Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana

I don't know how bloggers can still write about their wedding in detail, girls, you dah kahwin nak masuk 1 year kot? ;p But I guess for the sake of documentations, why the hell not eh? Sharing is caring, no? Sometimes when we write, we never meant to show-off, we just want to share with the world. As for me, writing about holidays is therapeutic, besides, I am absent-minded. Pffth.

So our flight was delayed because one of the aircraft's headlights gone kaput. Passengers were annoyed of course because we're not allowed to leave the plane. But the minute the captain said you are allowed to use your mobile devices, hah, senyap terus everyone! 

We earlier booked Mercure Kuta for one night because the second day we'll be off to Ubud already. I could have gone for a cheaper hotel in Kuta but Mercure, despite its small room (4-star hotel), I loved the infinity pool overlooking the sea and rindu the chocolate pancake! But I was nervous when the staff said "we're so sorry but agoda's system messed up and we have no rooms for tonight".

Gulp.

But imagine our surprise when we were told that we will be sent to a nearby hotel, the 5 star, 3 year old, Pullman Hotel! Woot woot! On top of that, they threw in free breakfast as well (didn't opt for breakfast at mercure) so, yeah, win! Terima kasih agoda! Wish it was for 2 nights!

  

Our room. Perfect for exhibitionists. 

Eh, also got infinity pool here leyyyy.

In luck because there were some art exhibition going on at the hotel.

Such a beauty.

Me likey. What?

Ground view.

By the way, internet in Bali is pretty good. The minute you step out of the arrival gate, a telco kiosk is already available outside. Cost about 200,000/250,000 rupiah, about RM60++ like that.

Me, annoying the shit out of my colleagues hehe.

That's it! Next up I'll talk about our boutique hotel in Ubud.

Additional food post in Bali!

One last round of nasi ayam nearer to our hotel in Ubud.

What this is, is debatable. Mama and I used to fry chicken skin but this dish here also had hard ones to bite so I have no idea what I ate. Heh. 

Food in Bali

Let's talk food jom? When it comes to food in Bali, safest bet is nasi padang, because there is NO pork element in their dishes. Halal restaurants can be misleading, because whilst the protein is halal, there are also pork dishes in their menu! Food in hotel, tawakal saja, because they normally label their pork items. On someone's IG post, ada ustazah instagram said you can eat at a place that serve pork, as long as they wash their utensils thoroughly. Really ah? My principal is simple, if was-was, don't eat.  

Was introduced to 'nasi ayam' by our supir. White rice with 4 different chicken dishes. Spicy as hell but good! 

Nasi goreng Indonesia for breakfast at Kenanga Boutique Hotel. It was so good I ate it for 2 days straight!

Banana pancake served with maple syrup & coconut. Trivia: Bananas are mostly imported from states nearby as most of the time they are used as religious offerings. If you stay in Mercure, Kuta, ask for chocolate pancake. Ohhhh yum.

Nasi goreng Indonesia again. Told ya.

My husband has a knack of trying new drinks whenever he travels. This, is a good discovery. 

My delicious dark choco latte at Anomali Cafe, Ubud. Come to think of it, Anomali has that Artisan Cafe vibe. Hmm, who's imitating who I wonder.

Not a big fan.

Next up: Food in Kuantan. 

rejuvenate

So happy that I finally get to share the beauty of Bali with the husband! If it wasn't for the BII Maybank Bali Marathon 2014, god knows when will I be able to drag him to this slice of heaven that I keep coming back to. The Bali I knew 6 years ago has changed so much but the kindness of the Balinese is something that has not changed. 

We didn't encounter many problems throughout the trip - because every single glitch had its own silver lining. Flight got delayed - but we ended up getting a hotel upgrade to a 5 star hotel (thanks Agoda!). Got lost on foot for half an hour trying to look for a restaurant recommended by The Guardian - but we settled for a much cheaper much tastier restaurant. Thought we ran our of money - only to find that my money has doubled in my wallet - which until now has left me baffled. Magic!

Can't wait to go back next year, hopefully with the kids and me running my first marathon outside Malaysia. Fingers crossed!

The view from Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana, Kuta.

Loving the art exhibition at the hotel.

Marathon man.

Uluwatu. My first time here.

Some random temple in Ubud.

Anomali Cafe! Love the coffee here. We also tried the coffee luwak in Gianyar - I GET WHAT THE FUSS IS ALL ABOUT NOW.

Kenanga Boutique Hotel in Ubud. A picture of calm and peace.

* Photos here are from my LX5. More photos from the iPhone soon. 

Call these brothers if you're looking for knowledgeable and friendly guides:

+62 812 36714275 - Ngurah

+62 813 37911478 - Made' Roy 

+62 813 38668693 - Komang Ari

Cheap taxi from Ubud to Ngurah Rai airport:

+62 819 99245666 - Yudi