Getting to Bali ($1,422.50)
I booked my flight 1 week out from my departure date, so I’m sure this flight could be more economical if planned more in advance. I flew Korea Air with a layover of just under 90min in South Korea. Their airport is pristine and very easy to get through, so no worries there with time. They do warn you about cannabis 😆
- Flight Cost: $1,324.25
- ORD –> ICN 14 hours (1hr 20min layover)
- ICN –> DPS 7 hours
Luckily I was in the exit row both flights, so I had plenty of legroom. Entertainment:
- I read “The Woman in the Window” cover to cover (4/10)
- Movie: The Old Man and the Gun (6/10) Based on a true story. Cute.
- The Green Book (6/10) based on a true story. Also cute, but pretty cheesy and predictable. Surprised it won an Oscar.
- I think I watched another movie but I can’t remember. Will update if I do.
Customs in Denpasar kinda sucked, but only because there were a ton of people. We landed at midnight, about a 15min walk to customs. A 1hr 10min in line to get through, then about 10-15min in the line after baggage claim to give the customs form to the last gate keeper person.
At arrivals I looked for my name on a sign in a crowd of 100+ drivers, then a pleasant air conditioned ride to my temporary hotel (Umalas) due to scheduling confusion when booking my stay at Nuala Retreats.
Nuala Retreats ($2,612.00)
I paid $2,490.00 USD through PayPal + $122.00 USD cash in person at Nuala for the PayPal 4.9% charge. Included in my stay:
- Private en-suite room 2pm Checkin 4/26 – 10pm checkout 4/30
- Car service to and from the airport
- WiFi
- Housekeeping and Catering Staff
- Daily Morning Beach Walks
- 4 Morning Yoga Sessions
- 3 Afternoon Meditation Sessions
- Smoothie & Salad Demo w recipe
- 4 spa treatments (Welcome massage, choice of either mani/pedi or hydrating facial, then two choices of foot/shiatsu/Balinese massage)
- Cultural Day to Ubud: Tirtta Empul purification temple, Tegallalang shopping, Sound Healing in Pyramids of Chi)
- All meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks specified to my dietary preferences
Other Costs: $98.25
- Lyft to O’Hare $20.00
- ORD Breakfast Urban Olive $12.25
- ORD Hudson (2 books, dried fruit & mints) $60.00
- ICN Starbucks $4.00
- Airport to Hotel Driver Tip: $2 USD