Hi everyone after a 15 night holiday we have just got back to the cold reality of Melbourne..This was our 3rd trip the last being 10 years ago and this was different in that this time we travelled with our 2 kids aged 9 and 6.
Below is a brief account that may help some 1st timers.
Left 9.30am Sunday 15th flying Garuda, had no problems. One movie -Electra, Seinfeld and an ok lunch provided. We took a small 7'portable DVD player - highly recommended,gameboys and colouring books to entertain the kids. Packed 3 suitcases into one and minimal clothing. Secured with locks and cable ties.
VOA - Had no problems and paid in rupiah. Paying in US$$ may be a little faster. A firm NO thankyou to the porters. Out of the airport in 15 min via transfers provided. - love that Bali smell.
Bali Garden Hotel - great location, beach access, opposite Waterbom, Bubba Gumps, next to Discovery Mall and just up from Mataharis. As per other forum entries this is pretty much as documented. Family rooms are quite large, bathrooms a little tired, a/c, tv, frig, inroom safe and 15 litre water cooler all good. Everything quite clean. A little noisy at night from Star Surf café across the road, this normally ended at 12.00am.
Good breakfast buffet provided with cooked while you wait omelettes, eggs and pancakes. Toast, croissants, fresh fruit, rice,noodles provided. No cereal or fresh juices It got a little boring after 15 times.
Pool area was good, not too chlorinated. Pool bar closes at 7.00pm - No happy hour.
Resort beach sellers very friendly and not pushy once you buy.
All up excellent value for those not wanting 5 star service and facilities. Staff very friendly. No hesitation in staying again.
Street surveys - Didn't do any surveys, scratchies or accept anything handed out, as a result had no hassles from timeshare. Again a firm NO thankyou. Use the fake tan before you go and wear some Bali type clothing so as to blend in. Look like you know where your going.
Discovery Mall - An oasis during the hot day. Centro department store dearer than Mataharis. Amazon game centre very good for kid relief, at 1000rp a shot, good value. Keep the tickets until the last day and trade in on gifts. Food court also very good for a quick lunch.
Taxis - Use the light blue and ask for the meter on. Kuta to Denpasar 23000rp. Kuta to Geneva 17000rp. A tip is very appreciated.
Waterbom Park - well worth the money, kids loved it. Macaroni tube, lazy river, boogie ride, all great fun Bought a 2 day pass and went back for 4 hours another day.
Geneva warehouse - Thankyou to all those who recommended this place - so cheap. Cushion covers for $3.50, novelty trinkets 30c,Bamboo wind chimes $2.00 a must before buying in the normal shops.
Dept. Shopping - Made the trip to Denpasar
Ramayana Dept store - excellent small size clothing, shoes etc very very cheap and good quality.
Mataharis dept. store - much the same as the Kuta store some good 75%,50% off items.
Batering - in market outlets etc. Use the forum guides as an excellent starting point, talk with other guests if unsure, go low and walk away, if too low they wont come after you. Poppies lanes 1 & 2 well worth a visit.
DVD'S / PS2 / Xbox - checked out Helgis store but it was hard to see the titles as the shop is very small. Bought from virtually everywhere Softcom, Sakura etc and had no problems. Checked most titles instore or on the portable, only newer titles a quality problem. Couldn't check the games until home and have since found 4 duds that are old and scratched. Much cheaper to buy DVD'S in bulk as some stores were offering buy 100 get 50 free etc.
Eating out - Best meal, NZ steak at Poppies 97000rp, ate everywhere no bad meals. Very cheap down Poppies 1. Kids loved Maccas for lunch.
Didn't experience any Bali Belly but for some reason you really do know when you need to go to the toilet.
Bubba Gumps - good food. A little pricier than other eats, good fun for the kids. Kids burger meal was way too small for the 9 year old.
Trip Home - Don't forget there is a 100,000rp departure tax.
12.20am Monday 30th flying Garuda. Full meal served at 1.00am - why??? Chicken dry and cold. No breakfast. Made the mistake of not grabbing the empty seats in front of us. These were taken before the plane had fully loaded as a result a very rough night of sleep.
Declared our wooden items for customs, lucky as we had a bug in a wind chime. This was taken out and allowed to pass, nothing else checked.
Summary - After 10 years we weren't sure whether we would still enjoy Bali. Yes it has westernised with designer shops, cleaner streets and better toilet facilities in the better shops. The number of babies in prams showed us that it really is now a family friendly place. The warmth of the Balinese people hasn't changed and the kids really enjoyed the banter and were even batering themselves towards the end. Didn't do any major trips, as the kids weren't fussed.
I'm afraid they also have the Bali bug, see you next year.
Happy to answer any questions via reply post.