Showing posts with label Safari. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Safari. Show all posts

Sunday, December 1, 2019

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.

Friday, December 16, 2016

Chimelong Safari Park 2016 - Tarzan and Jane at Madagascar


I have try to book for this trip in September and November but had delay until December to finally embark on this trip due to the Typhoon Season. December is a good month as the Weather is cooling and will not rain due to the Typhoon Season from May to October. So I book for the Tiger Airway Flight Ticket ($427) and Angel Baby Theme Hotel (676 RMB $139) from 11th December 2016 to 13th December 2016 for our visit to Chimelong Safari Park. The Park is celebrating its 15 Anniversary and free entrance for children which is below 1.5 Meter for November and December. The White Tiger Buffet Restaurant also had 15 Percent Discount for Birthday Person from 1st to 15th December.

11th Dec 2016 Sunday

We arrived at the Changi Airport Terminal 2 at 0400 hrs to check in our luggage, our Tiger Airway Flight TR 2986 take off at 0605 hrs and arrive at Guangzhou Baiyun Airport at 0955 hrs. We have Roast Lemon Chicken Thigh at 0800 hrs on the flight for our Breakfast. We took the Line 3 Train from Airport to Panyu (9 RMB $2) and alight at Hanxi Changlong Station. The Angel Baby Theme Hotel is a Service Apartment located just South of the Chimelong Safari Park, I had book for Madagascar Theme but due to water leakage we are relocated to Doraemon Theme Room 1801 instead. It is a nice setup with Living Room and Bath Room located at below and Bedroom located at the top. I really like the hanging chair near the window and the mirror at the ceiling of the bedroom.

Angel Baby Theme Hotel

After we had check in at Angel Baby Theme Hotel at 1230 hrs, we decided to explore the area. I am surprised that there are a lot of restaurants and eatery shop below as compare to our previous trip to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom at Zhuhai. We will be able to save a lot of cost by staying at a cheaper hotel and eating at cheaper restaurants. We had Century Egg Porridge and Chicken Chop Rice for Lunch at a Taiwan Eatery Shop near to the end of the Food Street at 1330 hrs. After lunch we cross over to the other side of the Expressway by the Train Underground Pavement to Chimelong International Circus to purchase our Tickets (300 RMB $60) for tomorrow night, the Ticket will cost 80 more RMB for Weekend and Public Holidays.

We explore around Chimelong Hotel after we had purchase our circus ticket, this hotel will cost around 1098 RMB to 5298 RMB ($220 to $1060) per night. There are a few room which have balcony facing the White Tiger and Flamingo Enclosure where you can enjoy the excitement of sleeping with Tiger or Birds. We had manage to save about 75 percent of hotel stay costing by staying at service apartment which is within walking distance of the Safari Park. We proceed to purchase the Safari Park Ticket (250 RMB $50) for tomorrow but realize that the ticket could only be brought on actual day and not in advance. We also realize that the package ticket for Safari Park and Circus will get saving of 85 RMB ($17).

White Tiger Enclosure

Flamingo Enclosure

We proceed back to our hotel and brought 4 Drinks (15 RMB $3), and Toothpaste (11 RMB $2) at a convince store below at 1600 hrs and took a short afternoon nap to catch up with the sleep we lost for the early flight. We had dinner at an Italian Restaurant named COMO and order Pizza, Pasta and Sampler Plate for 174 RMB ($35). It is highly recommended to have dinner at this Italian Restaurant as I felt it had a higher standard as compare to the one we ate in Resort World Sentosa. We took a Train to Panyu Square (4 RMB $1) which is only two stations away to visit a newly open Aeon Mall. As there are nothing that interest us at the Mall, we proceed back to our hotel after I finish my Gong Cha (Imperial Tea) (18 RMB $4) at 2100 hrs. There are a few instant Karaoke Booth at the Basement of the Mall which allow couples and friends to past some time at a very cheap price.

12th December 2016 Monday

We woke up at 0700 hrs and proceed for Breakfast at 0800 hrs at a Restaurant nearby the Hotel with the Breakfast Voucher provided by the Hotel. There are Fried Noodle, Porridge, Bun, Hard Boil Egg, Sweet Potato and Soya Bean Milk, we proceed to Safari Park to purchase the ticket at 0930 hrs and start our adventure for the day. We were also offered the purchase of Ticket for Bird Park at 20 RMB ($4) which is an offer hard to be resist. The Bird Park use to be a Crocodile Farm few years ago, it is about one quarter the Safari Park and a 30 minutes Bus Trip away.

Meerkat

Panda Triplet

Koala Bear

The Hippo Show is at 1100 hrs, Elephant Show is at 1230 hrs and the Amazon Show is at 1330 hrs, but the show location is all located at the south side of the park. We should have enter the park from the north side to utilize the time saving advantage base on the design of the park layout, but as the hotel which we stay is located at the south side of the park we did not have a choice but to walk the extra mile up and down the park to cover the maximum area at the shortest time. We had Chicken Chop Rice (68 RMB $14) near the Tiger Exhibit at 1200 hrs.
Hippo Show at Hippo Theater

Elephant Show at Elephant Theater

Amazon Show at Amazon Theater

We proceed to North Entrance after the shows and took the Train Ride for the Open Safari at 1500 hrs and my camera battery went flat on me halfway through the journey, we also visited the Jurassic Trail after the Train Ride at 1530 hrs. We took the Bus at the North Entrance to go to the Bird Park at 1600 hrs, I brought a Drink at the Entrance at 1630 hrs (10 RMB $2) before we proceed for the Bird Show at 1700 hrs. We took a walk around the Bird Park after the show and took the 1800 hrs Bus back as the park closing hour is near.
Swans at Swan Lake

Vulture at Bird Enclosure

 We actually planned for a Buffet Dinner with the White Tiger at the White Tiger Buffet Restaurant which cost about 150 RMB ($30) but the time is not enough so we decided to proceed to Circus Theater instead and had Fried Dumpling (48 RMB $10) for Dinner and brought two Drinks at 18 RMB ($4). We enter the Circus Theater at 1900 hrs and there are Magic Show Performance for half hour before the actual performance start at 1930 hrs. The Circus Performance last for one and a half hour and ended at 2100 hrs, we both felt it was indeed better than the one we had watch in Zhuhai as there are a lot of Animals involve in the performance.

13th December 2016 Tuesday

We woke up early at 0530 hrs and proceed below and had Sandwich (8 RMB $2) and Drinks (11 RMB $2) at 7 Eleven as the Hotel Breakfast will not be available until 0730 hrs. To avoid the Working Crowd for the Train, we had to take Train before 0730 hrs to the Airport to ensure we had a seat in the Train. We check out of the Hotel at 0700 hrs and proceed on our journey home, we took the Tiger Airway Flight TR 2987 at 1045 hrs and arrive back in Singapore at 1500 hrs.