Arrival in Bali, Indonesia

Flight to Bali

We have a night flight from Kuala Lumpur to Bali. After the efficient perfection of Singapore’s Changi Airport, Kuala Lumpur’s airport is a bit of a poop show. I found it disorganized with a lot of unnecessary lineups. Rather frustrating. Fortunately we arrived at the airport well ahead of our departure time so we didn’t start panicking with all the delays getting to our gate.

I am asleep before the plane leaves the ground. The three hour flight lands in Bali at 1:30am.
I am much relieved to see that Bali’s airport is updated and streamlined; we breeze right through. A driver from our airport hotel is waiting for us. But it’s 3am before we get settled and off to sleep.

Five hours later we are up at 8am ready to start the day. We have a driver pick us up to transfer us to our hotel in Ubud (1 1/2 hour drive). The weather is hot, humid and overcast. Which is a blessing because when the sun is out, it is super hot.

Ubud

I already love the vibe of Bali. It is a mostly Hindu country. So many beautiful temples. Fresh marigolds are displayed on many steps and flower offerings are all over the place.

Desak Putu Putera Cottages

Our hotel, Desak Putu Putera Cottages,  is gorgeous with a beautiful pool surrounded by lush vegetation.

John and I quickly unpack ready to see Ubud. The person at the front desk is very surprised when we say we are walking to the Ubud Palace. He says it is very far. It ends up being a very doable twenty minute walk.

We stop for a light snack and drink (raspberry mint ice tea) in a pretty restaurant and take the time to do a planning session for the next four days here.

It starts to rain just before we leave the restaurant so we buy disposable rain ponchos from a street merchant- two for $4 and we probably still paid too much. Of course as soon as we put them on the rain stops.

Prices in Indonesia are very reasonable (actually quite cheap).

Ubud Palace

We head to the Ubud Palace. I love all the intricate figures and the beautiful doorways of this palace. Click here for a short video.

Ubud Water Palace

After a gelato break, we go to the Ubud Water Palace. It is a sacred place so we need to wear traditional sarongs, headpiece and kimono type jacket. It is so lovely with its fountains and water features. Click here for a short video.

Balinese Fire Dancing Show

Being Valentine’s Day, John treats me to a pedicure while he goes for a beer. Pure bliss.

We go for a Balinese supper before going to a Balinese fire dancing show at a temple. The dance involves much chanting by a large male choir re-enacting an ancient story of good vs evil that centres on a king trying to steal away another’s kings beautiful wife. The chanting was great but 10-15 minutes would have been enough instead of the 60 minutes we endured. Click here for a short video.

This is a Valentine’s Day to remember. I know it has only been a day but I love Bali soooooo much.