First time in Bali Indonesia (Day 1)

This is my official travelogue post.

From now on, I will share to you some details of each of our travels. Maybe not the itsy-bitsy details but at least something that could help you if you're planning to visit the places we've been to. I hope my post about our Phuket trip helped you in some ways.

We traveled to Bali, Indonesia last November 2-6, 2010. We booked our tickets I think 2 months or more before our trip so we can avail of the promo from Jetstar Airways. Lucky for us, we were able to purchase a really cheap return ticket. Thank you Jetstar! Normally airfare to Bali is really expensive so it's best to travel during the low season.

Photo credits: Josephine Sicad-Minerva

We planned on booking our hotels once we reach there but the OC-ness in me cannot just allow it :D I secretly researched for cheap hotels, resorts and the best beach nearby. We initially decided to stay near Jimbaran Bay based on other travelers' recommendations so we booked this lovely Udayana Kingfisher Eco Lodge, which we thought was located just 20 minutes from the beach but apparently, it was situated in the mountains. So we decided to stay for just one night and find a place near the beach. Don't get me wrong, the place is really pretty, serene, peaceful and cheap but we found it retreat-ish and way out of the plan, which is to beach-bum :) But if you're looking for a quiet place to relax, this could be a good choice.

Photo credits: Josephine Sicad-Minerva

We arrived in Bali around 4pm and reached our hotel almost 7pm. For our first night, we planned on devouring all the seafood we can afford in the famous Jimbaran Bay. Because we were all too hungry to think logically, we spent around 800,000 Indonesian rupiah for dinner alone. The most expensive dinner of all dinners :D We had Nasi goreng, grilled fish and grilled lobsters :D

Photo credits: Josephine Sicad-Minerva

We spent the rest of the night walking around Jalan Legian in Kuta area in search for another place to stay on our second day. We literally panicked when we saw some of our fave shops along the road: Roxy, Billabong, Ripcurl and more :)) But we have to control ourselves and save the shopping the next day. So if you're planning to stay in Kuta area, prepare yourself for BIG shopping and some dose of self-control.

After hours and hours of walking and riding taxis, we found the place. The Niche Hotel along Jalan Legian saved our feet! We discovered this pretty place while checking corners and alleys because they're not actually located along the road. Their room rate per night is 150 usd 75usd (150 is already for two rooms :P) including breakfast, a bit expensive compared to our first hotel. But location wise, they are perfect for our plan.

Whew! Quite an exhilarating and tiring first night. Nevertheless, we enjoyed the whole experience.

I will be posting more details of the trip soon. Stay tune! :) For now, I'll leave you with this beautiful sunset shot I took at Jimbaran Bay while waiting for our dinner. I love my dependable Lumix FZ28 :))