Forewords
First and foremost, my camera was still having some problem, which I did not discover until after my trip. Majority of my own photos are vastly over-exposed and if I use them extensively in this post, will be doing a great disservice to Bali, particularly to Alila Villas Soori (now, just Soori). Therefore for this post, I decided to use third party pictures, some right from the source, albeit without prior permission. My own pictures will be watermarked as per my normal practice. And in case you find the pictures of the resort beautiful, I can wholeheartedly assure you that you will absolutely find the actual villa more charming physically.
Secondly, I am suppose to blog about another of my Japan trip prior to this. But since this trip was sandwiched between my June and December Japan holidays, I decided to piece those two trips one after another, so as to compile them for easier reference in future.
Again, the purpose of this post, is not to brag about my pampering. It's to share some tips that I feel may be useful for fellow travelers, especially my friends and associates who may visit there one day.
Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar International Airport) Taxi
While most of modern day airports are likely built way out of city, Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport is right in the heart of it, mere 2.5km from their best known beach, Kuta. Straightly speaking, you can virtually walk there, if you don't mind the 30 minutes walk with your luggage.
However, and quite to my surprise, there ain't any public transport connecting it to its nearest town and beyond (Not yet during my trip). No subway is necessary, I agree. But public buses (I'll elaborate this later)? So, travelers will need to rely on the usual suspect, taxis. Alternatively, get a hotel which provides pick-up service (some offer it free!). At time of writing, an airport taxi to Kuta Discovery cost Rp 70K, or Kuta Center for Rp 80K. By the time you read this, it probably hikes exponentially again. Disregard Bali airport's official website, which I suspect wasn't even updated regularly, you can check out the rate from Bali Store Luggage. Do watch out for anyone offering their help to carry your luggage, they may not be the driver and may ask you for a fee. Note that, you can still try to catch a regular metered taxi (eg Bluebird). However, as they do not pay the license fee to operate in Bali airport, by right they are not allow to pick up airport passengers. However, you can try flagging down one who just drop off passengers at the international departure terminal (top floor). But you will have to do it quick before any 3rd party (ie airport or airport taxi personnel) intervene.
Buses
These buses only established after 17 Sep 2015 (after my trip), I learn about it from topbali.com. Let me quote it from their website, and kindly revert there for any further updates:
The bus company is managed by the Bali Province and is called Sarbagita. This is an acronym for Denpasar, Badung, Gianyar and Tabanan which are 4 (of 9) regencies this bus services. The bus has three routes (Koridor) from which two visit the Bali Airport. These are Koridor II and Koridor VIII. Koridor II (Batubulan – Nusa Dua)
Batubulan
…
Airport
…
Nusa Dua
… return …
Koridor VIII (Tabanan – airport)
Terminal Pesiapan Tabanan
Terminal Mengwi
Kapal
Sempidi
Jalan Kargo
Jalan Mahendradata
Jalan Soputan
Imam Bonjol
Sunset Road
Bali Ngurah Rai airport
… return …
There is a bus every 15 minutes. It stops at the International arrival terminal on the ground floor. You can find it on the furthest left corner where the airport taxis park as well. The rate is Rp 3,500 per passenger. Students only pay Rp 2,500 per passenger. The bus is in operation daily from 5am to 9pm. Day 1: 22 Jun 2015, Mon
I took a 11.11am bus for Kallang MRT station, transferring train to the airport, arriving 12.16pm. My flight 3K245 would be departing from Terminal 1 at 3.10pm, there was ample time for lunch before checking in.
Once inside the restricted zone, I got Lawrence over to Terminal 3's DFS Wines and Spirits Duplex for a free cocktail, where we had free Singapore Sling, and as a Changi Rewards member, I also got a free travel adaptor worth over S$25. Well, flying budget airlines won't come with free beverage onboard, just treat this as part of the package! :P
Jetstar 3K245 (9V-JSK)
By 2.35pm, we had cleared final security check, and boarded flight 3K245 at 3pm. I was seated at 3F, a window seat quite near the front exit, not bad. 3K245 departs Changi at 3.10pm, and would take off for Denpasar 11 minutes later. I guess this is a Valuair plane, which has now gone under Jetstar Asia after their merger. Anyway, it's about 2hr 50min flight, let me take this opportunity to elaborate on the agenda of this trip.
Basically, I won a staycation at Alila Villas Soori. At that time, I thought the resort is within city center, but I was very wrong (I didn't realise Bali can be very big leh!). The resort is in Kerambitan, Tabanan, near Bali's most famous landmark Tanah Lot, but not within walking distance. A pick up service by the resort cost US$75 each way, if you are lucky enough, may be there's taxi willing to get you there. But to come back... erm... you have to be very lucky if you don't need the resort's ferry service. It's right at the end of some plantation, by the seaside no less, but driving from Kuta would take around 90 minutes for a mere 30km distance. Self drive is the most economical way. Well, since I'm going Bali, and my first time visit anyway, might as well spend another couple of day in Kuta beach and downtown too! That's very much my entire agenda for this trip. I pondered about whether to stay at Alila Villas Soori immediately after arrival or prior to my return flight. Eventually, I decided on the latter, just so we could have more time there, and also to purchase some necessities downtown for our stay there.
Flight 3K245 touched down Bali Denpasar airport (actual name: Ngurah Rai International Bali Airport) at 5.49pm (no time difference), and by 5.55pm, the plane had docked.
My first impression of Denpasar airport is 'very big', probably the most spacious airport I've ever seen. In Singapore, or in many other parts of the world, they would have filled this space with many shops and stalls. I don't know whether this is part of their expansion work completed in 2013, but the local government is already looking at building another airport in Buleleng Regency anyway, in northern Bali, which is now densely commercialise but trust me, you won't like the distance to Kuta from there.
The 'chaotic' drivers waiting to pick up their passengers with name boards
Clearing custom was fast, but once you get out of the restricted zone, there's a chaos from the pick up services outside, holding up name boards of their intended passenger. That tells how much passengers rely on pick up services in Bali. Our driver hid himself well behind the group, giving me some problem locating him for a while.
There's a telecom booth offering data SIM card for visitors. You may wish to get one here, but do be reminded that it's pretty costly.
We would be settling at Kuta Station Hotel for 2 nights, it's located a stone throw away from Discovery Shopping Mall in Kuta, relatively close to the airport and providing free airport transfer. For a price of approximately S$51 per night, inclusive of breakfast and airport transfer (as well as a free bowling game), I must say it's quite a good deal.
The short drive to the hotel took around 15 minutes, traffic jam, not that the hotel is far, but Bali's roads are narrow, sometime you can even see horse-drawn carriage sharing the road! You won't miss out Kuta Station Hotel from the main road though, mainly because they have a locomotive right in front of the hotel. I wasn't sure how the locomotive comes above, but I'm fairly certain it was real stuff.
We were served welcome drink at the hotel reception, and were subsequently assigned room 1205 after about 10 minutes of checking-in. We were allocated a garden view deluxe room on the 2nd level.
Room 1205, with ceramic tiled floor. Bed rather stiff.
Room 1205 balcony view, facing hotel gym
View from the balcony
Sharp Aquos 32" LCD TV & mini fridge
The room is reasonably roomy, with simple accessories that include a LCD TV with good selection of satellite programmes, mini fridge, digital safe, writing table, kettle, complimentary mineral water, Moccacino. WiFi is password protected, and the signal was strong.
Good Day Moccacino, complimentary mineral water
Toilet is surprisingly large
Pity, no bath tub
In-house toiletries (notable absence: toothbrush)
We settled down for a while before exploring nearby vicinity. The hotel compound is large, apart from a very long pool, there is also a bowling alley, and a rear gate next to it.
Jalan Kuta Center
Getting out from the rear gate will lead you to Jalan Kuta Center, but contrary to its name, is only a branch road to the bustling Jalan Kartika. Seems like a market place to me during morning, but is pretty quiet at night. Anyway, don't expect to find dinner here.
The bustling Jalan Kartika
Horse drawn carriage along Jalan Kartika
Hotels on the other side of Jalan Kartika has the privilege view of Kuta beach, and naturally command a higher price. But personally, I won't have minded a 5 minutes walk through Jalan Kuta Art Market to get to the beach, anyway, that would be another story another day. Discovery Shopping Mall may look small from the main road, but there are a number of restaurants (including the conventional KFC, Burger King, Pizza, Hut, Starbucks, A&W etc), as well as departmental stores inside. Alternatively, you can also indulge in one of the poshy restaurants or bars along Jalan Kartika.
I didn't want to patronise one of those international fast food chain (I don't fancy coming all the way here to try KFC or Burger King), and we found this Es Teler 77 selling local cuisine at very competitive prices.
Es Teler 77 is actually a fast food chain hailed from Jakarta. Its name is a reference from a popular Indonesia dessert, Es Teler. That was the first time I heard of it, and I didn't realise they have an outlet in Singapore too, right in the heart of city center, Cathay Cineleisure.
Anyway, I had a Nasi Goreng (fried rice) with Sosro Teh Botol (Sosro tea bottled) for Rp 28K (~ S$2.86). The Nasi Goreng came with Ayam (chicken), Ikan Asin (anchovies), Sambal Terasi (spicy shrimp paste), prawn crackers. And I absolutely miss the Sosro Teh Botol, which I used to drink, probably in Batam.
I thought the Nasi Goreng tasted great, pity I had a bit of sore throat and couldn't really appreciate something too spicy.
Return to hotel late, slept around 1.30am
Day 2: 23 Jun 2015, Tue
The long hotel pool is a pleasant sight, with a pool bar in the far sight. Credit: Kuta Station Hotel
Comparatively, their garden view accommodation are located on a mere short strip of garden leading from the lobby to the pool. Credit: Kuta Station Hotel
Woke up at 7.40am, the garden view greeting us in the morning is absolutely refreshing!
We had our breakfast from 8.10am to 9.20am at their Railway Bar & Restaurant, right next to the hotel lobby. At the far end, that's the bar counter which only opens evening onward. The restaurant is more spacious than what you can see from the picture above, catering to about 250 patrons.
Bread & Toast (inc croissant)
Porridge
Salad
Rice
And this was what I had for breakfast.. round 1. Granted, I won't say the porridge tasted fantastic, moderate in my opinion.
Again, nothing fantastic. But I certainly couldn't complain because of the affordable room rate, which included free breakfast.
Their omelette at least tasted better.
We returned to our room and rest for a while before leaving the hotel at 10am. On paper, today should be free and easy to explore the street and beach of Bali, but it was made complicated because I couldn't convince Lawrence to drive before we flew over, so I didn't pre-book car rental for the next two days. Anyway, as a last resort, I would drive, despite not having driven a manual car for about 7 years since I passed my driving license.
A handicraft shop directly opposite the hotel
We started off along Jalan Kartika, and turned left at Jalan Kuta Art Market towards Kuta beach.
Pura Pakendungan
Reaching the end of Jalan Kuta Art Market, you can find a Hindu temple Pura Pakendungan (Pura means temple in Balinese) facing the sea. I have seen many temples all over the world (particularly in Asia), but Bali's temple gates are the most bizarre, in the sense, they have split gates, otherwise known as candi bentar (candi means temple in Hindu). It seems as if the gate has been evenly sliced in halves.
Kuta Beach
Upon our arrival, there appeared to be some ritual going on. From what I learned, Bali is quite an island for rituals, almost every day you can find them parading on the dual lane road, taking one entire direction of it (hence the regular traffic jam), cars that follow behind will patiently queue behind, no sounding of honk at all.
Kuta Beach
Again, pardon me for the quality of my pictures, but you can find many better ones from all over the web. The tide at Kuta is great for water sport, there are plenty of touts on the beach approaching potential customers to learn surfing. In a way, you can say Kuta Beach is rather commercialise. I merely dipped my feet in the sea, then we strolled off further up the beach.
Jalan Pantai Kuta & Jalan Melasti junction
We left the beach before hitting Legian, at the Jalan Pantai Kuta and Jalan Melasti junction. It was about 11.20am, there's really no point walking further along the beach, time to explore inland. Besides, we also need to find a reasonable car rental.
Jalan Melasti
Along Jalan Melasti, we chance upon this souvenir shop, I found the mask quite interesting, can these be used for helmet?? I wonder...
Anyway, I was already actively seeking out car rental, I had certain models in mind. I want a small car, as Bali's road can be rather narrow, I can't imagine how worse it could get in the rural area leading to Alila Villas Soori. I researched on Suzuki Karimun, a Japan designed car assembled in Indonesia, for Rp 180K per day (~ S$18), at least that's the rate I would be paying if I pre-book online.
Anyway, we walked till the end of Jalan Melasti, and turned right at the cross junction into Jalan Legian to continue our explore. We passed by a shop that sells T-shirts as well as rent car, I went in to ask for the rental price, they don't have Karimun, but offering me a larger car at 250K rupiah instead. Thanks but no thanks. I had already walked out of the shop, but Lawrence was seemingly attracted to the T-shirts they are selling. I knew their price was marked up steeply, and hinted to my friend by walking further away from the shop (You can't expect me to voice out directly huh?), but my silly friend seems rooted to the ground. Sigh... I had to walk back. He then asked me to bargain on his behalf. I cut the price by half, to such extent the seller laughed and shook his head. I was about to leave the shop again but for my friend to up the price. Well, "You fell for it, too bad.", I thought. I ain't gonna help anymore. Minutes later, as we walked further down the road, we found a Quick Silver (or was it Rip Curl?) shop selling better quality T-shirts at roughly the same price.
Tugu Peringatan Bom Bali
Tugu Peringatan Bom Bali is the monument paying respect to the victims of Bali's 2002 bombing which cost 202 lives and another 209 injured, mostly tourists.
Made's Warung
We walked further down and found Made's Warung near the junction of Jalan Legian and Jalan Pantai Kuta. This is a very famous restaurant widely recommended by many guide books on Bali. I pointed it out to Lawrence, who merely nodded and walked on. He would later told me that he wasn't aware of its significance on Bali's cuisine network and regretted didn't patronise them then.
Bali Lucky Warung
Anyway, we proceeded along Jalan Legian until we reached the T-junction at Jalan Bakung Sari, we had to turned right. It was about 1.30pm when we came across Bali Lucky Warung. We were noticeably hungry, and would settle for anything decent.
Bakmie Goreng, Rp 20K
I had a simple Bakmie Goreng, which is a fried noodle with meat, fried egg, and vegetables.
Fuyung Hay, Rp 20K
Lawrence ordered this as a side order, I think it's Fuyung Hay, which is a special Chinese omelette mixed with vegetables and sweet sour sauce on top.
Overall, I found the quality of the food here are good, notably for its price, and only after a few months later that I found out this restaurant actually has quite a good rating from tripadvisor! But one minor note, though it advertised outside with 'Free WiFi', and the signal was strong, but I just could not get connected.
After lunch, it took us another 10 minutes to return to our hotel.
We briefly settle down for a while, then went for a massage nearby.
Green Tea Massage & Spa
Just a stone throw away from our hotel, we found this Green Tea Massage & Spa. I had a Balinese massage for about Rp 80K for an hour. It's costlier than what I'd get for a Thai massage in Phuket, and from what I know, their prices have since hiked significantly. They have mixed review in tripadvisor, nevertheless I had good service. In fact, Lawrence was so impressed he went back for a 2nd round the next morning.
Suzuki Karimun
After the massage, we saw a car rental sign at the junction of, if I remember correctly, Jalan Kartika Plaza Gang Kuta Pura, just a stone throw away from Green Tea. We walked down the branch road, until we reached a clothing shop. Lawrence was spontaneous enough to ask the lady owner if there's any car rental nearby. Turns out, it seems the car rental is helmed by her father. She brought us back to a small alley, turned inside, and there's the small car rental office, actually more like a residential estate converted into an office. Over there, there were two bigger cars, which were both not my ideal choice, and naturally cost more. I insisted for a Karimun, and was about to walk away when the lady held me back, said she would call up her brother to see if he has the car. And I make sure I told her my budget was Rp 180K per day for two days. She couldn't get her brother immediately, so she told us to walk around and come back later. But she was quite fussy influencing us to get a car with driver, with additional Rp 100K per day. I don't want, that means the driver will drive the car back after dropping us at Alila Villas Soori, we lost the flexibility if we decided to drive elsewhere, such as Tanah Lot.
We came back later after having a swim back at hotel pool, and she told us the car will be ready the next day and waiting for me outside Kuta Station Hotel. I asked for GPS inside the car, but the lady said no GPS available, she suggested me to get a data SIM card instead, then using my phone as a GPS device (Google Map). She even rode me on her scooter to get a cheap Data SIM from XL Axiata for Rp 100K (Rp 50K for the card, plus another Rp 50K top up. I think the data was about 1GB for 14 days, with voice call, if I remember correctly), just the package I was looking for! Seriously, I couldn't find it near where we were staying, other telecom operators easily charges 2x or more.
Picture from Google Maps
I can only vaguely remember the way now that it's more than 1 year ago, but I believe she took me to a shop along Jalan Kediri, likely to be the one indicated here. The mobile phone accessories shop owner will cut the SIM card to your phone's required size if necessary, and help you on the setting for connection for no extra cost. My phone is a Sony Xperia SP on android, not a mainstream model, so I reckon if he could find out how to configure on it, he should be able to do it on other more popular model.
We got back to her clothing shop along Jalan Kartika Plaza Gang Kuta Pura, and then she influenced us to buy something from her shop. Well, after all the trouble that she went through, it's hard to refuse her isn't it? So I bought a T-shirt for Rp 100K from her.
Lawrence and I subsequently had dinner at Discovery Shopping Mall's A&W. I wanted to savour A&W Root Beer Float. I miss it ever since they pulled out of Singapore market and would try them wherever I could find them, the last time being Chiang Mai. After dinner, went over to Lippo Mall Hypermart for some shopping, notably for getting some local delicacies home, including Luwak coffee powder, and of course, some cup noodles to satisfy our hunger over our stay in Alila Villas Soori. Not that the resort doesn't have a restaurant, but it's rather costly. Lawrence initially bragged we ought to try out their restaurant while there, but chicken out upon finding out the price. LOL!
After returning to hotel, I convinced Lawrence for a bowling game at the hotel's Paradiso Bowling, since we have two free game vouchers anyway. He was a little reluctant at first, but eventually paid for another round. The first games were free, but we need to pay for shoe rental and a pair of socks.
After the bowling game, slept late around 2.30am
After breakfast, Lawrence went back Green Tea for another round of massage, while I visited the hotel gym. The gym may look excessively large from the picture above, I'll have to credit the smart usage of mirror here, nevertheless, the equipment are relatively well maintained.
We eventually checked out room 1205 at 11.50am, the reception took a while to clear the room, undertaking the process in the old fashion manner, meaning sending a attendant to physically clear it. That's fine, our rental car hasn't arrived anyway.
Rear right door handle cannot open
Scratches on left side of rear bumper
Dent mark above right side of rear bumper
Left air-con vent blades missing
Absence of CD player
Our rental car arrived punctually at 12pm, but the condition of the car was somewhat rugged, with obvious dents and damages. The car rental representative, Putu (the clothing shop lady's brother), acknowledged those conditions and suggested we took pictures.
We did not discuss insurance or liabilities, hence it's important we clear the air on its present condition and are not made to pay for existing damages. Otherwise, we won't mind driving this car with these cosmetic defects. Having said that, I'm glad we got a small car, like I reiterated, it's easier to manoeuvre on Bali's narrow rural road. Putu asked to see my driving license, fortunately I applied for international driving license for my recent Japan trip and it was still valid then. Nevermind it would be Lawrence behind the wheel, he's the more experience driver anyway. I'm still novice, despite passing some 7 years ago.
We settled the procedure in 20 minutes, and began making our way to Alila Villas Soori. But before we did that, Putu was kind enough to remind us, the petrol tank was almost empty. Very well, we just had to drive near the airport for the nearest petrol station and get some fuel. Such practice is rather weird, the norm is when getting a rental car, the tank is usually full, and you make sure you return with a full tank. Lawrence was very tempted to say 'Full Tank', but I stopped him and instructed for 10 litres instead. I have a feeling rental cars here, if return with excess fuel, would be extracted for resale. Nevertheless, based on my driving experience in Hokkaido a fortnight ago, I merely used up 7 litres fuel on a Honda Jazz for an 8 hours drive. Estimating 90 minutes drive each way to/fro Alila Villas Soori, we should still have enough for side trip from there. Indeed, eventually we returned to Kuta with sufficient fuel to last more than another trip to airport.
Our trip to Alila Villas Soori took almost 2 hours even with the aids of Google Maps' voice navigation. We left Kuta Station Hotel at 12.20pm, and only reached our destination about 2.10pm. We did lost our way somewhat, maybe because we missed out a branch road somewhere, as we found ourselves in the middle of some plantation, with lane small enough only for one car to drive through at any one time, and that's still considered a road on Google Maps! Somehow, Lawrence managed to swerve pass when another vehicle approached from the opposite direction. I probably ain't able to do that. I say again, lucky ours is a small car. To think that I even had the idea of driving blindly to Alila Villas Soori if I couldn't get a GPS in the first place, suggested how naive I was. I believe not even local taxi drivers know the place without navigation system, and signage to the resort only appears very near the vicinity, which has many turns and twists. Along the way, at times I couldn't help wondering whether instructions from Google Maps are accurate, because as we took every turn, it appeared as if we were getting more and more remote. Mark my words, never go there without any navigation tool, no printed map will be helpful enough. Even locating the correct person to ask for direction may seem extremely challenging!
That's probably why Alila Villas Soori double confirmed with me approaching the date of my arrival that I seriously don't require their airport transfer (US$75++ per car per way, probably using Toyota Alphard. But now I understand they have US$60++ per car per way if using Toyota Innova). And then forwarded me a detail instruction and a map with highlights indicated. But I reiterate, your co-driver must have sharp eyes to locate the correct spots for making the necessary turns. I had that in my dropbox, but fortunately didn't need them after I got myself a data SIM card.
When we finally came to a main gate with a barrier, I heaved a great relief. We finally made it! Though from this outlook, it's still difficult to tell how wonderful inside is.
After making a right turn passing the main gate, we were greeted by the lobby entrance. I have to use their official picture here because my own were severely over-exposed, that ain't doing any justice to how spectacular this resort is!
Pity.. over-exposed (>.<). Notice on the right end, there are some segways and bicycles. The former are chargeable while the latter are free.
Garden end of the lobby, padi field can be seen beyond it
The lobby is not just spacious, but offers a contrasting beauty on both ends, one towards the sea horizon, and the other opens to a vast green scenery. I only found out very much later that this resort was designed by Singapore based SCDA Architects.
We left the car key to an attending staff and were promptly offered welcome drinks upon arrival, and they sprayed some refreshing face mist on us. We waited a while for the checking in procedure, and though I expected to be allocated a mountain pool villa, I was surprise when we were led to a beach pool villa instead on their golf buggy! Their beach pool villa easily cost US$100 extra per night. However, their mountain pool villa is significantly larger, notably with a larger pool. But given a choice, my preference is still a beach pool villa.
Room 111 / 211
Actually, our villa is mere a couple of minutes walk from the lobby, we were simply pampered with the golf buggy ferry. We were allocated room 111, very easy to remember. The villa above us is their ocean pool villa, which is just right above the beach pool villa, with more privacy and accessible to the beach via stairs. Room 111 and 211 share one common gate. Take the stair upward for 211, or downward for 111.
Gate 111
You can't seriously think room 111 and 211 merely just share one gate don't you? This is the dedicated gate for room 111, beyond this, there's another door.
Room 111
Truth be told, gate 111 can be easily shoved open with a little force, so it's essential that this particular door is locked at night. Although I believe it's still relatively safe here.
Room 111
Getting pass the door, there's a split alley way. Heading straight will lead you to the bath room, turn left for the living room. At this juncture, perhaps let me share a video by Rui Hoe here, this shall provide a more comprehensive account on how our room looks like. Our room is identical from this video.
I counted 7 pillows on the bed! LOL!
There are two large cabinets splitting the room into bedroom and living room. There's nothing significance on the left cabinet here, while the right side cabinet housed coffee maker and some chargeable snacks.
The coffee machine is Nespresso Essenza, with 6 complimentary coffee capsules daily, as well as 2 x creamer and 3 x TWG tea bags. Just as I was busy taking pictures, my dear friend cheekily took a packet of cashew nuts and began chewing. I looked at him in amazement and quizzed him what on earth was he doing? And he thought those snacks come free? It set me back roughly S$9 upon check out since the room was booked in my name. Wow, that's probably the costliest cashew nuts I ever paid for. Anyway, let's continue.
Underneath this cabinet, are cutlery set and tea cups, as well as a chargeable mini bar. The resort do provide free flow mineral water. Whenever we knocked into some staffs, they regularly asked whether we need more water.
There's a couch behind the left cabinet, it was so comfortable I won't mind having it as bed. And I did eventually took a nap there during my stay. Beyond the glass door in the background, is a tiny pool, which I will elaborate in a short while.
Again, my picture is badly over-exposed. This picture above is taken from RoomCritic on room 110. I believe there's a mistake, the angle from his pictures taken has to be 111, that means same as mine. The glass door provides access to the pool right outside, if left opened in the evening, mosquitoes will fly right in. The resort has grown some plant cordoned off the pool and common access area, literally the lawn and the beach. But its existence merely serves to provide minimum protection to your privacy, which is about the only shortcoming I could identify.
The 42" Samsung LCD TV is wall-mounted above the desk, which I feel may not be a good idea in case I'm doing some writing, I may get distracted easily. There are selection of cable TV, though not a lot. Right in front of the desk is the door leading to the beach via the lawn.
This villa has 2 doors. The one at the front which we came in, and this rear door leading to the beach, which, can also make its way to other part of the resort. Most of the time, we actually prefer to walk this way. Come evening, mosquitoes would flock in here, or from the pool door. My joker friend grumbled about mosquitoes overdose yet keeping the doors opened. Silly, I shut them all and lit mosquito coil, problem solved.
The view of the room from the pool
So much for the room, let's venture into the bathroom before I drift onto the pool and beyond.
Bathroom
I guess I can be forgiven in assuming this belongs to a palace even for that brief moment when I first saw it. Perhaps because this is my first stay in a villa, but I found this bathroom extraordinary big, not to mention toilet and shower cubicle are in separate compartments! To say it's bigger than a living room is NOT an understatement. The bathtub is hugh enough for two, and I could have effortlessly squeeze a couple of mattresses in the bathroom! That's just giving you an idea how spacious their bathroom is. The entire bathroom can be locked from the living room, but doing that will also mean depriving the access to the shower and toilet further inside.
A closer look at the bathtub. There's 3 knobs by the end along with a hand held sprinkler, two for hot and cold water respectively, and another one for toggling between sprinkle and tap. There's a rack stretching across the bathtub, mainly for soaps, towel, and probably your phone too. Oh, and there are plenty towels in the bathroom by the way. And I can tell you, because of the size of the bathtub, it takes ages before it's ready for a bath. There's also a big closet facing the bathtub, inside there's a digital safe.
Toiletries are aplenty, including sun-tanning oil (coconut oil based tanning oil with flavour of aloe and lavender bud, Ylang Ylang flower & lemongrass), sunscreen, after-sun cooling gel (with flavours of aloe & healing coconut oil, non-gleasy & lightweight, cools & reduces discomfort of sunburn), face mist (with flavours of aloe vera juice, honey, grape & starfruit extracts, lavender, lemongrass & Ylang Ylang plant actives), lip balm, body milk (cool cucumber body milk with a blend of lavender bud, lemon peel & cucumber seed essence oil). On where these amenities are placed, there are two identical washing basin. Not sure why the need for two though. One for him and one for her seems a bit extravagant to me, but nothing too strange in this villa.
They have two different types of hand made soaps, for him and for her respectively. Both soaps are made of rice bran & pure plant botanicals of mandarin, lemongrass. The difference being the former also having black pepper while the latter with rose geranium.
Pass through the bathroom are two cubicles, one for shower and the other is a toilet. The shower sprinkler and toilet bowl are products of my favourite brand, Toto. But if you garner any hope of seeing a Japanese bidet here, you are gonna be very disappointed.
The pool stretches from edge of the villa to the pavilion outside. Straightly speaking, you can jump straight into the pool from inside the room, but be careful of dripping water causing slippery floor. It's better to dip into it from the pavilion outside. Speaking of the pool by the way, its colour looks somewhat emerald in appearance. No apparent smell of chlorine though, and it's definitely not sea water. Spring water perhaps, but it's definitely not a hotspring. It's cooling for sure.
There's a big couch with many cushions out in the pavilion, more towels, and also extra toiletries which includes sun-tanning oil, sunscreen, after-sun cooling gel, and face mist by the side. I guess this is a great spot for outdoor dining too! Though for us, it's more like a vestibule, be it to the lobby area or to the beach.
And this is the small path leading to the beach and beyond, more as the main entrance for us. Because it's so much more scintillating seeing the pool whenever we leave the villa. It's more pleasant seeing the sea rather than the main passage way from the front door anyway.
Kelating Beach
Lobby and restaurants are located on the right side of the beach
Granted, the sand on the beach is not artificially white, but at least the beach retains a pristine impression as if untouched for generations. And we were warned by the staffs here, that the under-current can be so enormous and sudden, we shouldn't venture too deep into the sea. Take note that this beach is not exclusive. From time to time, locals staying nearby do stroll over here, and that means the resort is practically open. Though the locals will get by deviated from the front gate for sure.
This is a view of our unit from the lawn separating the villas and the beach. Your privacy here is as high as the short bush right in front of the unit pool. The unit above is the ocean view villa, with a small stair alley by the side accessing the beach.
And this is the long lawn leading to the lobby, restaurants etc. Our unit is quite near the end of the stretch, hence it's quite a few minutes walk to the main amenities.
OK, so much for our room and the view, let's explore the vicinity!
This is the main path from our front door. On right hand side of the pictures are mainly the beach view and ocean view units. The mountain view units are on the left hand side.
These should be the mountain view units. Granted, I confess they don't look that impressive from the outside, but I believe the villa designers did not mean this as an absolute view from these units. Let's look at the resort's official pictures from the interior.
I suppose those taking up these units appreciate more of the moments inside their room, not that much on the scenery outside. So, each types of villa has its own selling point here, not so much because of price difference.
Alright, let's get on to the amenities near the lobby area!
While we were at the lobby during check-in, we were too busy to pay attention on other trivia display.
There's actually a boutique beside the lobby, apart from selling some local handicrafts and souvenirs, including some very interesting items.
Such as this ecological bag here, it's using rice sack as material, not the usual leather you would expect. But I doubt any ladies here will love to own it, buying for their mothers maybe! :P
Rindik
Right outside the gift shop, there are some Rindik on display. These are traditional Balinese musical instrument made of bamboo, it's the local version of a xylophone. During special days, local musicians will be playing these instruments here.
These are different flavours of soap which I believe made of natural ingredients. Just another example how closely associated to nature the Balinese are.
From the lobby, when we first arrived, my sight was set on this infinity pool. This is not a pool for swimming, but its stunning sight leading to the horizon is breath-taking, nevermind my over-exposed picture here and the dim sky doing a great disservice to its beauty. And if you view the lobby from the other end, it's a complete different but equally pulsating view.
After the lobby area, much as I would love to explore more amenities around here, I needed to place some priority over the scenery at the fringe of the resort compound, because those places are not accessible after dark. Meanwhile, the facilities around here will look truly romantic at night!
On the right side beyond the resort, there's a plateau leading to a cliff in the shape of a peninsula, on it, you can see a temple. that's where I would love to venture before night fall.
On the way I passed by the resort's backyard and came across a garden. I ain't sure whether the staff did this as a pleasure or are these grown to supplement their restaurants' supplies. The plantations are decently labelled, so I guessed it's partly to educate the holiday seekers too.
Oh this, I really don't know belonging to the resort or to the farmers, most likely the latter. It doesn't make sense why a hotel need to raise a cow here. Besides, this spot was not so well maintained as compare to the resort compound, rubbish scattered everywhere.
After about a 10 minutes walk from the lobby, I finally came to what looks to me like a temple. The gate was closed, out of respect, I did not attempt to venture inside.
Over at the cliff nearby, some kids were merrily having fun. Children growing up in the urban area will definitely be advised to get away from there.
As I was wondering around, the kids suddenly running towards me. I was wary for a while of their intention. I came here alone, and there's 8 of them. Not sure whether I could outrun them in this terrain.
Good grief, turned out, they merely wanted a picture, or two.
I really couldn't understand why would they want a picture? I couldn't have printed out for them anyway. And they didn't even ask to view it. It was me who voluntarily showed them their pictures. Probably because they didn't have a camera at home. This part of Bali is relatively remote, and I can imagine people here certainly don't live as lavishly as us urbanites, probably can't afford a camera.
Agh, but hopefully, if they chance upon this blog someday, they can save this picture for remembrance. Again, pardon me for the poor quality of my camera!
View of the resort from the plateau
Underneath the plateau, there's a bat cave. But no Batman here. You can tell when walking pass, there's some stink smell apparently coming out from their enclosure. It's not difficult to spot them if your eyes are sharp enough. I didn't want to take any picture in order not to startle them, because otherwise I'd certainly need using flash here.
I was on my way back to the resort via the beach. And closer to the lobby compound, I found another temple, which, again, the gate was locked. But this temple obviously seems more regularly patronised than the one on the plateau.
Back near the lobby area, underneath, there's two restaurants. Ombak is more like a bar and doesn't open until evening. The couches on the lawn are facing sea, patrons can sip cocktail or juices here while appreciating the sea breeze. The resort's main pool is right behind.
The main restaurant Cotta, opens for breakfast through supper, is located in another building.
This is the resort courtyard, with Cotta restaurant on the left, infinity pool on top, and underneath is the library.
Other than the restaurants, there's also a library, a gym, and a spa here. The library is my personal favourite hang-around. Surprisingly, books here come in many languages and categories, not just fiction. There's even some local and international newspapers here, just that the most recent edition was a day old.
At one end of the library, there's a coffee and tea counter, I didn't see anyone manning it, not sure whether it's chargeable.
As for their spa, I didn't visit. However, the gym is very small though, I counted only 8 equipments. But it has a stunning view of the Indian Ocean when you are working out, now how many gym in the world can boast that?
So much for the massive 'introduction', we didn't have dinner at their restaurant tonight, we had instant noodles. :P
In the evening, it's all about watching TV and another round of stroll for us. Though I did try and influence Lawrence driving to Tanah Lot to catch the sunset, he was kind of ignorant. However, he expressed regret upon returning home and found out how famous Tanah Lot is.
Oh, by the way, the villa also offers horse riding on the beach as well as wedding package for interested patrons. Didn't see where they keep the horses though, but when I first saw horses strolling pass our villa, I almost thought I was seeing things! LOL!
Day 4: 25 Jun 2015, Thu
Woke up at 7.29am.
We had lite breakfast of biscuit before venturing outside the resort for a cycling trip at 8.50am.
I really question Lawrence over the way he chose a bicycle. He simply pick at random. No, you should really pick one according to your height, and at least briefly check on the condition of it. Merely several hundred meters away from the resort, he's already complaining about difficulty in riding. Very well, I swopped with him. However, barely another few hundred meters down the road, the bicycle broke down, by then, I was too lazy to go back, and I had to re-engage the dislodged gear into place myself with my friend too far ahead to be in sight, dirtying my hands in the process. Rolling back a few years, I would probably raged. Good thing I was confident even he got lost, I knew the way back myself. This mishap apart, our ride into the village was actually quite enjoyable.
Just right outside the resort's main gate, we saw a horizon of padi field (rice field). It's planting season, so the grains are rather short in length.
Unlike my recollection of childhood back home, the ducks here are roaming free!
About an hour since we started, we came to a tiny food stall (it's not that far actually, just that my bike kept braking down). Lawrence was quite appealed to the food they sell, he readily ordered one. I made sure he find out whether there's any beef inside before ordering.
It's a glass noodle with meat balls, not beef certainly, tasted like a mixture of flour and fish. It's pretty cheap though, about S$1. We were pleased we found this, and continue exploring the area after our breakfast.
I remember seeing this sign to Tanah Lot, which for some reason, is pointing to the sky instead of the left. This is the junction which we took a right turn getting to Alila Villas Soori on our way here. And riding here means we are about half way to Tanah Lot. It's 11.16am, that means almost a 2 hours ride (including all my bike hiccups). Anyway, we have no intention going Tanah Lot, we turned back here.
On our way back, we stopped over at one of the bigger store, to buy some bread and instant noodle for the night and tomorrow's breakfast. That saved us an awesome hundred bucks if dining inside the resort.
This was taken very near the resort, on the left edge of the compound. We could have got in from here but not for the bicycles. Right here, the chicken are happily eating the grains that the farmer laid to dry, again, these chicks were roaming freely, our presence doesn't scare it a little bit.
Back to the resort at 11.40am. We hardly enjoyed the facilities the day before, it has to be this afternoon. Cos we would be checking out the next morning.
We swam inside the villa's pool, and then I went over to the gym, that's very much how we spent the afternoon.
Finally caught someone on a horse riding trail, the picturesque horizon is such a beauty, I'm sure you will feel blessed here!
In the evening, knowing that this is the final night staying here, I went about taking pictures around the resort. As I mentioned, my pictures are vastly over-exposed, and the last thing I want, is to present a poor impression of this marvellous haven. Let me share some stunning beauties from the web instead.
The immediate picture above is one for a wedding in front of the main pool. Picture it without the crowd, or picture it with local dances instead, either way, you'd wanna come here at night!
Day 5: 26 Jun 2015, Fri
Woke up at 6.43am and began packing up.
Taking a short walk to the left end of resort compound in the morning
We checked out at 8.50am and started our drive back to Kuta at 9.05am.
We have very wonderful feeling about Alila Villas Soori, and were immensely impressed by the hospitality here. Staffs here are readily greeting you whenever they see you, some can even remember you by name. Lawrence was impressed, and claimed he never anticipated such pleasure. Neither did I.
On our way back to Kuta, we witnessed a large plane near Jalan Raya Kerobokan right in the middle of town. Truth be told, I did take note on our way to Alila Villas Soori, and I was puzzled why was such a big plane residing here? I found out later that it belongs to The Gate88, and it's actually only half of it, just the tail. It was suppose to be a bar within a shopping center, but that place is now more or less deserted. This plane is a McDonnell Douglas DC-10. From what I later learned, there are two more full size deserted planes in other part of Bali too!
We took less than 2 hours getting to Alila Villas Soori, and I thought with better road knowledge on our way back, we ought to reach Kuta sooner, with time to spare for an early lunch.
Wrong. Traffic jam for unknown reason. It was made worse when my phone, which I full charged the night before, was fast losing power. I used another phone as GPS via WiFi on our way to Alila Villas Soori. On our way back, I found it troublesome, and decided to use my data phone directly. It was then I learn the lesson, that the one using Google voice navigation tends to drain fast, I should have used back the other phone through WiFi. And I couldn't switch SIM card because the two phones are having different SIM slot size. Fortunately we were approaching town when my phone battery flat, by then I already more or less recognise the direction back to Kuta.
Putu called me at 11am, the time we agreed to return car at Kuta Station Hotel. And I had to assured him we would be reaching in another 5 minutes, which we did. Though actually, we would have arrived on time if we didn't encounter road work and made a long detour. Anyway, our buffer was gone. Our 2.15pm flight means we would need to arrive airport around 11.15am. Lunch would need to be at the airport after checking in.
Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport
Putu briefly inspected the car without uncovering any issue. Then we asked him whether he could drive us to the airport, which he readily agreed. Eventually, we reached airport 12.15pm. The ride to airport didn't take that long of course, but there were some miscellaneous matters at Kuta Station Hotel. We thanked Putu and proceeded straightaway to check-in counter.
At the check-in counter, I asked for a window seat, but was told only aisle seats were left, and that they were in different rows! The service crew suggested we top up and upgrade our seats to row 12, emergency exit seats, which I rejected outright. Eventually though, he still gave that to us at no extra cost. :D
We then had lunch at La Place, I had pizza with juice. Once we checked-in, the urgency subsided. We could leisurely enjoy our lunch before boarding.
Got some hand made soaps from airport duty free shop, and had ice cream. That's about all our expenses there.
Jetstar 3K242 (9V-JSB)
Boarded flight 3K242 at 1.45pm, and departed Denpasar at 2.10pm. We would later arrive Changi Airport T1 at 4.46pm.
~ End ~
Afternote: Alila Villas Soori is now... Soori Bali
