Bali, Day 11: Finn's and Friends

Today's weather: slightly overcast morning that cleared into a beautiful day

Today's exchange rate: 10,200 Rupiah per AUS $

I was up at my usual time and went straight downstairs to meet Mum and Dad on their verandah. Just after 7:00 we headed to the restaurant for breakfast. We had some time to kill before we headed out for the day. We woke up our Canadian friends at about 8:30 and they emerged feeling refreshed after a good sleep. We left them to have breakfast while Mum and I went to change some money. Today we were heading to Finn's Beach Club in Uluwatu. As my last full day and Bill and Wendy's first full day, it was the perfect time to go. None of us had been before but had seen many spectacular photos so we were looking forward to it. Oka was picking us up at 9:30. Mum and I hung out by the pool until it was time to wait for Oka, who is always early. The Canadian's (Dad included) had played a disappearing act so we ended up leaving a bit later than planned but we were soon on our way.

The drive to Uluwatu with the new toll road didn't take long, it was the winding roads that slowed things down but we were pulling up to the Semara Resort at about 10:30. What an incredible place. It has the most amazing view over the cliff side and down to the blue ocean. How amazing it would be to stay here. We headed downstairs to pay for our beach pass before getting on the inclinator. The cost was 250,000 Rupiah per person, with 150,000 of that being used as a credit for food and drink. It included entry in Finn's Beach Club and use of its facilities such as the lounges, towels and, depending on the weather, kayaks, stand up paddle boards, snorkel gear. It was a pretty good deal. Unfortunately we had come at high tide and the water was too tough for any of those things. Nevertheless, we enjoyed the incredible views and the beautiful water.

We enjoyed a few drinks, had some lovely walks along the sand and soaked up the sun. As the day went on, we were pleased to see the tide going down and in its place, the staff were bringing out more lounges and beanbags. Soon enough, people were getting in the water to refresh and we were able to walk further along the beach and around the way a bit. I loved it here. We all loved it here, especially Bill and Wendy. It was there first sight and first use of a Bali beach and they were absolutely loving it. What better way to introduce them to Bali than to bring them somewhere as amazing as this? Even I was in awe of it.

I was getting a bit peckish and although the food is quite overpriced, I ordered some calamari skewers as a snack and to soak up the very strong cocktail I had just enjoyed. We were almost ready to head off, with the beach club becoming busier with low tide. We settled what was left on the bill after using up our credit before heading up the stairs (which were no where near as bad as the ones going up to the Lembongan Harmony Villas!) and back to the inclinator. Upstairs, we were allowed to use the resorts pool which was perfect to rinse off before getting back into the car. The view from up here in the pools was breathtaking.

Once we were dry and ready, we waved Oka over to take us to lunch. We decided to head to Bali Collection and get a bit of a taste of Nusa Dua. I have to say, as pristine as Nusa Dua is, I don't think it's for me. Mum and I have discussed staying there one day for a couple of nights just to relax but any longer than that, I think we'd be bored out of our minds. Bali Collection is like a little shopping district in Nusa Dua with a range if restaurants and shopping selling international brands.

We went to the restaurant The Paon for lunch and had invited Oka to join us. Everyone except myself ordered Nasi Goreng while I decided on Mie Goreng. The service here was quite good and the food was lovely. Our bill, including Oka's lunch, was about $35. We wandered slowly back to the car and headed back to Sanur. Once again, thanks to the toll road, the ride was quick. We got back just before 4:00 which was perfect because Bill and Wendy were booked in for a massage at Koa at 4.

While they were off being pampered, Mum and I tried to enjoy some peace and quiet time by the pool. Unfortunately this was ruined by a couple of young girls playing and jumping around. Now Mum and I have no problem with kids being kids since we both work with them at home but our issue was that there was NO parent supervision. Not a parent in sight. The girls were competent swimmers but does that mean the parents can just sit back and assume that everything will be ok? Maybe they thought that since it's a small hotel, they could get away with sitting in their room or on their verandah and just listen out. In our books, this was not ok.

I headed off just before 5:00 for my massage. Unfortunately there was a bit of confusion at the spa and when I had booked Bill and Wendy in for 4:00, they thought I was cancelling my 5:00 booking. This also meant they had filled my spot. I was not happy because I was so looking forward to having another hot stone massage. The lovely staff at Koa took charge and told a couple of other ladies that were booked in that they would need to come back later. I was very grateful and I got my massage after all.

It was another winner and I once again left smelling delicious. I bought a couple of goodies from here so I could smell delicious at home as well. The products were 90,000 Rupiah each and I got a tin of their tangelime sugar scrub and of their coconilla body butter. When I got back to my room, I slathered it on. It is quite oily so it didn't soak in easily but it smelt so good. I was in coconilla heaven.

Tonight for dinner, we were off to the Art Cafe along with 12 other people. I had made a booking for a bunch of us that knew each other through a Bali Facebook group. Most of them I had already met, but some of them I hadn't. Everyone was looking forward to having the chocolate cake I had been raving about for so long. Slowly, the spots for 17 people began to be filled and we all happily chatted away. It was like catching up with old friends. We ordered our meals, and as they arrived, the restaurant became quiet. The staff did a great job at getting the dishes out at more or less the same time and everyone enjoyed their meals. There was a mix of chicken, fish, pork, curry, pasta, rice. It was great to see so many different meals.

Chicken curry

Beef rendang

Pork ribs

Butterfish

Stuffed chicken breast

Everyone was looking forward to dessert and I was so hoping that it lived up to everyone's expectations after I had built it up so much. They arrived one by one and everyone loved them. They all dug their spoons in and watched the delicious sauce ooze out. It just never fails to impress.

I thanked the staff profusely for hosting us. They had worked hard and had catered for us very well, even managing to do separate billing. We said our goodbyes to all our new friends and a few of us headed down the road to the Irish pub The Wicked Parrot. It was packed and looked like a sea of green. We enjoyed a drink and the Irish music before departing. It had been a busy day and we were all exhausted. I was ready for my last sleep in my Bali bed. As always, my holiday has gone by in a flash but what an amazing time I've had; I've enjoyed some amazing views, eaten some great food, met new people, enjoyed the company of old friends and family. Could I ask for anything more?

 

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