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Bali 2018
  • The Shifting Spanners

Bali 2018

A 8-day adventure by The Shifting Spanners Read more
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  • Trip start
    June 29, 2018
    The Shifting SpannersBali 2018The Shifting Spanners

    Arrived in Ubud

    June 29, 2018 in Indonesia ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    After a stressful day wondering if we'd be able to fly out to Bali, we finally made it. Mt Agung decided to spew volcanic ash last night, causing the cancellation of dozens of flights to and from Bali. Thankfully a change in wind direction aided our cause and we were the first flight out of Cairns on Friday night.

    It was 3 am before we got to bed in Ubud, after a 1 hour transfer from Bali airport. Had a lovely young girl as our guide whom we requested for our subsequent tours for the rest of the week.

    We slept till 10 am next day, had our complimentary breakfast, then booked all the major tours for the week. Headed off shopping in Ubud for the afternoon which included 1 hour massages, a few Bintangs at a rooftop bar, before returning to the Hotel for happy hour cocktails. Had a great Balinese banquet complete with traditional dancing all night.

    Very weary, but glad we packed a lot into the 1st day considering our late arrival.    Read more

  • The Shifting SpannersBali 2018The Shifting Spanners

    Ubud

    July 1, 2018 in Indonesia ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    We were up early for our banquet breakfast and were then met in the lobby by our requested tour guide Dian. We paid a bit extra I'm sure to have this private guided tour, but it is all inclusive of banquet lunch, all ticket entries, our own vehicle and of course the lovely Dian who gave us all the guff on the sights of Bali.

    Our first port of call was the Batik Factory where we were shown the process of weaving fabrics, and the hand painting of the beautiful clothing. They had a huge retail shop but the prices were quite steep.

    Next we went to the Barong Dance where we saw quite a lengthy play. Very talented and entertaining, but we've now seen enough balinese dancing.

    We then visited Nadia's Silver Factory. Once again we were shown the laborious silver making process. This turned out to be an expensive stop for me as Marg scored a beautiful silver and rose gold ring.

    We checked out a beaut wood carving factory before heading for the hills to visit Tirta Empul Temple. This is an 11th century water temple where people jump in the holy water to bathe and pray. Beautiful spot.

    We continued up the mountain to Mount Batur which is the 2nd most famous volcano after Mount Agung which nearly forced the cancellation of our trip. Fantastic views of the volcano and Lake Batur from up here where we had lunch overlooking the beautiful vista.

    Next stop on the way down the mountain was a coffee and tea plantation where we tasted the famous Luwak coffee. (made famous by the movie - The Bucket List). This is the coffee that is made from the poop of the Luwak's...a possum like animal. We also tasted 12 coffees and teas and bought a few to bring home.

    Last stop on the way home was the Ubud Monkey Forest where we saw lots of little monkeys and babies. Very cute, but some were quite aggressive.

    We were buggered by the end of the day and asked our guides to drop us off in Ubud where we had another 1 hour massage before having an Italian dinner. What a great day!    Read more

  • The Shifting SpannersBali 2018The Shifting Spanners

    Sanur

    July 4, 2018 in Indonesia ⋅ 🌬 29 °C

    Well we've had a bad few days due to illness (food poisoning). We both had to get a doctor called out to our rooms, who gave us all the required injections, antibiotics etc. This has put a real dampener on our trip as we have lost 3-4 days and really are not game to eat anything here. We've been living on boiled rice and toast and confined to bed.

    We've had to reschedule all our tours that we have paid for, hoping we will be healthy enough to do them later in the week. Fingers crossed!    Read more

  • The Shifting SpannersBali 2018The Shifting Spanners

    Sanur

    July 5, 2018 in Indonesia ⋅ 🌬 29 °C

    We're both a bit better today. Not good enough to do any tours, but on the mend. Marg met Wardi, from Buffalo Tours who graciously refunded most of our tours. The only one he couldn't refund is the Elephant Park tour so we've rescheduled it again till tomorrow, our last day. Hopefully we're a lot better by then.

    We pushed ourselves to go out for a look around and some shopping. Marg actually found a beaut replica Louis Vuitton handbag she was wanting so ticked that off the list.

    In the afternoon we headed to the beach and relaxed under a shady tree for a couple of hours. I even had a Bintang I was feeling so well.

    Finished the day at a restaurant where I ventured as far as a chicken breast with mashed potato, although Marg could only go as far as a ham and cheese toastie.    Read more

  • The Shifting SpannersBali 2018The Shifting Spanners

    Sanur

    July 6, 2018 in Indonesia ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    Well it's Friday, our last day in Bali and thankfully we're well enough to do our elephant tour. What a great day it was! Mason Elephant Park is owned by an aussie guy who treats the elephants very well. This park is recognised as the best in Bali. We weren't going to do the elephant ride initially out of concern for their well being, but we were convinced it was ok and so glad we did.

    Finished the day back at the hotel for a couple of Bintangs, then headed to a great restaurant on the beach for an early dinner.

    Arrived at the airport at 9.30 pm but our flight didn't leave till 2.20 am. By the time we arrived in Cairns at 8.40 am we were ready for some serious sleep.

    Can't say I really enjoyed Bali. The food poisoning really knocked us around and took the gloss off our holiday. Don't think we will be returning anytime soon.    Read more

    Trip end
    July 6, 2018
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