Travel – Flight Reviews – Lifestyle
THE ULTIMATE INSTAGRAMMABLE GUIDE TO BALI (VLOG) – In this video, I share the ultimate guide and tips to visiting Bali in a VIDEO/VLOG format. I hope you enjoy this video. Leave a comment if you’ve been to bali or you have bali on your bucket list!
Here is suite tour at the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan – in the ubud region of Bali:
Hope you enjoyed this room tour. Leave a comment below on your favorite part of the villa!
Here is private villa tour at the absolutely stunning Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay
I hope you enjoyed this private villa tour and leave a comment on what you liked best about it.
ABOUT BALI
Bali is Indonesia’s main tourist destination having seen a significant rise in tourists since the 1980s. It has been popular with surfers, photographers and temple-goers who flock to its shores each year. Bali has a lot of western influence from international & diverse restaurants. Here is my ultimate Bali travel guide with tips to plan your trip to Bali!
GETTING TO BALI
VISA REQUIREMENT: I have heard it is increasingly tough for Nigerian passport holders to visit Indonesia as processing is done in Jakarta and Nigerian travellers are subjected to extra scrutiny (because of incidents of drug trafficking). So Nigerians should expect longer wait times.
As a British citizen, I didn’t have any issues flying to Bali. I didn’t need a visa to enter Indonesia for visits of up to 30 days.
FLIGHT TIME: There are no direct flight from Nigeria to Bali or even from major cities like London or New York. Expect one or two stops. I flew with Lufthansa & Singapore Airlines. Lagos to Frankfurt, then to Singapore. And then from Singapore to Bali. Flight time on my route was 22 hours (excluding layover time). Note that there are quicker ways to get to Bali from Lagos but I decided on Lufthansa for the star alliance air miles.
WATCH the first leg of my flight in Business class from Lagos here
WHAT TO EXPECT IN BALI
Bali is affordable and it can also be luxurious which allows all travelers of all types to find what exactly they are looking for. Ubud is known for its rich Balinese cuisines, its incredible jungles and formidable rice fields. For beaches, head to Seminyak or Uluwatu. To surfers, head to Kuta.
LANGUAGE: The official language is Indonesian. English is used extensively so you won’t find it an issue communicating as a tourist.
CURRENCY: Bali’s local currency is the Indonesian rupiah. USD is not allowed as a spending currency. Wait till you get to Bali (at the airport/in town) to change your money for best rates.
CLIMATE: Bali weather is warm all year round —but keep note of the rainy season, January to April and October to November.
GETTING AROUND IN BALI
Bali is quite a large island with much to see. Traffic in Bali isn’t as bad as Lagos traffic but with its small roads, it can get very congested so always over estimate the time it will take you (especially to get to the airport!).
SCOOTER: Even though I didn’t use one during my trip, this was the most recommended and popular mode of transportation in Bali. I asked around for pricing and it was certainly the cheapest mode of transportation in Bali. You don’t have to hire a scooter if you are uncomfortable driving yourself but can book it like an uber type service using G0-JEK app.
TAXI: Taxis are expensive but you can also book a taxi via the GO-JEK app. Note that in many areas in Bali, GO-JEK drivers are banned especially in areas like central Ubud so you would have to use the expensive local taxis. If you use a local taxi, ensure to agree on pricing before you get into the car. Feel comfortable to negotiate what works for you.
PRIVATE CAR: There are many private drivers in Bali and I opted for this when I was in Bali. It made sense financially as I had a lot of sightseeing to do. The great thing about hiring a private driver is that they doubled as a tour guide (and photographer in my case). To locate a great driver, ask friends that have been to Bali before (happy to share mine if you send me an email) or ask your hotel. The great thing is I was able to communicate with my driver via whatsapp.
WHERE TO STAY IN BALI
Many visitors to Bali tend to stay at multiple locations because of how big the island of Bali is. Different areas have different things to offer. I will share details of the 3 hotels I stayed in – in Bali
RENT A AIRBNB: I didn’t use Airbnb in Bali but I feel its important to share this option. Airbnb operates in Bali so you can take advantage of the low prices of Bali and rent a private villa for yourself. A number of the villas are furnished with private pools, beautiful ocean or jungle views.
THE STONES HOTEL – Legian Bali, Autograph Collection – KUTA: One of the most luxurious hotels in Kuta. The Kuta area is popular with surfers but has lost its charm to its neighbour Seminyak. Nevertheless if you decide to stay in Kuta, you will not regret a stay at this hotel.
FOUR SEASONS RESORT AT SAYAN: Travel & Leisure crowned this hotel the best hotel in the world and I could see why. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway/hideaway, look no further than this resort. The resort only has 60 suites/villas. The resort has many activities from river rafting on the stunning ayung river (which cuts through the grounds of the hotel) to unique tours never been explored named “Can you keep a secret”. The resort is a 10 minute from the markets and restaurants of Ubud.
FOUR SEASONS RESORT AT JIMBARAN BAY: This luxury resort is very different from its sister hotel in Sayan as its set on the beach. All villas have an infinity pool and the hotel even has its own pool waterfall . The Four Seasons at Jimbaran Bay offers stunning premier villas featuring authentic Balinese decor. This is a perfect destination for relaxation.
I hope you enjoyed my guide to Bali. Leave a comment if you found the guide useful OR have any questions.
Stay tuned for detailed hotel reviews of all hotels I stayed in AND recommended activities to do, in Bali
I stayed at the Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa during a trip to Malaysia where I attend a destination wedding. It was my first time in Malaysia and didn’t know to expect from an hotel in Malaysia. Nevertheless I knew the “Westin” name had a lot of prestige associated with it. I stayed at the hotel for 4 nights and below is my visual diary/review of the hotel. Read to the end for an HONEST review of this hotel.
THE ROOM
THE VIEW FROM THE ROOM’S BALCONY
I choose a garden room view
THE POOL
The hotel has two pools (a baby/kids pool and an adult pool with a pool bar). 5* for the blueberry mojitos and for their famous coconut cocktail
Your truly posing with the gorgeous backdrop
A wide menu with both continental and asian options
THE SPA
I didn’t have any time to try out the spa so I can’t comment on the service but it was certainly beautiful spa area
LOBBY GOALS
VIEW POINTS
THE PREMIUM ROOM (garden view): I loved the beautiful modern style room with a separate bath, toilet and shower.
THE BREAKFAST: A mixture of continental and asian food. Unlimited Champagne bellinis for breakfast says it all.
THE FACILITIES: The pool was divine. I loved the decor of the hotel. There was a gym and spa on site which was great. The resort was home to the LCC (The Langkawi Convention Centre) which is great for hosting the many events that was held for the destination wedding.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE: The walk to my room was a little far and particularly irritating when my key wouldn’t work as I had to walk all the way back to the reception to get it reactivated. Perhaps request a room closer to the lobby when booking. In all fairness though, given we were a big party attending the wedding, they probably felt it made sense to locate us where our noise making wouldn’t be a problem
Overall I loved the hotel and would recommend it for those who were visiting Langkawi. The hotel concierge and staff were extremely helpful and polite.
Have you been to Langkawi before and if so, what did you like the most about it? Stay tuned for my write up on what else there is to do in Langkawi!!
I wasn’t really planning on Singapore but going to Malaysia for three days to attend a friend’s wedding seemed like a potentially great travel opportunity (bearing in mind that it took me nearly 24 hours to get to Malaysia – it normally takes 16 or so) . This is how I found myself in Singapore. I stayed in Singapore for 4 days and here is my visual diary which I hope serves as inspiration for you. Read to the end about my frank review of Singapore.
DAY 1: SLEEP & GETTING OVER JETLAG – DINNER AT LONG BEACH – DRINKS WITH A VIEW AT SKY LOUNGE
Long beach is an incredible seafood restaurant. You must try the chilli crab and the lobster. The restaurant was on the expensive side but worth the treat
Chilli crab, lobster and pastry that was phenomenal in taste.
Post dinner, I went for a drink at Aura Sky Lounge which has an incredible view of Singapore’s skyline.
DAY 2: ORCHARD ROAD (FOR SHOPPING ADDICTS) – GARDENS BY THE BAY
So many brands you will be spoiled for choice.
Notably the streets of Singapore are clean and green. Littering is an offence.
Cartier anyone?
Exploring the Supertree groove at “Gardens by the bay” (an incredible and stunning garden). This is the No 1 attraction and a must for all visitors.
Most evenings, there is a exhilarating display of light and sound at night that is also a must for all.
DAY 3: NIGHT SAFARI
The night safari is one of the most incredible safari’s I have ever experienced. Thousands of animals from lions to elephants to hyenas were within short distance. The lions were kept in humane conditions and looked well kept.
The tram that took us on our tour
DAY 4: SINGAPORE BOTANIC GARDENS – ARAB STREET – MALAY HERITAGE CENTRE – BUGIS
A beautiful symphony stage at the gardens
Trust me to make new friends who were happy to take pictures of me (the struggle of solo travel)
The beautiful sultan mosque near arab street
Exploring the area “Bugis” which is vibrant and colourful with street food and shopping.
One of the many fashion boutique shops on “Haji lane” which is a must for all fashion lovers that do not care for main stream brands.
What I loved about Singapore: Efficiency (everything works like clockwork), the city (so clean, so green), the food options (very diverse and yummy), Gardens by the Bay (This attraction is nothing short of stunning). Not to forget, I have never felt safer than I felt in Singapore and Singaporeans are very friendly and helpful. The airport felt so homey and was very well organised.
What I didn’t like about Singapore: Honestly this is hard as Singapore was near perfect but I got a cold in singapore because every indoor area from cabs to restaurants blasted their AC (I guess its better than the scorching weather in some establishments back home).
What would I do differently: Spend a night at “Marina Bay Sands” hotel so that I can capture that view from their infinity pool (vain I know but what a view).
Singapore Best For: Families (so many attractions e.g. Universal studios), Exploring, Honeymooners (as part of a tour of Asia).
Travel Tips:
Have you been to Singapore before? What was your highlight? Nevertheless, hope you enjoyed the write up 🙂
I have had my share of camping especially on the highlands in Scotland whilst I was a teen but over the past few years the notion of glamping was certainly welcomed. So what is Glamping? As the words eludes to, it is a fusion of Glamour and Camping. Essentially, camping without the hassle. There is no tent to pitch, no fire to build…sounds like having a baby without having to get pregnant (It’s all given to you on a gold platter), and who wouldn’t want that??
Some people want the adventure of camping over glamping but I am indifferent to both (even though my friends would certainly disagree). Whilst on a tour of Jordan, my friends and I spent 2 nights at the glam camp in Wadi Rum! See what we got up to below:
Posing in front of the Glam rooms in the desert
This was Glamping HQ aka lobby and restaurant #DesertVibes
We visited the Wadi Rum visitor centre prior to exploring the desert area which was few minutes away from Glamp HQ
Getting a tour of the Wadi Rum area by our very knowledgeable tour guide
Yours truly posing by the sand dunes where “Lawrence of Arabia” was filmed
Our chef at Glam HQ prepping our food that was buried deep in the ground for about 4 hours
Dinner dugged up from the ground and delicious I must add.
Have you ever had a Glamping experience before? Please share your experience. If you need any tips on Glamping, feel free to ask me.
Petra is located in the country of Jordan. It is an archaeological city in southern Jordan and a UNESCO world heritage site which essentially means it’s unique and worth seeing. The city was carved into the rock face by the Nabataeans, an industrious Arab people who settled in Petra more than 2000 years ago, turning it into an important junction for the silk, spice and other trade routes that linked China, India and southern Arabia with Egypt, Syria, Greece and Rome. I went to Petra simply to see one of the wonders of the world. It took my friends and I about 7 hours to tour the whole city but not without the help of donkeys of course.
Not sure I had the right shoes but oh well.
What a beauty!!!!!!!!!!
It took my friends and I about 7 hours to tour the whole city but not without the help of our donkeys of course. FYI – donkeys are amazing animals. I am sure my donkey carried me up 300 steps.
*Why Not Shop* for your artefacts and refuel during your 7 hour trek 🙂
Mixing in with the locals: I met this lovely girl on my way out of the bathroom and she helped me tie my scarf the appropriate way to avoid me getting a heat stroke (It’s the simple things like these that make a difference to ones experience (don’t you think?)
You know I never turn down a shopping opportunity. This shop had all artefacts possible and was certainly an unexpected find in deep into the city of Petra.
Tips for Petra:
(I) Prepare for the heat
(II) Pay for a donkey to take you up to the Monastery (Don’t be cheap)
(III) Bargain for everything
(IV) Prepare to be left breathless
Check out my Jordan travel vlog here
Have you ever been to Petra? What did you enjoy the most? Share with us. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment.
