JJ in DPS 20th – 24th Jan 2023
So here we go again guys…
TheJTwins in Bali for Round#2.
So it must have been that Daddy and Mummy wanted to escape the harsh wintery cold in Korea from last month that they planned for a beach vacation in the tropics soon after!
Actually it appears Daddy, Grandpa and Gugu-J had it organized back in Oct so we have a little CNY get-together this year – a far cry from last year when borders were still shut, reunion dinner setup was 5-max per table, masks-on during Lo-Hei (how very odd and un-CNY-like!).
Well, no such problem now!
We get organized for an early pick up in the morning and JieJie and I hit the sack early the night before so we would all be bright eyed and bushy tailed.
#throwback to 2018 – our last trip to Bali.
No prizes for guessing where we’d be staying, we head back to the all-too-familiar Hilton Bali Nusa Dua, Benoa. Daddy and Mummy apparently had been to Bali few times (on one occasion whilst Gugu-J was here!) and prefer the Hilton over Marriot and Melia (all within the same Nusa Dua enclave). What better reason also since Grandpa-J is an ardent Hilton loyalist.
We arrive at Denpasar airport late morning and get picked up by the Hilton driver.
He spoke to Grandpa, Gugu and Daddy about some important (G20 back in Sep2022?) meeting recently in Bali when he drove some important people in his van (not in their ‘designated’ car codenamed ‘The B****’ flown in AF1/AF2 since that would have been way too obvious!). Daddy was apparently in the same seat as Mr. Joe (last name we won’t divulge!) We were obviously coaxed to take a pix!
Familiar surroundings…
Sprawling grounds and breath-taking backdrop amidst the Indian Ocean.
Buggy ride to the Nusa Dua lounge while waiting for the room to be ready.
Hanging out
Our originally booked Family King Deluxe which we camped out at for the first night.
We were subsequently upgraded to the Villas. Daddy says they must’ve been really kind (and hugely generous) since both rooms were accorded upgrades to the Villas, 5011 and 5012 both adjacent to each other (maybe thanks to Grandpa’s HH Diamond!).
There are even 2 outdoor showers! Like who would actually use one?
Buggy rides are cool but nothing beats the awesomeness of powering your own buggy!
On day 2, we drove to Ubud to see the Rice Fields
[Disclaimer: Rental car and obviously not the buggy].
Tegallalang Rice Terrace.
More pix…
Lunching mid-way at Ubud Swing restaurant before our almost 2 hour drive back to Nusa Dua.
While distance wise it was only some 40km away, the travel time was due to the narrow trunk roads cutting through different small segments of town (some were mainly making and selling rattan-ware/furniture, some glassware while others were peddling fruits/vegetables.
There’s still time to hit the beach before dinner.
CNY Reunion Dinner…
Playing pool after dinner – check out the original expert and her moves.
Early morning CNY Day CRABBING (originally planned for but dampened by the early morning downpour)…
We did head out eventually and (guess what?) rescued 2 fishes!
We did have a 2nd attempt at it the next morning, but unfortunately found nothing more than some nice(r) seashells. Thanks Gugu for being a sport and getting us up before 7!
CNY morning breakkie, thereafter more pool!
And remember the fishes at the lobby? Hello again!
CNY bai nian!
In the afternoon Yeh Yeh, Mah Mah, Gugu and Mummy head to the Mandara Spa while Daddy chaperone’s us… I think we had the better end of the stick, WOOO! BTW Daddy tries to coax us to go to the Jungle Kids Club! meh…
Jie Jie wanted to take this funny elephant looking water spout/tap…
While walking back to our villa, we spot an all too familiar face, oh hello! But look there’s an army of them! And they all look the same! Yikes! Beware the monkey troops have taken over!
Soon it was our final night (we call in dinner) and packed up for an early morning check out..
Rise and shine! Guess who’s the last to crawl out of bed?
Bags lined up for collection while we have breakkie at the Nusa Dua Lounge and waiting for our airport transfer.
Bags lined up for pickup!
See ya Bali, until the next round, Terima Kasih for yet another great trip, special shout out to Eka, Pak Bagus, Pak Kevin, Pak Ougy and Astuti for great service at Bali Hilton!
