Rented car, Suzuki Jimny

Choosing the right company for the right car wasn’t easy because we are travelling with a toddler.

After a long search and comparing prices, we finally decided to rent Suzuki Jimny with balicarrent.com

The rate was rather cheap compare to other online service provider,

USD 19 x 5 Days = USD 95 NETT.

We were very happy to get such a good rate and the customer service personal for the car rental was quite efficient handling our inquiries.

BUT there are a list of thing that are quite ALARMING and we thought that everyone should know and be prepare for it when renting car from balicarrent.com.

1. Upon arrival of collecting the car (not at the counter but is at the arrival hall), it was stated in the email that we can pay USD or Credit Card but during our payment, we prepared USD for the payment and waiting for a change.  Sad to say, balicarrent.com personal do not carry any small change for USD/Rupiah, and also no credit card service.  So we decided to pay USD90 and upon returning the car on the 5th day will pay the remaining USD5.
2. The car that we got is very old and the air-condition is not functioning well.  If we are stuck in the jam or on it too long the air-condition will blow out hot air.
3. Everyday we have problem starting the car.  Will have to try more than 5 times then only the car engine will start running.  Worst! When we are up the slope/hill, we must off the air-con, if not the car engine will die.

Difficult to start the car every time we need it and air-condition blowing hot air is the worst thing when travellig with a toddler.

The next time we will rent a car from a reputable car rental company and don’t mind paying extra.  No balicarrent.com service for us.

What we want when travelling on the road is comfort and a reliable car.

Family Vacation: 11th May 2010 – 15 May 2010

Sunset Hill Villa Room, Unit 1

This is a 1 bedroom villa unit, with a King size bed, separate shower room, toilet and washing area.  The Villa is spacious, clean and modern.  Coffee & tea facilities are provide and there is a small mini fridge.

Travel Note:

The bed that Sunset Hill provided is very comfortable; the linen is clean and soft.

All shower room and toilet is open concept, so it might not suitable for some people.

My daughter fell down twice in the shower room.  So be aware of this when staying with kids or old folks.

No phone line or intercom in the room, so to get room service is a hassle.  Need to walk to the main lobby/breakfast area to press the bell for assistance.

Villa entrance to the room area

This is the villa entrance to the room area.  I enjoyed very much here, drinking tea and reading book.  The air is fresh, the view is stunning and you can hear and see all kind of insects and creepy crawlies.

Travel Note:

Ensure the villa door is always closed to avoid insects, creepy crawlies and mosquitoes entering.

At times you will find a lot of ants at the villa pathway, so check your shoe or your flip flop before wearing it.

View from the 1 bedroom villa

This is villa have the same view with those 5 star resorts in Ubud, yet we pay at a very reasonable rate, USD75/night.  Sunset Hill Villa is located in a village that is surrounded by padi fields. Pretty scenery!!

Travel Note:

…because of the nature and peaceful surrounding, the villa owner decided not to install TV or Internet line. NO TV and NO INTERNET in the villa.
Not an entertaining villa for kids and family group.

Sunset Hill Swimming Pool

As a family with a young daughter, we enjoyed much at the pool with great view overlooking the Wos River.  The calmness and bird chirping all the way make it much relaxing.

Travel Note:

Pathway leading to the pool from breakfast area is slippery when it is wet. BEWARE.

There are is padding for the chair by the pool or towel at the poolside area, so before going to the pool, get the room service attendance prepare it for you.

Daily Breakfast at Sunset Hill Villa

I enjoyed every morning breakfast with, greenery fresh air, overlooking the river and poolside.  Daily breakfast comes with Coffee or Tea, varieties of healthy bread and pastries, homemade jam and mixture of fruits.

Travel Note:

It is not a buffet style breakfast and no kids menu breakfast.  But the owner of the villa is kind enough to prepare special breakfast request for your child.

Address: Bangkiang Siden, Bali, Indonesia.

Personally I only recommended Sunset Hill Villa, for honeymoon couple or retirees that just want to do nothing but to relax and read books. (NO TV & NO INTERNET)

For those that do not like to walk much, this place is too far in although it was said about 30mins walking distance to/from Ubud central.

As for us, we rented a car for 5 days, so distance is still OK for us but for food, we will have to drive out all the time.

Distance from Ngurah Rai International Airport to Sunset Hill Villa – 1 1/2 hours.

If you are planning to drive, suggest that you rent a GPS from the car rental company, this will make it easier to find the Villa.

Driving to Sunset Hill, following the Elephant Safari Park signage will lead to well to the Villa.

Click here to get more information about Sunset Hill Villa Ubud or to make a reservation

You can get to Bali by Air, international flights arrive directly to Ngurah Rai International Airport.  Some countries do not have direct flight to Bali but to Jakarta so will need to transfer to a domestic flight.  The journey will take about 90minutes.

When to Visit?

If we do not want to pay the PEAK period rate, the best time will be April-May and September.  The accommodation and car rental is at cheaper rate.  Peak Season will be June-August and December-January.

Visas and Passports:

Malaysian do not need Visa to travel to Indonesia.  As for other Nationality, you will need to check with your local travel agent.

Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure and you must have a confirmed ticket out.

Vaccinations:

It is advisable to get vaccination for Typhoid, Hepatitis A and B.

Clothing:

Casual clothing, lightweight fabric for comfort in the heat.  If visiting temples (Pura), it is advisable to wear below knee length skirt/pants and sleeved blouse/shirt.

Electricity:

Indonesia uses 220volt system and 2 round pin electrical socket.

You will need this…

Religion in Bali:

Most Balinese follow a kind of Hinduism mixed with Buddhism and ancestor worship.  Religious ritual take place everyday.

Currency:

Indonesian monetary is in Rupiah.  Foreign currency and travellers’ cheques can be exchanged at the airport, banks and money-changers counter.

When comes to food we are very particular and choosy especially travelling with a child.  No choice we will have to skip street hawker food and only restaurants or cafes.

Well, this particular BBQ Pork Ribs at Naughty Nuri’s Warung (cafe) is famous and introduced by many people even the famous Chef Anthony Bourdain.  So we just can’t wait to try the BEST BBQ Pork Ribs in Bali…

…after trying it the verdict-EXCELLENT!

It is tender, juicy and tasty but we found out that it is only nice when eat it hot.  Once it is cold, the pork taste and the porky-pork smell is strong.  REMEMBER EAT IT WHILE It’s HOT!

At Naughty Nuri’s Warung, the place crowded and always busy during dinner time.  You will see locals and foreigners grouping together for chatting, eating and drinking.  But the place is a bit stuffy and the air circulation is bad, which mean after your delicious meal, you will also bring home BBQ odour on your clothing and hair. *yulks*

BBQ Pork Spare Ribs at Naughty Nuri's Warung

COST 70,000 rupiah.

Naughty Nuri’s Warung, JL Sanggingan, Ubud. Opposite Neka Museum, Up the road from Nacho Mama’s.

Open: 8am-10pm.

Travel Note:

If planning for dinner, try to go half hour earlier to find available space.

If you bring kids or Naughty Nuri’s is over crowded, I would suggest you don’t wait but walk down towards Nacho Mama Restaurant.  It is about few shop lot down the street.  Naughty Nuri’s and Nacho Mama belong to the same owner, you still get the SAME FOOD, SAME PRICE & SAME TASTE.

Always wash your hands before you eat because you will need to finger lickin’!

You MUST also try their specialty SATE.

The lighting at Naughty Nuri’s is very dim plus there are no street lights in Ubud, therefore it is very dark.  Be careful with your belonging while eating.

Bali is a land that is full of mythical, volcanic lakes, amazing rice terraces, ancient temples and palaces, and rich in cultures and people.  It is also famous for its traditional architecture, dances and festivals.  Balinese culture is lively and constantly practices in old or new innovative way.

Discovering Bali, some traveller will choose to stay at the popular beach area or in Ubud, the cultural heartland of Bali.  Where ever you stay, budget of luxury accommodation you will surely not miss out the places of interest, local food and shopping!

If you want to find genuine generosity and friendliness, you will never miss the experiences in Bali!

Here are a brief description about Bali:-

• The island of Bali is part of Republic of Indonesia.
• City Name: Denpasar.
• Airport: Ngurah Rai International Airport.
• Languages: Bahasa Indonesia.
• Official Currency: Indonesian Rupee (IDR)

Important simple Bahasa that you need to know before you travel.

Thank You – Terima Kasih

Yes – Bisa

No – Tak Bisa

Toilet – Kamar Kecil

Petrol Station – Pertamina

Airport Terminal – Bandara

Temple – Pura

Car – Mobil

Click on the MAP for a larger view.