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Monkey, Temples, and Sun in Bali (Photo report of TG/SQ/NH in J and IC Bali)

The better half and I decided that we really need a nice R&R trip. So, we decided to take a quick trip to Bali and here is a photo report for it, along with some mini commentaries.

We started the trip with the direct LAX BKK flight on TG. Check-in was swift and we were soon at the Star Alliance lounge at TBIT LAX. The décor was nice in the lounge, but the snack and drink selection was quite disappointing (it was so bad that I did not even want to take photos of it)

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_024.jpg

Anyways, the flight…

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_025.jpg
Welcome drinks, along with hot towel folded into animals (if you stare at for a really long time, I hope you will see a rabbit and a cow)

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_026.jpg
The cabin

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_028.jpg
Vodka martini with packaged pretzels after takeoff. I missed the hot savouries that they used to serve at this point.

First Serving

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_031.jpg
Foie Gras and Vegetable Gateau and Honey Roasted Duck Breast
Mixed Green Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing

Main Course

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_033.jpg
Stir-fried Pork Ginger with Black Mushroom
Steamed Thai Hom Mali Rice, Green Onion and Sauce

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_032.jpg
Stir-fried Seafood with Garlic and Pepper (Prawns and Squid)
Steamed Thai Hom Mali Rice

The other two choices were:
Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Bordelaise Sauce
Gratin Dauphine Potato, Green Beans and Shallots Confit
Stewed Tomato

Chicken Cordon Bleu
Buttered Rice, Broccoli, Carrot

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_034.jpg
Assorted Cheese, Fresh Fruits

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_035.jpg
Cheesecake (with Remy Martin X. O.)

The main courses were amazing, which I expect no less from the Asian options on TG. The service was very efficient (or rushed). Since I am a fast eater, I am ready for them when they wheel down the next course. But, it was the opposite for BH. So, they would make her a plate of fruit and cheese on left it on my table until she was ready.

After the meal, we just made the seat flat and went to sleep. The sloped flat seat on their A345 was quite comfortable. Regardless, I managed to sleep for many hours until the next meal was served.

Second Serving

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_036.jpg
Fresh Fruits, Yoghurt
Boiled Rice with Pork and Garnitures

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_037.jpg
Stir-fried Yellow Noodles with Chicken, Vegetables, and Black Mushroom

Third Choice available was: Crepe with Scrambled Egg and Smoked Salmon

Another meal was served before landing

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_038.jpg
Mixed Green Salad with Olive Oil and Vinegar Dressing
Stir-fried Vermicelli with Shrimps and Woodear Mushroom, Egg Steamed Thai Hom Mali Rice
Assorted Petit Fours

Another choice for the main course: Florentine Lasagna with Cheese and Sauce

We slept a lot on this flight and felt very refreshed at the end of the service. The service was OK. The FAs were only visible during the service, but they were very friendly when they were around.

Next: Transit in BKK, BKK-DPS, IC Bali

Once we landed in BKK, we had to deal with the new transit arrangement of BKK, where all arrival passengers have to be screened before being allowed onto the departure level. We were lucky as there was only one heavy ahead of us (from CDG), so it only took us 20 minutes. However, we did notice that the queue did not get any longer as more heavies arrive. So, they must be doing an okay job in keeping the wait time pretty constant.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_043.jpg
Once security formality was finished, we went straight to the Royal Orchid Spa for a very nice 30-minute massage (foot or shoulder)

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_040.jpg
After the massage, we were led into a nice room, where we were given a very nice herbal tea and a snack. The whole spa experience was certainly refreshing and prepared us for another few hours of flying.
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_039.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_045.jpg
After the spa, we visited the SKL

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_047.jpg
Why SKL? For the fresh coconut water!

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_049.jpg
Other than that, the lounge is very small and cramped. But, it was totally worth it for the yummy coconut!

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_044.jpg
Nice and airy terminal of BKK

Next: BKK-DPS, IC Bali

BKK-DPS, IC Bali

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_053.jpg
View of the refurbished B773 cabin. Seats are quite similar to the A345, certainly very good for short haul travel.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_054.jpg
Welcome drink (Citrus iced tea) and more hot towel origami

As for the meal...

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_067.jpg
Fruit Juice
Fresh Fruits and Yoghurt

Main Course
Congee with Prawn, Black Mushroom and Ginger Cantonese Style

Leek and Potato Quiche with Thyme
Premium Chicken Sausage, Roasted Potatoes, Green Asparagus, Baked Half Tomato with Olive Oil and Oregano

Stir-fried Hokkien Noodles with Chicken and Mushroom

Once again, the food was very yummy. This time, the crew was super attentive. They kept on circulating around the cabin to top off drinks till we were descending into DPS. As I was getting very content with the service on this flight, the crew came with surveys for us to fill out, which makes me wonder whether the crew was stepping up because we were to be giving feedbacks. Anyways, I ignored the cynic in me and just enjoyed the flight.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_072.jpg
Landing into DPS. Very nice view of the Jimbaran Bay

Once we arrived, we were greeted with the Club Intercontinental staff. In the past, we would be escorted through immigration and had our immigration formalities taken care of while we were in the lounge. However, since the Jakarta bombing, they stepped up on the security. So, we had to queue with everybody else to get through immigration. After that, we were escorted into the car and drove straight to the hotel.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_078.jpg
Checking in the club lounge

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_079.jpg
Welcome drink. A very refreshing lemongrass favoured drink.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_080.jpg
We previously booked in the Balinese Suite and was given a one level upgrade to the Uluwatu Suite.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_082.jpg
Living Room

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_084.jpg
Bedroom

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_089.jpg
Jacuzzi Tub (never figured out how to use it though)

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_090.jpg
A separate shower area with rain showerhead

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_367.jpg
Sunset from the balcony, overlooking the Club Pool

The room was absolutely fanatic. I could not think of any complaints with it. It was just extremely comfortable, definitely two thumbs up!

Next: More pictures from the IC Bali compound, seeing monkeys and temples around Bali

Great TR UALboy really enjoyed it, especially the photos of Bali, brings back many good memories!!

Looking forward to more:)

Really enjoyed the report! ^

Thanks for sharing ^

Been looking out for a TR on TG A345 LAX-BKK.

IC Bali was the first hotel I've stayed at where they greet you at the aerobridge
and help collect your bags and clear immigration.
Sad to see the service has been downgraded because of security concerns

Thanks for sharing!

Quote:

Originally Posted by UALboy (Post 12391331)

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_025.jpg
Welcome drinks, along with hot towel folded into animals (if you stare at for a really long time, I hope you will see a rabbit and a cow)

I can see the rabbit in the left towel, but, with regard to the right towel, I can't quite make out the cow. Or any animal, for that matter. Am I the only one?

Monkeys and Temples in Bali

As a club guest, we were provided with transportation to the airport. However, the ride to DPS was pure madness. There was so much traffic, so many motorcycles, so much chaos for our supposedly 15-minute journey to the airport. I wish I had taken some pictures because the craziness was just priceless. However, I was just sitting there getting worried about missing the flight. But, once we got through the bottleneck, everything was okay. We easily negotiated security, check-in, paying the departure tax, and immigration. Soon enough, we arrived in a nicely decorated lounge, shared by most airlines. It does require one to climb a flight of stairs to get there. However, there was a porter ready to carry our belongings as we ascended the stairs.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_437.jpg
The food station, with an okay spread. The servers were very eager to help though. Loved all the exotic designs.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_435.jpg
A few tables were set up outdoors.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_434.jpg
View of the tarmac from the lounge patio.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_438.jpg
Welcome drink (Golden Spice on the left, Champagne on the right)

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_439.jpg
Hmmm... Singapore and Silver Kris Sling

Once we were in the air, the cabin crew sprung into action (1 IFS, 1 LS, and 1 FSS). They were super efficient in getting everyone watered and fed. You can definitely sense that they were feeling stressed out by the limited amount of flight time to carry out all the service. Nevertheless, drinks were constantly topped off with a smile. Here is the dinner served on the sector.

Starter
Szechuan smoked salmon with apple salad and mesclun

Main
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_441.jpg
Roasted Oriental duck with linguini, shiitake mushroom, coriander and pak choi

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_442.jpg
Makanan laautan masak assam (Seafood flavoured with tamarind sauce, seasonal vegetables and turmeric rice)

Grilled tournedos of beef with mushroom sauce and roasted rosemary potatoes

Finale
Bavarian crew with strawberry

The food was very delicious. Soon enough we arrived into Changi and we immediately went to our departure gate as it was approaching boarding time to NRt already.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_445.jpg
Hello Whale

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_447.jpg
A look of the mini J-cabin from row 12.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_450.jpg
Welcome drinks served in the new glassware

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_452.jpg
Stairs to the Suites

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_454.jpg
Getting ready for bed with the flat bed.

Since this is a redeye flight, we were provided with the option of eating soon after take-off, or 2 hours before landing. Here is the menu:

Main

Pan fried black cod served with cilantro-tomato sauce, sauteed spinach and fingerling potato

Glutinous rice wrapped in lotus leaf with marinated pork, black mushrooms and Chinese sausage.

American Breakfast
Fruit yoghurt
Spinach omelette with chicken sausage, roasted roma tomato, hash brown potatoes

Continental Breakfast
Assorted bread with preserves

Your meal will be served with a selection of sliced fresh fruits

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_456.jpg
Hanagoyomi

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_457.jpg
Sakizuke
Grilled fish cake, shredded burdock and carrot

Kuchitori
"Dashi" flavoured egg omelette, spinach with sesame seeds

Aemono
Vegetables with beancurd paste, conger eel and vegetables with sesame dressing

Yakimono
Grilled white miso flavoured salmon trout

Takiawase
Simmered pumpkin, taro, carrot, green beads

Owan
Miso soup

Gohan
Grilled soya glaced rice ball, grilled seaweed with rice ball

Kounomono
Assorted pickles

Mizumono
Assorted fresh fruit

It was quite unfortunate that we were awoken 2 hours prior to landing for breakfast, as we have quite a bit of time to spare before we arrived in NRT. I wish that we could have slept a little more so that I could feel more energized for a short day-trip to Tokyo. Anyways, to kill some time before landing, we decided to check the A380 out.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_459.jpg
The spiral staircase

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_460.jpg
The Y cabin

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_461.jpg
The main J cabin

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_464.jpg
Bye whale!

Next: 9 hours in Tokyo, NRT-LAX on NH

Hi,

Nice TR...but how many days did you spend in DPS?

Quote:

Originally Posted by UALboy (Post 12396267)

When I was researching on the trip, I showed BH a wonderful trip report written by LarryU (Monkeying Around in Bali). After reading that, she is all about getting a monkey to climb on her. So, the next stop, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.
Here it goes
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_229.jpg

And success… At one point, she actually had two monkeys on her
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_243.jpg

Good work with her monkey hat, although I must confess I was not especially enthusiastic about the experience, nervously wondering whether it would claw me to death or pee on me to death. :p

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s...-DSC05937R.jpg

And hats don't offer much protection from the critters either. At the Uluwatu monkey temple, one of the macaques briefly jumped on my head, whereupon it promptly stole my hat and ate it, I suppose mostly for the fiber and vitamin H. :p

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s...B-dsc06787.jpg

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mynameismud (Post 12399153)

Hi,

Nice TR...but how many days did you spend in DPS?

Unfortunately, we only got 2 days in DPS. But, I hope we get to go back eventually.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LarryU (Post 12401352)

Good work with her monkey hat, although I must confess I was not especially enthusiastic about the experience, nervously wondering whether it would claw me to death or pee on me to death. :p

You know what. When the first monkey climbed on her, it ripped her glasses off her face. I was so worried that it would just run away with them. But, it threw them on the ground. So, when the second & third one came around, we learned our lesson and she handed me her glasses right when they were approaching her.

After arriving into Tokyo, we rode to Ueno on the Keisei line, which is the much cheaper option compared to the Narita Express (1000 Yen vs 2500+ yen). The Keisei line does not take that much longer either. The only problem with the Keisei line is that there is no seperate luggage stowage compartment. So, if you have a mini carryon, then you should be okay. But, if you have a lot of stuff with you, then it might be tricky.

Anyways, after loading up on some yummy sushi in the Tsukiji fish market. We visited Senjo-ji in Asakusa.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_498.jpg
Kaminarimon

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_467.jpg
Perfect for souvenir shopping.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_493.jpg
The pagoda

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_470.jpg
Hozomon

Unfortunately, the exterior of the temple itself was undergoing renovation. So, no pretty picture from there. Anyways, time to head back to NRT, but not before a quick trip in Ueno Park.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...15Bali_505.jpg
Lily pads

So, we got a little bit of time to spend in the ANA lounge close to gate 50s. A disclaimer... These pictures were taken when I was there in July. Although the decor was exactly the same, the place was much more crowded for this visit as we were there close to all the American/SE Asia departure.

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...1Japan_189.jpg
Sitting area (there is a view of the tarmac, contrary to the ANA lounge close to gate 40s)

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...1Japan_190.jpg
Noodle bar (love the ANA logo fishcake)

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...1Japan_191.jpg
Main snack station

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...1Japan_192.jpg
More sitting area

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...1Japan_193.jpg
Snack station #2

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...1Japan_194.jpg
Snacks

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...1Japan_195.jpg
Drinks

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/d...1Japan_196.jpg
Sake bar (it is at the farthest end from the entrance. Just keep walking, you will get there...)