Categories

Bali Escapades. Places to Visit when in Bali, Indonesia. Christmas in Bali (Part 2 of 2) --Stale Milk tea at Bali Airport

February 21, 2025
Travels & Escapades
One of the popular tours when in Bali is to explore Ubud Highlights and the Lempuyang Gate of the Hindu temple. Lempuyang is very far. It takes 2 hours and half from Seminyak. More so, the que to purchase the entry ticket is always long. Private tours start as early as 3am to beat the crowd and the heat, making the Lempuyang Gate the first stop. This tour includes:

Lempuyang Gate
Known as the "Gates of Heaven," Lempuyang Gate is a popular temple located on the slopes of Mount Lempuyang. It offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the iconic gate framing the majestic Mount Agung. It’s one of Bali’s most photographed spots, especially during sunrise, creating a perfect Instagram-worthy scene.

Tirta Gangga Water Palace
Tirta Gangga is a beautiful water palace located in eastern Bali, renowned for its tranquil gardens, pools, and fountains. The palace features impressive stone carvings, lush greenery, and clear water, where visitors can walk across stepping stones in the pools. It’s a serene place to explore and relax.

Tukad Cepung Waterfall
Tukad Cepung Waterfall is a hidden gem in Bali, located inside a cave. The waterfall is unique because it flows through the cave’s opening, creating beautiful light beams and mist. It’s a peaceful, magical spot, perfect for photography and experiencing nature up close.

Tegalalang Ricerfield
The Tegalalang Rice Terrace is one of Bali's most famous and picturesque spots, known for its lush, vibrant green terraced rice fields. Located in Ubud, this UNESCO-listed site is a popular spot for hiking, photography, and taking in the traditional Balinese farming landscape. The scenic views are especially stunning in the early morning or late afternoon light.

The tour could be completed in 10 hours. We could have so much time during the day then in Seminyak.

I was also planning to go to Nusa Penida. Nusa Penida, located just off the southeastern coast of Bali, is known for its stunning natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and dramatic landscapes. Need to take ferry from Bali to get to Nusa Penida.
Places to visit on Nusa Penida:

Keling King Beach (T-Rex Bay)
Famous for its unique T-Rex shaped rock formation, Keling King Beach offers one of the most iconic views in Nusa Penida. The cliffside offers panoramic views of the turquoise ocean, and a steep staircase leads down to the beach for adventurous travelers.

Angel's Billabong
A natural infinity pool carved into the rocks, Angel's Billabong is a stunning spot for photos and swimming. The clear water and beautiful surroundings make it a popular destination, though it's important to be cautious of the strong tides and waves.

Broken Beach (Pasih Uug)
Another must-see spot in Nusa Penida, Broken Beach features a natural archway formed by a collapsed cave, with the ocean flowing through the arch. The scenery is breathtaking, and it's a great spot for photos and taking in the natural beauty.

However, it had been raining in Bali. And it is not just rain, it's like a storm that we were scared, since we were very near the beach, we could be washed off. We were supposed to have this tour on our 2nd day in Bali, 26Dec. From my observation though, every morning, it rains, heavy rain. The night before the tour, I have cancelled it. True to it, At 2am, it did rain with strong wind. Moreover, a day trip to Nusa Penida is not enough to fully experience its beauty. If we visit Bali again in the future, we should plan to stay there for at least two nights to truly explore all that the island has to offer.

We may have missed these two popular tours though, there are more in Seminyak. At sunrise, the rain has stopped. After breakfast, I walked along the beach toward the opposite side from yesterday. Towards Kuta beach.

Nearing Kuta, residents are busy, I am not sure if cleaning the rubbish brought by the water from the ocean or putting together all these to block comes high tide. I do not suggest to swim in the beach. But I am having a very relaxing walk along, my feet though are starting to get sore.
Travels & Escapades
Candi Bentar split gates

The entry gates to Bali's beaches often showcase traditional Balinese architecture, particularly the iconic Candi Bentar split gates. Typically crafted from stone, these gates feature intricate carvings of mythological figures, floral motifs, and Hindu deities. Their symmetrical design symbolizes a transition into a tranquil or sacred space. Some beach entrances are further adorned with Balinese umbrellas (tedung) and guardian statues, enhancing the island's spiritual and cultural charm.
Travels & Escapades
I have reached the Beachwalk Mall in Kuta. with branded shops. I have checked around if I could buy something. Nothing though except for the fries. My husband was on his way by cab to join me for late lunch/early dinner at the Japanese Restaurant located inside the mall. While waiting for my husband, I went inside the Bath and Body Shop as there was Sale. I still find it expensive, I still bought few bottles of lotion and body wash. I thought I have excess cash, I used to pay equivalent to SGD 100 and plus.
Travels & Escapades
Travels & Escapades
We had a very yummy lunch at the japanese restaurant. My usual order, prawn tempura, lobster salad roll and California roll. My husband wants to try new everytime. I think he had fish and it was really nice. I paid by card for our bill
Travels & Escapades
On our way to Hard Rock Cafe to buy my collection, fridge magnet. We wanted to walk along the beach. But it was high tide. It was still 5pm. The shore this morning is already part of the sea. The people enjoying the beach while drinking and eating are elevated about ft above. almost same as the street level. I wonder if at Seminyak area was as this high.

We called a cab thru gojek. It took more than 10 minutes to arrive and the ride to our hotel took almost an hour. It was nice sightseeing though of the shops, restaurants and massage services.

Before we fully ended the day, I had an hour foot massage. There was massage services right in front of our hotel. It costs 150,000 idr for an hour. My husband had full body massage for an hour too, same price. I gave 100,000 idr tip for the two girls who did our massage.
Travels & Escapades
On our third day, which was our last full day in Bali, I finally had the chance to swim. I spent about two hours in the pool, but unfortunately, the exposed areas of my body, especially my back, got nearly burned because my husband didn’t apply the sunscreen properly. Despite that, I really enjoyed the swim.

Afterwards, I treated myself to a massage at a place I found near Seminyak Square. The prices were incredibly affordable, and I was really satisfied with the service. I even gave them some specific instructions for the massage. I had the following services:

1 hour of foot massage
30 minutes of head massage
30 minutes of back massage
A hair trim
Hair touch-up color
Hair spa

The total cost came to 590,000 IDR, and I left a 200,000 IDR tip for the excellent service.
Travels & Escapades
Travels & Escapades
We went back to Shrimpis for our dinner. This time we had the lobster. The crew remembered us, they gave us free dessert. How nice of them.
Travels & Escapades
I truly have enjoyed our stay in Bali. We are not going back soon though as there are many places we want to visit. It was almost perfect, however, there was a mishap at the airport. I saw milk tea. I have been craving for milk, I was trying to control because my weight is really heavy. Before the boarding, I really cannot resist. I also wanted to drink. I bought milk tea for me and my husband. We find the pearl a bit hard. Could be stale or not fully cooked.
Travels & Escapades
Our flight was just 2 hours though, there was lunch served and variety of drinks. I felt so full, I wanted to drink tea. but the crew were all busy. Until we get off the plane, I was not able to drink tea.

At home, I wanted to relax. I was in the living room watching TV for almost 6 hours, I think I forgot to drink water. I loaded the washing machine earlier. When I was hanging the clothes, I felt dizzy and nauseous. I went back sitting. I felt indigestion. I should have drank tea when I got home and drink plenty of water. I forgot my healthy habits. Later on, I cannot control anymore, I threw out some of the food I had in the plane. It was very late. After midnight. I should actually have been sleeping. I thought that could be the problem. When I wake up later on, I was having a frequent trip to the toilet. I wanted to suspect the milk tea at the airport. But I was not hearing any issue from my husband. He actually worked Sunday OT. I tried eating only that can help my LBM. I ate very little too.

My husband was back from work around 6pm. He was complaining his frequent trips to toilet too. Before that, his food intake was as per normal. Thus, his illness was worse than I am. Adding the stress he still worked without knowing he will be sick. The following day, he called in sick. He was bedridden the whole day. I was working from home. I was still able to work. My husband mentioned our experience to his colleague. Latter's girlfriend experienced the same at the Bali airport too. We do not know what is it to be improved. We have nothing against the shop. Likewise, the crew were very nice. I guess, they should look onto the water and the pearl. They have to make sure to add only the pearl that is not yet spoiled and not to mix the milk tea yet. they just prepare when someone orders. We never experienced this kind in Singapore in any of the milk tea stores.

Nevertheless, this would not stop me visiting Bali again.

check out other posts related:

Christmas in Bali (Part 1 of 2)

KUTA BEACH, Bali, Indonesia
Updated on February 21, 2025

Have safe travels and great escapades!

Join Travels & Escapades Today!

Sign Up Now