Motormouth From Ipoh – A Malaysian Food Blog

For the full chapter-by-chapter accounts of my Bali trip back in October of 2009, click HERE.

I am seriously in need of some discipline. One whole month has passed since I last posted something with regards to my Bali trip two months ago. I know, I know. Procrastination’s one of my ‘stronger’ points no doubt, but have you ever experienced those days when you felt that enough is enough, and you’d rather tie those loose ends and be done with it?

Through the gap, I saw light shining from beyond … @ Bajra Sandhi Monument, Denpasar, Bali

And now, my dear friends, the time draws nigh for the next chapter in the saga. We’re still on Day 5, by the way, after we shopped at Sukawati Art Market, strolled around the grounds of Goa Gajah, and then visited the infamously crammed with traffic city of Denpasar, the capital of Bali.

We passed by a grand structure of a monument in the midst of a spacious field in the city centre of Denpasar, and good old Komang Triawan (our driver for the whole journey, for your information) explained that the Bajra Sandhi Monument is one of Denpasar’s landmark, but to enter the interior vicinity of the grounds, one has to pay. Okaaaayyy ….. But wait, there were so many people prancing around on the green fields stretching for hundreds of metres surrounding the monument, in their most recreational modes. To which Mr Komang answered, Oh, we could walk around the fields FOC, but could not step inside the gated area of the monument. Fine with us, for we were in no mood to climb the stairs nor perform our prayers anyway.

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What an amazing sight – Of pink petals, green leaves and running waters ….. a lotus pond with flowering joy on Jalan Raya Pengosekan, Ubud, Bali

After the slightly underwhelming Babi Guling meal at Ibu Oka, we ventured back to Jati 3, our accommodation to refresh ourselves. Before setting foot on the next item on our itinerary ….. the most rejuvenating SPA session. Coming to Bali without paying a single visit to any spa would be a SIN, really. For a 2 hours session (1 hour and 45 minutes in actual) only cost about IDR 150,000 / RM 55 / USD16 per person. And best of all, there are LOADS of spas in Ubud for you to choose from.

Venezia Day Spa on Monkey Forest Road, Ubud, Bali …. where we found some form of pampering, but NOT as relaxing as we had initially expected ……

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It has been THAT long since I’ve posted anything on Bali. Nah …… not ages, but merely a week apart. For the previous installation of my Blissfully Bali 2009 series, do hop over to Bebek Bengil (Dirty Duck Diner) whereby you’ll read about one of our better dining experience throughout our 7 days in Bali, Indonesia. Been there, done that? Okay …. then read on, and find out about our most quaint and isolated (from the main road of Monkey Forest Road, that is) accommodation at Jati 3 Bungalows, and the undoubtedly Bali’s exclusive pride of a dish, the infamous “Babi Guling” aka Roasted Pig with Spices …….

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continued from Bali Day 2 (Part 2) – Sunset @ Tanah Lot, and TJ’s Mexican Restaurant ….

Of Batik and Silver, in Batubulan and Mas (Art Villages)

Day 3 started off with a slight detour to some of Bali’s famous art villages, namely Batubulan where we witnessed the production of  ‘batik’ and also a town famous for its art of stone-carving, and Barong dance performances. Mas village on the other hand, is popular for its production of silver (and gold) accessories, but leaning more towards a destination commonly listed in a tour guide’s itinerary, rather than a backpacker’s.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace – A most soothing view from the repetitive waves of greens …..

From the district of Gianyar, we proceeded to Tegalalang Rice Terrace, on the way to Kintamani. The brief stopover was sufficient for us to camwhore to a considerable extent, and had it not for the ultra-hot weather, we would have gladly parked our derrieres on the greens and rolled away, Bollywood style. Or maybe not.

Wooden huts lining the terrace on multiple levels, overlooking the paddy plantations

Tegalalang in its essence, is a simple & small village, with the main road lined by merely two rows of shops selling wooden carvings on both sides of the road. Some cafes offer requiem for the tired souls, for the journey from Ubud to Kintamani may take its toll on unseasoned travelers, with the bumpy trunk road being one of the bane of long distance traveling.

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