Tuesday, 27 October 2015

Ubud

"The mountains are calling and I must go."

Accommodation

Name and Location
Puri Gardens, Ubud
Value for money
7 (£36 a night)
Staff
9
Facilities
7
Security
8
Atmosphere
6
Location
6
Cleanliness
7
Wifi
8
Breakfast
8
Website
http://www.purigarden-hotel.com/
Comments
The price is slightly to expensive for what you get - however rooms were pretty clean and spacey. The double bed was made up from two singles which was disappointing and slightly uncomfortable. The breakfast however, was delicious and I could not fault the staff and service.

(score out of 10)


Things to do

Monkey Forest - Beware of the monkeys! They may appear cute and curious but they can be quite vicious. You can buy bananas to feed the monkeys, make sure you have your cameras at the ready, these monkeys sure know how to put on a show. 
http://www.monkeyforestubud.com/about.htm



Batur Temple - This is about an hour away from central Ubud on a bike. It is extremely high up in the mountains and the higher you go the colder you get! If you embark on this adventure I advise you take a jumper. From here you can see a great panoramic view of Mount Batur and Lake Batur. There is a small entry fee and you must be covered up. If you do not have the appropriate attire the locals will make you buy/rent a sarong and sometimes even a head piece (bit of a money making scam). The Temple its self is not much to look at, however the views are simply breathe taking and it is well worth the trip.



Tegenungan Waterfall - I was unable to get to see this waterfall but I have heard great things about it. I would highly recommend a visit if you have time. 
http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Attraction_Review-g297701-d2643063-Reviews-Tegenungan_Waterfall-Ubud_Bali.html

Hanging Gardens - This is a phenomenal resort in the heart of the rain forest of Ubud. At approximately £300 + a night it is a real luxury, I managed to worm my way in and have a quick peak  - lets just say a night there would be money well spent! 
http://hanginggardensubud.com/





Sunday, 18 October 2015

Kuta - Balangan and Uluwatu

"Enjoy every sunset, look forward to every sunrise." 

Accommodation

Name and Location
Grand Barong Resort, Kuta
Value for money
7 (£40 a night)
Staff
7
Facilities
7
Security
9
Atmosphere
8
Location
8
Cleanliness
8
Wifi
7
Breakfast
7
Website
http://www.grandbarongresort.com/
Comments
Great if you are looking for a tad of luxury and some time to relax. They provided a brilliant service and the rooms were extremely clean. An added bonus was being able to walk straight out from our balcony into the pool and pool bar :)

(score out of 10)




Name and Location
Suka Beach Inn, Kuta
Value for money
5 (£7 a night)
Staff
5
Facilities
3
Security
4
Atmosphere
5
Location
7
Cleanliness
6
Wifi
5
Breakfast
6
Website
http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Hotel_Review-g297697-d1650975-Reviews-Suka_Beach_Inn-Kuta_Bali.html
Comments
A very well priced hotel - you get what you pay for - basic, just about clean enough and in a good location. The only down fall was during the time I stayed, there was ongoing maintenance work on the pool. I can imagine that if the pool had been functioning there may have been a better atmosphere and used more as a social hub.

(score out of 10)
Things to do

Kuta Beach - I spent most of my days down the beach surfing! You can hire a board on the beach for around £4 a day - although you have to barter hard. Also, the sunsets are really rather here are beautiful here. 





Sky Garden - You can pay 100,000 IDR (£5) for all you can eat and drink from 5 - 9pm every day. It does get very busy towards 9pm - I advise you head off to Ally Cats at this point (grab some double doubles 20,000 IDR) and then onto Ikon to finish your night off! 

Balangan Beach - This is about 45 minutes to an hour north of Kuta. I jumped on the back of a friends bike to get there but I am sure you can grab a taxi if you are not to keen on bikes. The only problem with taxis around Kuta is the traffic! Unless you hop on a bike be prepared to almost double your journey time. Balangan Beach is beautiful and more chilled than Kuta Beach. Although it is becoming more built up it is a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of Kuta and is a great spot for surfing to - just be careful of the coral. Few good little food places too!





Uluwatu - Single Fin Bar - I drove to Uluwatu from Balangan to watch the sunset (this takes about 15 minutes). Single Fin Bar sits on the edge of a limestone cliff over looking Uluwatu beach. The views are exceptional and the vibe is pretty funky and chilled. It is a great spot to have a few drinks, watch the sunset, eat some good food and meet new people. Sunday sessions kick off here - get there for around 3pm and settle in for the night!