Tuesday, 20 May 2014

Highlights of Travelling in Australia

I recently returned from a trip through some of Australia's Eastern states. I had eleven nights visiting family and friends in Canberra, Melbourne and lastly Tasmania. Domestic travel is definitely more expensive than going to Bali but I find such pleasure in exploring my own backyard. Australia is a beautiful country with diverse landscapes, tourist attractions and cultures and I enjoyed every moment of my explorations. Here are some highlights from my trip.

Canberra

The Telstra Tower in Canberra to see a 360 degree view of the city.


It was very windy!!

I got to spend some quality time with my best friend.



In the suburb of Manuka at a restaurant called Urban Pantry I had the best hot chocolate I've ever had and some delicious polenta chips and carrot and coriander soup. The next day, I went back with my friend for breakfast.



Melbourne

 
I explored and lost myself in the city. I loved the laneways, arcades, architecture, atmosphere, street art. Melbourne is a beautiful city.
 
 
As I always do, I ate some delicious food.
 

And summoned my inner tourist.


Tasmania

I fell in love with a new city. There's something so special about exploring a city you've never been to before.


I explored beautiful Port Arthur and immersed myself in its history.
 
 
Roadtripped back to Hobart and enjoyed the sights along the way.
 
 
Saw the most amazing view of Hobart from the top of Mount Wellington...
 
 
Where it was REALLY windy.
 
 
Visited the historic town of Richmond which felt like the English countryside
 
 
Went on a daytrip to Tasmania's Bruny Island and went on their adventure cruise where I was lucky enough to see a rare Blue Whale, seals AND dolphins as well as the beautiful rugged coastline.
 

And finally, I spent some time wandering through the city, once again enjoying the likeness to England and the beautiful autumn trees.
Oh and more food...
 

Explore your backyard everyone. It's a beautiful place.

 

 

Thursday, 1 May 2014

The Tamukami

Last month, I returned to the boutique, Belgium run hotel in Sanur that Mum and I had discovered last year. I was looking forward to returning, having loved it's lagoon style pool, spacious rooms and quiet setting. The hotel only has about 20 rooms which are all surrounding the pool. The Belgium owners live on site and do a great job at keeping the staff on their toes. They are always checking in with the guests, seeing how they're enjoying their stay so far and making sure they're happy. The staff are friendly, approachable and are happy to help out with anything you need.

The Tamukami is a small, yet very comfortable and relaxing hotel set back from Sanur's main road. This location means it's central with lots of restaurants on the doorstep and the beach just a block away but it remains a tranquil oasis away from the street noise.

Even their standard rooms are comfortable and spacious, although the decor is quite dated and could do with a bit of a refurb. This, along with the lack of a room safe (they're available at reception though) are really my only complaints about the hotel.

The pool is fabulous, the location and price are competitive and the staff are great. The restaurant has a few nights of entertainment during the week but the food is nothing to write home about, except for a yummy poolside sandwich or burger.

I would definitely return to the Tamukami hotel and it is probably my go-to hotel in Sanur for a good price (go to booking.com for a good deal or book direct), great location and beautiful, well maintained hotel.

Click here to go to their website and find out more.