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Orchan Company Trip to Bali (30 September 2014 - 4 October 2014)

Orchan recently had our company trip to Bali, Indonesia (last year). Bali is a magical land where one can enjoy the best of both worlds (busy and quiet), it’s the perfect destination for a getaway. It was rather a bonding moment for Orchan family and a much needed getaway from the bustling life of KL.
Some of us weren't shy when it comes to photo-taking.
We hopped on an AirAsia plane to Bali from KLIA2, witnessing sunset over the horizon as we were up in the air. The flight was rather amusing to see the look of some catching Zs. We arrived at Ngurah Rai International Airport (also known as Denpasar International Airport) in time for dinner.
Sunset over the horizon.
Catching some Zs.
Arrived at Ngurah Rai Intertnational Airport.
After a long flight and a hearty dinner, fatigue and lethargy had caught up. It was already half past midnight when we arrived at our stay, Casa Ganesha which is located in Ubud. Little that we know, the next few days of our escapade were going to be packed with adventure.
Arrived at Casa Ganesha Hotel.
DAY 1

1 October 2014 - The day began with a hearty breakfast, courtesy of Casa Ganesha Hotel. Being involved in the public relations field, we cannot be apart from our gadgets. So, the hunt for local number with adequate data plan begins (we’re too cheap to use data roaming). 
We have Internet! (Malaysia's pocket dynamite - Prema Yin approves)
Our days were already pre-planned by Christina and Han Sen. They literally researched the places that we all must go to beforehand and proposed them to our driver, Wayan. The drive wasn’t short, but it was worth it. Our first stop was the Royal Temple of Taman Ayun at Mengwi. Literally translates as “beautiful garden”, Taman Ayun is a beautiful royal Hindu temple uniquely designed with a distinctive Balinese architecture. The temple has unique shaped buildings with towering tiers style decorated with Balinese ornaments, giving it the sacredness feel.
Arrived at the Royal Temple of Taman Ayun at Mengwi.
The grass is greener.
The grass is greeeeeeee,wait. Didn’t I just say that?
We totally didn't plan for this.
Before we head on to our next stop, we laid over at Tegal Sari to experience Kopi Luwak. Also known as Civet coffee, it is an acquired taste. Some love it, some find it it “meh”. Our coffee experts described Kopi Luwak as less acidic than normal coffee. We also tried the different flavours of tea, because some of us don’t drink coffee.
Civet - Tasty poops.
Coffee roasting - The traditional way.
Mind-blown by the process of siphoning Kopi Luwak.
2 out of 6 teas that we sampled.
We solemnly swear that we weren't making fun of any boy band.
We then head out for lunch, on the hunt for Babi Guling by the roadside. We figured the roadside stalls would be more authentic than the commercial ones.
A typical Babi Guling stall by the roadside.
As mentioned earlier, our adventure did not just end there. We then hopped onto our next location, Ulun Danu Temple in Lake Beratan. There, we took our time to enjoy the cool breeze and calming environment. If it weren’t for our next stop being quite a distance away, we would certainly not want to leave Ulun Danu Temple.
Han Sen - One with nature.
The view (not to be confused with the talk show).
Christina and Han Sen found inner peace.
Wayan, who was really patient, knew how to spoil us by bringing us to great locations without fail - and in time! Albeit us taking some time at Ulun Danu Temple, he managed to rush us to Tanah Lot to catch the sunset, where we bear witness to the most beautiful view of sunset (to us, at least).
Waves came crashing.
A colony of bats, off to hunt for food.
Sunset at Tanah Lot, Bali.
We ended our day (or did we) by heading to Seminyak where we had dinner at The Junction. We decided to have our dinner there as the cool interior caught our attention. We wasted no time, barging in because we were very hungry from our day. We enjoyed the food and the cosy ambience of the restaurant. The food was delicious! The Junction looks like a small wooden cabin, with different types of blonde wood used as wall. You will definitely not miss it.
The only memento of The Junction.
For some of us, the night didn't end there as we went bar-hopping (let’s not drop names, LOL) while the others went back to the hotel for a good rest.
Bar-hopping - Bar number 1 (we’re really not good with names).
DAY 2

2 October 2014 - It was an early day for Orchanites, so breakfast was a necessity. Orchanites rented mopeds / bikes from Erlangga Motors to explore Ubud itself. We began our bike-riding adventure by riding to Ubud Water Palace. The palace looks like it is floating on water and filled with lotus. Don’t be surprised when you unexpectedly come across Starbucks, nestled at the corner right before the exit.
Majestic.
Surrounded by water and lotus.
Managed to shamelessly grab someone to take this picture of us.
We then scurried to a nearby café (which we can’t seem to recall the name of it) for a cuppa before we ventured onto our next destination. We should have stopped by Starbucks when we could, but we’re too cool for that. The café where we had our tea-break wasn't that bad, kinda like a hipster joint where you can enjoy your cuppa complemented with delicious cakes and relaxing environment. 
Hipster café which we couldn't recall.
After some refreshment, we embarked on our next adventure to Campuhan Ridge Walk where the view was breathtaking. The view from on top of the hills paired with fresh air supersedes our exhaustion. It was a very long walk up to the top but it was totally worth it. 
Edge of living.
That view earlier mentioned.
The view at Karsa Kafe rest stop, where we had coconut juice.
We retired our journey from exhaustion by heading back down and rode back to the hotel for a quick shower. Dinner was at Black Beach Italian Restaurant and Café, somewhere nearby our hotel but still within Ubud. They had movie night, screening 8 Femmes in the upstairs terrace while we dined. We stayed until the end, and then head back to the hotel. The next day was another long day (roll eyes).
Movie night dinner.
DAY 3

3 October 2014 - We started our day with breakfast (as always), preparing for a long day. Wayan drove us to our first location, Pura Desa Batuan. We were required to wear sarong in order to come inside, as to show respect.
Shamelessly being indecent.
Sacrilegious monument in Pura Desa Batuan.
Good women in sarong.
Grace by Han Sen.
Christina and Han Sen taught to prepare religious ornaments.
For our next stop, Wayan drove us to Tirta Empul Holy Water Temple, known for its temple pond which gives out fresh water regularly and considered as holy by local Hindu Bali people. As usual, we were required to wear sarong. We walked around and took photos. None of us went in for cleansing, because we are comfortable being unholy creatures (wink, wink). Jokes aside, we didn’t actually plan to dip in as we didn't want to get wet for our next stop. We still have a long day, mind you.
Obligatory shot of Han Sen, portraying err… Something.
Purifying pool in Tirta Empul.
“Might as well, since everyone is doing the same.”
Volcanic spring meets clarity.
We then head to our next location, Kintamani Gunung Batur. The climate reminds us of Cameron, with its warmness coming from the ray of sun but cooling at the same time from the breeze. We were fascinated by the lake because it was really blue (we’re all easily distracted by anything shiny and / or reflective, most of us). Drawn in by the beautiful lake, we asked Wayan if he could take us closer. Unfortunately, that would cost us two hours just to drive there. 
Panoramic view of the surrounding.
Panoramic view of the surrounding (without people in it).
#BlockingTheView
Told you it was really blue.
Considering that we were rushing to catch the next sunset, we hopped into the van. Wayan worked his magic through the roads of Bali (let’s not judge people by their driving). We arrived at Pura Luhur Uluwatu to catch our not-to-be-missed sunset. It was a crowded scene and we had to squeeze in (politely) to enjoy the view.
Waiting for the sun to set in.
The only decent shot of sunset we got from our phones.
This doesn’t look bad either.
After the sun had set, we were very hungry. Farrell decided that we should try Naughty Nuri’s Warung in Batubelig. Most of us ordered their legendary favourite pork ribs; generous slabs of ribs topped with sweet and peppery sauce. And then there are other dishes too. There’s no need to mention other dishes. :)
Generous slabs of ribs topped with sweet and peppery sauce.
DAY 4

4 October 2014 - Our last day in Bali was a bit mellow. We decided to relax and unwind by avoiding vigorous activities. We started off with brunch at Who’s Who Café, a simple and clean restaurant. The owner and his staffs were very friendly. The restaurant is set back from the road, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The food and drinks were amazingly inexpensive.

We then walked around after we had our fill. We stopped by the local bazaar and bought souvenirs while some went for massages. We gathered at Atman Kafé; great food, great service and relaxing interior for tea-break before we head back to the hotel to pack our bags. Atman Kafé has a very extensive and creative menu for many dietary choices.

Our flight back to KL was late evening. It was time for us to step back into reality, where clients and responsibilities await. We have Sunday to recover from the jetlag and fortunately for us, Monday was a replacement public holiday for Hari Raya Haji so we get to breathe another day. Until the next trip!
Sampai ketemu lagi, Bali!

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