Family Holiday @Nusa Dua Bali: Day 5: Going Home

Our flight was at 2pm so we had to leave the hotel by 11am. We decided to go to the beach again to enjoy the morning breeze and some photo-op moments.

The rest was a rush to try and pack everything before setting off for the airport. Clearing the custom wasn't too difficult and we found a nice restaurant Made's Warung which was close to the gates for lunch. They serve one of the best Gado-Gado I've ever had. Sadly we forgot to take photos of it!

The kids were their usual self, engrossed in playing Pokemon while waiting for boarding time. Overall it was a comfortable place to rest.

All in all a wonderful relaxing holiday. It helped that I switch off all notifications - badges included - for all my work apps.  

Family Holiday @Nusa Dua Bali: Day 4: Sunrise & More Pool Time

We were along the east coast so getting up to watch the sunrise is one of the key moments we want the kids to witness. It may sound mundane but they never get to experience it in Singapore.

Unfortunately it was a cloudy day so we could only get glimpse of the rising sun. Nevertheless it was a meaningful activity. Helps the kids understand the beauty and calm of morning. 

Morning was pool time again. Meimei found a nice spot in the shade with good view of the slides where the kids were playing at. 

We didn't plan for any outing today, just a short trip to the Bali Collection Mall. We walked around for an hour and the kids bought some small trinkets. We ended up at KFC for lunch which is probably the best idea for lunch.

After lunch was more play at the kids club. I stayed in the room to watch YouTube and basically chilled the whole afternoon. Meimei joined them at the club and managed to catch 阳阳 dancing to some video.

Dinner was room service again with delivery add-ons. 阳阳 was so happy about the holiday that he wanted to write a thank you note for the hotel staff. We thought that was a nice touch and Meimei actively encouraged it. Good job 阳阳! 

Family Holiday @Nusa Dua Bali: Day 3: Waterfalls & Padi Terrace

Meimei had arranged for a driver to get us around Bali today. Our first stop is to a popular waterfall which has been totally commercialised to the point where there are viewing platforms, restaurants and even an infinity pool facing the waterfall. I suspect the waterfall isn't really natural but that doesn't matter. I'm glad we have a nice cool place to rest after a good hour's trip to get to the place. Lunch was the usual fare catered for western tourists ... which suits our kids perfectly.

After lunch we made our way to the padi fields. I recall being at one years ago and seeing ducks in the water fields. However instead of a spot more authentic our driver brought to a fully purpose-built paid field 'theme park'. It has all the trappings of a full feature park with zip line rides, various tall long swings, attire rentals for that picture perfect shot, restaurants nested nicely on the hillside etc.

We didn't bother going down to the fields. They don't look like they are really grown for food but more as a prop. So we let the kids play on the swing (which are paid rides). They had a blast of a time and that was most important.

By the time we were done it was already late afternoon. We spent more time on the car ride than at any of the spots. But that's how it is with holidays. We are too used to the proximity of everything in Singapore. Anyways we made our way back after the padi fields. Hopefully this little outing help set the pace for future trips.

Family Holiday @Nusa Dua Bali: Day 2: Relaxing At The Pool

Day2 was a pool day. We were there all morning and the kids were loving it!

They even brought snacks to the pool and Ana was "feeding the dolphins". 

We had lunch at the Italian restaurant on the premise. It was ok, nothing fancy. I wasn't looking for anything terrific, just glad the kids had food they were willing to eat. After lunch we brought them to the kids club room for afternoon kite making activities and other fun.

We left the kids with Ana and took to the beach to relax. The endless breeze, the bright afternoon sunshine and pristine beach and sea view was so refreshing and intoxicating.

If we ever retire, I don't mind finding a seaside place and watch the waves hit the shore all day everyday, That would truly be a luxury of life.

Family Holiday @Nusa Dua Bali: Day 1 - Chill Afternoon

It's holiday time! 

We are on a 10am flight to Bali Indonesia. I had upgraded everyone on Scootplus so we had big comfy seats. The planes don't have backseat entertainment screens but we already knew and Meimei had made all the preparations with the iPads for the kids.

We reach there around 2pm and took us about another 40 minutes to reach the hotel since we took a short stop to get water at a grocery store. After settling down we made our way to the beachfront. The kids wanted to go to the pool but it was already late evening and we didn't want them to get overly tired after the journey.

We got a seat by the beach and had a wonderful afternoon snack. The wind was constant so it was such a chill experience to sit there and stare at the sea.

Shortly after that we were back in the room and basically chilled there the rest of the evening. Dinner was room dining plus add-ons from food delivery. We called it an early night though the kids were pretty hype about being on holiday and couldn't really sleep early.

 

Staycation @Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay

To celebrate XY's birthday Meimei and YeeYee had booked a connecting room at Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay. It's not a theme room but just as fun. Key was to let the kids have a chance to stay out. They spent the whole trip in the playroom at the hotel. Because it was just a day we didn't pack their swimming suits. Both kids were disappointed about but we reminded that we have a holiday trip coming up.

The rooms were spacious and well furnished. They had a bay window in each room where the maids could sleep so all was perfect. I couldn't squeeze in the 2 bedder so we booked another single room.