This trip was memorable for various reasons:
1. my first solo getaway
2. my first solo BIRTHDAY getaway
3. no itinerary
4. last leg of my holiday trip
anyway, i've been lusting to explore this place for a very long time now so to make my experience more meaningful was to have it exactly on my birthday which was also the last year on my 20s. thunders, i know! hahaha!
birthday girl
so let me share my first hand experience at the well - known paradise at this side of the earth..
GETTING TO/FROM/AROUND
There are various airlines to reach and leave Bali. I researched for the cheapest flights and the most convenient flight time for this trip so i have booked Singapore to Bali via Airasia and Bali to Jakarta via Lion Air.
Singapore - Bali: 137 SGD [~110 US$](including surcharges, taxes and 20 kilos check in luggage)
Bali - Jakarta: 994,000 IDR [~103 US$](including surcharges, taxes and 20 kilos check in luggage)
lion air's overweight charge: 15,000 IDR/kilo
Bali's domestic airport is currently under renovation. it was bit chaotic, not to mention too crowded and hot.
Transfer from airport to your destination, i would recommend taking the airport taxi service which is located at the left side of international arrival area. they have a fixed price for each destination around the island. there are some taxi drivers that would offer to bring you to your hotel with a rate. don't get deceived! they charge double than the ones in taxi service. a taxi driver approached me and offered a rate of 200,000 IDR to reach Seminyak, whilst taxi service was only 85,000 IDR. i declined the former offer and decided to queue in line for the (airport) taxi service.
WEATHER
according to my friend, January is still within the rainy season of Bali. truth be told, it rained everyday during my 3 days trip. Locals say that the best time to hit Bali is within June - August. it was explained that the cool breeze from Australia's winter reaches Bali, making Bali's weather summer-y yet cool at the same time. so i guess, those months are the peak season in Bali.
ACCOMMODATION
my friend suggested Grandmas Hotel in Seminyak when i was researching for a clean yet cheap place to stay in. i have read good reviews about it so i decided to book 2 nights here.
i would recommend this hotel for first timers in Bali who opt to stay in Seminyak!
i paid 330,000 IDR (~34 US$)/night
PROs
- comfy bed, clean room and perfect for a budget solo VAIN traveler
- helpful and accommodating hotel staff
- 2 minutes (leisure) walk to the beach
- not so far from restaurants and nice places to go to
- steep stairs to reach hotel lobby
room
hallway
SEMINYAK BEACH
i love beaches! maybe that's one of the reason i decided to stay at this side of bali. i decided to check out the beach during the early morning of my birthday. honestly, i didn't have high expectations as my heart still belongs to my hometown. haha! regardless, i was actually expecting that i could hang out and sunbathe. sadly, not only the weather was gloomy, i really didn't like the beach for sunbathing. the beach has brown sand with huge waves. it actually reminded me of the beach in La Union, Philippines. i've read that at this beach, some offers water activities (e.g. parasailing) but never bothered to ask. hehe.
short clip of seminyak beach
DINING and more
since i didn't prepare any itinerary nor booked any tours for this trip. i have decided to just dine wherever and whatever. haha! fortunately for me, my nights were well spent as my old co-workers took me out for dinner and some.
Ku De Ta
i was lucky enough to witness a Bali sunset in Kudeta. one of the most memorable experience of my bali trip. we didn't dine in as we only wanted to stay until the sun sets.
The Corner Store
My local friend suggested to have a breakfast here as they apparently serve good breakfast. i think what i remembered my friend telling me that this is the best breakfast place in Seminyak. so for my birthday brunch, i went here to sample what they offer. true enough, it was filling and yummy. the only thing that irked me off was the servers were not attentive and friendly.
Mykonos Greek Taverna
i've been craving for greek food for a long time now. so i just decided to stuff myself with greek food for my birthday lunch. YUM!
red pasta for long life! hahaha! plus mixed hummus as starters
The Coffee House
cake is imperative on my birthday! since i'm a cake monster i have researched the best cake in Seminyak. and based on tripadvisor, the coffee house has it! i had a little chat with the cafe's owner (feeling close! haha!) and he suggested to try either the banana cake or the red velvet cake. i decided to order the latter. i was not really a fan of red velvet cake BUT let me tell you from a cake monster that they have the best red velvet evurrr! i think it's best paired with french vanilla tea. massive slice yet affordable price! yum yum yum!
cake for the birthday girl!
NIGHT OUT in KUTA
my old co-workers (way back in Jakarta) took me out on my birthday night. hung out at Kitchenette in Beachwalk mall then karaoke then went clubbing. i won't divulge details about that night coz it was kinda hazy. hahaha!
crazy night
Chandi
for my last day in Bali, i had my lunch at this restaurant. nursing a hangover didn't really make me appreciate this experience. haha. i didn't know that food served were indonesian with a twist. i ordered calamari salad which was the least indonesian based on what i perceived in their menu. i was only person dining at this time so it was quiet and kinda boring.
Final Thoughts about Bali
i like bali. i like it in a way i feel like i'm a foreigner but at the same time i feel like i'm well adjusted around like my life in Jakarta since i speak Bahasa Indonesia. I have yet to say i love bali since i only explored one side of it.
3 days are enough to stay in seminyak but there are still a lot of places i have yet to explore. There is ubud, nusa dua, kota, legian and more. moreover, honestly, i think seminyak is better off exploring with friends, family or with someone special. that's why i'm planning to stay in ubud next time! i would really channel Elizabeth Gilbert next time! haha!
i'm planning another Bali holiday this year. let's cross fingers to make that happen! push! :)
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