We departed to KLIA around 5.45 a.m. and boarded MAS flight at around 8.45 a.m. to Ngurah Rai Airport which is located in Denpasar, Bali. The journey took us about 2 hours and 40 minutes. My significant other met his old friend who’s now working as steward with MAS. Before arrival, he gave us several gifts as appreciation and I can tell you that taking MAS ticket is worth the price. The food is superb and they pampered us with 5-star service. Our arrival is welcomed by the travel agent, Mr. Harta from TMS Travel who we think not a very friendly person but we managed to interact with him using mixed language. That afternoon, we have been transferred to Amasya Villa for duration of stay three days and two nights. We were so excited since to be given an opportunity to stay in a nice villa such as that. The villa is beautifully fenced and ready-built with private pool. On the first day of arrival, we managed to buy some buns and Indomie (Indo Maggi) to eat. We are Muslims and new to the town, so, we have some difficulties to find halal food. But finally, we communicated with several Balinese and got some information on where to find the halal food. According to them, migrants from Padang or other regions of Indo who are Muslims have opened up many Muslims restaurant here and mingled with Balinese until they become a part of the society themselves. They also wear tudung (hijab) similar to Malaysian female. Different from Padang female, Bali female wear tight Kebaya with cloth like ribbon tied-up around their waist.

We went to Kintamani to see the volcano and took some scenic pictures. Then we have lunch at the restaurant which served halal food. Such restaurant provided Masakan Padang (Padang cooking). Later, we headed to Ubud, shopping at the local craft market and enjoying the long ride in the van. I can tell you that Balinese is very creative people. They can produce stunning paintings, handmade furniture using crystals, woods, stones and even batik. Not much items can be brought home because the items which available for selling here is for major purchase such as statues and sculptures. However, you could reward yourselves with small items such as bangles, bracelets, rings, keychain and miniatures because they all hand-made in Bali only.

In the evening, we rent a Spede motorcycle and round the town. Its nice taking ride on the motor since the road at Kuta Legion and around the town is linked. You could probably get lost but actually the place you want to go to is just 100m away.

If you managed to bring back items which can contribute to your bag weight, please be prepared to be charged with airport tax and luggage tax. The truth about Ngurah Rai Airport when you are going back to Malaysia is every person will be charged RM50 (called as airport tax) just to cross the border (this is not including the luggage tax).

Regardless of the negative thoughts we have while staying in Bali, we felt the urge of going back to Bali again, and this time with no hesitation. It’s quite fascinating to get out of Malaysia some times. Although my trip is not as far as Paris, New York or Shanghai, I believe the trip to Bali is my best experience so far.