This was my first trip to Bali & thought I would do a quick JBR as I got so much valuable info from the forum before I left. We weren't there for very long & didn't really do a lot but hopefully somebody will get something useful out of my report. The exchange rate didn't fall below 7 000 while we were there.
Day 1
We flew Air Paradise from Perth and left on time at 10am. Some of the crew were dutch as the plane was leased from Transavia (a Dutch airline). I was surprised at how much food was served! Before take off we were given a bottle of water. Lunch was a choice of ravioli or chicken. I had the chicken which was nice served in a chilli type of sauce with rice.
Drinks were served and to get another you simply buzzed & one of the crew came and helped you.
Next came ice cream followed by chips and chocolate, then later lollies and mints.
The flight took 3 hr 15mins and landed at Denpasar on time. Was quicker than I expected to get through immingration and VOA. Got my bags of the baggage carousel & held on tight so the Porters didn't get them.
Had transfers organised and about 20 mins after we went to get on the bus in the carpark, we we checking in at Discovery Kartika Plaza. In a pack of hotel info we had a free voucher for a massage each and a free buffet dinner which we could have at the hotel restaurant.
The grounds of the hotel are very beautiful. All very nice and green. Great pool area with swim up bar. Happy hour is 5:30 - 7:30 with 2 for 1 drinks. The staff were friendly. The housekeeping team, bell boys - they all said hello when you walked past.
Was shown to room which was not overlooking the pool (which are the preferred rooms) but we were overlooking a garden and could see a little bit of the ocean. Has a king size bed (2 singles pushed together). Good size balcony for 2 people with nice table & chairs.
Thought the bathroom could do with retiling. Once we dropped of our bags, we headed across the road to a supermarket and bought some chips & drinks. Emptied the mini bar and filled the fridge with the stuff we bought. Got changed into our bathers and headed down to the pool. I thought the pool was a little too warm to be refreshing but it was still nice. A thunderstorm was on its way and it was nice laying in the pool watching the lightning cracks over the water. At about 4:30 the wind picked up and the rain started pouring so we headed back to the room to make a start on the duty free alcohol. The rain lasted about 1 ½ hrs.
Headed out to have a look around and ended up at Green Garden Café for tea which is just south of our hotel. Between the 2 of us we had 1 nasi goreng,1 fried noodle and 1 serve of chicken satays. All very good. I think the total bill including a couple of drinks was about 75 000 - 80 000rp. We had planned on doing the 3hr Royal Bali package each at the Green Garden Spa and while we were having tea, the girls came round trying to get bookings. This was convenient for us and we booked a package each for Sunday. Had a quick look through the DVD store over the road then headed back to hotel for an early night. On the way asked at MBA tours about WWR price.
I went to have a shower and soon discovered that water temperature was either cold or scalding hot. Was too tired to worry about it that night so went to bed with getting the shower fixed first on the list of prioritys for the next day.
Day 2
I woke early (around 7) which I did every day in Bali! This surprised me because I usually sleep til about 9 at home on the weekend and holidays. Just laid in bed for an hour until my boyfriend woke up. First thing I wanted was a shower so we rang reception and explained the problem that the hot & cold was not mixing in the shower & they sent somebody up. We explained to the first maintence man and he went and got somebody else to have a look at it. He thought we meant we had no hot water so it took us about 20 mins to explain what we meant the problem was and when he realized what we where talking about he said he would have to get into the wall to fix it when we go.
We asked to move rooms as I wasn't going to not have a shower for the week - especially staying in a 4.5 star resort!! We left it up to the hotel to sort it out while we went and got some breakfast. Went to Hotel Kartiki restaurant which is kind of opposite Chi Chis and had 2 eggs (any style) tiny bit of bacon and some juice for 15 000rp each. Good value.
After breakfast went straight back to hotel because I desperately wanted a shower. Checked with reception and they said they will move us to a new room on the 3rd floor and asked us to wait in our room and they will send somebody up with the new room key & to help with our luggage.
After waiting about 40 mins my boyfriend went to the pool for a swim while I waited for the bell boy. Made another call to reception and said somebody was on their way. About 30 mins later we were finally in our new room! It was now about 12:30. What a waste of a morning! Had a shower to discover that it leaked and flooded the bathroom. Didn't care - at least we could shower although we did go through a lot of towels having to mop it up each time.
We decided to go to Geneva to see what the hype was about & it well lived up to it! This place was excellent! If you ask, the hotel can call a taxi or driver for you over the loudspeaker and then in about 2 mins one is in the foyer waiting for you. After reading the advice on here, I asked for a light blue taxi. It cost about 17 000rp from our hotel to Geneva.
A girl gave me a trolley and apologized as she would have to follow us around as her boss was in the shop and she didn't want to get it trouble. She wasn't at all intrusive and was happy to answer any questions that we had. Some things we bought were
7 bottle wine rack - 38 500
Photo frames with shells on - 10 000
Photo Albums - 14 500 - 25 000
Fruit bowl - 28 000
8 Cloth Placements - 1 400 each
10 wooden coasters - 7 000 total
Bead & shell bracelet - 3150 (I later saw these in Matahari for 13 000!)
Shell bracelet - 1 450
Tissue box holder - 5 000
I would have bought a lot more but unfortunately it just wasn't going to fit in the suitcase. We spent about 2 hours here and really loved the place. When we were ready to leave there was a driver of a light blue taxi waiting for some other people but he called another driver for us and 5 mins later we were back on our way. Had planned to stop in Legian on the way back to look for beads & jewelry but had too much shopping so back to the hotel to drop in off.
We wanted to go Whitewater Rafting and to Waterbom over the next 2 days so we went to book. Went back to MBA tours which is outside of the Go Karting between Kartika Plaza and the Dynasty (on opposite side of the road). They gave us a bottle of water each while we got things organized. The first price they gave us was 225 000 each which I would have been happy to pay but when we said we were booking for 8 they gave it to us for 210 000 each. It was through Bali International on the Telaga Waja river. Pick up 8:30 the next day. Went to Daddys Café and had a toasted sandwich each as we were just a little peckish. Cant remember what we did for the rest of the day but we went and booked our free hotel massage for 5pm the next day at the huts in the hotel grounds. We were really tired and didn't want to go too far so it was back to Green Garden for tea. Tried beef satays this time but found them to be really chewy. The chicken ones were much better. Bought cds at the shop of the road. 10 000 each get one free.
Before we left home, I burnt all the digital pics I wanted developed to Cd. There was a fuji shop across the road where I put the cd in and had the pics developed. 1 500rp per print. Good quality - no different to getting it done here.
Back to the hotel for bed.
Day 3
Up early for breakfast to be ready for 8:30 pick up at hotel foyer. There was 8 of us and we stopped to pick up another 2 from Bounty. Called into Bali International offices on the way where they gave us a bottle of water each and we gave them vouchers & remaining balance. Then we were shown a video of what to expect. I was not looking forward to the drop over the weir at the end!
Back in the van and on our way to the mountains. A very beautiful drive up there. Arrived at the start point and gave the guides our stuff we wanted to take in the waterproof bag on the boat cameras were ok). The rest was left in the bus and the driver to our bags to the other end so we had dry clothes to change into after shower.
The guides were very good and knew what they were doing. Got all the safety gear on & then it started raining so we had the demo inside. I wore sneakers but next time will definitely by river sandals as my shoes weren't dry when it came to packing. I was nervous about the day but it was great fun and wasn't as rough as I thought it would be. The guide did most of the paddling. I recommend you do this if you get the chance.
Came to the end of the 12 km course and we had to get on the floor of the raft to go over the edge of the weir. It was great watching the faces of everybody as the come down!
We started our way up the stairs (I didn't count but there were heaps!). At least it hadn't rained in the past 2 hours so it wasn't too slippery. About ¾ way up are the change rooms which were very clean. I got laughed at when I asked if the showers were hot! After we changed headed around to the restaurant for lunch. The buffet was fried rice, fried noodle, sweet n sour pork, satays, cap cay. All very nice. Bought 1 photo and took a couple of the view from restaurant. After lunch, after a few more stairs to the carpark then in the van for the drive back to hotel. It felt like it took a lot longer to get back than to get there - and I think we got caught in peak hour traffic!
Back at the hotel we showered then headed out for massage. This was a delightful way to spend ½ hr and was now looking forward to the 3hr package at Green Garden. Even though it was free, I would go back again and pay to have one.
After massage we went into Kuta Square for a look at the surf shops and Matahari. I wanted to buy a Sim card at Matahari so I could ring home on Xmas but they said they didn't have any. Tried on some shoes in Edward Forrer that were $12 Aus but they were too small for my big feet. There was a big feet section of shoes but none to my tastes unfortunately. I read that there was another store in Legian so planned to check that out. Decided on Mexican for tea and although I really wanted to go to TJ's, because of the new travel warnings a few days before we left, I didn't want to venture too far away from the hotel at night. We settled for Chi Chi's and have to say we were really disappointed. This was the worse meal we had in Bali. I had a burrito and b/f had the 3 piece chicken meal which was a piece a grilled chicken, chicken burrito and chicken enchilada. The meal with drinks cames to about 150 000. The burritos weren't Mexican flavoured - there was no salsa taste. It really was awful.
There was a shop just a little down from Chi Chis thatI saw sold Sim cards. I bout a sim card with 25 000 rp credit for 70 000 and a 50 000 top up credit. I have never used a pre paid before so they guys were very helpful and put it in my phone and switched it to English. It all worked well. Sms to Aus was 500rp each and phone call was about 8 000rp per minute.
Bought some Dvds on way home then into bed.
Day 4
Today was Waterbom day. Went out to breakfast at Daddys Café which is opposite the Dynasty. Wow! These breakfasts were huge. The full American breakfast was 32 000 (I think) and had eggs, bacon, toast, pancake, fruit, hashbrown, tea & coffee.
After letting breakfast settle, made our way just down the road to Waterbom after stopping to buy a hat on the way. 20 000 rp each. We had to barter with a bit of effort to get that price but then when other stall holders see you wearing a hat already, they offer you hats from their shop at 10 000. This was also the case for jewelry. For a bracelet, if I was wearing one already I got a price a lot cheaper than when I wasn't wearing jewelry I had bought over there.
I wasn't all that keen on going to Waterbom but b/f really wanted to so I went. It was a good day out and to me a Waterpark is a waterpark so I don't think theres too much need to describe it in detail. After all the stairs we climbed to get to the top of the tower we were buggered by the end of the day. Went to Impala restaurant which is right beside Kartika Plaza. This is my favourite restaurant and wish I went there earlier. B/f had been starting to feel a bit sick late in the afternoon (think he drank too much water going down the slides!) so we ordered a medium fried rice & medium chicken & cashew to share. Before the meals came out he had done a few trips to toilet and wasn't doing to well. He ate a little and I ate a lot - the serves where huge and so tasty - I can still taste the stirfry sauce now & I want some more!! I really did love this place and want to go back to Bali even to just eat at this restaurant! Had to quickly pay and leave so my partner could get back to the hotel room. Anyway, he was up sick most of the night - which meant I was aswell.
Day 5 - Xmas
Because we were up most of the night - had a bit of sleep in. Got some immodium for B/F but he couldn't really move so at about lunchtime I went off by myself to do some shopping. Called in and had pizza hut for lunch. Tastes exactly like pizza hut at home if not better. I had plans to go to Legian the next day for clothes shopping so I mainly just wanted to find some beads. In my notes, I had a bead shop 'Satria' which was supposed to be opposite Supernova supermarket. I found Supernova and came upon a bead shop that was kind of across the road but it wasn't called Satria ( I forget the name). Their beads were only mainly seed beads but a big pack was 1900rp. They also sold a lot of buttons, ribbons etc. Its actually more of a craft shop than a bead shop. On our last day in a cab we drove past Supernova whiched looked a bit different so maybe the supermarket takes up a block & I was looking for Satria on the wrong road. Nevermind. I didn't like a lot of the jewelry in the market shops because I thought it was really yellow. I did find a couple of really nice white pendants which I bout for 30 000 rp each.
Went back to hotel to check on boyfriend and he was still in bed (he had a very memorable Xmas!!). I Went down to pool with a book and lazed about for an hour or so before heading back to room. We just ordered some room service for dinner as he didn't feel like going out.
Day 6
I woke not feeling to good today but it was my 2nd last day so I wasn't going to spend it in bed! I bypassed breakfast while bf went out for a toasted sandwich. He had order a wooden bar plaque from a man that has a market type stall set up at back of foyer in the hotel. He went down to pick that at. It cost 140 000 with gold border and writing. Our fingers were crossed this would get through customs ok. Probably could have got it cheaper but we were happy with the price and that's all that matters.
Today was our massage at Green Garden. We were told pick up would be at 8:45 but they didn't show up til about 9:10. Got to the spa and was served a cold juice each. The girls were friendly and asked if we wanted to do the same package so we could do it all together but we stuck to the separate his & her package. The treatments lasted for about 2 ½ hrs then as part of my package I had a herbal bath but they said bf could come in with me (jeeze!).
Out of the bath to some ginger tea waiting for us. I don't really like ginger but the tea was ok very sweet with honey & lemon I think. I couldn't drink it all though. Into our bathers & out to the Jacuzzi. The girl said we could go into the steam room (I passed and stayed in the spa but bf went it!). After the steam room a dip in the pool - it was nice to go in a cold pool - very refreshing. Back to get dressed then transport dropped us back at hotel. I had to have a shower as I was still covered in the lotions and potions they had used (but I did smell very nice!)
I still wasn't feeling 100% but thought after lunch I might be ok. Bf didn't feel like anything spicy and decided he wanted pizza. I said ok because I couldn't be bothered walking to much further. I ate about half of mine and we were going to go to Legian that afternoon but I needed to go rest first. At about 3pm I got up and we went to get a taxi. The plan was to start at Rum Jungle road, doing as much as we could then go back tomorrow to finish off. That plan didn't work. It was so hot and I kept needing to go to the toilet. I had a look in a couple of shops for bead but it was too hot I couldn't concentrate & couldn't be bothered bartering. B/F was getting a little annoyed but I told him to keep quiet because at least I was out unlike him the day before. I really wanted to go to the memorial so we agreed that once we made it there and had a look we would get a taxi back to hotel. It was very moving to stand at that memorial and I was very close to crying reading the messages on the wall on the other side of the road.
Saw a light blue taxi and asked him to take us to Kartika Plaza but he said the traffic was too busy and it would take too long. Oh no. We kept walking and I was surprised that it wasn't as far as I though it would be. I did pass lots of shops that I wanted to go to but as tomorrow was our last day I decided I would have to come back in a couple of months with either my girlfriends or sister for a big shopping trip. Once we had our bearings of where we were, I headed back to hotel for a sleep while bf went to Kuta Art Markets to buy some shirts. He paid 30 000 each for 4 quiksilver shirts. He also bought cds for 10 000 each where you get a few freebies if you buy 10. He also bought me a couple. Billabong & quicksilver aren't on display in market shops but if you ask for them they appear in bags in hidden cupboards and draws.
Made it back to the hotel for a rest and tonight was roast night at the hotel restaurant & we had planned to use our free dinner voucher for it. Headed down about 8pm. There was beef, lamb & pork and quite tasty. Served with potatoes and pumpkin.
Back to the room for rest. BF tried on his shirts and they were all too small! Decided he would go back in morning to change them for bigger size. Even if we had to pay a little extra, that would be better than having shirts that don't fit!
Last Day
I heard about the tsunami disaster last night & thought mum might worry and try to contact me so I left my phone on overnight. About 7am a message came through checking we were ok and how close we were to it. On the news in the hotel I knew it was bad what happened but it wasn't until we got home that we realized the extent of the devastion. I had been in Phuket earlier this year & the pictures on the news were taken from the Novotel where we stayed over there. My thoughts and best wishes go out to all those effected by the disaster.
Today was our last day and as we hadn't heard about our transfer time, on the way to breakfast we asked the Guest Relations girls to confirm them for us. Nobody was answering and she told us to check with her again on our way back. We went too worried because if it came down to it we were confident enough to get a taxi to airport.
Got breakfast and while we were sitting there a funeral precession went past. All the traffic was stopped and the Balinese were wearing traditional type outfits with lots of the women carrying lots of food. Today was the one time I didn't take my camera down town with me & I really wish I had of.
After breakfast, we went and changed bf shirts to largest size. Probably could have done with a little bigger but that was the biggest they had so we took it. I also bought 3 pairs of earrings for 25 000 total.
BF bought a Bintang singlet and Jim Beam for I think 45 000 total. I really, really wanted to go to Toko Central which had been recommended on the forum so we decided to walk there and get taksi back because it was starting to rain a little. It was easier to find than I was expecting. This place is excellent and was very busy. There are beads packed into counters and hanging from the roof. I noticed they sold earring hooks in bulk packages but didn't see any crimps and clasps. I could have bought half the shop but with the wine rack I was already very nervous about luggage limits. Headed out the shop and couldn't see any taxis so we said wed walked and pick one up if we saw one. Just as we packed our bags (all the beads were weighing us down!) a light blue taksi pulled in with nobody in it. I thought he must have been picking up others but still asked him & he said he just needed to buy glue but uf we wait a couple of mins he will take us back. Phew!
Back to the room and cram all our stuff in. The rest of the group we traveled with were staying a few extra days so we put our bags in their room and went to lunch. Checked about transfers again but still nobody answering.
Went back to Impala. I had nasi goreng which was delicious but I was scared to eat too much because I didn't want my stomach playing up on the aeroplane. Bf had a big cheeseburger.
Went and spent most of our money but left a bit for a drink at airport & in case we need to get a taxi there.
Got back to the hotel about 3 and the girl tried about 10 different numbers & got through to somebody. Pick up would be in 30 mins. Went up, got our stuff together, checked we had passports, tickets etc. All ok. Said goodbye to the others & went to lobby were driver was waiting for us.
Off to the airport in absolute pouring rain. I am a nervous flyer but thought it is probably safer in the air at the moment than on the ground with the aftershocks of the earthquake.
Check in ok. Flight was to leave at 6pm but boarding time was 5:20 because we had to get on a bus to be shuttled to plane. Lots of food again. A choice of chicken and veggies or cannelloni then ice cream, chips or chocolate and mints.
Arrived in Perth a couple mins early and although we were at the back of the plane we were one of the first in line for immigration. Thought might be able to get through quarantine checks quickly but it tooks ages for our bags to come out so we were back to the middle of the pack. All our Geneva stuff got through fine as did the bar plaque. We had put the dvds & cds in a different suitcase to the stuff we were declaring. She asked to look in both cases though to save us going through xray. She saw them in there but didn't say anything. After landing about 9:15 we were in the car on the way home at 10pm.
I did love Bali and although I was nervous to go with the new warnings just before Xmas, Im glad I went. I never felt unsafe although I wouldn't go out late at night time. You just have to do what your comfortable with.
Our hotel had about 4 guars during the day & 8 at night and they checked every car and scooter that went through regardless of whether or not tourists were in the cars.
I think our hotel may have had more guards than others because the hotel driveway was also used as entry to the new Discovery Shopping Mall next door. On my days by the pool, I also saw guards walking along the hotel boundary on the beach!
I asked one of our taxi drivers if all hotels had security and he said every one of them. The Balinese were upset that there wasn't many Australians over there & I was surprised at how quiet it was.
The timeshare people were really bad around Matahari and Kuta Square - you just have to ignore them.
For those who have doubts about Bali for safety reasons it is your decision on whether or not to go but nowhere is completely safe from ANYTHING and I guess the tsunami disaster has shown that.
I love Bali and cant wait to go back!
P.S - Sorry for any spelling or grammar errors but I just wanted to get it finished!