Author: biggingeradventures

This morning, we got up at 2.30am to leave at 3am to go climb an active Volcano! Yep you read that right lol

It’s erupted 26 times in total, I did ask if it was due one lol

It was 3.5 miles in total, and really hard, but I was very proud of myself for getting up there!

We reached the top at about 5.30am and the sunrise was from 6.10ish. They cooked us boiled eggs in the stream from the Volcano, which was very cool!

We got back to the hotel at 8 and was a great shower as was covered in dust from the dirt track and the motorbikes passing us.

A few views from the hotel…

Panji told us about Bali New Year, which is in March/April, depending on their calendar year.
The night before, they have parades with paper dragon, which are burnt later. The day after, they have to stay inside for 24 hours. No cars, no flights, no lights. No entrainment. This applies even to tourists. They would have to remain in their hotel complex with minimum light. Its to symbolise a new beginning or reset for the year. It was 22nd March 2023 (next year 11th March 2024). This holiday is called Nyepi.

Coffee Farm

Can’t remember the day of this place. However, they had a traditional village set up to show how they used to live. We tired a range of coffees and teas (clearly only the latter for me), which were very sweet!

Some of the guys tired cat shit coffee, yep, you read it right. Also known as Luwak, it is one of the most expensive coffees. There is a type of cat-like creature called a civet that eats the coffee beans, and then they used the popped out beans to make the coffee. I’m not sure how they worked out this was the best method, but it’s a big thing there.

We also helped make flower offerings for their temple, and there’s a video on insta that explains the colours, why, and where they sit within the offering.

Bali community lunch – G for good

On all G-Adventure trips, there is a project or charity that they support. On this one, we visited a community centre that has been set up and run by people with disabilities. Many of them have not had a proper education or social skills as they were hidden from society, as it was deemed black magic to have a disability. This project gives then the chance to learn, socialise, and board for 20 residents.

It was really nice to meet these people and the great work this project is doing. They cooked our lunch and it was fantastic.

Ubud

We then arrived at our hotel in Ubud, and we hit the pool and the cocktails!

Brahmabihara-arama Temple

Our plans changed today due to a ceremony at the village we were meant to be visiting, but Panji’s backup plan was perfect. We visited this temple, and there was hardly anyone here, so we could take photos and take in the beautiful gardens. There was a guy doing mirror shots, and as you can see, they were amazing! These are the iconic photos of Bali for me.

Kintamani local hot springs

We then went to the hot springs, I decided that with it being so warm, I’d have a beer in the shade instead of going in the sunny hot pool!

Black sands beach

We had lunch and drinks on the beach before going to our hotel higher in the mountains. These were the views from the hotel when we arrived at Lake view.

Today, we leave on the branded g adventure bus and are very grateful it has aircon!

Bali means offering, so we are on the island of the offerings. In the early 70s, law was passed that buildings can not be higher than a coconut tree.

Bali was colonised by the Dutch for 100 years and in 1945-1949 they stayed a war against the Dutch to be independent.

Temples
Every village needs at least 3 templates
1 for the god of water – built near water
1 for the god of protection – built-in centre
1 for the destruction – built near cemetery (god of death)

There can be templates for more gods, but these are the 3 minimum: family templates,village temples, and holy temples.

80% are Hindu, but they also have Buddhism, and a little of Chinese influence in terms of offerings to ancestors.

Colours and meanings
Black- North- soil, water,
Red – South – fire
Yellow- west-  prosperity
White – East – the beginning
The centre has all the colours – can be represented as green

Lifecyle starts in the east, pure and white, then south as young age your full of engery and fire, then west and yellow, you have lived your life and then north which is the end of your life 

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

These rice terraces are now protected by UNESCO as they use traditional manual methods with the rice. We tired some of thr

Daya Tarik Wisata Ulun Danu Beratan

Also called the floating temple, founded by the King of Mengwi in the 17th century. It’s one of the most photographed temples.

Two lakes view

We stopped off for a quick photo stop, as from this view you can see both Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan.

Some of the group held some of the animals that were at this stop, including a bat, snake, and iguana, not for me! Lol

Munduk Waterfall

Sunset in Munduk

In the evening, Panji gave us a traditional shot, though it is premixed with Sprite. One was enough got me!

Though he told us in Bali there are meanings behind how many shots you have…

1st glass – body – to make you warm
2nd glass – mind – more sharp
3rd glass – soul – relax meditate sleep
4th glass – turns you into a bird – you curp can’t control speech
5th glass – monkey – can’t control your body – jumping around
6th glass – turn you into a tree blown by the strom – no balance
7th glass – trapped mouse, you can’t move but still alive

After travelling through the night I arrived at Bali at 7.50am, sorting the visa and passport control was really simple and then a taxi over to when we were staying.

Did ask the hotel for a miracle to if my room was ready, which it wasn’t lol so on 2-3 hours sleep I met up with two of the ladies from the tour and walked to the beach for breakfast!

We went via the shop on the way back and then decided a dip in the pool, with a swim up bar for cocktails was a great idea!! I managed to get to 9.30pm after dinner before finally going to bed!

Day 6 – El Nido

Today, we travelled to our last location which was El Nido. Was a 5 hour bus ride and we got the burgers from Coco Rico to have on the bus for lunch!

We stayed at the Spin Hostel and was so nice to have air con again!

Day 7 – El Nido – Philippines Experience

Apart from when we have been in our private bus, the way to get around is trikes

For the Philippines experience we meet our guides and walked to their shack, they stopped and showed us different plants and trees along the way. Once there they had planned loads of activities including climbing a coconut tree, husking a coconut, decorating a bamboo shot glass, we made woven head bands and fish on poles. They taught us a traditional dance with bamboo poles and a game of tag. Lastly we helped cook a dish for lunch. It was very hot and then rained so I didn’t get involved in alot of the activities but enjoyed watching the rest of the group.

After the Philippines experience finished, the rest of the group did a zip line, Rachel and I walked down to a Vanila Beach to wait for them.

In the evening we went out for Thai food and then I tired a fertilised duck egg! Have to say it wasn’t too bad, tasted very meaty!

Day 8 – Island Hopping -El Nido

Another full day on a boat, this time we visited a couple of caves, got to see alot of coral and sea life snorkeling and a walk up Snake Island for a view of the sand Snake that  runs between the islands.

On our way back into the shore to finish the engine of the boat broke, luckily we were close and the guys rowing and pulling in the boat by the ankor. The guides on the boat were great, Jason said smell instead of smile which you couldn’t help but smile everytime he said it lol

As I was leaving the tour a night early to get to my Bali tour day 8 was my last night. It was margarita night at the hostel and we played Beer Pong but with rum and coke. We then went out for Karaoke and I sang Wilson Phillips Hold on!

Day 9 – Final day El Nido

Today was my last day before I started my journey to Bali. We started this morning with a canopy walk, which was not want I thought ll we had harneses and helmets and the route up was steep. Coming down was a lot scarier, but I managed it (just about).

After the canopy walk, we had our traditional Filipino massage! Was lovey!!

Day 4 – Island hopping and Island camping – Port Barton

Today we started our island hopping with a visit to a school. The kids were so excited for our visit, they had prepared dances for each class. Afterwards they were tasked with asking us our names and getting us to write them in their books.

We arrived at our private beach where we would be camping the night. Was so lovely, we spent the afternoon in the sea and then after our evening meal we had a bonfire and got to look at the amazing stats! And lightnings. Skinny, who was a musician that came to entertain us, sang and played the guitar. Our song of the tour came from this night with ‘fight like a warrior’! Two of the girls had birthdays and our guide organised decorations and cake for them!

The tents were close together as they were under the shelter, and people did hear me snore when I did finally sleep, I did have mattress as well. Thankfully, I had my hand-held fan and managed to keep it on the majority of the night.

Some of the girls played a prank on Ashley. They turned his tent around and padlocked the tent closed. When he finally came to bed, after a few drinks he was very confused hahahah

Day 5 – Island hopping – Port Barton

We had breakfast on the island and then set off to explore. We stopped for snorkeling and got to see some beautiful fish. I was abit scared though of the deep water so I wore a life jacket! A step further than Brazil as I won’t get in the sea from the boat there.

Bigaho Waterfalls

There was a little hike to the waterfall, and I was very glad I decided to wear my trainers!

We went to Star fish island, it was tiny, ,but we did get to see some chocolate star fish in the shallow water.

My first tattoo!

I had already decided at some point on this trip I wanted to get a tattoo and it had to be totoro with a backpack on. I was thinking Bali or Thailand, but Rachel had a friend that has done hers and one of the other guys was getting on too so made sense to do it here!

It did hurt but wasn’t as bad as I expected. I didn’t cry or scream, held my breath alot and grunted a couple of times lol 2 hours of pain, but I love it so much!

Day 1 – Manila

Unlike the other countries I’ve been in, I didn’t get a chance to write my blog as I went as the Internet connection across the country is pretty sketchy. Managed to get my insta photos and videos up and now I’ve arrived in Bali I can write the blog!

First impressions of the Philippines weren’t great, I stayed in a dodgy area of Manila, the hotel itself was ok but when I left it there was women and children begging. Not just begging but pulling my clothes  and banging on the window of my grab!

I personally wish I stayed at the hostel that the tour started at and paid abit more money. You love and learn!

Meet a couple of the group earlier than the welcome meeting and we headed for the Mall of Asia, I’d been there the days before so felt like a tour guide hahahah

We stupidly decided it would be a good idea to go on the ferris wheel, all 6 of us in 1 capsule… what were we thinking as we were cooking all the way round on the slowest ferris ride ever lol Ashley found his fan about 2 mins before the end lol

We started the tour with a group dinner at the z Hostel and then went up to the roof for photos with the flag and city backdrop.

Day 2 – Puerto Princesa

The next morning was an early start, so we could catch our flight to Palawan.

Once we arrived we stayed at a very nice hotel with a pool, aircon and cocktails!

That morning, we visited a prison, must admit this was the worst part of the trip, and I personally would have cut it out. Some of the inmates danced for us. They have 3 levels, max, medium, and minimum. We clearly only interacted with the latter.

We went to dinner in a jeepney, which was qn experience! At dinner I ordered a cocktail I really liked the sound of.. Banana baileys! But I’m sad to say it was vile!

Day 3 – Port Barton

Today we went to the Underground river, really enjoyed this one. Had to get a speedboat over to the entrance and then transfer to a long boat to go into the cave. We had to keep our mouths closed when looking up, not only to avoid the dipping water but potentially any presents from the bats that live in the cave, and there was alot of them!

We went for lunch just down the road from the river, they had a feature garden and buffet.

We tried the Tamilok, which is an oyster worm. Tastes better than an oyster!

We were staying at Elsa place on the beach! When we arrived their were kids from the local school playing for us! Was so cool to pull up to!

We have had a couple of showers, but this night was the worst. The sky opened, and the pathways and roads were all under water, so we got wet feet when we walked for dinner!

At Coco Rico, we had great burgers, and they did free drinks from 7-7.30pm and every hour free shots! It’s fair to say alot of the group went mental as you would expect lol

Night Safari

Loved the night safari, sounds werid but it was alot darker than I thought it would be lol you got to be so close to the animals! There was dark trials to walk to see them and then a tram ride as well. Loved the tigers, lions, rhinos, and the elephants! The 3 legged little leopard was super cute too!

Universal Studios

Back when I was at Ultima I would closely with Hayley when she was at Microsoft in the UK, think the last proper time we spent together was in Paris for a Microsoft event and we were to Disney land. She now lives here in Singapore and kindly gave up her Sunday to spend time with me!

We decided to go to Universal on Sentosa, not as big as I imagined, but we had a great time. As you know I’m not a massive roller coaster fan so the big ride we could see as we entered that went upside down was a big no, however the other rides you couldn’t really see what they were and Hayley did a great job of downplaying it and then bamm it was a scary roller coaster lol

The Transformers ride was good, it was 3D and you felt like you were falling, flying, crashing etc as the ride moved. There were a bunch of guys on that ride with us and their reactions were so funny it had us laughing.

The mummy ride was terrifying lol it was Hayleys favourite, and at one point it stops and goes backwards…I knew I was in trouble and then screaming my head off. The photo at the end was very funny.

We decided to go on the Jurassic Park water rapids, it started raining beforehand so we were getting wet one way or the other, however the water fills up in the footwells as well. One time, Hayley was glad to be short as she would lift her feet easily and somehow managed to keep them dry!

Mirek would have liked the Steven Spielberg attraction ‘ lights, camera, action’, where they showed us a soundstage come to life with special effects! Was very cool!

We went on a couple of other rides, shows but were done in about 3 hours. We were lucky it wasn’t too busy!

Pampering session

After Universal, we drove to a mall, and Hayley treated me to a foot massage and then a neck, shoulder, and back massage. The pressure or the massages was hard and omg there were times I was going to tap out but I didn’t. After all the walking in South America and carrying my backpacks, its fair to say I had alot of knots to work out lol

Horoscope cafe – Soul Coffee

After telling Hayley about the tarot card reading I had in Uruguay, she remembered a new cafe that was based around horoscopes. We had a aura crystal reading, mine came out that my work is stressful, and I need to do more to receive that stress and balance and h improve my health and meditate. The tarot cards said about mindfulness, so I might have to try it!

Danny’s tour and Arab street

We then met up with Hayley’s partner Danny, who is Singaporean. He took us for dinner and recommended chicken and rice, along with a lycee drink. We then had a drive through the red light district of Singapore, Lor 18 Geylang Road. Didn’t see too many of the girls, but loads of men looking for ‘massages’ lol

We then went to Arab street for some drinks before calling it on a great day!

This morning for breakfast, I went to a quirky cafe called Brunch Cafe. It was nice to have an English breakfast and tea before leaving here.

The Jewel Waterfall

Previously I had seen online that there was loads to do at Singapore Airport. So I decided to go today with no timing stress on the train. Was slightly disappointed, alot of the extra stuff was at a cost and couldn’t find some of the bits I thought were there. Never mind, saw the waterfall which is impressive and so tomorrow I can sleep in longer and go straight to the terminal

After South America, Singapore is more like home! UK plugs, you can drink the tap water, everyone speaks english and probably what I have missed most… you can flush toilet paper!!!

Can’t get used to any of that as The Philippines is next and you defo can’t drink that water, not even to brush your teeth and back to paper in a bin!

I’ve really enjoyed my time here, the weather though is abit changeable, I’ve had rain, thunder, cloud and sunshine all in the same day… see its like home lol

I’m staying at IYF Farrer, which are more like serviced rooms, it’s a nice place, good WiFi, comfy beds, everything you need in one building. Self serve laundry, cafe and gym (Sofia would love it!). Its also a great location in little India. Opposite side of the road is a shopping mail with a super market, shops and a range of fast foods and restaurants.

Gardens by the bay

Went to Gardens by the bay in the daytime, walking the skywalk and returned in the evening on the night bus tour to see the light show.

Flower Dome at Gardens by the bay

My favourite place at Gardens by the bay, the flower Dome was beautiful, full of colour and orchids.

Cloud Forest Dome at Gardens by the bay

This dome had the theme of the Avatar movie, which made sense with how it looked. The only thing I found disappointing was the ‘misting.’ I really thought it would fill the dome to look like clouds, but it was just a little bit.

Marina Bay Sands

Only walked through this iconic building, but as you can see I saw it multiple times and took plenty of photos!

Marina Barrage Dam

Marina Barrage is a dam built across the 350-metre wide Marina Channel to keep out seawater, creating the 15th reservoir in downtown Singapore. One issue they have here is water.

Merlion fountain

The symbol of Singapore is a statue with the body of a fish & head of a lion, shooting water from its mouth.

The long bar at Raffles Hotel

Glad I queued to get in here and order my Singapore Sling. They give you a bag of peanuts and you put the shells on the floor, it’s to do with littering being against the law. Felt like I was going to get told off lol also best Singapore Sling I had while there! Also most expensive of course lol

Lau Pa Sat food market

As part of the night bus tour we visited Lau Pa Sat good market and we tired the infamous Satay. We had two chicken satay included in the tour, I tired the Peanut sauce but wasn’t for me lol Met this lovely couple from New Zealand on the tour and they brought a jug of beer and gave me a glass – cheers 🍻

As I sit at the airport ready for over 24 hours of travel to Singapore (and already delayed), I wanted to reflect on my South America tour.

51 days with mainly the same people, I know poor them! But what a great bunch, we saw other tours along the way and made me appreciate our group so much more.

We had 3 different G-Adventure CEO Guides. Andre from Lima to La Paz, Flor from La Paz to Buenos Aires and then Vlad from Buenos Aires to Rio. They were all amazing and each brought something different to the trip and group.

Highlights were Machu Picchu, home stay at Lake Titicaca, Salta ranch and Iguassu Falls. Think I’d like to come back and spend more time in Argentina, didn’t drink as much wine or eat enough steak to never come back lol

It has made me appreciate simple things like how assessable water is at home and that we can drink from the tap, whereas here it is always bottled water!

Think the guys on this tour were hard to say goodbye to as it was so long, part of me hopes it’s not this hard on every tour as I have 6 more lol

gracias y adiós and for Brazil – obrigado e adeus