Everything about Le Meridien Bali Jimbaran is about the Saltwater Lagoon. The moment we arrived at the lobby, everyone including myself was drawn to the floor to ceiling glass overlooking the saltwater lagoon.
When I was told of this place called LAT’s Place in Johor, I did what anyone who is internet savvy would do, google it. There were not many results, and most links doesn’t give away much. And so I hop on the bus to Johor with a group of media from KL, all the while wondering what could be so unique about this “theme restaurant” and hoping that it’s worth the 5 hours journey.
Besides Lat’s Place, our media trip covers Hello Kitty Land as well but that was scheduled for the next day. Our dinner upon arrival was at Lat’s Place so my curiously was almost instantly satisfied.
When I was in Club Med Bali, I was hosted in the Deluxe Garden View Terrace, which is one of the standard configuration for the rooms here.
For a better idea of the layout of the room you can view it on VIDEO:
On our 3rd day in Shanghai, our itinerary were a bit more cultural compared to the day before.
We rose to explore the gardens of government officer of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) named Pan Yunduan. According to our guide, this officer was high in ranks, and retired wealthy.
Pan Yunduan built it for himself and his family. Today the garden had undergone many changes since its beginnings 400 years ago.
After the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and lunch we headed over to Shanghai People’s Square which is located at the very center of Shanghai and was the demarcation point of East Nanjing Road and West Nanjing Road. The key phrase here is “Nanjing Road”; as this area is very popular for shopping!
But more on that later while I bore you with some essential facts about People’s Square. 🙂
** Facts taken from the WWW – This area was once the racecourse regarded as the ‘No.1 racecourse Far East’ but was destroyed later.
In 1949, the People’s Avenue was built across the center of the area with the People’s Park built on the north side and the People’s Square on the south part. By the end of 1993, through a comprehensive reconstruction, it covered an area about 140,000 square meters and has become the largest public square of the city.
Just a month ago I was in Shanghai, shivering in 2-8 Celsius and eating 20 dishes at one meal. But I can’t complain, since it was my first visit to Shanghai and I had a blank canvas to fill.
BELOW: A typical meal in Shanghai. Oh yums! :DD
After 5 days, I have toured picturesque gardens, stood high over Shanghai city in Oriental Pearl TV Tower, cruised over water villages and posed with famous celebrities (albeit wax ones).
After a long day of diving (post on that soon!) we came back to the hotel famished.
The current operational F & B outlet at Le Meridien Bali Jimbaran is Bamboo Chic, headed by executive chef Paul Lewis (you have met him HERE) and food, on the whole, is excellent. The menu is a crowd-pleaser as Chef Paul takes on traditional cuisine; albeit some with added unorthodox twists, as well as western favourites such as burgers and pizzas.
I try to visit the local market in every state or country that I go to. Many people may not understand it, but I think wet markets and grocery stores/supermarkets are a fabulous way to experience the culture as well as to acquire better understanding of the locals’ way of life, plus not to mention the dietary habits of a state/country.
Besides, I have a fascinating obsession with fresh produce. 😀
This is the popular Mahi-Mahi fish by the way, that has a mild sweet flesh that can be eaten raw (sashimi style) or grilled, baked or pan-fried.
