Costa Atlantica Cruise

I am back from cruise!! 

 

Pictures from the trip and taken with my Tokina 11-17mm f2.8 lens.

Ayana Resort and Spa Bali

We stayed one night at Ayana Resort and Spa during April 2013. In my opinion, this place is ideal for weddings and honeymooners! Ash's colleague who is an Indonesian has strongly recommended this hotel to Ash and she kept it from me as a surprise. I have no idea what to expect as I only found out where we are heading to when in the taxi!

 

If you are a guest at Ayana, do visit the Rock Bar during sunset. Moreover hotel guests do not need to join the queue > Sunset at Rock Bar . There are many activities within Ayana. You can have a game of tennis, table tennis, go for a swim, spa or take in the view of the flora and fauna in the garden. Or you can also visit the library and loan some DVDs, books or magazines. If you are travelling with children, there is a big playground. You can be like me too, spending the time photographing the beautiful Ayana.

 

The rates for Ayana are more expensive comparing with most hotels in Bali but do consider Ayana if you will like to pamper yourself! 

 

 

Some pictures of the actual room that we stayed in.

The bed is so comfortable!

This place is huge! 77 hectares!!

 

Many guests came to hold their weddings or attend weddings at Ayana.

The staff told us this glass chapel is fully booked with 3 weddings daily!

The six months passport validity rule

I am going for a 5D4N cruise tomorrow. At the time of booking, we have checked with Anita Travel Agency about the six months passport validity rule. My travel dates are from 4th May to 8th May 2013 (both dates inclusive) and my passport will expire on 6th Nov 2013. The staff we spoke to, Mr. Jakson, replied that it is fine for me to use my existing passport. We then proceeded to confirm the travel dates and booking.

 

The itinerary of the cruise

4th May (Sat) - Depart Singapore

5th May (Sun) - Onboard / International waters

6th May (Mon) - Phuket, Thailand                        

7th May (Tue) - Langkawi, Malaysia                     

8th May (Wed) - Return to Singapore

My passport expires on 6th Nov 2013

Six months passport validity means 7 May 2013 to 6 Nov 2013???? Yes, No, Don't know?
 

Early last month which is also before my Bali trip, we called the agency again and Mr. Jakson, reassured us that we can use my existing passport expiring on 6th Nov 2013. I could have gone to renew the passport at that time but we decided to trust Mr. Jayson's advice. What's more, he should be more knowledgeable than us since he is in the travel industry, isn't it?

 

Until yesterday 2nd May afternoon, Mr. Jakson called and told us that I have to extend my passport. His exact words over the phone were "Just go and get a chop from ICA". It threw all of us into a mad panic. We went "what the .... &#%^@!!"

 

On a side note, it does not matter if the six months validity rule applies to upon entry or upon exiting Malaysia and Thailand because the cruise ship is only stopping over for some hours.

 

We have already took the initiative to check with the travel agency and they have replied twice to us that it is fine to use my existing passport. With less than 2 days to our departure, they now tell a different story.

 

Did he think our grandfathers own ICA? What is "just go and get a chop"?.

The staff at level 3 information counter told me that I can apply for a new passport today and collect it next week. But I am travelling the following day! 

I was then referred to another counter "Interview - passport services" to explain my case. The interviewing officer was understanding. She said I can apply for a new passport immediately and return on the next morning to collect. She also explained that the six months rule will apply to Malaysia and Thailand. But when I return to Singapore on 8th May, I will not be denied entry.

I quickly went to have my photo taken at Level 1 of ICA building and proceed to another counter at level 3 for passport renewal. Passport collection on Saturdays is strictly by appointment but such appointments have to be made 2 days in advance. Since I am unable to make any appointment, the lady asked me to come as early as possible because the waiting time can be more than 2 hours on Saturdays.

The exact words in the email from Mr. Jakson dated 2nd May 2013 12.33PM are "Please rush to ICA for passport extension with the Cruise Ticket".  Most of us do not carry our passports on us all the time. I only managed to get to ICA the following day, first thing in the morning and amid the morning rush hours and traffic jam.

 

Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA)

Address	Immigration & Checkpoints Authority ICA Building 10 Kallang Road Singapore 208718
Operating Hours	Weekdays 8.00 am to 5.00 pm Saturdays 8.00 am to 1.00 pm Sundays & Public Holidays Closed Busy days to Avoid: Mondays, Fridays & Saturdays Eve of / After Public Holidays Q-Tickets Issuing Hours: Weekdays 8.00 am to 4.30 pm Saturdays 8.00 am to 12.30 pm

Lesson learnt > next time when in doubt, just go and get the passport renewed.

 

To conclude my rumbles above > there is no extension to passport expiry date anymore. You will need to renew the passport in order to comply with the six months passport validity rule.

Sunset At Rock Bar Bali

 

The Rock Bar is located along the 1.3 kilometer coastline of Ayana Resort and Spa Bali. It has been heralded as one of the world's best bars by authoritative sources including CNN and The New York Times. In 2011, it was voted Bali's best sunset venue in The Yak Magazine Readers' awards.

 

Sunset is the busiest time and there is often a long queue at the inclinator. Inhouse guests of Ayana Resort and Spa enjoy priority access to skip the queue. Dress code at the Rock Bar is smart casual (no singlets, boardshorts and alcohol branded attire are allowed).

Source from Ayana Resort website

 

 

Legian Beach

Let the photos do the talking.....

All photos (here) are taken with Canon EF 24-105 4L IS USM

 

Wayan Bliss Hotel

Ash and I stayed at Wayan Bliss Hotel deluxe room for one night during April 2013. This is not the usual Balinese theme; I like the colorful surfing concept for a change. This is also a modern hotel with touch-screen lift buttons. The room is clean and tidy and the beds are comfortable. They also provide Wi-Fi in the room. Bonus point!

Wayan Bliss Hotel is about 15 minutes’ walk to Legian beach and the major shopping places (turn left when you step out of the hotel). We also explored the right side of the hotel. There were much fewer restaurants. The road towards the beach is definitely more happening! But do pay attention to the sidewalks as the pavement is uneven and some parts of it are broken.

We like the location of the hotel as it is quiet but still within walking distance to the tourist area. The hotel also provides complimentary one way bus service twice  thrice daily but we did not have the chance to utilize it.

There was a joke between my friend and me – “they surf, we also surf”. Except that we surf the Internet. We knew there was going to be Wi-Fi in the room and brought along our netbook. The hotel has also thoughtfully provided 2 Macs at the lobby for guest's use.

We tried the spa at the hotel - Wave Senses Spa and Reflexology. We paid RP 100,000 for a 60 minutes Balinese massage. The spa room is spacious and clean. The friendly staff at the reception helped us made the reservations.

It's worth the money paid!

Some snaps of the hotel and room

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

The last photo was randomly taken when we strolled to Legian Beach. How apt for this post, isn't it?

Lim Seng Lee Duck Rice - in Teochew style!

It was only 4.30pm on a rainy Saturday. But it was almost full house in the coffeeshop and there was a long queue for takeaways.

"What is your order?" I heard a familiar voice behind me. It was the friendly uncle who always takes the orders and payments.

 

At Lim Seng Lee, there is no menu. Every table has the same dishes - braised duck, egg, duck internal organs, sambal kangkong and tofu. My favourite is the sambal kangkong and the tender duck meat that goes very well with the sweet vinegar chili and the dark gravy. The gravy also goes very well with both rice and porridge! Perfect combo!

Tucked in a corner of South Buona Vista Road

 

This place has got a rustic feel!

 

Boneless braised duck meat

 

 Sambal Kangkong

 

 Tofu

Duck's internal organs (which the friendly uncle likes to refer it to "spare parts")

Sweet vinegar chili 

 

 

The total bill came up to S$29.50 for the above (inclusive of 3 bowls of rice and 2 sour plum drink).

Unfortunately, after 45 years in business, the owner has decided to retire in June 2013. Do give this a try if you havent!

 

Address : 38 South Buona Vista Road

Opening hours : Mon to Sat from 10AM to 8.30PM. Closed on Sundays.