Bali: Ku De Ta

Recently I've been obsessed with skincare. So I read up & bought quite a lot of new skincare. Will share with you all if I have the time tomorrow :)


But today, I'm gonna blog about Ku De Ta! The much raved about Ku De Ta! Not the one in Marina Bay Sands though, the one in Bali. In fact, the one in MBS is being sued by the original one for using the same name.









That evening, after a heavy day of water rafting, we were all very tired. Called up the massage parlor which many people recommended, but they were fully booked till the next day. However, Mum & I still wanted to go explore, while Dad & sis opted to stay in the villa.


So we asked the receptionist how to walk to Gado-Gado, one of the restaurants featured in their website. The friendly staff then printed out a map to us, showing clearly how to walk to the beach. Simple as it was, I can't help being afraid of getting lost as we walked.









It was easy! Just a 5min walk & we're there at the Kuta beach already!












We walked the whole stretch of the beach, looking for Gado-Gado, but there was none in sight! I felt like the typical tourist holding a map asking people to show us the way!


It should be located on the beach cos the description in the website says it's right in front of the white sandy beach (not quite white huh?) In the end, some kind soul told us that it's under renovation. Arghhh! We've been walking to & fro like idiots!

Reached there just in time for the sunset :)

Despite that, there are some other cafe/bars on the beach. One in particular was packed with caucasians, with colourful sofas which looked comfortable & blasting loud music.







We were about to leave when we saw 2 cute doggies, half buried by the sand & sleeping soundly.


They were so adorable we asked the owner if we could take pictures with it.













The following shots looked like they're straight out of a health supplement or fitness equipment advertisement. With people running, playing volleyball on the beach... doesn't it look like those ang moh AIBI advertisement encouraging you to purchase a product by calling a number?













Mum wanted to settle for dinner somewhere near, but I was already enticed by the idea of eating by the beach. And I remember the famous Ku De Ta being somewhere near, so I somehow managed to convinced her to hop on a cab


(Much later after we went back to SG, I was lectured by my aunt saying this was dangerous. We should never do this, especially without my father's companion. I did it becos after researching I find bali taxis are relatively safe, but on hindsight I too realised that just 2 girls travelling in an unfamiliar country can be really dangerous. Case in Point: Taken [movie])












The inside was quiet, classy & elegant, much like fine dining in SG.


But in contrast, the outdoor (which most people visit KDT for) was booming with R&B music, bringing everybody into the atmosphere. We were told by the waiter outdoor they only serve cocktails & pizza. Pizza sounds great, & we were there for the experience. You have to call days in advance though, if you want a seat with a good view... unless you don't mind sitting on the grass

Tip: Plan your trip & book reservations prior to arrival 

What a remarkably magnificent view!



Don't be fooled by the angle of the camera, it's not like the bar before which is located on the sea level. This famous joint is perched on an elevated platform. Here, you can truly enjoy the light breeze & listen to waves caress the shore, while sipping cocktails & laughing with your friends. I'd posted a video below.



KDT is the must-go for destination for most tourists, it has established itself as having one of the best parties & nightlife on the Islands of Gods. Determined to celebrate their 10th Birthday in the grandest of styles, bringing together a stellar selection of International DJs and live bands for their world-renowned, iconic High Season parties.



I'd done a search on it before I came, & everybody seem to love this place (not the price though)! As a wise man once said, "If you haven't been to Ku De Ta, you haven't been to Bali!"







There we were... going round & round hoping we'd miraculously spot an empty sofa seat.


Indeed, we found one!



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NOT!

Mum & I were bewildered at why this seat wasn't taken. We thought we had really good luck, until we realised it's blocked by this massive stage. Say... CHEY!





But beggars can't be choosers! Those really good seats are the ones by the side facing the rolling waves. The center ones are less popular. By the way, I swipe a glance around & saw that we're one of the 2 mere Chinese groups. Them caucasians really know how to enjoy life huh?

I like this photo of me... fresh-faced, without makeup (only concealer to cover my dark eye rings, although it's still visible ), & most of all, simple :) Which is what I really am, believe it or not.

Mummy disturbing me when I'm trying to decide what to order from their extensive list of drinks. I forgot what I ordered for myself, but I ordered margarita for her & a something (lamb?) pizza. Opps, that's the consequence of blogging only 4 months after a trip, especially when you have a failing memory










The funky, contemporary decor, amazing location & views had me impressed! Too bad dad didn't tag along, I was hoping he can see this for himself. But fret not, I took a video to record down the character of this party venue so we'd never forget.















But beware! I'd been warned & I'm here to warn you.



The prices in KDT are absolutely over the top for Bali. Food & drinks are very pricey for local standards. It IS a place you go to looking for to have a special meal, but first consider the markedly price difference between it & everywhere else in Bali. Hell, even I (& other aussies) think it is expensive for SG/AUS standards.



Cocktails costs on average Rp110,000 each. I only remember paying USD 77 for the 2 cocktails & pizza we had above. That said, the food is really good! I'm speaking for the only pizza we had (HAHA!), but already it makes me feel like going back It was so good I licked off every bit of it. Well, not literally lah.



So, come here if you want to be WOW-ed. But if it upsets you to part with a lot of cash (like my dad HAHA! ), then this is not the place for you.









I'm definitely going back again! What could be better than relax with your loved ones, indulge in the fine tunes of the music, rhythmic seawaves & immerse in the party atmosphere with party people?







The drink I ordered for myself is much more tasty than the margarita I ordered for mum. So she forced me to swap with her









Their toilets has these cute figurines indicating gender. But I couldn't tell which is the males & which is the ladies!












While we're leaving, we got offered a ride at the entrance by this taxi driver with a price agreed beforehand (couldn't remember but it's very cheap). Later, my instincts took over & I recalled things I read while doing my research that says there's one 1 official taxi company is Bali. The guy who offered us drives a private car, & I pulled my mum away suggesting we'd rather walk to the main road to be safe.



Actually, the guy means no harm. Just like drivers in bali, he only wanted to earn more bucks. But I'd rather be safe than sorry, especially when cabs in bali are bloody cheap. Now I'm not being pompous, but you'll agree with me. Like... SDG $2+? It's like the starting fare in SG cabs!

Tip: Do not accept unsolicited rides, especially girls!

The ride home was much more scary. The driver seemed to drive a long long way, meandering though VERY dark & narrow streets... Inside, I am panicking at why we haven't reach, but at the same time, I have to show that it's no big deal & assure my mum we're reaching soon. What a ride!


Starting to photograph things in our living room again :)






OMG look at my taut muscles... now do you believe my track & field story already?
Long distance runner... me!






Nope I didn't fly Emirates. Nor am I a fan of Arsenal. The jersey's a Christmas present from a friend last year. Only after I received it do I know how expensive jerseys can be! Why do guys like buying them so much?? (Actually I can understand... just like how girls buy Bebe. But I stopped already after realising it's a utter waste of $$)



I flew KLM!




Tip: KLM to Bali can be cheaper than Jetstar on some days. Actually, most days.



Dad & Sis had room service in their respective villas. (By the way, Dad registered a poker face for the rest of the trip. We later realised it's due to our, i.e. Mum & I, negligence for safety.









Other than the menu, there's another folder containing information of Bali's tradition, happenings & events on the islands etc. I gave it a good read, interesting




Here's some of my buys, mostly gifts & souvenir for friends:









I bet these ceramic bowls & plates would costs at least 500% more in SG. There, we can bargain from Rp100,000 for 1, to the same price for 4! But we bought for more expensive cos we bought at the beginning of the street. & we bought from different vendors cos it's kinda unfair to buy from just 1.


If you walk off, the vendor would shout a better price after you. Some will even pull your arms & refuse to let you leave! Scary~










Rented dvds from the front desk. There's TONS to choose from... hundreds! Although it's kinda obvious they're pirated So that means not all can be viewed.

The serene view as I lay on my crisp white bedsheets.

There's only 1 last Bali post to go!


Now I'm busy researching on universities & applications. Also helping out my dad at his shop this month. Sigh... can't accept that I'm done with poly