Bali August 2023

Our annual Bali holiday, this time staying in Ubud and Lovina for the first time. Read more

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Trip start
August 23, 2023
Bali August 2023
Hello Kuta
August 23, 2023 in Indonesia ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C
We caught a taxi to the airport at 3.30am.
On arrival, Bali Airport was super quiet and we checked in with no issue
We had lunch at Jepun Bar, Irma and Ardhana were working.
We then checked into our room and unpacked then walked to the pharmacy and onto Radiance so Jen could get her injectables done.
Jen had a sleep in the room in the afternoon and I sat by pool for a couple of hours.
Walked the beach to Jimmys Bar and caught up with everyone there.
Walked to Kori in Poppies 2 for dinner. Bread n dips for entree.
Jen had the Pork Belly, I had Chicken Penne which was very good. Only $57 for the total bill.
Walked back to Risata, Jen had a massage and I went back to the room.Read more
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Bali August 2023
More Kuta
August 24, 2023 in Indonesia ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C
Went for a walk past the new statue around the airport way, then had breakfast at Risata.
Sat by the pool until about 12.30 then walked to Jimmy's Bar.
Had lunch on the beach and I had Gardening and nails done with Suwini.
We saw a boy almost drown.
Watched the sunset then walked up to Un’s for dinner. I had Chicken Maryland, Jen had Tuna Tartare and Indonesian Pork Belly.
Walked back to The Risata, I had a coffee and then we had a leg massage across the road.
I had half hour and fell asleep. Jen had full hour.
Back to the room, Facetimed Myles and goodnight…..zzzzzz.Read more
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Bali August 2023
Kuta, Day 3
August 25, 2023 in Indonesia ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C
Went for a walk around Kuta through back roads and alleys and got back to Nuka’s for breakfast.
I went to the gym, Jen sat by pool then I joined her.
Walked to Money Changer then to Johnny Taco for lunch and walked back through Lippo Mall.
Got a Bluebird up to Jimmys around 4.15pm. Had a couple of beers then to Stadium Cafe to watch Bombers and Collingwood. Bombers were getting pantsed so we left before half time and walked back to The Risata but had a drink at Gracie Kelly’s along the way.
Had a couple of 2 for 1 Cocktails at Jepun Bar then Jen went for Massage and I had a shower.
We Facetimed Jayne, Cam and the gang. Myles Facetimed us then bedtime.Read more
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Bali August 2023
Kuta to Ubud with the Watkins
August 26, 2023 in Indonesia ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C
Early breakfast for 7.30 then we packed for our trip up to Ubud.
Changed some money and went to Lippo Mall to get a top for Jenny.
Sat at Jepun Bar, had a coffee and then Bintangs with Dua Lipa playing as requested by me to Bunga.
Richard and Kendra arrived, then Made took us to Ubud.
We checked in to our accomodation “Alamdini”.
Had lunch at Lemongrass Warung. Spring Rolls entree, Chicken Parmy, Nasi Goreng.
Richard went for massage for his back ailment.
Jenny, Kendra and I walked the streets of Ubud and kind of misplaced ourselves but worked it all out. Had a wine at Belle Wine Bar.
Dinner was at Pici Pici - Tuna Steak and Chicken Steak with entree each plus 2 drinks each for $50.
Leg massage and a Silver Queen Cornetto before bed.Read more
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Bali August 2023
Let's check out Ubud
August 27, 2023 in Indonesia ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C
Met R&K for Breakfast at 8.30 by the pool. Very nice.
Walked up the road. Jen and Kendra walked to Art Market, Rich and I got a taxi and waited for the girls at Ari Book Cafe.
Walked around the Market and Town, then found Folk Bar with Swimming Pool down a narrow alleyway. It was amazing. We sat and had drinks and lunch.
Went back to Alamdini, Rich got a taxi back and us 3 walked and checked out various places like Nick’s hidden cottages.
Sat by the pool at Alamdini all afternoon with drinks and music.
Got a taxi for dinner into town at Ibu Rai Restaurant. I had undercooked tenderloin, Jenny had tuna steak again and loved it.
Then back to retire in our rooms.Read more
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Bali August 2023
Folk Pool & Gardens
August 27, 2023 in Indonesia ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C
As we were walking the streets of Ubud, Richard was struggling with his bad back. I noticed a small sign next to a long narrow lane way that said "Bar".
I asked a guy nearby if there was a bar down there and he ushered me in.
I called out to the others that it might be a good idea to stop and have a rest and a drink.
What we found was a hidden oasis which blew our mind. We ended up staying for a few drinks and lunch.
And had a quick dip as well.Read more
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Bali August 2023
More of Ubud
Aug 28–30, 2023 in Indonesia ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C
Breakfast at 8.30 by the pool again.
Jenny and Kendra walked into town, Jenny bought incense bowls and Salt & Pepper shakers.
I stayed back in the room and did some work stuff.
Jen, Kendra and I did the Ridgetop walk and Richatd met us for lunch at Karsa Cafe.
Jen and I walked back to Ubud, R&K got a taxi back.
We had some time by the pool in the afternoon, then a rest in our room before pre drinks on R&K's balcony.
Dinner at Nick’s Pension.
I had Tomato Soup and Chicken Spaghetti Bolognese. Jen lucked out with Surf n Turf but her Salad entree was “to die for”.
Back to the room and I crashed it.Read more
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Bali August 2023
Ubud to Lovina
August 29, 2023 in Indonesia ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C
Woke to an Earth Temor at 3.56 am.
It lasted for well over a minute and made the news in Australia.
Breakfast was at 8.30 again
We got a driver to take us to Lovina via Lake Beratan in Bedugul, Strawberry Farms and Twin Lake lookout where we had lunch, then on to Lovina.Read more
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Bali August 2023
Welcome to Lovina
August 29, 2023 in Indonesia ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C
We arrived and checked in to Lovina Beach Resort around 2.30pm and had some drinks by the pool.
Jenny and Kendra went for a walk to get some supplies.
We all met on the lawn to watch the sunset which was amazing. It was set to a guy playing techno music which we could have done without but whatever!!
Dinner was curious. Great food but shit service. All of the staff seemed to be trainees so we cut them some slack.
Back to room around 9.45. Jenny crashed it and I had some work to do.Read more
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Bali August 2023
Livin' Lovina Loca
August 30, 2023 in Indonesia ⋅ 🌙 23 °C
Woke to a brilliant full moon over the bay from our balcony.
We all went on an early morning Dolphin cruise starting with a brilliant sunrise. Magnificent.
Had breakfast on return.
Sat by the pool til lunch while Jenny and Kendra went for a walk to find somewhere for dinner. They took longer than expected as they took a wrong turn at the road.
Had lunch with R&K at the resort. Pizza and Burger.
Chilled in our room til 4.30pm then watched the sunset from the lawn again.Read more
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Bali August 2023
The Secret Garden
August 30, 2023 in Indonesia ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C
Dinner was at The Secret Garden.
Jenny and Kendra found it on their walk earlier in the day. It was a secret for Richard and I.
The venue, service and food were all excellent. Truly amazing. $160 for all of us for 3 courses.
There are only 5 tables in the garden so it's very peaceful.
We shared a nice bottle of Red that Richard had brought with him from home.Read more
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Bali August 2023
Lovina back to Kuta
August 31, 2023 in Indonesia ⋅ 🌬 27 °C
I woke early to see the Full Moon over the bay. The Red sunrise over the other side of the Resort was a complete bonus. Photos don’t do it justice.
Packed our luggage then had breakfast with R&K.
Driver Made picked us up at 10am for a 3 hour drive back to Kuta.
We stopped along the way at The Bali Chocolate Factory which we didn’t know existed and as it turns out is created and owned by an Adelaide guy.
Back to The Risata and unpacked. Met R&K at The Rama for a quick drink then Jen and I walked the beach way to Jimmy’s. R&K met us there by taxi.
We all had dinner at Sulis Rooftop, then we all had massages. Mine fucking hurt….I’m sure I had bruises on my back. Should never get a dude to massage you. BIG mistake.
Back to the room for the night.Read more
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Bali August 2023
A different kind of day...
September 1, 2023 in Indonesia ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C
The day started well having breakfast, then sat by the pool til mid morning.
Kendra contacted us and we ended up going up to Legian to do some shopping.
We had lunch at Moo Moos then a bit more shopping and I started feeling crap. A mixture of heat and dehydration I think. The strong smell of glue in a shoe shop also contributed.
Eventually got back to The Risata and I flaked it. First by the pool and then back in the room. Didn’t have dinner and slept all night.Read more
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Bali August 2023
Back on deck
September 3, 2023 in Indonesia ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C
Woke still feeling a bit blah, but after a shower, water, a bit of breakfast and some Pocari Sweat I started coming good?
Sat by pool for the morning.
Jen went up to Legian again with Kendra, Richard is also unwell.
Jen and I had lunch by the pool. Jenny had the same Indian meal from the previous night’s dinner in Anapoorna. I went light with Spring Rolls.
Got a taxi to Jimmy's Bar and had a couple of beers and water. I had a leg massage and Jenny collected her bags from Janette then we came back to Risata by Taxi.
Went for Happy Hour Cocktails at Nuka’s. Jenny had 2 Margaritas and 2 Mojitos. I had 2 x Beam and Cokes.
We got a Taxi to Don Juan’s and were met by Johnny and Sari. We spent most of the night talking with Johnny as he sat at our table with us.
Walked down to Kuta Square and got a Taxi back to Risata and had a leg massage across the road, then bed.Read more
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Bali August 2023
A little bit of everything
September 3, 2023 in Indonesia ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C
Woke late and went for breakfast then up to Nuka’s for coffee then back to Risata to sit by the pool.
Went over to R&Ks at The Rama for Jenny to see Kendra’s seller.
Jen, Kendra and I went for a massage at Bali Garden. I had full body scrub.
I was keeping an eye on the Centrals v Port score and didn’t find out Centrals won until I could get wifi after the massage.
The three of us had Burger King and KFC for lunch at Discovery Mall on the way back.
The Whopper was as good as I remember.
Stopped in to see Dianne.
Met R&K at Nuka’s for dinner. Prawn Cocktail and Chicken Parmy again.
The other 3 had a massage and I went back to the room.
I met up with Jefry in the Jepun Bar at 9.30 and had a drink and chat with him. He brought me a gift as a thankyou for helping him during COVID.
Back to the room and bed.Read more
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Bali August 2023
Walk. Eat. Drink. Rest. Repeat.
September 4, 2023 in Indonesia ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C
Early Walk around the Main Street and beach front then straight to breakfast at Risata.
Coffee at Nuka’s then back to Risata to sit by the pool for a couple of hours.
Jenny went shopping with Kendra at 11am and I stayed back in the room doing work stuff, tidy up etc.
We went to Johnny Taco’s for lunch again. Chicken and Fish (Mahi Mahi) Tacos. Much better than the other day.
Back to the room for a sleep.
Had drinks by the Rama Beach pool with R&K until 7pm then got changed and caught a taxi up to Santorini Greek restaurant in Kuta. Meals were amazing.
Got a taxi back via a different route then off to bed.Read more
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Bali August 2023
A little bit fancy in Seminyak
September 5, 2023 in Indonesia ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C
Went for another early morning walk up the street and along beach stopping at the new statue for some pics.
Breakfast at Risata then coffee at Nuka’s.
Had some pool time then Ari and Danny came to the room with their clothing. R&K came over as well. We spent $300 on Sketchdreams.
Walked up to Radiance to get Jen’s injections then had lunch at Jepun Bar.
Jen had Indian and I had chicken skewers.
Back to the room to get ready for Seminyak.
We got a car from outside Risata to Seminyak and had drinks at Charplung then onto a Beanbag bar on the beach.
Dinner was at La Lucciola and was amazing. Char grilled Scallops and Tuna Pasta.
Taxi back to Kuta, Jen and I had coffee at Nuka’s then walked back to Risata.
Chilled in the room then bed.Read more
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Bali August 2023
The penultimate day
September 6, 2023 in Indonesia ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C
Woke early but didn’t go for a walk. Breakfast at 7.30.
Went to Nuka’s for coffee then back to Risata to hang by the pool.
Jenny left at 11am to get her hair done and I stayed back in the room, packed my case, ironed clothes and did some work stuff etc.
Met Jen at Johnny Tacos for around 2.30pm.
Jen went to Lippo Mall and I went up to Dianne’s for my shorts and track pants.
Got ready at Risata and walked to the Beach late afternoon. R&K met us there and we stayed for sunset.
Said goodbyes to Jimmy and the boys then walked up to Poppies restaurant and had a cracking meal with a bottle of 2015 Basket Press which we brought over with us.
Taxi back to Risata, Jenny started packing her suitcase, then bed.Read more
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Bali August 2023
"Yibbida Yibbida, That's all folks"
September 7, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 11 °C
Finished packing in the morning and were at breakfast for 7.30am
Checked out and went up to Nuka’s for coffee.
R&K met us there to have coffee with us and say goodbye.
We got a Risata car to the airport and checked in smoothly with no issues.
We met Lewis’ work mate Jason and his wife Marika at the departure gate.Read more
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Trip end
September 7, 2023