Bali Work & Play - Lia Cafe, Jimbaran Bay & Bebek Bengil, Nusa Dua

The breathtaking sunset of Bali that is the signature view of the magical island.

We took a taxi to Jimbaran Bay for seafood feast at Lia Café which I have been 2 years ago – read here.

The set menu here is quite affordable. We picked Set C which was Rp. 500k (approx. RM146) for 2 pax with lobsters, crabs, prawns, clams and not forgetting, Bintang beer.

By sunset, the beach was already packed with tourist diners.

Yummy!

The crabs aren’t the freshest I have tasted, but it was acceptable being cooked with sambal.

We couldn’t have enough of the chili – so spicy yet addictive!

Do drop by the jagung stall in front of Lia Café. You have the option to go for either sweet or spicy corn. We would recommend the spicy corn with chili powder which we thought was really delicious.

Lia Café

Address: Jl Pemalisan Agung,

Jimbaran, Bali, Indonesia.

Tel: 08 123981408

Next, we tried out Bebek Bengil, a dirty duck diner somewhere near The Westin Resort, Nusa Dua where we stayed.

The restaurant was surrounded by trees and diners can choose to be seated in the individual huts.

We had Bebek Bengil – the famous crispy duck and grilled duck served with Balinese sauce which was equally good.

In fact, everything was yummy and addictive when served with that bottom left chili. I finished all of it!

Balinese Sate Lilit was tender. Pick either fish, chicken or duck.

What a delightful afternoon. We could sit there, eat and listen to the distant waves all day.

Bebek Bengil – Nusa Dua Branch

Address: BTDC Complex, Nusa Dua Beach,

Bali 80361, Indonesia.

Tel: +62 361 8948111

More photos from my pool and beach time at The Westin Resort, Nusa Dua.

That sums up my work trip in Bali this year (although this post is nothing work related LOL). Where will the destination be next year? :)

Bali Work & Play @ The Westin Resort Nusa Dua

That beautiful island never failed to impress me.

It was my second visit to Bali and this time we spent the entire trip at Nusa Dua.

Last year, our annual convention was held at Phuket – read more about it here. This year, the management decided to organize it at Bali and it turned out that everyone loves that island because the attendance this year had way exceeded the expectation!

We stayed at The Westin Hotel at Nusa Dua which is approximately 45 minutes away from Kuta town where all the night scenes were happening. Which was fine for me to be honest, because I could stay at the hotel and utilize the facilities all day long if I were given a choice. Teehee.

2 double bed. Colleague was pleased because then I wouldn’t have kicked her off the bed :/

Freestanding bath tub! ^^ I could really use some flower petals.

The refreshing view from our balcony.

Chicken feet and bubble bath. Oh well.

Really, Westin has one of the best beds! I could lie down and laze all day long. And I am not even getting paid to say this! It is for sale as I recall when I passed by the lobby of The Westin KL. Not cheap :x

There is a private beach for the hotel guests with shaded day beds and lounge chairs. And even giant pillows! How thoughtful.

Managed to get my precious beach time as the first day was free and easy itinerary.

Still not tanned anyhow. Wouldn’t want to be! Don’t judge XD

The Westin Resort Nusa Dua Bali

Address: Kawasan Pariwisata Nusa Dua,

BTDC Lot N-3, Nusa Dua,

Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80363, Indonesia.

Tel: +62 361 771906

Website: http://www.westinnusaduabali.com/

Phuket Work & Play @ Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort

On April last year, I went to Phuket for the first time. Read my experience at Patong Beach, Phi Pi Island and Sea Sun Sand Resort.

Who knows that one year later around this time, I was summoned back to the beautiful island again? Except this time it was a work trip.

One of the reasons I always choose window seat.

First day was free and easy. We checked into Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort (such luxurious 5-star treatment!) which was located uphill around 5-minutes drive away from Patong town.

A quiet and secluded resort. It offers a private beach which in my opinion is way better than what Patong beach has to offer, unless you prefer a tourist-crowded area with vendors passing by selling you stuff every 10 minutes. My only complaint is the quality of food which was far from 5-star expectation.

We were exhausted after that early flight. Didn’t want to explore the town before we could get any rest so decided to pay 600 Baht for the breakfast buffet (which is normally served free to the hotel guests wtf). Took as much as possible even though our appetite was only THAT big. Teehee.

Every guest including us were presented a welcoming ornament while being ushered to the lobby.

Our room was impeccably clean and spacious.

A balcony facing the forest and the tennis court.

See-through bathroom! LOL. No bathtub though which kinda disappointed me :(

Off to Patong town after my beauty nap! Shuttle van is available every 30 minute for 2-way journey back and forth from Le Meridien and Patong town (with charges of 70 Baht per head if I’m not mistaken). We wanted to follow our own timing so decided to pay a little extra for the hotel chauffeur (240 Baht for round trip).

Randomly picked a restaurant that was the least tourist-targeted looking along Patong beach in order to fulfil my Tom Yam craving! Food might be cheap at other parts of Thailand but never in Phuket. One coconut costs 80 Baht T_T

When in Thailand, must eat pancake!

Chocolate banana is the best.

A lovely sunny day for beach walk.

Walked all the way to Jungceylon, a big shopping mall at Patong and Bangla Road. No there’s no bangla there. It’s the name of a famous street at Patong where all the night bars are located. Can easily find strip dance or Ping Pong shows here!

Nah we didn’t go for any of that. Wasn’t on a vacation remember? Long schedule ahead the next day :/

More Thai food for dinner.

Mandatory Thailand-made beer.

On the following day, breakfast by the pool. TBH I enjoy having meals outdoor especially when there’s great view (but kinda sad la can’t do it with my boy cause he complains about sweating all the time FML). Wouldn’t want to confine myself to the air-conditioned room 24/7.

Huge swimming pool right before the private beach.

Unlike Patong beach that rents their beach chairs for 100 Baht, here you get countless of them available FOC.

The weather wasn’t so good that day. First it was gloomy, then it started drizzling. I couldn’t get enough of the sun! Pfft.

Anyway do consider Le Meridien if you’ve got the budget. The private beach is definitely a place worth visiting if you’re seeking for serenity! :)

Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort

Address: 29, Soi Karon Nui, Tambon Karon,

Amphur Muang, Karon, Phuket, Thailand.

Tel: +66 76 370 100

Website: http://www.lemeridienphuketbeachresort.com/