Bali Anniversary

This weekend on 9/9/12 was our first wedding anniversary. We couldn't believe a year has gone by so fast! It was probably because so many things have happened: new job, new country, new life. Luckily, I get to enjoy these adventures with a wonderful partner (Tony - hope you're reading this!).

For our anniversary we took a trip to Bali, Indonesia. Bali has been on my top list of destinations for a while, particularly because of the serene and picturesque environment. Based on recommendations from friends, we stayed in Ubud located in the center of Bali up in the hills. It's the cultural heart and considered by locals as the "soul" of Bali. 


Day One  
At the airport we were greeted by a kind man named Nyoman, who would take us to our hotel. He was a Bali native and made our hour and a half car ride to Ubud very entertaining. After a scenic tour through local villages and many commuters on motor bikes, we arrived at Alam Shanti (http://www.alamindahbali.com/alam_shanti.htm) our gorgeous villa for the weekend. Alam Shanti was in a quiet village called Nyuhkuning at the edge of Ubud so it was less touristy.

"Penjor" which are bamboo poles holding offerings

Nyuhkuning Village

Nyoman driving

Balinese woman with lots of balance

Front Entrance

We walked into the open air lobby of Alam Shanti and was greeted by a friendly and gracious staff. They even gave us welcome beverages.

Papaya and banana smoothies

Hotel Lobby

Library/Seating Area

I immediately became camera-happy and couldn't stop admiring the beautiful surroundings, especially our room.

Lobby Flowers

Flowers everywhere

Sign for our villa

Namaste

Stairs to our place

Our bath

King size bed

Entrance to bathroom

Daybed on our veranda

We arrived in the evening so after settling in we went out for dinner. Nyoman recommended a restaurant called Laka Leke owned by the same people as the hotel (http://www.lakaleke.com). The name of the restaurant meant "hideaway" which lived up to its name. It was a short walk from our hotel, but the ambiance made us feel like we were far away from the city hustle and bustle. We opted for the dinner with a show since the proceeds went to a local orphanage in Ubud. The performers were children from the orphanage. 

Mango and Avocado Salad

Welcome to the "hideaway"

Wearing my "welcome" flower

Mojito and Pina Colada

Fried Rice with Satays and Fish Cakes

We also ate Crispy Duck, their specialty. However, we gobbled it up too quickly to take a photo. :)

The Stage

First set of performers

The old man enters

The Monkey King

The dance troupe complete with little monkeys

T&T with the troupe

Day Two
The next morning we were awoken by the sounds of Bali nature. We heard roosters crow, exotic birds chirp, and locusts singing. It was marvelous. Part of our stay included a free breakfast which we happily enjoyed on our terrace. 

Starting off with yogurt and pineapple juice.

Fresh papaya juice

Indonesian pancake with banana and honey

Indonesian pancake with pineapple and cinnamon

View from our veranda

Post-breakfast lounging

Food Coma

Carved wooden lamp on the terrace

"Brain" Food

To work off breakfast we decided to take a walk through the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (http://www.monkeyforestubud.com/). You must go here when visiting Ubud. There were monkeys everywhere! Don't bring food unless you want a furry-tailed friend climbing up your arm to grab it. I'll let the pictures do the story-telling.

Father and Son

Helping themselves to the offerings

View at your own risk!

One of the temples

Sacred Banyan Tree

Monkey Hair Salon

This dragon's head is a nice spot.

Who gave him that banana?

Lunch Time

In front of the "Temple of Doom"

Yes he's eating a child!

Giving his offerings to the Gods

Prayer Time

Today was a Balinese holiday called "Kuningan" which marked the day when spirits of deceased relatives left Earth. The beginning of the holiday season was "Galungan" (August 29th) when the spirits arrived. The dates change each year depending on the Balinese calendar. We saw many ceremonies taking place particularly at grave sites, and offerings were placed everywhere.

Families at the graveyard

Family Ceremony

Banana Buffet

Creek inside the forest

Such artistry!

After a few hours of monkey business, we continued our tour of Ubud by walking along Monkey Forest Road. Turned out it was a mecca for shopping and art gallery hopping.

Car offerings

Throughout the day we saw children playing music on the street in their "gamelans" which is an Indonesian percussion orchestra.

Make-shift camel

Hood Ornament

Ubud Kelod, where dance performances take place

More gamelans

Classic Scooter

They decorate their statues for the holiday.

All dressed up for tonight!

 

Cannot enter since families live here

We hear music...

Grandma's got skills!

Later in the evening we had some rest and relaxation. We indulged in a 90-minute massage at Alam Wangi Spa next to our hotel. After a blissful treatment they gave us cake and tea afterwards. When we received the bill, to our surprise the two massages only cost $68 U.S. dollars! If only this place was in Singapore...

We spent our last evening in downtown Ubud and had dinner at Casa Luna (http://www.casalunabali.com/casa-luna-restaurant/). 

Local spirits: Brem (Balinese rice wine) and Arak (Balinese palm wine)

Feta Fingers

Indonesian Paella

Mee Goreng

Tiramisu, their specialty

Brownie Sundae, their other specialty

Day Three

Since we had a mid-day flight, we had to leave early for the airport. However, we took our time and had another great breakfast on the veranda.

View of the lily pond below

 

The one area we missed was the pool at the resort. We checked it out really quick before meeting Nyoman to take us back to the airport. This trip was way too short, but we promised each other that we'd be back again. Terima Kasih Bali!

Jacuzzi

Beauty in a bowl