Brisbane's Best Pancakes at Pancake Manor and Flying from Brisbane to Bali

This post is part of our travels from Singapore to Brisbane (via Bali with Jetstar – $425 per person) and returning via a stopover in Bali (Brisbane to Bali via Jetstar – $300 per person). The last leg from Bali to Singapore was via KLM at a surprisingly affordable price of $79. This made the return flight from Singapore to Brisbane a rather affordable total of $800 SGD.

Too soon, it was already our last day in Brisbane. On day 6 of our travels in Brisbane, we started with a visit to Pancake Manor – which turned out to be probably one of the best pancakes in Brisbane. Thereafter, we revisited the Sky Deck at the Star Brisbane before flying out of Brisbane Airport to Bali…

This morning, we arrived at Budget Car Rental Brisbane CBD to officially return our car. All we had to do was to hand over the car key, the parking ticket at Margaret Street First Parking as well as the car mileage (read off and showed on our camera). We were literally out within a minute. Then, it was time for breakfast at Pancake Manor!

Pancake Manor Brisbane

The Pancake Manor Brisbane Review - Four Buttermilk Pancakes ($12.50), Seasoned Chicken ($6.50), Blackforest Cherry ($18.95) — The Pancake Manor Brisbane Review – Four Buttermilk Pancakes ($12.50), Seasoned Chicken ($6.50), Blackforest Cherry ($18.95)

Kate took us to Pancake Manor where she downplayed the place the very first moment we got it. She pointed to the grimy table and the poor reviews when we arrived. To Tom, the place did look old but had character with the medieval era chandeliers and knights in armour. The menu was quite well used but they did go digital with the QR menu. Ordering was done in person.

We ordered the Long Stack (four buttermilk pancakes at $11.95) and added seasoned chicken for $6.50. We also had the blackforest cherry – a chocolate pancake in cherry brandy sauce ($18.95). For drinks, we had a flat white and long black. We actually enjoyed the “rustic” atmosphere, where the premise was actually a church prior to Pancake Manor. Food wise, the pancakes were superb. The buttermilk pancakes were probably the best we’ve ever had. The pancakes at Pancake Manor were warm, thick yet fluffy (how can it be?!). Thick in volume, yet fluffy in texture. Unbelievably good! Together with the slightly salted butter and the not too sweet maple syrup, the pancakes at Pancake Manor are probably the best in Brisbane! The other surprise was the chocolate pancake which was more like a thin layer of brownie. The cherries were not too sweet and the ice cream gelled the entire pancake dessert together very well!

@2bearbeartravel We had probably the #bestpancake at #PancakeManor in #Brisbane. The #buttermilkpancakes were warm, fluffy and the butter was savoury with a not-too-sweet #maplesyrup! There was also a surprise with the Blackforest Cherry Pancake – it was like a mini brownie in itself. #yummy ! #pancake #pancakes #food #foodie #sgfoodie #foodtok #foodtiktok #foodlover #2bearbear #brisbane #visitbrisbane @visitbrisbane #thebest #simplythebest ♬ origineel geluid – Assie 💕

Sky Deck at The Sky Brisbane

See through glass at The Star Brisbane's Sky Deck — See through glass at The Star Brisbane’s Sky Deck

View from the Sky Deck The Star Brisbane

After breakfast at Pancake Manor, we strolled to the Star Brisbane to check out the Sky Deck during the day. The views were indeed very beautiful. The light gusts of wind also made the visit very enjoyable…

@2bearbeartravel The #skydeck at #thestar #brisbane is currently free. We visited it twice. Once in the morning and there was not much wait for the lifts up to level 23. However in the evenings, it was crowded. Both going up and down required some queuing. There are cafes, bars and restaurants up here to chill and enjoy the expansive views over #Southbank. Enjoy! ☺️👍 #attractions #visitbrisbane #2bearbear #travel #traveltiktok #travellife #traveltok #traveling #travelblog #travelblogger ♬ I Got It – thuy

Brisbane’s Best Pancakes at Pancake Manor and Flying from Brisbane to Bali — The old Victoria Bridge that crossed the Brisbane River

We crossed Neville Bronner Bridge to Streets Beach to stroll along South Bank. While chilling at Streets Beach, someone asked Kate if the water was salty. 😅 A pretty nice day to have a dip in the pool. We also checked out Boost (since it is from Australia) and found a new flavours (at least to us) – Blue Honolulu and Pink Paradise (Pink Dragon Fruit, Mango and Strawberry Yoghurt). We got the original size for $9.20 where we thought was definitely more expensive than in Singapore. Then we realised that eventhough Boost is from Australia, the manpower and fixed costs are much higher here, resulting in higher prices of Boost juices. Boost in Malaysia and Indonesia are much more affordable. We also took a shot of what’s left of the old Victoria Bridge that crossed Brisbane River, before crossing back from South Bank back to our hotel at Ibis Styles Brisbane Elizabeth Street.

Enroute to Central Train Station Brisbane for train to Brisbane Airport

Waiting for Train back to Brisbane Airport

We chilled in our room till 1145 when we received a knock on our door. Turns out that the check-out timing was at 11am. We apologised and left after freshening up. On the way to the Central Train Station, we saw directional signs that led us through an underground mall. Because of that, we didn’t have to climb the hilly slopes because of the escalators inside. We were still a little early but we took the 1216 train to Brisbane Airport (Brisbane Airtrain return tickets cost $20.90 per person). While waiting, we also checked out McDonald’s where we found that similarly, prices were higher – a Big Mac was $10.95 while the meal costs $19.95 for a meal with 6 chances on the Monopoly game. More expensive than Singapore but the quality and taste of the beef could be as good as the ones we had in McDonald’s New Zealand.

Corretto Cafe and Bar Brisbane International Airport

Our flight was scheduled to leave from Brisbane at 4:40pm and expected to arrive in Bali at 9pm via Jetstar. As we reached the airport at about 1pm, we waited for about 40 minutes before we could check-in. During check-in, the staff was quite strict and weighed both of our carry-ons as well as the handbag for the combined wait. We were unable to do self check-in by the machine because we would be flying out of Bali via KLM instead of Jetstar. This was also why the staff had to manually check us in and thus the checks on the weight of our bags.

Corretto Cafe & Bar Review at Brisbane Airport (International Terminal) - Angus Beef and Mozzarella Burger, Mushroom Spinach Pasta, Iced Chai and Bricklane Beer — Corretto Cafe & Bar Review at Brisbane Airport (International Terminal) – Angus Beef and Mozzarella Burger, Mushroom Spinach Pasta, Iced Chai and Bricklane Beer

After we got our tickets, we headed to Corretto Bar & Cafe again for our meal via Priority Pass. We ordered the Angus Beef and Mozzarella Burger ($25), Mushroom and Spinach Pasta ($24), an Iced Chai ($7.5) as well as a Bricklane Beer ($15.5 – Japanese styled lager). The biggest surprise was the pasta which was rich, creamy and cheesy with loads of spinach tossed in. An excellent dish overall.

@2bearbeartravel Arrived at Brisbane and had #breakfast at Corretto Cafe & Bar via #prioritypass. Tried the Eggs Benny with Smoked Salmon as well as the Breakfast with Avocado and they were really generous with the Avos. #Shiok, slightly salty with the bacon and sausage. Love the #FlatWhite 🤤😋 #food #foodie #sgfoodie #foodblogger #travel #traveltiktok #travellife #travelblogger ♬ Like I Do GALCHANIE COVER – GALCHANIE (แกลชานี่)

Plaza Premium Lounge on airside of Brisbane International Airport relocated

Airside of Brisbane International Airport

Plaza Premium Lounge Brisbane International Airport

Plaza Premium Lounge Brisbane International Airport Opening Hours - Closed when we arrived :( — Plaza Premium Lounge Brisbane International Airport Opening Hours – Closed when we arrived 🙁

After chilling out at Corretto Cafe and Bar, we entered to the air side at about 2:45pm, thinking that we would visit Plaza Premium Lounge on the airside of Brisbane International Airport. The security did take a while and we noticed that one of the passengers even had to clear out a drizzle (~5ml) of water from the bottle before clearing the checks – such strict adherence to the rules.

After we entered the airside, we followed the signs to the Priority Pass Plaza Premium Lounge but there was a sign that said that it was relocated to gate 77. Unfortunately, when we arrived at gate 77, we saw a sign indicating the opening hours – it was closed during our visit and would only reopen at 6pm. As we were the only flight out during this period, it could probably explain why the Plaza Premium Lounge was closed.

Departing from Brisbane International Airport to Bali International Airport

Jetstar flight from Brisbane International Airport to Bali International Airport

The flight from Brisbane to Bali took about 6 hours and we didn’t get to be seated next to each other due to “operational needs” – probably to meet the needs of parents/child seat arrangements according to what we observed. We actually didn’t visit the toilet or drank water throughout this 6 hours flight but was not really hungry nor thirsty either. Some hacks helped with soothing of the throat.

We also had inspiration to write a Christian song during this flight – “Jesus Lord (Messiah)” after reading Mark 8 where Peter declared and recognised that Jesus was the Messiah. Hopefully the song would be finished some day and we’ll be able to bring it to you our readers at an Youtube link near you! 😁

We arrived at Bali at 850pm local time and the pilot had to announce that we arrived ahead of schedule. Clearing the customs at Bali International Airport was a breeze for Singaporeans. First, you have to do the Indonesia Health Declaration known as Satusehat – there will be internet at the airport where you can connect, scan the QR code and fill out the declaration. Thereafter, there will be a QR code generated. Show it to the officer and you can enter the area for immigration. As we were Singaporeans, the officer pointed us to the electronic lanes. But after scanning, we were unable to get through. Nonetheless, there were expedited lanes between the electronic lanes manned by customs officers and pretty quickly, we were through.

After we reached the customs declaration, we had to submit another declaration electronically. Thankfully they had Wifi available just to do this. One person can do the declaration for the entire party though we noticed that declarations individually, would expedite the process. This is because, with individual QR codes, the officer would just scan the QR code and you can go.

Once outside, we followed the signs to the Grab lounge at Bali International Airport. There were alot of people touting along the way but we made sure that we entered the Grab lounge and used Grab app to get our car ride there. We sat inside the lounge while we waited for our ride. The process was smooth but the transfer was still 120k IDR or about $10 SGD to get to from Bali International Airport to our first hotel at Fave Kuta. Within 10 minutes, we arrived at our first hotel at Fave Hotel Kuta Bali…

Arriving at Fave Hotel Kuta Bali

Favehotel Kuta Bali Superior Room - TV and Desk — Favehotel Kuta Bali Superior Room – TV and Desk

Favehotel Kuta Bali Superior Room - Bed — Favehotel Kuta Bali Superior Room – Bed

Favehotel Kuta Bali Superior Room - Water and Coffee/Tea Amenities — Favehotel Kuta Bali Superior Room – Water and Coffee/Tea Amenities

At Fave Hotel Kuta Bali, the check-in was seamless. The only thing that was out-of-the-norm was that as guests, we had to scan a QR code to upload our own passport information. This job that is usually done by the receptionist, has been outsourced to the guests…

In terms of the room, though it was not exactly in tip-top condition (chipped walls and crooked door hinges), the room was fairly clean. Water was complimentary as well. Although the water pressure was not the best, hot water was readily available. At $50 SGD a night, we didn’t have much to complain about – overall a comfortable room.

@2bearbeartravel Our 5D4N in #Brisbane covering the #attractions at #Southbank,#food, #craftbeer and #shopping. Enjoyed the #pancakes at pancake manor and #beers and #schnitzel at #stoneandwood #brewery. Fantastic views via the free #cityhopper along #brisbaneriver! #travel #visitbrisbane #traveltok #traveling #travelblogger #traveltiktok ♬ Life is Beautiful – Deep Music

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@2bearbeartravel #Favehotel #Kuta #Bali is an underrated #hotel. Although its #room is not quite up to the mark but if you’re more of an outdoorsy person who needs a room just for the night, Fave Hotel Kuta could be just for you – take a look at the amazing rooftop pool that overlooks the sea in the distance, a beautifully decorated and quirky in-house restaurant as well as an excellent spa experience! Enjoy! 😍😍😍 #hotels #rooms #beautiful #nature #amazing #rooftoppool #infinitypool #indonesia #2bearbear #swimmingpool #pool #experience ♬ Weekend – Ashley Mehta