10 Souvenirs to get from Bali & Singapore / 2017 Souvenirs Hauls

I finally have all the photos I needed to make this post happen, I have been meaning to post this forever! So here are they *drumrolls*  hauls I got from my recent trip to both Bali and Singapore. While I mentioned these two places, I did the majority of my shopping in Bali because things are cheaper thanks to the lower currency as compared to in Singapore. There were a lot more interesting souvenirs to shop from Bali anyway hahahah

#1 Bamboo Straws

I first found this being used in one of the warungs I was dining in Nusa Lembongan (if I remember correctly) and thought the idea to be novel! This simple bamboo straws are the answers to reducing the use of plastic straws.

I was glad when I heard Starbucks making an initiative to stop using plastic straws by 2020. Wished all consumers can do so too! To purchase these bamboo straws, check out Bali Life Bamboo Straws. There are several other other options like this foldable, metal straws from Lazada.

The whole climate change, pollution, and going greener for the sake of the environment has been in my head for awhile. I do agree us Malaysians are not giving back enough to the environment. Sure, we do plant trees, but air pollution from the One-Car-One-Driver concept especially in KL, not recycling (yet), not completely cutting out of plastic are definitely not helping our environment. 

This National Geography cover totally depicts our problem with plastic.

 Then of course, I read articles online saying plastic straws and bags make up a big percentage when it comes to polluting our rivers and seas then lead to animals like our fish, turtles and just everything in the ecosystem! So, join me in my

#BambooStrawsMovement!!!!

I have to admit it didn't occur to me until when I was at a restaurant in Nusa Lembongan was using bamboo straws. That totally pique my interest, I had to check with the waiter where I can get them. But then I didn't know, so now that you know, you can get them in Kuta or Ubud. Definitely, definitely get these when you are at Bali! They make cool souvenirs and help save the environment at the same time:DD

  

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#2 Get an entirely new attire!

This was exactly what I did! I bought two longue pants from Singapore's Little India, a halter tie-dye dress and printed skirt from Bali.

#3 Accessories

This bracelet is something I purchased from Matahari department store which I'm super loving! Told my BFF I got this for under RM10 and she remarked on how it doesn't look cheap LOL

I saw these rattan weaved bags with the insides decorated with batik, so pretty!!!

Unfortunately, it's above my budget, costing close to RM300 at Matahari department stores in Kuta. By the way, you hear me mentioned this place a lot in this post because I actually prefer shopping at the department stores or art markets who affixed price tags on their products. That way you won't get extorted _ I've dropped by several small art market and stalls selling souvenirs and the shop keepers were very keen on overcharging me. This is one annoying issue in Bali IMO.

My pretty, pretty batik and rattan handbag~~

#4 Kopi Bali or Luwak

You can find plenty of these in Art Markets in Bali. I got mine from Matahari Department Store's grocery section. There is an aisle dedicated for coffee alone and you'd be spoil with options!

#5 Local Snacks

 I dunno why, but these are super addictive!!!! Couldn't stop eating at all!

#6 Magnets

...because my family & I collects them :)

#7 Handicraft wares

From cups and plates made out of coconut shells, wood or shells to woven table mat and the list goes on! Coconut shells cups/bowls for my bestie because she asked for them.

#8 Homemade Soaps

I purposely bought homemade soup because I needed something with brightening effect in hope I can get fairer before my sis' wedding. Unfortunately, I only used for over a week! It slipped into the toilet bowl when I was using it (T___T) 

Bali (Day 8 & Day 9): Kuta

My last two days in Bali, I spent just taking my time in Kuta town. Day 8 was mainly walking around Kuta town which got to be my favorite place ever. Aside from that, I discovered Matahari Department Store along the main street and spent the entire evening shopping for souvenirs! I would definitely recommend people to shop there because it is one of the places with the best prices. Another is the art market not too far from this department store.

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Day 9 was my last day in Bali therefore I headed towards the south to one of the mall I found via Google. I didn't spend much time in the mall as there wasn't much to see. However, I happen to come across this warung called Babi Guling Karya Rebo on Google Maps nearby so off I went.

Ordered the Babi Guling set obviously! Everything tasted great. This was about 70k if I remembered correctly but it was well worth the try.

After filling my stomach, it's time to explore Jimbaran Beach. Afternoon's not the best time to hang out here, it was so hot! There were several restaurants open but only a handful of tourists. I'm sure by evening there would be more crowd.

Later, I took an ojek to another nearby mall which similar to the first mall I visited was so quiet! What's up with malls in Bali, like really?

I didn't find anything interesting but here I did find Oleh Oleh Krishna, which sells affordable souvenirs. I would definitely recommend either Oleh Oleh Krishna, Matahari Department store and some Art Markets along Jalan Pantai Kuta for souvenirs shopping in Bali. Some art markets which doesn't display price tags have their prices marked up for unsuspecting tourists. So one thing to look out for.

By then I was bored and had enough of ojek rides, and decided to retreat to my familiar spot _ Matahari Department Store to help get souvenirs for dear bff. "You had too much of paradise," my bff concludes when I told her I have enough of vacation. I never did thought I will get bored in a foreign country but that happened LOL

Back at Kuta and having completed my shopping, I stopped by a warung and ordered Kopi Bali. I don't usually take coffee in the evening (just my thing) but I wanted to have Kopi Bali before I head home. I super love the coffee! It tasted very much like Malaysia's version of kopi o but less thick (or kao as we call that).

Last sunset at Kuta Beach before my flight!

Dinner was at Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport. I wouldn't advice travellers to have their meals here because a lot of restaurants here are expensive!

Next destination, Singapore!

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While I was in Kuta for the last two days, I spend most of my time shopping and just chilling, Mostly because I quite enjoy having to ride an ojek every single time I needed to head to a different destination. I guess I prefer vacaying at countries where destinations are more connected by trains or by foot so I'd rather just spend my time shopping in Kuta. I wouldn't mind too much if I have company, perhaps.

Another irk that annoys me as a solo traveller in Bali is how a lot of locals, particularly taxi drivers, unlicensed ojeks and souvenirs stall/shop owners in Bali Island would take advantage on tourists! A less than 10 minutes ride whether on ojek or taxi will cost you 100kRupees, what extortions! I had several unpleasant experiences with this unscrupulous people in Bali, one man took to stomping his foot and howling when I rejected his overpriced ojek ride. Don't even get me started on a car rental company who tricked and robbed me! Downright despicable! It also appears that this 'culture' is even practised by airport staffs! Supposedly "free porters" (it's stated behind their uniform) would shamelessly request for tips. It also didn't help that my luggage was mishandled so badly that when I arrived in Kuta, there was a hole in my luggage. When I took the flight to Singapore, my luggage had fell apart... Totally WTF.

On the other hand, I enjoyed my time tremendously in the Nusa islands, which is new to tourism and therefore locals are way-y kinder and genuine, which I am truly grateful for! On top of that, I always, always felt safe. I do wish from the bottom of my heart that with the increased of tourist won't taint the local's attitudes.

Bali (Day 7): Ubud

I started my day pretty early which was a good thing because I didn't know the journey to Ubud from Kuta will take me a frigging whole one and a half hour! It was super smart of me to decide to ride pillion on this Uber motorcyclist, all the more. My poor bottom was hurting from the ride... But hey, it was cheaper than taking a car!

Such a cute weaved dogs statues!

Because it was almost noon when I arrived and I have not had breakfast, I stopped by at the only warung I found in the market, Warung Lokal before I continue to explore the town.

Chose fried rice and a rather huge portion of stir fry vegetables with pork. They were great except when I left I was bloated LOL

I walked around until I noticed a sign leading to a paddy field and being the adventurous me, I decided to walk along the path less taken. Ceh wah. Like seriously, it IS a path less taken _I didn't meet anyone along the alley!

Reached my destination but unfortunately it wasn't the Ubud's famous rice terrace. I really wanted a view of the terrace, but didn't managed to because not long later it poured and I took shelter in Ubud's Starbucks.

 If you follow me on Instagram, you'll see me posting this photos already. If not, here is the photo of my Ice Pink Machiato, taken behind Starbucks. A lotus pond is right behind the building! Took refuge in Starbucks because it was raining.

 

 

I simply walked and walked for several hours, window shopping by several boutiques which I came across and snapping photos here and there. That's the fun part of walking you see! 

  

Once I had enough of walking, I Uber-ed back to Kuta. I couldn't find any Uber motor so I had to resort to choosing the car, which was almost thrice as expensive at 170kRupees!! That's the bad thing about travelling solo! My friends who have never done solo travelling tell me how boring it can be, but that's the least of my concern. Safety wise in Bali and the Nusa Islands, I find it really safe for female solo being one myself but still wouldn't recommend going out super late, like in the wee morning. I had, however, once dropped by a 24-hour convenience store at midnight in Kuta.

Anyway, it was 2 hours (the traffic from Ubud to Kuta was horrendous!) when I arrived home. I was terribly tired and simply opted to have mixed rice for dinner at the warung close to my homestay.

Bali (Day 6): Nusa Lembongan & Kuta

Day 6 marks my last day in Nusa Lembongan. I started my day by having breakfast at TS Hut, a warung just walking distance from where I stayed. Breakfast is kopi Bali (Bali coffee) and banana pancakes. Simple but yummeh!!

When I first met my host, he mentioned of one Nusa Lembongan's secret beach which I was dying to check out. My hike led me to the path less taken, shrubs and .... . I didn't find this super secret location but instead, I found a quieter, sorta hidden beach!

     

It wasn't long before it was time to head back to Kuta. So off I took yet another bumpy speedboat ride to Sanur. I am so missing the Nusa islands right now. Would definitely love to be back!

My next agenda is to check into my new stay. This is probably the only trip that I have done that requires me to check into and out of so many AirBnbs! This is like my sixth and thankfully last stay. I think this place looks great on the outside but the room I was staying was really basic and badly ventilated. Worse, the water reeks of strong sea water. Overall just OK, if you're not too fussy you can opt for this. Thankfully, the host managing this place is friendly which made it better.

OMG the tan... Took months for that to fade! I'm so-o skipping islands and beaches for awhile.

Lunch I had it at a random warung just outside my new stay.

It was only later I was introduced to the term Nasi Kuching by my friendly Indonesian buddy to describe the rather meagre portion of the meal.

And those were most of it from my day! Since I was tired from the whole adventure, I spent my evening resting. This can be considered one of my most relaxing trip where I spent a lot of time doing nothing hahaha