1825 Gallery Hotel, Melaka, Malaysia

HOTEL RATING: 8.5/10

Hey there, my dear readers! Today, I'll be touching a little on Melaka, or also known as Malacca to some, and of course, not forgetting to review about my stay in 1825 Gallery Hotel, Melaka, Malaysia. Let's start, shall we? 

Well, well, well, Malacca is the capital of the state of Malacca, on the west coast of peninsular Malaysia. Malacca is rich with history and culture from the previous Portuguese, Dutch and British rule. The city centre was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in July 2008, along with Georgetown, Penang, which I have blogged about previously. If you haven't read it yet, you can click on the link below and be amazed with what Penang has to offer.

http://ofatlasesandemptypockets.blogspot.my/2016/03/glow-hotel-penang-malaysia.html

A map showing Malacca

What, When, Where, Why Malacca?

Just like Penang, Malacca has a background story too! Malacca, the third smallest Malaysian state after Perlis and Penang was founded by Parameswara, also known as the last Raja of Singapore. It was believed that he witnessed a Sang Kancil (mouse-deer) pushing one of his dogs into the river in self-defense after being cornered. Parameswara was impressed with the courage of the little mouse-deer and took it as a good omen, thus decided to build his empire there, naming the state Melaka, after a tree - "Pokok Melaka" that he was resting under. 

Mouse-deer statues can be seen around the roundabout at the Dutch Square, also known as the Red Square where it is surrounded by red painted buildings. It reflects the history of Melaka, the Dutch administration (the Stadthuys, Christ Church), the British colonization (Queen Victoria’s Fountain), and the Chinese settlers (Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower in honor of a generous Chinese tycoon).

The Dutch Square, Melaka

Mouse-deer statues around the roundabout at the Dutch Square

To me, the best way to get around Malacca will be on foot. There really is no better way to explore and to feel Malacca than to walk. But, if you'd rather, and prefer cycling to get around faster, then you can rent a bicycle! Some hotels offer bicycle rentals for their guests, but if they don't, you can always head to Jonker Street to rent one! There are many bicycle rental shops around, and many types of bicycles to choose from. From tandem bicycles to the normal road ones, you'd be feeling wind on your face in no time. The price of the rentals starts from RM10 for a good 6-8 hours and RM15- RM20 for the whole day!

Go by foot...

Or try to cycle "properly", like me!

Another way you can explore Malacca will be with a trishaw! It is a light three-wheeled vehicle with pedals, and they're all lined up at the Dutch Square. No, you cannot "rent" them if you're wondering as there will be a trishaw cyclist who'll be cycling you around, and at the same time, guiding you to all the touristic spots in the city. But well, I find them a tad bit too pricey. They can range from RM15-RM50, depending on the distance. 

Take your pick at the Dutch Square!

Oh, did I tell you that you can also cruise your way through Malacca too? Hahaha! The Malacca River is the river that cuts across Malacca town, on its way to the Straits of Malacca. Through this 45 minutes cruise, you'd be able to cruise past historic buildings, old warehouses (godowns), churches, and villages. You will depart at the Muara Jetty which is next to Quayside Heritage Centre, close to the Maritime Museum that is easily recognizable by the replica of the Portuguese ship "Flor De la Mar". From there, the cruise will take you upstream as far as Taman Rempah jetty where the boat then turns around and brings you back to the starting point. It is honestly one of the best ways to see the city's beauty, especially if you go during the late evening when it's a little cooler outside. Admission fees starts from RM5- RM15 depending on age, as well as if you are either a local or a tourist. 

The Melaka River Cruise

The good part about Melaka is that almost 70% of the major attractions are within a 1 km radius. This means that it is easily accessible and that you can literally walk or cycle to visit all the places of interest in more or less, a day! With that said, they'll be more time for food and shopping then! 

Here's my personal list of some places of interest that you MUST visit!

1) Jonker Street

Jonker Street is the most happening place in Malacca, if you must know. It is in the center of Chinatown and there lays a huge market where you can buy literally anything, and everything! From clothes to furniture pieces to the endless variety of street food, it will surely be a complete delight to spend the weekend there. 

2) Maritime Museum and Naval Museum Malacca

The Maritime Museum, or the Flora de Lamar is a replica of the Portuguese ship which sank in the coast of Malacca while on its way to Portugal. The replica is a staggering 34 meters in height, and 8 meters in width. The main focus of the museum is the maritime history of Malacca and the golden ages of Malacca’s Sultanate as the Emporium of the East. This museum will be a great place for people who love history and of course, for the ship fanatics, as a collection of different ship models are put on display at the museum. At the museum, you will also find exhibits of porcelain, silk, textile and spices used by the seamen in the past. Oh, and not only that, but you can also climb up to the upper deck of the ship to view the diorama of the captain cabin. Cool enough for you yet? There will be an admission fee to get into the museum though, but fret not as it is only RM1-RM3 depending on age.

3) Taman Mini Malaysia & ASEAN Cultural Park

The Taman Mini Malaysia Cultural Park is situated a few kilometers outside of Melaka, near the town of Ayer Keroh. It'll probably be about a 40 minute moderate walk there from Jonker Street, so I'd suggest you take a cab there instead. You should visit this place if you have an interest in traditional architecture and the ways of life. Here, you can see, feel and touch history. In this cultural park, there will be many homes, each representing the architectural style of the 13 states in Malaysia, and is furnished with various items. From items such furniture to pieces of art which depicts the culture of each state, to the life-like figurines in their respective traditional costumes, you'd leave the place with a hell lot of knowledge! Hahaha! Ticket pricing starts from RM8- RM15.

4) St. Paul’s Church, Malacca

The ruins of this ancient church is not only popular among tourists, but also to the native people of Malaysia. This historic church was built in 1521, situated at the summit of St. Paul's Hill. This Church is now a part of the Malacca Museum Complex.

5) Christ Church, Malacca

This church was built by the Dutch when they took possession of the country. This 18th-century Anglican church in the city of Malacca, Malaysia, is the oldest functioning Protestant church in Malaysia and is within the jurisdiction of the Lower Central Archdeaconry of the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia. There are 3 services held on Sunday in this church- English at 8.30am, Mandarin at 10.30am, and Malaysian (Bahasa Malaysia) at 4.30pm, so do feel free to drop by!

Malacca is also a food haven. With the river just a stone's throw away, seafood served there are always fresh! So, what are some of the must try food in Malacca? Well, they're all in the picture below! Just walk around Jonker Street and you'll find everything you need there. From Chicken Rice Balls to Satay Celup, Nyonya Kuih's to Satay's, Coconut Milkshake to boiled Cockle's, you'd be craving for more! Feeling hungry yet?

The famous Chicken Rice Balls

Satay Celup

Nyonya Kuih's

Boiled Lala's and Cockles

Overview

And finally, without further ado, I'll be reviewing about my stay in 1825 Gallery Hotel, Melaka, Malaysia! As usual, I'll start with the overview on the place. So, 1825 Gallery Hotel is a relatively new boutique hotel. It is situated at 27, Jalan Bunga Raya, 75100 Malacca, Malaysia and it is along the Malacca River. This hotel is about a 10 minute walk to Jonker Street, and within a 15 minute drive to Melaka Sentral, the largest public transportation terminal in Malacca City.

The front entrance of the 1825 Gallery Hotel

The morning view of the back entrance of 1825 Gallery Hotel

The night view of the back entrance of 1825 Gallery Hotel

I checked-in on the 15th of May, 2016 and it was RM690 for a 2 night stay in their Executive Suite and the price was inclusive of tax and service charge. 

The waiting area at the 1825 Gallery Hotel

Indoor fish pond making the atmosphere that much more cozy

The Executive Suite

The Executive Suite is a 33m² room with only a choice of 1 extra large-double bed. The room is extremely spacious with comfortable bedding, soundproof walls and an amazing view of the river. A flat-screen TV, a wardrobe, a safe, a coffee & tea maker and of course, WiFi is provided.

The Executive Suite

The view from the balcony at night

The Bathroom
The Executive Suite bathroom is just amazing. It is almost as big as the room itself! It comes with 2 basins on a counter, a Jacuzzi with river view, and a standing shower! The bathroom is so big that I needed to take 2 pictures to show you guys! Oh, and the blinds infront of the Jacuzzi? They're motorized. How cool is that? 

The basin area and Jacuzzi at one end

The toilet bowl and standing shower at the other end

The motorized blind

During my stay, their on-site restaurant was yet to be opened, and so I had no chance to see how splendid it would've been. But fret not as I'll definitely be back to review it! So, to make it up to you readers, I have personally taken a video of the hotel just for you guys, so enjoy!

A 1 minute video of the room

Facilities and Services include:

• Garden
• Bar
• 24-hour Front Desk

Check-in time: From 2pm

Check-out time: Until 12pm

I would rate this hotel an 8.5/10 as not only the rooms are spacious, but the bathroom is just amazing and the staff are all really friendly too. The plus point of this hotel would be how easy it is to get to Jonker Street- you exit through the back entrance and follow the river on your right, all till the end, and tada, you're at Jonker's Street! I hope this has helped you narrow down your options if you're looking for a place to stay around Malacca, Malaysia! Till then! 

Disclaimer: This write-up and the opinions shared are all mine. I was not paid to promote or to review this hotel whatsoever. Some pictures provided are mine, while some have been taken from the web. 

A New Name For The Blog!

Of Atlases And Empty Pockets is my new pride and joy! This blog's name was previously Sunshine And Pixie Dust, but well, to be honest, it was irrelevant. Hahaha! It took me awhile to actually change it, but yes, here it is! 

Of Atlases And Empty Pockets is a blog where I'll be sharing not only my thoughts, opinions, and reviews on hotels, but to also share my love and knowledge that I have gathered from my travels. Be it somewhere only an hour away, or miles away for that matter, travelling will always do you good. Afterall, there is a saying that goes - "Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind." -Seneca

The vigor of the mind in travelling applies when you see spectacular things, or when you learn something new and worthwhile while travelling. Whether it's about appreciating architecture, breathing in the smell of the ocean, running along a beach, hiking up mountains, or just learning about a new religion and culture, it will make you feel invigorated. It makes you see life in a bigger picture, and that it is such a refreshing thing you can do for yourself. Well, at least that is what travelling does to me.

The meaning behind my blog's name - Of Atlases And Empty Pockets is already explained by its name - of maps, which is related to places, and empty pockets, because I have spent it all on travelling, and oh, on hotels too!  Hahaha! 

Travelling does not always need to be expensive or planned out well. Who says you can't do it impromptu or on a budget? Doing that doesn't, and wouldn't make it less of an adventure because as long as you are moving, you are one step ahead of those who are afraid of leaving their comfort zone.

 "We wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment." -Hilaire Belloc

Bayview Hotel, Melaka

HOTEL RATING: 6/10 

A new month calls for a new post, yes? Hahaha! Hi, readers! I'm back with another review of a hotel in another state of Malaysia. This time, its Melaka, or also known as Malacca!

Overview

Today, I'll be talking about Bayview Hotel, Melaka, Malaysia, and here's an overview of the place. This hotel is a 4-star accommodation set in the city centre. Located along Jalan Bendahara, Melaka, Malaysia, this hotel is about a 6-minute walk to The Shore Shopping Gallery, and about a 20-minute walk to the famous and must-visit Jonker Street! Right beside the hotel stands a convenient store and small stalls selling food. Pretty convenient, eh?

Bayview Hotel

I checked-in Bayview Hotel on the 13th of May, 2016, and it was RM300 for a 2 night stay in their Superior Room, and the price was inclusive of tax and service charge. Oh, do note that RM2 will be charged per night as a heritage charge. It is said to be part of the state government’s effort to meet the cost of infrastructure facilities to provide more comfort to tourists.

Bayview Hotel's lobby

The Superior Double or Twin Room 

The Superior Double or Twin Room is a 32 m² room with a choice of either 2 single beds or 1 double bed. There is a lot of space in the room even after a 2-seater sofa and a small coffee table is added in. I was lucky to have gotten a room which overlooked the city area, and boy, was it pretty at night when all the city lights were on. Right in front of the bed, you'll have a flat-screen TV and a work desk right below it. A mini bar, a safe, a coffee & tea maker, and WiFi is provided as well. 

The Superior Room

The view overlooking The Shore Shopping Gallery (Grey buildings)

The work desk and an extra seating area

The mini bar and coffee & tea maker

To be frank, I was extremely unhappy about this hotel's cleanliness. I came in to a room which was not only dusty and dirty with hair all over the place, but with Sandflies swarming the bathroom, and mold and moss growing on the tiles of the bathroom floor. I WAS DISGUSTED. It was worse than some public restrooms that I've been in to, and what's probably worse is that I'm actually paying for it. I don't know if the room was even cleaned in the first place before I checked-in, but this is honestly my first experience in dealing with such terrible housekeeping from such a reputable hotel. 

A 4-star hotel? I think not.

The many strands of hair that was left behind on the chair

The Bathroom

I'm sorry that I don't have pictures of the bathroom because I literally stormed out of the hotel room and down to the reception to lodge a complaint because I was just that furious and frustrated. I mean, anyone would be, right? 

So happen, Mr. Johan, the manager on duty, was there to assist me. He was nice and polite enough to request the cleaners to clean up the bathroom for me. And you know what? After 15 minutes of washing, scrubbing, and spraying pesticides all over, the bathroom was now clean - like how it was supposed to be in the first place! I mean, if you need time to clean the room, yes, I'll give you some extra time. But you DON'T let guests in to an already-stayed-in-room-the-night-before. That's just bad and sucky service. 

FYI, I clean my own bathrooms at home to know that those mold and moss don't just grow overnight. Gee, I can't believe I'm getting worked up over this, again. Urgh.

The bathroom

The bathroom comes with a standing shower and a basic set of toiletries. And what I mean by basic is just Body Soap, Shampoo, Lotion, and a bar of soap. Toothbrush and toothpaste are additionally charged, so do take note. 

This hotel has a small fitness center, a steam room with sauna facilities, and a swimming pool. I must say that through all my stays in hotels, this was the first time I have ever gone in one. Maybe it was because the pool was empty, but nonetheless, the swimming pool was good. There was one for adults, and one for childrens. 

The swimming pool

Facilities and Services include:

• 2 Restaurant On Site
• Outdoor Swimming Pool
• Fitness Center
• Hot Tub/ Jacuzzi 
• Front Desk Services- 24-hour Front Desk, Baggage Storage
• Karaoke Room

Check-in time: From 3 p.m.

Check-out time: Until 12 p.m.

I would rate this hotel a 6/10 as the hotel didn't meet its requirements and standards as a 4-star hotel, and there were many other flaws like an-always-closed restaurant and not so friendly staff. I do hope that this hotel could step up their game because I know that with a better management and housekeeping team, this hotel would definitely be a full house! I hope this has helped you narrow down your options if you're looking for a place to stay around Melaka, Malaysia! Till then. xx

Disclaimer: This write-up and the opinions shared are all mine. I was not paid to promote or to review this hotel whatsoever. Some pictures provided are mine, while some have been taken from the web. 

Hotel Neo+, Kuta, Legian, Bali, Indonesia

HOTEL RATING: 8.5/10

Hello, my beloved readers! Its been awhile since I posted a blog post, haven't I? Well, I'm back, and today, I'll be touching on Bali, Indonesia, and of course, not forgetting to review about my stay in Hotel Neo+, Kuta, Legian. It'll be quite a lengthy one as I'll be sharing my unforgettable getaway with you guys, so sit back, maybe get a drink or a snack, and read on!

What, When, Where, Why Bali?

Oh, where should I begin? Well, first thing's first. Bali isn't as small as you think it is. Hahaha! Although just an island, and one of the many that makes up Indonesia, Bali has so much to offer. From their volcanic mountains to nature, from sunsets to the beaches, from their culture to their religion and then to their rich tradition, it all left a mark in my heart.

The map of Bali island

Bali is known for their mix of Hindu and Buddhist religion which is called the Balinese culture. It is a culture where the people are extremely devoted and some may even say that the Balinese people have reach self-contentment. This can be seen through the many practices and ceremonies that have become a large part of the Balinese culture and that it defines the lives of most Balinese people. One of the practices that I have never failed to see throughout my stay there would be the Canang which was laid on the ground in front of houses, shop houses, restaurants, etc.  

A Canang is one of the daily offerings made by Balinese Hindus to thank the Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa in praise and prayer. It is offered as a form of thanking for the peace given to the world, and it is the simplest daily household offering. The philosophy behind this beautiful offering is self-sacrifice; the amount of time and effort it takes to prepare it.

A Canang is a square coconut-leaf basket overflowing with flowers

So now you can proudly say that you do know a little, or should I say a teeny-weeny bit about the Balinese people, their culture, and their religion. Let's head on, shall we?

The flight from Singapore to Bali will be about 2 hours and 45 minutes. The time might differ due to weather conditions and of course, if there is a delay in flight schedule. 

The airport in Bali that you will stop at is known as the Ngurah Rai International Airport, and it is your gateway to Bali. If it is your first time to Bali, then BEWARE of the cab drivers who will literally grab/carry/hold your bags for you right after you get out of the arrival aisle. They mean you NO HARM as they're just trying to get business, but they can be very, extremely persistent in bugging you to take their cab which is one hell of an experience for me. (Do note that I was scared for my life and praying that I would not get involved in human trafficking. Yes, my imagination is on point, I know.) 

If you would rather settle your own transport at your own pace (because you are afraid for your life), then there is an Airport Taxi Counter near the exit of the arrival hall. The taxi rates are published and no haggling is allowed compared to those cab drivers that rushes you to their vehicle. It wasn't the most amazing way to start my Bali adventure, but it certainly gave me something solid to remember about my trip, don't you think so? Hahaha! 

Overview

From the airport to the hotel that I was staying in was about a 20 minutes drive. Oh, I stayed at Hotel Neo+, Kuta, Legian at Jl. Troppozone No.8 which is rated a 3-star hotel. I chose that hotel because it was located in the heart of Kuta, and along Legian Street, also known as where the nightlife happens because of all the bars and clubs that are situated there. The hotel was barely a 2 minute walk to the closest bar. (I didn't even enter one throughout my stay there though.) The hotel is close to many convenient stores as well, and about a 15 minute walk to the iconic Kuta Beach. 

Hotel Neo+'s facade

The pool area that can be seen from the reception

I checked-in on the 21st of December, 2015, and it was RM600 for a 3 night stay in their Superior Room, and the price was inclusive of tax, service charge, and breakfast buffet. It was a tad bit more expensive as it was close to Christmas, and was considered a peak season. 

The Superior Double or Twin Room
The Superior Double or Twin Room is a 23 m² room with a choice of either 2 single beds, or a double bed. All 117 rooms overlook the pool area so its A+ for the view. An LED TV sits in front of the bed on the wall, and a working desk that has ample space stands right below it. A mini bar, a safe, a coffee & tea maker, and WiFi is provided as well. 

The layout of the room

The view outside

A picture I took from the room

The Bathroom

The bathroom was real spacious. With a frosted glass dividing the bedroom and the bathroom, it came with a large basin area and a hair dryer that is fastened on the wall. For all Superior Rooms, only a standing shower is provided but that's okay because the water pressure is hella fine.

The bathroom

On Site Restaurant- Noodle Row

This hotel also has an on-site restaurant called the Noodle Now Restaurant that serves continental cuisine for breakfast. Their breakfast spread surprised me as it was not only good, but it came with many varieties to choose from. From Pancakes to Bacon to Hash Browns, and then to the local dishes like Fried Rice, Fried Mee, and porridge, you'd probably be stuffed. There is also an Egg Station where you can request how you would like your Eggs to be. Choose from either boiled, scrambled, or sunny side up. Can't decide? Then take all three! Hahaha! 

The layout of the restaurant

Facilities and Services include:

• 1 Restaurant On Site
• Sun Terrace
• Airport Shuttle 
• Outdoor Swimming Pool
• Front Desk Services- 24-hour Front Desk, Baggage Storage

Check-in time: From 2pm

Check-out time: Until 12pm

 I would rate this hotel an 8.5/10 as not only the rooms are inviting, but the staff are all friendly too. The mega plus point of this hotel would be how easily accessible it is to the convenient stores and attractions around. I hope this has helped you narrow down your options if you're looking for a place to stay around Bali!

Well, well, well, congratulations on reading pass this point! If you're keen to read more about the places of interest that I've visited, then do carry on. I'll be touching a little on the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary at Ubud, Uluwatu Temple, and finishing it off with Kuta Beach. 

Some Things To Do/Visit In Bali!
I wanted to particularly visit Uluwatu because:
 1) Its a must visit place when you're there
2) Have you even seen the pictures of the place online? Dayummm. 

Well, the distance from Kuta (the place where we were staying at) to Uluwatu would be at least a 45 minutes drive, and I wanted to stop by the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary at Ubud too, which was at least a 1 hour and 30 minutes drive away. So, the plan? To hire a private driver that would take us to Ubud first, and then to Uluwatu, just in time for the sunset. 

Driver's name: Nyoman

One day tour around Bali based on per car + driver: 
550.000 IDR= RM160/ 41 USD

Airport transfer from the hotel we stayed @Kuta (one way): 
30.000 IDR= RM9/ 2.3 USD

You can search him up on Facebook @ Nyoman Budi Cool Cool

It was around 10am-ish after our breakfast that we decided to leave for Ubud. It was a pretty long ride there as we did a few stopovers, all on the way, and all less than 15 minutes to visit a Ralph Lauren Factory Outlet store, a small Batik factory where they make and sell the decorated cloth, and then to a place where wholesale Batik cloths and clothing can be bought at a reasonable price. 

Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Ubud
We reached the Monkey Forest Sanctuary around 1 p.m. in the afternoon and proceeded to buy our entry tickets while our driver waited for us at a nearby restaurant. Below will be some information on the place and ticket pricing effective January 1st, 2016.


Entrance fee : Adult: 40.000 IDR= Around RM12/ 3 USD
                 : Children: 30.000 IDR= Around RM9/ 2.3 USD

Open daily: 8.30AM – 6.00PM

Ticketing service: 8.30AM – 5.30PM

Address: Jalan Monkey Forest, Padangtegal, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali (80571)

Recommended length of visit: At least an hour

For more information,visit: www.monkeyforestubud.com

The Ubud Monkey Forest is a nature reserve and a Hindu temple complex in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. Its official name is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, also known as the Balinese Mandala Suci Wenara Wana. The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is not just a tourist attraction, but also an important spot for research and conservation programs. The type of monkeys that live in the area are known as the Balinese long-tailed monkey, also called the Macaque. After entering the forest, a small stall selling Banana's will be seen, and you can purchase some to feed the Monkeys. 

Monkey: "Oh, Banana."

Monkey: "Why are his hands so high up? Doesn't he want to feed me?"

Monkey: "Good human. Here, give me that."

Monkey: "Ahhh, finally. That was a tiring experience just to get a Banana. Oh well."

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary isn't all about the monkeys and feeding them, but it is honestly a really nice place to just take a stroll and to breathe in what nature has to offer. The forest also has 3 temples inside, and a cemetery for Monkeys that is used temporarily while waiting for the day of the mass cremation which is held once every 5 years. 

Beautiful statues around the forest

Just strolling around

Pura Luhur Uluwatu, Uluwatu Temple, Uluwatu

We took our time just strolling around while taking pictures. It took us a good one hour or so to finally want to leave the place and head to our next destination. Hahaha! And so the journey begins again from Ubud to Uluwatu which took about 2 hours. By the time we reached Uluwatu, it was already around 5 p.m. in the evening and we could see that a long line has formed at the ticketing counter with many people just waiting patiently to see how magnificent Uluwatu really is. Below will be some information on the place and ticket pricing. 

Entrance fee : Adult/children: 30.000 IDR= Around RM9/ 2.3 USD

                

Open daily: 9.00AM – 6.00PM

Address: Pecatu Village, sub-district of South Kuta, Badung District, Bali.

Recommended time of visit: Before sunset

Pura Luhur Uluwatu, also known as Uluwatu Temple, is a Balinese sea temple that is one of Bali's nine key directional temples dedicated to protecting Bali from evil sea spirits. It is a place on the south-western tip of the Bukit Peninsula of Bali, Indonesia, and if you think that the temple itself is remarkable, then wait till you see where it is located- perched on a steep cliff 70-metres above the Indian ocean. Amazing or what? Hahaha! 

Visitors are reminded to wear appropriate clothing when visiting the temple as a form of respect. Before heading in after purchasing the entrance ticket, a sarong or a sash will be handed out to you and it must be worn around the waist. 

The best time to visit Uluwatu is just before sunset. A Kecak dance is performed everyday at the adjacent cliff-top stage at 6:00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. where the background would be of the sun setting. Those who would like to watch it will be charged a nominal fee. 

The breathtaking view of Uluwatu

See that purple sash on my waist? Well, that's one of the rules of the temple

Kuta Beach, Kuta

Last but not least, Kuta Beach! Kuta is a beach and resort area in the south of the island of Bali, Indonesia. It is best known for its Indian Ocean surfing and party-centric atmosphere, not forgetting that it’s particularly popular with Australians. Kuta's long and consistent waves makes it a popular surf spot, particularly for beginners, and plenty of outfitters offer board rentals and surf lessons.

Kuta Beach

It has been one hell of a long post, hasn't it? Hahaha! If you've made it till the end, then thank you for reading, and thank you for letting me relive this adventure by writing them down for you. Do feel free to leave me a message or comment below if you would like to know more about certain things or so, and I'd gladly get back to you shortly. Till my next post! xx

Disclaimer: This write-up and the opinions shared are all mine. I was not paid to promote or to review this hotel whatsoever. Some pictures provided are mine, while some have been taken from the web.