Bangkok: The Jungle Book

Have been planning for this trip since I saw the review on Facebook, I had always been an Animal Lover since young and my childhood ambition is different from normal kids. I had always wanted to be a Zoo Keeper and had never been influence by adults hope of Lawyers or Doctors, I had special ability on taming animals and they seem to be very willing to get close to me because their instinct told them I am a good person.






6th December Friday Pratunam



We arrive at the Changi Airport Terminal 4  at 0900 hrs, we are taking Air Asia Flight FD358 from 1055 hrs to 1215 hrs at S$321. As I had mention before I had never like the Immigration and Security Clearance at this new airport, the technology suppose to speed up the process but seem to slow it down instead. The only thing I am impress is the facial recognition clearance at the boarding gate, it is really quite effective and the only issue I had is I am too tall for the camera and had to squat down a bit to align my face to the camera.



We took a Taxi at the Airport, had to pay Highway Toll 70 Baht (S$3.50) and the Taxi cost 240 Baht (S$12) as there is an extra 50 Baht (S$2.50) Airport Pick Up Charges. We arrive at Metz Pratunam at 1415 hrs and check in to Room 205, it cost S$204 (S$68) on booking Booking and S$228 (S$76) on Agoda. 3 Star 8.3 Rating and Boutique Style. As the location is a bit out of place it took us a while to find it when the Taxi drop us off at the main street, after traveling in and out a few times on first day we soon get familiar with it and find it very convenience.



My initial plan is to go to Garden of Dinsor Palace to enjoy high tea and feed the swans, but after a few encounter with Taxi and Tutu Drivers asking high price for the transportation fare I decided to cancel all location which need to travel far from town area. So at we end up walking around Pratunam Market which is nearby our hotel and ate some street food for Lunch.



We brought Corn Ball for 30 Baht (S$1.50), Egg Sausage for 20 Baht (S$1), Octopus Balls for 30 Baht (S$1.50), Coconut for 40 Baht (S$2), Mango for 40 Baht (S$2) and Banana Pancake for 50 Baht (S$2.50). We also brought Soaps for 500 Baht (S$25), Tooth Brushes for 35 Baht (S$2), Tooth Paste for 35 Baht (S$2), Dancing Robots for 450 Baht (S$22.50) and Shorts for 1000 Baht (S$50).



We went back to the hotel to dump our stuffs had a short break and went out again at 1730 hrs to Palladium Night Market. We brought Dress for 250 Baht (S$12.50) and Sport Bras for 500 Baht (S$25). We arrived at Talad Neon Night Market at 1830 hrs and brought Pants for 200 Baht (S$10).



We decided to have our dinner at 1930 hrs there, we had Pork Fried Rice for 50 Baht (S$2.50), Vegetables for 60 Baht (S$3), Omelette 50 Baht (S$2.50), Beer for 80 Baht (S$4), Coconut for 40 Baht ($2) and Pineapple for 50 Baht ($2.50). We brought Key Chains for 100 Baht (S$5), Pens for 100 Baht (S$5) and Passion Fruit for 35 Baht ($2) on our way back to the hotel.






7th December Saturday Sea Life and Little Zoo



We had Breakfast at the hotel and took a slow walk to Siam Paragon, we brought Combo Ticket for 1590 Baht (S$80) at Sea Life Ocean World which include Glass Boat Ride, 4D Cinema Show, Popcorn and Drinks and Madame Tussaud Ticket. We also brought Photo for 450 Baht (S$22.50).

The attraction is not very impressive as it is about the same scale as Singapore and Hong Kong and it is consider more expensive as compare to others. But it is located at town area inside a shopping mall so it became reasonable, we forgot to get our popcorn and drinks and manage to visit the attraction twice for the price of once.



We decided to have our lunch at 1400 hrs at Little Zoo Cafe nearby. We thought it is located at Siam Square but we later found out that it is located at the building a few block from the shopping mall. The worst part is that none of the staffs at the shopping mall actually know about it and I had to rely on my Google Map to find the place. It is always good to download the offline maps before you travel as you will need it to work without any internet connection.



The package is 390 Baht (S$20) and it came with a drink, a dessert or souvenir and a pair of socks. As we are not really impress with the souvenir we decided to go for the dessert instead. My wife had Cocoa and Chicken Pie while I had Cappuccino and Waffle. The little fox seem to be very friendly and try to get close to me.

We had Dinner nearby our hotel at 1815 hrs, the Pork Trotter Rice for 120 Baht (S$6) taste really nice and exceed our expectation. We went to Indy Night Market at Platinum Street after that, we brought Slippers for 100 Baht (S$5), Shoe for 150 Baht (S$7.50), Pants for 200 Baht (S$10). We revisit Talad Neon Night Market and brought T Shirts for 600 Baht (S$30), Pants for 300 Baht (S$15), Eyebrow Pencil for 50 Baht (S$2.50).



We brought T Shirt for 250 Baht (S$12.50), T Shirts for 700 Baht (S$35), Passport Cover for 60 Baht (S$3), Pomegranate for 50 Baht (S$2.50) and Pomelo for 100 Baht (S$5) on our way back to the hotel.






8th December Sunday Animal Cafe



We decided to walk around the Pratunam Market again in the morning, we brought T Shirts for 270 Baht (S$13.50) and Potato Balls for 20 Baht (S$1). At around 1200 hrs we planned to go to the Animal Cafe for Lunch, a lot of Taxi and Tutu Drivers are not willing to go and quote from 200 Baht (S$10) to 1500 Baht (S$75) fare. The 200 Baht fare even include visiting some specialty shop which persuade you to buy stuffs from them, as we are not willing to waste time and money we decided to pay 300 Baht (S$15) for Taxi.



The actual fare cost 150 Baht (S$7.50) with 50 Baht (S$2.50) Highway Toll Fee, so 300 Baht is to pay for the return trip where they had to come back empty. As I am a true hard core animal lover, it is still worth the trip to travel far outside town just to meet my furry friends.



We order Blue Lychee for 130 Baht (S$6.50), Cocoa for 130 Baht (S$6.50), Tonkatsu Burger for 350 Baht (S$18) and Carbonara for 280 Baht (S$14). I am not sure why many people recommended the



Tonkatsu Burger but I had a really hard time trying to cut the dry hard patty for the past half hour. The Wild Cat really interested in my Camera and even lick my hand to show affection.

We brought Passion Fruits for 70 Baht (S$3.50) and Coconut for 25 Baht (S$1.50) on our way back to the hotel. We take a short break in the afternoon and went out again in the evening. We brought Pork Floss Sticks for 500 Baht (S$25), Dried Fruits for 400 Baht (S$20), Rice Soap for 120 Baht ($6). We had Fish Spa for 10 minutes 200 Baht (S$10) before we went to China Town for dinner.

The Taxi cost 110 Baht (S$5.50) and I was shock when I arrive there, it had change a lot since I last visit and there are so many stalls for Bird Nest and Shark Fin until I am not sure which stall to choose from. We had Bird Nest for 100 Baht (S$5), Shark Fin and Fish Maw Soup for 350 Baht (S$17.50), Fried Noodle for 135 Baht (S$7), Longan for 15 Baht (S$1). We decided to take the Tutu Tricycle for 150 Baht (S$7.50) back to our hotel after dinner and complete our itinerary for the whole trip.






9th December Monday Home



I really like the Salt Favor Tooth Paste and decided to visit the Big C Supermarket to buy it, we brought Tooth Paste for 237 Baht (S$12), Tooth Brushes for 198 Baht (S$10) and Travel Tooth Brush and Tooth Paste Sets for 200 Baht (S$10). The Highway Toll of 70 Baht (S$3.50) and Taxi of 190 Baht ($9.50) to the Airport after encounter some Taxi Drivers trying to scam Tourist by offering 300 Baht (S$15) to 500 Baht (S$25).



We had early lunch at Airport at 1100 hrs, we order Crab Fried Rice for 205 Baht (S$10), Duck Noodle for 205 Baht ($10) and Tea for 102 Baht ($5). It came with 10% Service at 51 Baht ($2.50) and 7% Tax at 37 Baht ($2). We finally arrive back in Singapore again in the evening and was surprise that the Duty Free Shop at Terminal 4 is offering Free Beer Tasting.

Bali: Eat Love Pray

This trip is one of the four trips which I had planned four years ago in 2015, I decided to go Taiwan first mainly because of Chinese New Year and later also went to Ha Long Bay Vietnam last year after I heard about the largest cave and prawn fishing. Frankly speaking I had lost interest on the last trip to Krabi Thailand as I realized that  I am not that much into Beaches and Swimming Pools.



A lot of my trip are happen by chances, I was planning for my St John Island Chalet for End November and Bangkok Thailand trip on Early December. When my friend Dennis told me to join him for Bali Trip I told him I had plan for other activities during that period. We had planned for the Chimelong Safari Zoo trip in Pangyu Guangzhou China before but end up our schedule could not match and he went for other trip instead.



I encounter some issues when I am trying to book for St John Island Chalet mainly because it require a permit for an event and the Chalet I wanted did not appear in the option list after I had gone through so much trouble trying to apply for the permit. So I told Dennis that I will join him as I had change my plan for the St John Island Chalet.



Dennis is very excited when he hear about this, but I could not join him on the first day because I am not so interested in Temple and Cliff. The other reason is that I had encounter some issues during my previous Vietnam Trip and I know I had to plan for my trips with shorter duration of about three to four days.



Dennis had a very good ideas of staying at different hotel on different days to reduce the traveling time require, I had encounter this method during my Jiangnan China Trip in 2012 and Taiwan Trip in 2015 but it was mainly use by Tour Group.



I initially planned to book the same hotel but the hotel which he book in Jimbaran and Ubud are very popular and had no more rooms available. So I book for different hotel nearby and we can visit each other and experience different hotel stay to maximize our resources.






27th November Wednesday Jimbaran



We reach the Airport at 0830 hrs, after check in we decided to visit the Jewel Mall. Dennis had book for very early morning Jetstar Flight which is cheaper and I had choose Scoot TR284 from 1030 hrs to 1320 hrs at S$263 for better timing.



Dennis told me that the beer cost more than we expected and advise me to buy a bottle of Vodka or Gin and bring over. I thought he did not buy before he fly but later I was told by his wife that he always buy a bottle for every trip when we drink at his hotel in Ubud on the third day.



As I don't really like the strong taste of Scott, Vodka and Gin, I had choose the mild taste of either Bourbon, Rum or Tequila. I was planning to buy the Bacardi at S$23 when the sales lady told me that 2 bottle of Jack Daniel at S$96 will get me a nice Free Gift of Leather Bag. As I am really crazy about Leather Bags, I decided to spend more for a chance for the Changi Millionaire Draw.



We arrive late as our flight delay for 30 minutes due to com issues and my original planned schedule had been delayed by an hour. Dennis advice me to get Blue Bird Taxi at Departure Hall which is cheaper, the other transport at Arrival Hall cost from 90 Rupiah (S$9) to 230 Rupiah (S$23). I manage to spend 50 Rupiah (S$5) for the trip.



We arrive at Anja Jimbaran Hotel around 1430 hrs and check in to  Room 314, it cost S$80 on Trip, $113 on Agoda and $120 on Booking. 4 Star 9.3 Rating and Fabulous Breakfast Buffet, I think Breakfast is the most important meal for the day and a Hotel with good breakfast could not be that bad.

Dennis stay at Kubu Kak Dudung Villas near Movenpick Hotel which cost about S$35 and he manage to get it at a price lower than $30 with Agoda Membership, they encounter difficulty accessing the beach as there are too many restaurant and pub fighting for business.



We had High Tea instead of Late Lunch at Cuca Restaurant around 1500 hrs, it is just across the road from our hotel. We had Crispy Fried Chicken 90 Rupiah (S$9), Pork Buns 70 Rupiah (S$7), Scallops 50 Rupiah (S$5), Rosella and Lemongrass Infusion 70 Rupiah (S$7). There is a 11% Tax 31 Rupiah (S$3) and 8% Service 23 Rupiah (S$2.50).



We went back to hotel for a short nap at 1600 hrs and walk along the beach at 1815 hrs to view Sunset and meet Dennis for Dinner. We arrive at 1900 hrs and Dennis say he will reach at 1930 hrs as he went for Massage. He advise me to download the Taxi app for easy booking, the Taxi Drivers hate Private Hire Car like Grab and Gojek.



We had Dinner at Wahaha Pork Rib, Pork Knuckle 188 Rupiah (S$19), Pork Ribs 168 Rupiah (S$17), Roast Pork Belly 78 Rupiah (S$8), Green Booster (Pineapple with Lime) 38 Rupiah (S$4), Avocado 38 Rupiah (S$4). There is 11% Tax 72 Rupiah (S$7.50) and 8% Service 52 Rupiah (S$5.50). Pork Rib is nice but Knuckle a bit salty, Pork Belly taste worst than the usual Roast Pork we had in Singapore.

We brought two bottle of Coke for 35 Rupiah (S$3.50) and took
Taxi 30 Rupiah (S$3) back to my hotel for our drinking session at 2100 hrs. Talk about stars, conspiracy theories, and sailing life until 2300 hrs.






28th November Thursday Safari



We wake up at 0700 hrs and had Breakfast at 0730 hrs, we had Pancake, Bacon and Mushroom, Yogurt, Sausage and Vegetable. We check out at 0800 hrs and went to Safari early as I had no much to do here at the beach. Taxi took 90 minutes Taxi and cost 270 Rupiah (S$27).

We arrive at Mara River Safari Lodge Bali and check in to Room 112 at around 0930 hrs. It cost 2348 Rupiah (S$235) to 2810 Rupiah (S$281) 4 Star 8.5 Rating, Very Good Breakfast with Lion.
It had Welcome Drink, Fruit Basket, Safari Park Entry. We took the Honey Moon Package at 2797 Rupiah (S$280) to 3423 Rupiah (S$343) which had Honeymoon Cake and One Hour Massage and Romantic Dinner with Lion. It had 21% Tax 625 Rupiah (S$63).



I actually planned to stay at Villa L Orange at S$82, and buy the afternoon 1400 hrs Safari Ticket at 540 Rupiah (S$54). But it only allow one Safari Journey and I am afraid that we would not be able to finish the attractions within 3 hours and will miss a lot of performance shows. The full day ticket is 990 Rupiah (S$99) to 1800 Rupiah (S$180) for VIP, so staying inside the Safari seem cheaper as with the same price I get the Honey Moon Package.



As we can only have the room at 1400 hrs, we decided to tour the Safari Zoo and Aquarium first. We saw Meerkat Feeding and Giraffe Feeding at Tsavo Lion Restaurant, we saw Elephant Bathing and Feeding at 1000 hrs at Ganesha Court. Visit the Aquarium first before we went for Animal Show at 1030 hrs at Hanuman Stage.



We proceed for Tiger Show at 1115 hrs in Harimau Amphitheater and Elephant Show at 1200 hrs in Kampung Gajah. We had lunch at 1230 hrs in Warung Gajah, Satay 48 Rupiah (S$5), Noodle 33 Rupiah (S$3.50), Coconut 25 Rupiah (S$2.50), Orange Juice 30 Rupiah (S$3).



We went for Safari Journey at 1300 hrs, to our surprise the hotel guest get unlimited ride instead of one ride as compare to normal ticket entry. I really like the Safari Journey here as the Truck is Air Condition and it stop at every points for a while and let us take photos while they do introduction. We took two ride and went back to lobby to get our room key, book Massage for 1700 hrs.

We went for Romantic Dinner at Tsavo Lion Restaurant at 1830 hrs, we had Sparkling Wine, Salad, Pumpkin Soup, Stuffed Chicken and Tiramisu. We watch Fire Dance at 2000 hrs just outside the restaurant after our dinner.

 

29th November Friday Ubud

We had Breakfast with Lion at Tsavo Lion Restaurant at 0830 hrs, as the attraction is smaller than expected and we had nothing planned we decided to go for two more Safari Journey Ride before we check out at 1200 hrs.

As the Taxi is not allow to pick up at the Safari we ask the hotel to arrange for Transport for 250 Rupiah (S$25) to go to Ubud. We arrive at In Da Garden Home Stay and check in to Room 7 at 1315 hrs, it cost $31 on Trip, $37 on Hotel and $38 on Booking with 2 Star 9.5 Rating and Fabulous Breakfast.

Dennis stay at Yuni House near Ubud Market, it cost about S$37 and he got it for below $30 with Agoda Membership. He was relaxing by the pool while his wife went shopping and ask me to join him for early drinking sessions by the pool.

We had Lunch at Toro Sushi just outside our hotel at 1330 hrs, we had Bento 70 Rupiah (S$7), Salmon Don 68 Rupiah (S$7), Mango 35 Rupiah (S$3.50). It had 10% Tax 19 Rupiah (S$2) and 5% Service 9 Rupiah (S$1). We went to visit Dennis at the Ubud Market after that and they went for their lunch nearby and bring us around Ubud Market for some shopping.

We brought T Shirt 50 Rupiah (S$5), Singlets 100 Rupiah (S$10), Dress 90 Rupiah (S$9), Slippers 300 Rupiah (S$30), Slipper 200 Rupiah (S$20). We had Coconut 25 Rupiah (S$2.50) at 1730 hrs just outside our hotel before we shower and prepare to go for dinner at 1900 hrs.



We meet Dennis at Mamma Mia at 2000 hrs, we walk around while we wait as he went for massage again with his wife. Brought Owl for 20 Rupiah (S$2), Duck for 10 Rupiah (S$1) and Note Books for 50 Rupiah (S$5). We had Pizza 150 Rupiah (S$15), Spaghetti 125 Rupiah (S$12.50), Mango 25 Rupiah (S$2.50), Orange 40 Rupiah (S$4), Ice Tea 20 Rupiah (S$2). We went to his hotel for drinking session after dinner at 2130 hrs and left around 2330 hrs, this time we talk about families.

 

30th November Saturday

We had Breakfast at 0830 hrs, we had Egg Sandwich, Toast and Omelette. We brought Soap 55 Rupiah (S$5.50) and Shot Glass 45 Rupiah (S$4.50). We decided to visit Monkey Sanctuary 160 Rupiah (S$16) as there are nothing much to buy in Ubud Market. We brought Toiletries Pouch 60 Rupiah (S$6), Coconut Snacks 160 Rupiah (S$16).

We check out at 1200 hrs, we planned to have lunch at the hotel but the owner is celebrating anniversary with wife. So we went to for Coconut 25 Rupiah (S$2.50) and Lunch at Toro Restaurant at 1230 hrs. We had Chicken Don 57 Rupiah (S$6), Prawn Don 57 Rupiah (S$6), Fried Dumplings 35 Rupiah (S$3.50), Mango 35 Rupiah (S$3.50), Green Tea 18 Rupiah ($2). It had 10% Tax 21 Rupiah (S$2.5) and 5% Service 10 Rupiah (S$1).

I had try to book for Taxi at 1330 hrs and it got cancel after 15 minutes and the second booking also refuse to come and insist we got to Monkey Sanctuary for pick up. Finally one Taxi Driver was brave enough to enter Dangerous Ground and bring us to Airport at 270 Rupiah (S$27). I give him 300 Rupiah (S$30) instead for his bravery as I did not know about the conflict between the Local Private Hired Taxi Drivers with Official Metered Taxi Blue Bird.



We reach Airport at 1530 hrs and brought some Soaps 450 Rupiah (S$45). We had Dinner at 1730 hrs before we board our flight, we had Sandwich and Coke 110 Rupiah (S$11), Croissant and Tea 100 Rupiah (S$10). Our flight delay for about an hour and we arrive back in Singapore at 2200 hrs.



Bali Eat Love Pray, Eat at Jimbaran, Love at Safari and Pray at Ubud.