12/21 - flight to Denpasar was smooth, but the ride to Ubud area was delayed by heavy and backed-up traffic from heavy rain earlier. We didn't get to the cottages until ~5pm.
12/22
- kids tried the pool next to the hill which was filled with natural spring water.
- relaxed in the cottages which has a perfect backdrop of rice terraces and Mt. Agung. We trekked in the nearby rice field despite the muddy condition.
- tried 1st Bali style spa in the afternoon.
12/23 - Whole day sightseeing through central Bali
- 11th century ancient hermitage of Elephant Cave of Goa Gajah located at Bedulu village
- Holy spring water temple at Sebatu
- rice field at Tegalalang
- explore peaceful garden of coffee, spices at BAS in Temen village
- volcano view of Gunung Batur and buffet lunch at Penelokan
- Besakih Temple (the largest "Bali's Mother Temple) on Gunung Agung, over 80 shrines dedicated to various god and spirit with it's great view of Mt Agung as the highest volcano in Bali.
- natural beautiful Tegenungan waterfall near Bangli
- more beautiful rice terrace & Indian ocean at Bukit Jambul
12/24 - Kids went to Bali Safari and Marine Park (elephant ride, fed elephants, water park) near Gianyar while the rest shopped and walked Ubud streets for 6 hours straight. Kids came back and did fish massage before dinner.
12/25
- after opening xmas presents in the morning, kids went snorkeling at Bloo Lagoon of Padangbai
- I took a Batik class with Nirvana from 10 until 3
12/26
- Changed to a villa in the Seminyak area. Visited the royal temple of Taman Ayun and the famous Tenah Lot Temple on the way to Seminyak.
- After settled in the villa, walked to to the the nearby beach, Oberoi Hotel and Ku de ta (the trendiest restaurant in Bali) and only caught glimpse of sunset.
- Dinner at Seminyak Square
12/27 - took taxi to Kuta/Legian beach area. The traffic was TERRIBLE! we weren't impressed with the beach either. It was very crowded and dirty. No sunset again! Had dinner at a Mexican restaurant after too many Indonesian meals.
12/28 - Kids went for water rafting even though it was raining a bit. We walked and shopped around in Seminyak. Dinner in Seminyak.
12/29
- We did another traditional spa at one of the most famous spa "Body Works". I tried the well known "Lulur" which was unforgettable: "This treatment begins with a hour long Balinese massage, then the entire body is painted in a brown, granular paste (the traditional Javanese "Lulur"), containing turmeric, sandalwood, cinnamon, ground nuts and rice. The paste is then gently rubbed to exfoliate the skin. After a quick shower, cool, fresh yogurt is splashed, then smoothed over the skin. The yogurt's enzymes stimulate cell activity and restore the PH balance of the skin, it feels soft as a silk after the yoghurt is washed away. The final step involves luxuriating in a fragrant, warm, flower filled bath."
- Unfortunately it has been raining and cloudy every day so we missed the beautiful sunset and seafood dinner on the beach. However we did have a great seafood dinner at Jimbaran Bay.
12/30 - Kids did some boogie board at the Double Six Beach near Seminyak area in the morning. Headed to the airport after lunch.