JBR 11- 23 June
We were travelling with my parents and my husbands parents, my brother (all first timers),my 2 older kids 20 and 18 who I managed to get on FF only 3 weeks before we left, myself, hubby and our 2 youngest kids, 15 and 13. Our 2 oldest stayed at the at the Lokha Legian, (thanks for all the recommendations ) booked through Mida at Wahyu Tours in Bali, who also arranged a pick up for them at no extra cost. Her prices were cheaper for most places than booking on the internet, she was fantastic and we also got to meet her when she delivered our discount tickets to Waterbom Park, saved us over $60 on the tickets, nothing is too much trouble for her and she is very prompt in replying. Lokha is a great hotel and in a good spot on Padma st Legian
The rest of us stayed at Pelangi Hotel, first time staying in Seminyak, nice hotel and prices in the hotel restaurant are very reasonable, but I think I prefer to stay in Legian, will probably stay at the Lokha next time. Although my husband and kids did enjoy waking up every morning and bodyboarding and swimming in the ocean which was a 2 minute walk from our room. We stayed at the Jayakarta in 2003 and the breakfasts were much nicer there, greater choice.
Had dinner at some of the recommended restaurants, Indo-National, Billy's Bar and Restaurant, great place nice food and great staff, Bali Aussie for the Sunday night roast,(60,000rp but you have to book to get in), Yutz Café, a favourite of ours from the last trip, near Jayakarta Hotel, Wayan and Friends in Padma St, La Lucchiolas, lunch at Café Lotus in Ubud, near markets, beautiful setting overlooking a pond and temple.
My fifth trip to Bali and I'm pleased to say the only trip in which I haven't got Bali Belly, thanks, I'm sure, to Inner Health Capsules and 100% Raspberry Juice from Fresh Attitude, purchased at Coles supermarket in Warwick WA.
Found a great shop called the Bali Shop in Saha Dewa, just up from Indo-National off Padma street, Legian run by Wayan, he didn't barter and was very cheap 15,000 - 20,000rp for t-shirts and sarongs (less than $3). 30,000rp for shorts. Our parents loved this shop as they didn't really like the bartering. Mum did most of her shopping there.
Spent a day at Sukawati and Ubud markets, great shopping and very cheap. Crocheted white hats for 10,000rp and cheap necklaces for littlies 5,000 - 10,000rp. Very crowded in Sukawati market.
My daughter and I went to Toko Central and bought beads as she is into making jewellery, great shop and very cheap, thousands of different beads, and all accessories for making earrings, about a 10 minute walk from Bemo Corner.
Once again thanks to forum recommendations Mum had 2 dresses made for $8 each with her material, I had a 3pce suit, jacket, pants and skirt, $63 and two lined tops for $15 each and my brother had a suit made for $52 from Janoko tailor in Poppies Lane 2, we also had 4 pairs shoes made at Dolphin Leather on Saha Dewa, near Melasti St copied from shoes we had bought in Myer for $85pair for $35pair
Highlight of our trip was spending the morning at Mekarsari School about an hour and a half from Kuta on the way to Bedugal where we met our sponsored child (through Rotary). It was a special day at the school as June 18 is the last day of the school year. We were invited to the end of year celebrations and had a fantastic day, none of the children at this school speak English. This is a wonderful project and for a small amount of money, these children are able to attend school.
Some of the activities we did, white water rafting at Tegala Waja ( I think its spelt right) last time we did Ayung River, but hubby and kids thought Tegala Waja was better. Parents did Kintamani tour, Island Explorer cruise to Lembongan, and Bali Trike tour with my youngest son, 3 wheeler motor bikes with a driver and can carry 2 passengers, they had a great trip for about 3 hours, out to Uluwatu and to Nusa Dua for lunch.
A great time was had by all and hopefully we'll be back again next year
Thanks for reading.