We love Bali with our Brompton - Day 2 (Part 2)

Here we were at GWK (Garuda Wisnu Kencana) Cultural Park meeting Pak Kanoraituha Wiwin, Chairman of BOB Brompton Owners Bali (the main coordinator of this fabulous event) and many new friends from around the Asian region. Participation from Malaysia was the biggest contingent among those all. 

It started with the registration of participation at Jendela Bali Restaurant which has an awesome panoramic view of Kuta coast line and its beyond.

Pak Kanoraituha Wiwin giving his welcoming speech to all the registered participants at the edge of this lovely garden of Jendela Bali Restaurant.

One by one the participants taking the space at Jendela Bali Restaurant and enjoying the cordial drinks and fried fritters like goreng pisang while the organisers taking their turns to deliver their speeches.

Off we went for the first ride of the event from GWK Cultural Park to Kuta Beach. Approximately 60 cyclists were on the road for this Brompton We Love Bali ride.

The route was almost all flat and an easy roll to Kuta Beach, we were obviously feeling very relax and comfortable during the cruise.

One of the smiling marshals ensuring that the ride is safe from the busy traffic.

Special thanks to this Police outrider providing us an excellent protection and giving us the confident cycling along with him. Terima Kasih Pak!

The Chief Marshal and his lieutenant leading the interesting route as we enjoyed the scenery and atmosphere of Balinese living.

A memorable ride indeed for us with a chance of a life time to cycle on the busy roads of Bali.

Finally we arrived at Kuta Beach after going through narrow roads and a bit of highway which were hectic and congested. 

Kuta Beach was vibrant and crowded as usual.

We took on the pavement slowly, appreciating the lovely environment and truly a feel of having a holiday break in this paradise.

Welcoming team waiting for us as we arrived for a pit stop with a light refreshment and timely to enjoy a perfect view of the sunset.

Even wet towels were being served to the riders and what a thoughtful effort by the organiser.

One picture with Pak Kanoraituha as the sun was setting.

Many of us went to the beach to capture the beautiful sun set.

Kuta Beach is also known as Sunset Beach where it was once a fishing village and was the first spot in Bali to be infested with tourists. We were obviously enjoying the spectacular sunset view and busy following the sun before it's sunk into the sea.

One with the Brommies at Kuta Beach.

We then rode further out of the beach area and safely completed the ride with awaiting coaches and pick-ups to ferry our to Ubud. There were 2 coaches waiting for us with delivery pick-up for our Bromptons and luggages.

Immediately after arriving at Sthala Ubud Hotel we were given our room keys and adjourned straight to the dining place next to Wos River. Among the guests were officials from the Ministry of Tourism Indonesia and beauty queen of Bali to grace the event. There was a superb cultural performance, the food was delicious and a little bit of partying among ourselves. What a memorable night indeed.

The dinner was good so was the evening event at the garden of the hotel. Sthala Ubud Hotel or rather it's known as Sthala, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel is managed by Marriott Hotels. It is located out of Ubud town and tucked within the green lush jungle overlooking the paddy fields with a river next to it. 

The tee shirt for the event was nicely placed on the bed for us with personalised hand written notes. Another awesome hospitality shown by our Baliness host.

Thanks to Edmund Foo for compiling these autographs from the organiser and participants. Cheers!

We love Bali with our Brompton - Day 2 (Part 1)

Good morning Jolie Hostel Jimbaran, a good and recommendable lodging it is cheap, clean and comfortable. It is located off the main road of Jalan Raya Uluwatu with a narrow alley leading to this nest. GPS : -8.805560, 115.156761.

It's morning call and let's go cari makan .... 

Our vehicles were ready to roll ......

We went visiting small market places with many food vendors such as this one.

A scene of a Caucasian "professionally" checking on a durian. The way he handled the fruit tells you he knows his stuff. I am still salivating looking at the thorny fruits.

We were combing the area and has yet to decide where to eat.

Tan HS spotted a joint and we followed him and found this beautiful villa with a cafe called Coffee Network Bali located at GPS : -8.804957, 115.159982. The staff was executing a daily prayer offering known as Canang Sari commonly practiced by Balinese Hindus.

I tried a Ayam Goreng Lalapan, salad, sambal hijau with a bowl of plain rice. I simply love to spiciness of the green sambal especially eaten together with the fried chicken the lalapan way.

Three of us went for a spa session next to the cafe known as Uma Mani Villa & Spa and came back to the hostel fresh and rejuvenated.

Resting at the hostel and enjoying the breeze by the pool side.

The word "babi guling" has been bugging us on and on since we landed in Bali, eventually we found one nearest to us. Warung Nasi Babi Guli dan Ayam Betutu Ibu Ella found along the main road of Jalan Raya Uluwatu GPS : -8.797685, 115.160872

The review from Google Map for Bu Ella is 4.2 stars out of 5. There were people queuing for takeaway and we remained seated as the food will be served. An interesting outlet with only the locals patronising it.

Our standard serving of nasi Babi Guling on our table.

The KL folks enjoying their food in a local Babi Guling shop in Southern part of Kuta, Badung.

A dessert from one of the convenience shop on a hot day and after a good lunch before we make our way to GWK Cultural park. More stories coming soon on Part 2 of Day 2.

We love Bali with our Brompton- Day 1

We were invited by Brompton Owners Bali together with Ministry of Tourism of Indonesia for a Brompton cycling event in Bali for 3 days and 2 nights. We were provided with a free 4 star hotel accommodation and food. All we need to do is just buy our flight tickets. Some of us took Malindo and it has been popular among us travelling with our folding bicycles.

There were more than 30 Brompton owners from Malaysia which formed the largest contingent among all the invited guests from the various part of the world. Some of us travelled with our favourite IKEA Dimpa bags while some with Vicinta bags. I extended my trip with extra days before and after the event making a 5 days adventure in Bali island.

For the first time I decided to use a exercise mat instead of plastic impra board to protect my bicycle. I found it suitable and more convenient to maneuver as a minimalist traveller. And here we were in Bali, after safely landed in Ngurah Rai International Airport, Denpasar. We decided to set up our bikes and cycle to our accommodation somewhere near GWK Cultural Park.

All bicycles were in tact, took our time to set up and were ready to roll on the streets of Bali.

Let's take a group picture outside Ngurah Rai International Airport before we hit the road.

As eager as usual I love cycling on new ground, seeing new surrounding and looking out for any peculiar features.

The main road from airport out is easy to cycle basically a 2 lanes with adequate space at the side. 

One of the many Balinese cultural sculptures seen almost everywhere in the island.

Bali is reputed for its many narrow roads which we ventured into some to see the inner part of the country.

Along Jalan Kendonganan we were able to see the sandy beaches of Jimbaran, looking very happening with many bars and food outlets.

I was excited with its durian and was telling myself to try it, if not this time but soon before I leave the island.

After a roundabout at Jalan Raya Uluwatu we encountered a severe climb that was impossible to pedal up even pushing the bicycle was tough. It was just before arriving at the proximity of GWK Cultural Park.

Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park located at the southern part of Bali island and it is on a hilltop terrain. This will be the first official meeting place for the event where we will be registered on the following day. We rode about 13km from the airport to this part of Bali.

We checked into Jolie Hostel Jimbaran for the night and it is only 1km away from GWK Cultural Park.

Our dinner at Warung Makan Campur Campur with a variety of delicious Balinese food.

 It is located at Jalan Raya Uluwatu GPS : -8.803417, 115.159867

We then proceeded after our dinner to visit GWK Cultural Park and enjoyed the night scenery. The statue of GWK is the biggest and highest in the world. Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue is the symbol of God Vishnu riding the great Garuda as his trusted companion. We rode around the limestone rock landscape and discovering the many corners of the park.

All done for the day and one more Bintang before calling a night. Good night Day 1 in Bali.