Hi all, returned home on Sunday after 16 glorious days in Bali. There where 19 of us in all including 6 kids ranging in age from 8yo to 16yo and lots of first timers.I won't do a day by day account but give you some highlights of this trip.
*MUST DO'S
Waterbom Park, fabulous day for adults and kids alike. When you are there organise a 2nd day pass for about $7.00AUS (great value) also at Waterbom the kids loved the trampolines where you get to have a go at being a trapeze artist (if you can actually get your body to cooperate, they also had their first scuba diving lesson in the pool for 50,000Rp.
Bali Hai Island Cruise. We usually do the Reef cruise but thought with the kids we would be better off on the island. It is a most enjoyable day with the use of the pool if your not a beach bunny. Snorkelling off the beach was great but do go on the snorkelling tour to the small pontoon as the fish out there are definately worth the look. The colours are irridecent greens, reds, orange, blue and there are 100's of them to feed. The Banana boat was a great hit and the glass bottom boat.
Monkey Forest. Hate the little rotters but went for the kids. My 8yo amazed me feeding them with one swinging from his shorts for more bananas. I was so glad that none of them attacked him and dragged him into the jungle because he would of been on his own. I love him dearly but figure a Tarzan type life might be good for him.
Bird Park. This is the first time we had been to this park and it was a great day. There is a vast variety of birdlife both in cages and out and the kids had their photos done with birds all over them. There is one big black fella that has a dislike for caps and when he is on your shoulder takes the hat off your head, the kids thought it was great. There are also Komodo dragons and we where lucky (or unlucky) enough to be there for the feeding. I being a bit thick was walking along a path and noticed what looked like a basket of kittens (yeah right!!) turned out to be full of dead guinea pigs and baby rabbits, komodo dinner!! It was still great to se them fed as they only eat once a week. A bit of info given was they can smell blood for 30kms and have enough bacteria on their tongue to kill you.
The ZOO. The kids enjoyed it here. You can buy a chicken (warning it is alive) and feed it to the crocodile, not my favorite thing.
The kids where also lucky enough to feed the Tiger and Lioness chicken with a long hook through the bars of the cage. I was amazed at just how gentle these beautiful creatures where (or course I wouldn't volunteer to get in with them). There is also a male urangatang (spelling?) who has the most wonderful face but it is a bit unnerving that there is a warning on his enclosure he likes to throw things at passers by (his pooh I believe).
Deep Sea Fishing. We organised for five of our group to go fishing through a lovely fellow just outside of the Barong Hotel going towards the Memorial, his name is Bat and if you see him tell him Leesa and Kevin say hello. It cost 1100,000.Rp for 4-5 hours with pick up included and taken to Nusa Dua. the boat was modern but maybe a little small for 5 as they where trolling and only 2 could fish at once. The group was impressed though as they caught 4 good sized Tuna that they left for the locals after getting plenty of phots. (funny though, everyone had a photo with the biggest fish?)
Water Sports at Nusa Dua. if you do this go to the Bagus Pub near the Barong Hotel and ask for Tony, it will cost you 175,000Rp to do Jet Ski, Banana Boat and Para sailing including transfers. Much cheaper than going there on your own. They wanted 180,000Rp just for the jet ski.
Restaurants:
Bubba Gumps
Hard Rock
Warung 96
Bounty ship
Seaview Restaurnt
Aussie Bali- Their spit roast night is fabulous
Warung on corner opposite Barong Hotel
McWilliams -Best burger in Bali when you just gotta have a greazy.
Plenty more just can't remember names.
I have come to a mental block so will post as I think of more.
Shopping prices:
T shirts 20,000-25,000Rp
T shirts better quality 30,000-35,000Rp
Singlets 10,000-15,000Rp
shorts adults 25,000-30,000Rp
shorts kids 20,000-25,000Rp
Denim FOX shorts adult 70,000Rp
Back packs 50,000Rp
Paul Frank satchel bags 45,000Rp
wallets 15,000Rp
LV hand bags 35,000-50,000
LV overnight bag 70,000-80,000Rp
LV purses 30,000RP
LV cigarette case with lighter 35,000Rp
cigarette cases with lighter (hologram of ladies)35,000Rp
adidas runners 40,000Rp
Beaded thong 40,000Rp
Neckerman sandals (at Matahari Kuta Square) Cheapest I found them 79,000Rp
Caps 10,000-15,000Rp
Sunglasses 20,000Rp
watches 25,000-50,000Rp
laser lights 10,000Rp
billabong/Roxy good quality ladies t shirts 35,000Rp
cane baskets (set of 3) with net on top 45,000Rp
If you need prices on anything I may have forgotten please ask.
P.S. We will be going back next year and taking the kids again.