16 November 2014

4D3N Club Med Bali.

at Club Med, Bali, Nusa Dua, Indonesia.
on the 4-7 November 2014.

I decided that I won't be updating according to day-by-day style for this trip. If I do that, you guys will probably be bored before reading the second half of it confirm. Hah.


It will be based on WHAT IS THERE TO DO IN CLUB MED BALI?


This is the one question that most people ask. Second would be how much it will cost. Typical Penangites. KL people don't ask too much on price somehow. I guess they know what they are paying for , maybe that's why they don't ask much. They do their homework before going to travel fairs. Heh.


Okay, before that I shall begin step by step so that when I read this back next year, I will remember everything :)



The night before, we rushed to Gurney Plaza to get me some rupiahs. I decided to change RM100 since everything else in Club Med Bali is paid for already. 

We went back home and I did my final packing. After travelling for quite a bit on my own this year, I've learnt to make sure that I don't bring too many bags. Unless I need those extra empty bags for shopping purposes. But this time, no shopping for me thank you. 

So, I have one check-in luggage and my Sometime handbag for this trip. Initially, I thought this luggage won't be able to fit all that I want to bring to this holiday. Surprisingly, everything was in place and I even brought my mini pillow with me. 




The first time I travel to overseas, to Korea earlier this year, one handbag wasn't enough for me. So I took two. Two hand carry bags. Especially when you are travelling alone and there is no one with you most of the time. Imagine go toilet and you have two bags to take care, so troublesome okay.


But how to bring everything that you 'need' on board with you?


Actually, we need only very few things and want many things on board with us. True story okay. I used to think I need to bring a cardigan, a foldable umbrella and a laptop, just in case I need to access to my emails and so many more things that I ended up never using them.

Not true okay. I learn to decide which one is more important and if I can squeeze some other things into the check-in luggage.

This time, I smart d okay. It didn't take me that long to decide what to bring in my handbag and pretty proud of it.

Here goes.



At least 2 magazines so that waiting time doesn't feel that torturing. 
Earphones because I would like to finish my movie on board when they decided to keep the headphones (near to landing time). 
Sweets because I do not want to faint. 
Lip gloss because it gets pretty dry in the airplanes sometimes. 
Tissue paper of course is most important. No toilet roll this time since it takes up too much space.
Shades and comb of course is a basic need. Need to be looking great okay.
Charger, purse, passport, flight itinerary need I say more?
I didn't bring any cardigan this time because I know MAS provide blankets (only 3 hours flight!) and I didn't want extra weight to carry with me. 

We reached airport at about 545am for my flight to KL. Auntie, why you photobomb us?

Thank God no transit time in KL and thank God I made it on the flight to Denpasar although my PEN-KUL flight was delayed for 15 minutes. Pheww. I reached KLIA at about 820am. Madness.

There will be an ARRIVAL and DEPARTURE card for you to fill in. The officer at the Immigration Sector will collect them from you upon arrival.

It was an old plane with the old style TV screen. So pixelated. Blehh.

Seats away from the business class. One day, I'll be there. One day.

Since it was a morning flight and it takes about 3 hours to reach the destination, we were served breakfast. Chicken sandwich, jelly and apple juice. WORSE SANDWICH EVER btw.

Older plane but bigger lavatory. Nice.

Welcome to Ngurah Rai International Airport.

I switched off my Cellular Data and switch on the WiFi. Immediately got connected to their local internet, INDOSAT. Super yay!

I was told that this airport was a huge mess last year and this year they have managed to renovate it so nicely.

It took about 30 minutes and less to reach Club Med Bali and upon arrival, we were greeted by the Manager (I think). I don't know his name but I know he's from Australia.

Room 5301 it is. I always get the most corner room. Always. Even in Club Med Cherating, my room was the corner-est, nearest to the beach.

From here onwards, it will be categorized to the things that you can do in Club Med Bali.. More to like what I did when I was there.. Here we go!

Oh wait wait! We got into the resort after lunch time, about 2pm so the main restaurant was already closed. One thing I really like about this whole Club Med concept is they have a smaller more private restaurant where guests can have their late lunch or tea-time meal here. It's based on ala carte but you may order whatever you want from the menu and as many times as you want to. That, I really love!


Back to this.



RESTAURANTS.
They have one main restaurants called AGUNG BUFFET RESTAURANT where they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner everyday buffet style. They have another new but smaller restaurant, Deck "Ala Carte" Restaurant for guests who wishes to have ala carte meals instead of buffet style.

One thing I love about this buffet style is that every meal sure got different kind of food. They have Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Indian and Western but all meals are different. 




I didn't take photo of the ala carte restaurant. After snorkelling, the rest went back to their room and I continued swimming/soaking in the Zen Pool for a while. After that, I walked in and ordered a bowl of Korean Ramen. Yummmy.

Do you know that when the fork and knife is placed in an X position, that means someone booked the table already? That way, everyone can go take their food at the same time. No need to have one person take care of the table. Didn't know that earlier. Heh.

Corporate Sales Officer, Senior Operations Convention & Incentive Planners, Executive Director, Club Med's Senior Sales Manager, Executive Director, Managing Director and Sales Executive for Outbound. 


SWIMMING POOL.
I thought that the red color really brings up the mood for holidays. Or maybe it was just me. When I saw that, I was excited to put on my swimsuit and soak in the water.

Even more so when I saw those little shades. Ahhhh.




QUIET POOL A.K.A. ZEN POOL.
Only for adults. People who wants to soak in the pool and relax with no children screaming in excitement everywhere, this is the place for you.

I find myself obsessed with coming to this place because it was so peaceful and it was so relaxing. Whenever I had some free time, I would come here, swim for a little and take a short nap on the comfy beach beds. So nice okay. All that with unlimited guava juice anytime :)

One thing though, after lunch hours, the place is usually packed. To find a bed that is shaded comes down to zero. And I thought mat sallehs usually like to be exposed to the sun here willingly. Hah. Not so much in Bali.



Since I was on my own most of the time, I switched on the timer and here I go. Haha. I went right after breakfast since that was the only free time I got for that day. No one around. So syiookk.

Zen Pool at night.


NIGHT SHOW ENTERTAINMENT.
Another popular questions asked by people. When one goes on a Club Med holiday, it means that the person is not planning to explore the city outside of the resort. Just purely relaxation in the resort, enjoying all its facilities like flying trapeze, spa, tennis, squash, swimming, yoga sessions etc).

So, at night how ah?


You worry not! Their night entertainments are the best yet! They are all conducted by the Gentle Organizers (GOs) whom in the morning are the managers and receptionist. You name them, they will be there. It's like at night they are totally different funny crazy people. 


They always have a theme for the night. Every night different theme okay. My 3 nights there were Just For Fun Show, Mini Club Show and Circus Show.


All three were amazingly entertaining and guaranteed laugh till your tummy ache. That or you'll be in awe.. For me, I enjoyed most on my last night during the Circus Show. 


I cannot believe what I was watching okay. They were so flexible and doing all sorts of things with one rope, or a hula hoop or jumping in the air and land on a bar.. It's madness. 


Then, we have the Mini Club Show where the kids are actually guests staying in the resort.

Oh! Did you also know that when you bring your family here, the GOs here are professionally trained to be a nanny or a babysitter? That means you and your spouse can go ahead and do all sorts of activities in the resort or even out on excursions without your children. You can leave them at the Kids Club WHOLE DAY. Don't worry about their breakfast, lunch or dinner because the GOs have got them covered. 

Super nice. With that being said, they also have lots of time to rehearse for a few performances during one of the nights. Through this, your children makes new friend. I saw a group of kids (all from different countries) sat together one night for dinner, laughing the night away.

Best.




NIGHT PARTY.
After watching show at the theater, they will then escort the guests to the different areas for Party Time! Yes, every night got different kind of party also.

First night was Foam Party! I was way too tired and I had so many things with me, so this one I didn't join is. 


One of the nights we had pre-dinner cocktail party by the Zen Pool. They served the best scallop on top of a bread everrrr. I kid you not. BEST!




Then, the following night it was Music Factory, where the GOs put on their costumes and impersonate all the famous singers and musicians. This one, very entertaining for sure. It was at the main bar by the swimming pool. 



Last night was Beach Party where we had the Limbo Rock Competition.For those who doesn't know what Limbo Rock Competition is, please continue looking at the photos and you will find out.

I was just planning to stand at the side, move with the music and be a good spectator. No, that didn't happen. A Romanian GO approached me and said this, "I'm going to help you win this competition!"



I just nodded because since it's going to be my last night here, might as well have fun right? So, we started off with many other couples and we took turns to go under that bamboo stick.

It gets lower after every round and surprisingly when it got below my waist height, I told Theola, my new Romanian friend that this is impossible. She looked at me, smiled and say, "I will show you and teach you."

So here's the thing about Limbo Rock. This is a game where you need to go under the bamboo stick without touching it with any parts of your body and you can only go through it looking up. No squatting is allowed. The only thing that can touch the floor is your feet. No knees or hands.



Then, it got to the lowest! The gap is so small that I told Theola that THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE, but I told her right after that we were going to make it. The adrenalin was already pumping way too quickly. Haha.

In the back of my mind, I knew it was impossible. IMPOSSIBLE OKAYY!

But guess what?

I did it. We both managed to pass under the bar, without touching the bar and the sand with other parts other than the feet. Not even our hands. 

Guess something again.


I became the champion for the competition! Like whatttttt?

I know right! There were three winners but the other two were kids below 7 years old. My prize? Go on stage and dance with them on a final song before we call it a night. 

WHAT PRIZE IS THIS!? Humiliation? Haha. I had fun! I had lots of fun despite having to dance on stage with millions of eyes on me. It was awkward but I'm glad I didn't walk away from Theola. It was such a memorable night.


Now, anyone wanna challenge me to Limbo Rock? Hehe. Perasan hah. Let me be okay? It's just that one feeling when you did something you know for sure 100% that it was going to be impossible. That feeling, best everr. 


One day, I shall teach and show you all how it's done. It's actually very easy. 



This is Theola, everyone. Before she came to Club Med Bali 3 years ago, she was working at Club Med Maldives for a year :)


CLUB MED SPA.
This one is the only 'activity' that is not included in the money that you pay prior to the trip. This one is a separate agent but in Club med Bali itself. It's very pricey but if you're really in need of a massage spa session, why not?

The Malaysian team, us were blessed with a 50 minutes Balinese Spa each so we made our appointments and went for it. 


So relaxing that I wanted second round but no thanks because it was way too expensive for me. Come home, get Groupon ones can already. Hah. I don't really know how to appreciate massage sessions. I think Koay enjoys them better than me. 


I'm very paranoid with what if they press wrongly and I become paralysed or something. It can happen and it did before. So yeah.




The service from them, two thumbs up! Here I am trying to choose the oil for the massage. 

These are beanies. Most comfortable rock-looking beanies. I thought they were real rocks at first.

My private room.



My masseur, Susan (pronounced as Soo Sun)


OUTDOOR EXCURSIONS.

Not everyone prefers to stay in the resort the entire time. Some prefers to go out for city exploration on their own or taking excursions from a local guide that is located within Club Med Bali.

It was arranged for us to do white water rafting. It's about USD79, means around RM267-ish for one person. Very expensive right? Thankful that all this, we didn't have to pay for anything :)

Transfers to and from the white water rafting place is arranged for us and it took about 2 hours to get there. From Nusa Dua to Ubud, where we water rafted. Is there such word ah? Hmm..

Anyways, they didn't tell us now long the journey will take so we were like so stressed out when it  took like so long. 2 hours can drive down to Ipoh and makan d. Hah.



Wear rubber shoes or Crocs when you want to do any activities with water. It's better than sports shoes. 


We got there, alongside with a Korean couple whose also from Club Med Bali celebrating their 10th anniversary. They have a 10 years old daughter but they left her in good hands at Club Med Bali. 


There were about 509 steps down.. 

As you can see in the photo, the water flow is very mild. It's supposed to be Level 3-4 but Bali is currently having dry season, no rain at all for months so yeah. The trip was super mild. Even a 4yo can join according to what I saw from the China team. Heh.

Our boat instructor. 


Buffet lunch. My first and only meal outside of Club Med Bali. Their sambal SO DELICIOUS I WENT FOR MORE ROUNDS!


Our final stop. This place is breathtaking. Before we got to this side of the river, he told us that we can jump  off the boat and swim. I did and glad I didn't choose to stay in the boat. No need to swim okay. Just float and follow the water flow. The river water some more so icy cold.


Since we walked down 500 steps in the beginning, it only makes sense that we walk back up, but thankfully not 500 steps. It's not that far. Pheww.


It's very pricey this excursion but their service is good I have to give them that. They give clean towels and their food is amazing, with that amazing view while eating your lunch. Our instructor was very very friendly and funny. Their toilets are clean and very high class kind. Their body gel and shampoo smells amazing.


OTHER ACTIVITIES IN CLUB MED BALI.

There's snorkeling, sunset boat cruise, flying trapeze, yoga sessions, body combat, windsurfing, kayak, archery, tennis, golf etc. 

I wanted to learn to windsurf but it was too hot and I was alone so maybe next time lah. We decided to go for snorkeling together.


There are a few sessions. One in the morning and two in the afternoon. To book for this activity, we have to go at certain time. We wanted to do the morning one and by the time we reach the bar which was 5 minutes after the booking time opens, it was already fully booked.


So, we waited till the noon session booking time and booked for the 2pm one. SO HOT OKAY. I love the sun but that was one really burning sun. 




Good thing Quen suggested that we bring along bread from the buffet spread. If not, we would only be seeing tiny fishes. Our boat stopped at the middle of Bali Sea. Okay, not that middle middle lah, but not very near to the beach. So, it was quite deep and the corals were not that attractive compared to the ones I see in Perhentian Island, Terengganu.

The waves were huge some more. I spent about 30 minutes in the sea and quickly got up to the boat which didn't make the seasickness any better. WHY DO I HAVE SEASICKNESS AND MOTION SICKNESS. It sucks so bad because I love travelling and I love being in the sea. Haiz. Story of my life haha. 



So, that's some of the things that I did at Club Med Bali. It was a lot more fun than what I expected earlier. Oh! One more thing! 


CLUB MED'S BOUTIQUE SHOP.
One of the night's theme was 88 or 45 top, means you've gotta wear anything that has wither one of this number on. It's not compulsory but of course it adds the fun. I didn't want to get any from their boutique shop but they were having 50% DISCOUNT! 

First time spending 197,500 on a t-shirt! Too bad I didn't take any photos with it. Heh. That's about RM60 lah. Not too expensive for a collar tee I guess. 



On the last day, I woke up quite early to pack my luggage and making sure I don't leave anything behind since I was too tired the night before from all that limbo actions. The back hurts BTW. NOT BECAUSE OF THE AGE THANK YOU! 

I didn't even bother taking photo of my room until when I was leaving. Very basic kind of room because Club Med do not want you to be in your room. They want you to go out and enjoy all the facilities in the resort. So, it's not like those fance-schmancy rooms you pay so much to sleep in. 



I had the corner room, walked the furthest from anyone else but with the best view of course which I also forgot to take photos of. Pfft. Left my luggage outside the room and walked to the restaurant for last breakfast.

After breakfast, I sat down on one of the pool beds and soak in the sun as long as I could. It was hot but it was holiday hot so that's fine. Heh.

I don't know why in certain photos, I looked like I've gained 10kg. Motivation mode is still on BTW and no I did not gain so much. Only about 2kg.. ARGH!

Flying back from Indonesia all the way to Penang was horrible. Probably two worse flights I've ever taken in my entire life. If that was a glimspe of what it feels like to be in a plane that was about to crash or something, then it's a kind of fear that I hope no one had to ever go through. 

I'm not scared of flying, until that time. I don't know if the pilot is a new one or it's just something lah, it was just horrible. The way he spoke to all the passengers was so unprofessional too. 

Anyways, we had to pay Rp. 200,000 at Ngurah Rai's International Airport which is about RM60. Just give them your boarding pass and money.


I had a lot of time to kill so walked around for a bit and ended up spending money on Tim Tams Cappucino flavor and Coca-Cola Zero. Both also never try and see before. The Tim Tam is really good by the way. 

3 hours flight back to KL, I had Roasted Chicken with Wedges and a cup of hot Green Tea for lunch. 

That's basically what I did during the entire trip to Bali. My first time ever in the land of Indonesia. Although I went with a group of people, I spend most of my time doing things different than theirs.

I've always hate doing things alone but somehow this vacation has taught me how to enjoy doing it solo most of the time. Now, I do need some alone-time every once in a while. It's pretty therapeutic if I may say that.

If you're someone who plans to explore the city, then Club Med is not the type of holiday you should go for. People who goes for Club Med usually has no plans to spend most of their time outside of the resort. They just want to relax and use the facilities in the resort, where everything is already paid for and you don't need to carry your money when you're in the resort. Seriously very relaxing okay. 

But if you want to go out and explore Tanah Lot or go shopping at Kuta, then DON'T go for Club Med. Stay somewhere else at town to save on your taxi fee. 

But should you give Club Med a try, at least once in your lifetime?

Definitely yes :) 

I will definitely go back to Indonesia on my own again next time and stay somewhere at Kuta town :)