Airport


Extra Posts:

• 2012 Bali, Indonesia (Sneak Peek)
• Travel Haul & Expenses 

NOTE
If you plan to hire a local tour guide/driver around Bali, here is the detail and contact:   
Alvin - Contact through sending message via email to alvin.ezpro@gmailcom ; alvin_ezpro@yahoo.co.uk or through mobile phone: +62 81999393636 / +62 81339189529

He charged IDR350,000 for unlimited of time and this fee including petrol and parking fee. His car could fit up to 6 people.  

Tips (for the those who are going to Bali for the very first time):

1. The best time to visit Bali would be generally in May, June and July in terms of weather. However, if you are going for surfing, preference may change. During the dry season, May to October, the western side of the island creates some of the world's best waves. 
2. Place to stay - If you are looking forward for good food, shopping and epic nightlife, Kuta and Legian would be your best pick. As for budget traveller, Kuta would be the best choice. 
3. As for the lady, it is wise to know when is your menstruation cause some temples, like Pura Taman Ayu and Tampak Siring Temple are strictly disallowed to enter during those time. So, better plan ahead or else, it believe will bring bad luck.
4. For money changer, even our local driver/tour guide advised us not to simply change at any money charger especially those with extraordinary exchange rate, as the dishonest money charger will try to rip you off badly. My advise, change sufficient of Rupiah before leaving to Bali. Talking about ATM machine, I came across a Caucasian unable to withdraw his money due to machine broke down while his card stuck inside it. Horrible situation!
5. Last but not least, don't forget to keep IDR150,000 to pay for airport departure tax or else, you can't go back to your own home sweet home.

Ok, with this post it's finally wrapped up my Bali travelogue. Gosh! I'm really trying my best to blog all my travelogue before more and more of my upcoming trips are approaching soon.

Latest News:

AirAsia is now flying directly from Kota Kinabalu (BKI) – Bali (DPS) with 3x weekly flights on every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. No need to transit to Kuala Lumpur anymore!

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My Travel Haul & Expenses of Bali, Indonesia (2012)

What to buy when you in Bali? Well, apparently I not sure what to buy when I was in Bali except for Luwak coffee, which well-known to be the most expensive coffee in the world. So as usual, whenever I travel, mostly I just bought keychains, fridge magnets and even themed T-shirt as part of my travel collection.

#1: I guess not that many if compare to my other trips xP

#2: Besides the white one which bought in Ubud Market, the rest I bought in souvenir shop nearby Pura Luhur Tanah Lot - for my parents, brothers and myself.

#3: Kinda love tote bag lately cause they are indeed very useful. Mostly bought from Ubud Market.

#4: Bundle of keychains & fridge magnets got them from Ubud Market. The more you buy, they will give you more discount. Depends on your bargaining skill

#5: Different coffee flavours I bought - vanilla and coconut. As for Luwak Coffee, for just 50 gram, it cost almost RM100. I bought for my parents cause they love coffee so much. #coffeeaddiction

#6: McCafe luggage tag which I need to purchase any cakes and beverages above IDR60,000, then I will get it for free.

And the following is my sharing of the full details of my travel expenses that I spend for my 4 days and 3 nights trip in Bali, Indonesia:

(The exchange rate by the time I changed; RM1 : IDR2,950 and RM3:USD$1)

NOTE:

1. The airfare didn't include the airport tax and it's compulsory to pay before depart.
2. Baggage allowance for my flight KL-Bali-KL-KK.
3. Stayed for 3 nights throughout the trip, which including the breakfast as well. For more information about this boutique hotel, click HERE.
4. Rate for a day is IDR350,000 - unlimited time per day and it's including the fuel and driver fee as well but excluded the parking and entrance fees. It can accommodate up to 6 people.
5. This is optional tour but honestly, not recommended. Kinda disappointed.
6. The fee is for the local but the actual fee for foreigner is IDR30,000.
7. Most of my souvenirs and shopping haul are as above photos. Also including postcards and stamps which I bought and send out from Bali (unfortunately my postcards lost in space cause I never received it until now)

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Bali Day 4: Bali Bombing Memorial, BeachWalk, Kuta Beach & Ngurah Rai International Airport

Date of Visit: 14th August 2012

If there is more than one particular flight back homeland, mostly I will book in the evening one, as long it's still within my budget so that we could have more time to venture around. Same goes for my Bali trip. Our flight back to Kuala Lumpur was 7pm, and because of that, we had plenty of time to wander around Kuta and Legian area, where our hotel was situated.

#1: Bali Bombing Memorial

We walked around for last minute of shopping and we came across of this Bali Bombing Memorial. This permanent memorial was built for 202 people who being killed due to terrorist bombing attack right in the center of Kuta district.

#2: Hustle and bustle of Kuta district - If you are looking for good foods, good bars, shopping and more, this is the best place for you.

#3: Beachwalk, a newly open-aired mall overlooking the Indian Ocean at the very heart and soul of Kuta. Stores like Topshop, Zara, Guess, Mango, Pull & Bear can be found here.

#4: The world famous beach, Kuta Beach. And guess what, I spotted topless women here. I'm kid not.

#5: McDonald, KCF, convenience store and more right along Kuta Beach

#6: Our lunch - McDonald but I was more attracted to McCafe. At that moment, McCafe was just opened in Kuala Lumpur not more than a month.

Done with shopping, done with strolling along the beach, done with lunch, but then, we realised we still have plenty of time before leaving to airport. So my friends suggested for Balinese massage since there are plenty of massage parlour located nearby our hotel.

#7:We did half hour body massage and it cost IDR50,000 (approx. to RM17). Freaking dirt cheap!

And so, finally we decided to leave to airport around 4 pm. The distance between Kuta area and Ngurah Rai International Airport, or commonly known as Denpasar Airport was not really that far away and it took roughly less than 30 minutes, depending on the traffic jam. As for the taxi fare, it cost around IDR35,000 (approx. to RM12).

#8: Saw this Gatot Kaca Knight statue means we almost arrive the airport.

#9: Balinese architectural theme in the international terminal

#10: Passenger service charge or airport departure tax for IDR150,000 (approx. to RM51) is compulsory to pay by every passenger before leaving Bali. So don't forget to keep your money!

#11: Even the Balinese split gate can be seen here.

#12: A beautiful and long masterpiece drawing of Balinese culture 

Another two final blogposts before I officially wrap up my Bali travelogue.

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Bali Day 3: Pura Luhur Tanah Lot, Pura Taman Ayu & Pura Ulun Danu Bratan

Date of Visit: 13 August 2012

After left the disappointing turtle farm of Tanjung Benoa, Nusa Dua, we moved on for our next adventures - the temples visit. Throughout the four days trip, I can honestly say that these three temples visit were my favourite and I personally would recommend these to those who never been to Bali before not to miss these temples - Pura Luhur Tanah Lot, Pura Taman Ayu and & Pura Ulun Danu.

Pura Luhur Tanah Lot

Beautifully perched on a large offshore rock which has been shaped continuously over the years by the ocean tide, Tanah Lot Temple is an extremely popular tourist and cultural icon for photography. It was built in 15th century by the Javanese priest for he felt it to be a holy place to worship the Balinese sea gods.

#1: Before reaching the temple, we walked across a row of colourful shops selling plenty of souvenirs, foods and drinks.

#2: Captivating scenery of Tanah Lot Temple at low tide

We're lucky enough by the time we visited this sacred temple it was at low tide, which consider to be the best time cause we can walk and get closer to the base of Tanah Lot. Ever since this temple leads to highly commercialised, every visitors are required to pay upon enter into this area. The entrance fee is divided into two categories; local and foreigner and again, we were lucky enough cause we paid IDR10,000 (approx. to RM3) for local fare instead of IDR30,000 which apply for the foreigner.

#3: Side view of the temple

#4: Huge wave behind me

#5: View from the mainland cliff tops 

Before move on to the next destination, we stopped by few souvenirs shops for souvenirs hunting as well bought ice-cream to cool down our body on the very scorching hot weather. 

Pura Taman Ayu

The name of Pura Taman Ayu means the "Temple of the Beautiful Gardens" and it was built by the founder of Mengwi Kingdom. This huge royal temple is surrounded by an artificial waterways and entered over a bridge, making this place similar to a huge garden sanctuary.

#6: The Candi Bentar or split gate of Pura Taman Ayun

#7: Gateway to the inner courtyard of this temple

Pura Taman Ayun consists of a forecourt, a central court and a spacious inner court. A tall stone gateway separates the forecourt from the central court, while the inner court is surrounded by a stone wall. Pura Taman Ayu is totally one of the beautiful temple building with multi-storied roof and authentic Balinese architecture.

#8: The temple is also surrounded by lotus

#9: I always love my sunny to be the main character

#10: The eleven-storey meru are replicas of the original at difference sacred sites around Bali and are dedicated to the rice goddess Dewi Sri.

#11: Unfortunately, visitors are allowed to see the inner courtyard from outside only. 

 

#12: The wide gorgeous landscape garden in front courtyard to welcome all visitors who come and visit this temple.

The entrance fee for Pura Taman Ayu is IDR30,000  (approx. to RM10) per person. Too bad, this time around we unable to get the local fare. As for a sweet reminder to the lady, this temple is strictly disallowed to enter during menstruation. So, better plan ahead or else, it believe will bring bad luck.

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan @ Bedugul

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is an enchanting water temple which believed it was dedicated to Dewi Danu, the Lake Goddess for offerings ceremony. This temple complex is situated on the western bank of Lake Bratan in the mountains near Bedugul Highlands, which is well-known for its great natural beauty. Seeing that it was located above the sea level, this area was kinda chilly and cool and most importantly, we felt the deeply fresh air.

#13: Ceremony and ritual took place when we arrived this temple

#14: Indeed an enchanting and stunning temple that sit on a very beautiful lake

#15: One of its temple which I believe being repainted for couple of times

#16: Very scenic and gives a sense of calmness and relaxing feels

#17: The temple is surrounded by a myriad of colourful and vibrant flowers

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is another popular photography icon after Puru Luhur Tanah Lot. And for your information, Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is featured in Indonesian banknote of 50,000. Just like the rest, the entrance to this temple is not free and IDR30,000 per person (approx. to RM10) is apply to each and every foreigner.

We reached our hotel around 7 pm after more than an hour ride from Pura Ulun Daru Bratan. As it was Pak Bagus final day offering his tour services to us, we decided to give him extra tips for his excellent services throughout the first 3 days we engaged him. And because it was our final night in Bali as well, we planned to have a big feast, I means to reward ourselves with a fine dinner.

#18: Cause three of us were craving for Chinese foods, so we ended up in Chinese restaurant which located not far away from our hotel. Puri Bali Indah Restaurant is not a bad restaurant after all.

[Credit To: Wikipedia, Wikitravel, Asia Explorers]

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Bali Day 3: Turtle Farm of Tanjung Benoa, Nusa Dua

Day of Visit: 13th August 2012

Comes to the third day, we have two optional tours; either to Lovina Beach for dolphin watching or to Nusa Dua for turtle island trip. Well of course, we're more interested for the first one but it was located 3 hours away from Kuta/Legian and we need to wake up as early as 2 am in the morning. Plus the chances of seeing the dolphin might be low. As we didn't book early this tour, hence we're opted for the latter option.

#1: Nusa Dua beach

Nusa Dua beach is famed for its water sport activities such as windsurfing, parasailing, banana boat, jet ski, snorkelling cruises, submarine and even for scuba diving. But our main purpose is to visit the turtle farm in Tanjung Benoa, which situated in northern side from Nusa Dua beach. 

#2: Deluang Sari Turtle Farm of Tanjung Benoa

Once we arrived Nusa Dua beach, we were approached by the tour operator and he persuaded us to take some recommended tours, especially on water sport activities but we refused. At the end, we only agreed for the turtle island tour and to be frank, it was kinda costly as it cost USD$30 per pax. After tried our best to negotiate the price with the tour operator, finally we agreed at the price of USD$25 per person, which approximately to RM75.

The journey from Nusa Dua beach to Tanjung Benoa took about 20 minutes and we ride on a motorboat with a clear glass bottom. From the boat, we able to see beautiful and colourful underwater scenery without having to dive.

#3: Hundreds of baby turtles were placed inside baskets

#4: Take a pitcha with the turtle. 

#5: Huge and giant turtle which I believed aged hundred years old.

On this turtle island, besides turtles, we also saw few other animals; such as bats, snakes, hawks, komodo dragons, birds and more as part of the wildlife collection. Most of the animals were tamed so that we will be able to touch and hold them. 

#6: Huge bats were hollowing on the tree. We even brave ourself to hold them and take picture with them.

#7: Hawks

#8: Small island of Tanjung Benoa

The turtle island itself is very small and within less than half an hour, we had done with seeing everything. Besides getting near to the wildlife animals especially the hundred years old turtles, nothing special about this island and I personally would not recommended this tour to anyone. Seriously, it really pricey and not worth for visit.

#9: Saw a random cafe by the island side while on the way back to the beach

#10: Most people come to Nusa Dua beach for water sport activities

#11: That's kite by the way. I love this photo

Conclusion, this trip is expensive, short and not worth for every dollar we paid. Perhaps next time, my friends and I should opt for Lovina Beach for dolphin watching.

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