It's been 10 years since our last visit but we wanted the kids to experience the magic of Bali. Managed to save enough Qantas Frequent Flyer points for all 5 of us to fly for free just had to pay the taxes which amounted to $900.
FLIGHT-Qantas
The kids 11,8 & 6, were excited to fly - first flight for our youngest.
CNS-DRW A little dissappointed they couldn't see much as it was a night flight. DRW Airport needs an upgrade International Terminal same as domestic. Same plane to Bali, expected a bigger plane. Bali Airport very clean and tropical. Paid VOA in US$ quick exist no dramas met by Tour East Indonesia rep well spoken. Qantas led us to believe we needed transfers which cost $70. Villa had own shuttle or we could have just taken a taxi.
ACCOM - Villa Rumah Manis, Seminyak
Stayed here when it first opened in '95 thought it would be a good choice with a family. Due for a refurb but it was good value for money considering we had our own villa 2 bathrooms 2 bedrooms 2TVs & plunge pool. We had a few problems with the plumbing, room safe (which they fixed)rats,mosquitos & barking dogs but figured that would be the same elsewhere. The staff were friendly and buffet b'fast was included. The location isn't fanastic as it is situated on a busy gang nicknamed 'death alley' about 500mts to Jl Raya Seminyak. Too much hassel to walk to the beach everyday with 3 kids. Next time I would stay on the beachfront Niksoma,Padma,Mandira. Lohka is perfect for a couple on Jl Padma brandnew, very modern.
RESTAURANTS
Laksmana Street is the place to be. Rumours & Trattoria were packed everytime. Khaima looked fabulous with low tables sprinkled with rose petals Moroccan dishes. We opted for The Metro Sports Bar quite often as the kids loved eating in the garden huts and they served the biggest & best Nasi Goreng heaps of choices for the kids.
Was saving the last couple of days for all the fancy ones like LaLuccialo, Hu'u, Lolan, Kafe Warisan but hubby got Bali Belly probably because he risked eating a ceasar salad. Enjoyed Febris on Jl Dewi Sartika,Made's Warung 2 nice setting but expected the food to be better from all the reviews. Went to Drops on Jl Padma which is quite fancy. Wayan & Friends and Indonational. Of course the two youngest kids swayed us into finally going to McDonals (funny to see McD delivery on the back of a scooter) & KFC were a safe bet also cheap.
Couldn't resist Bread Talk @ Discovery Mall the only bread we ate in Bali. The Beach House @ Echo Beach Canggu was a nice getaway, top food.
SHOPPING
Mostly bought kids stuff - Roxy,VonDutch,Volcom,Billabong,Paul Frank singlets and shorts,trucker caps. LV thongs,wallets,umbrellas. Watches Nike,Paul Frank & Tag. Umbal Umbal from Ubud markets, 3 tiered Umbrella from craftsman in Kerobokan, my daughter bought a violin from Gremedia @ Discovery Mall, heavy duty suitcase Lojel @ Matahari, DVDs,XBOXs,CDs @ Softcomp, GameBoy Advance game cartridge with 180 games apparently not available in Aust. BB Guns, Kites, Arak & Jamu.
HIGHLIGHTS
*Dreamland Beach exactly that! Great surf just be careful with kids when the sets roll in it's like a mini tsunami, very powerful crystal clear waves.
*Ubud Monkey Forest the kids loved the comical antics that the monkeys got up to & the holy spring.
*Tanah Lot Temple don't miss the python in the temple which is suppose to bring good luck.
*Balinese Family we spent the day with our friends we met 20years ago.
They took us to Bedugul & we took a bost ride around the lake 70000Rp
which turned into a fun jetboat style of ride- must do. The most delicious strawberries at the markets. We were invited to a home cooked banquet and met thier teenage sons.
*Fireworks on Seminyak beach.
*My daughter's First Holy Communion @ Catholic Church with Father Hady.
*Orphanage visit run by the Fransician Nuns @ Tuka Dalung. They were so welcoming, friendly and happy approx 50 kids sang indonesian songs it was like Christmas when we gave out goodies from Makros and clothes & toys from home.
*Waterbom Park fantastic spent 8hrs sliding & swimming hired a bungalow & kids had fun on Euro Bungy. Loads of locals celebrating Independence Day with Caporia & Panjet? (human pyramid climbing to the top of a greasy pole-very funny) took advantage of the 2nd day deal only $5US A & $3US kids,must use within 1week. Second time the kids had a go on the climbing wall.
*Hard Rock Beach Pool just walked in (entry is suppose to be 250K per family)kids loved exploring huge pool with sandy beach small water slides & piped music underwater, waiters ride unicycle & rollerblades
TAXIS
Only used Bluebird (light blue with bird symbol on top) never a problem.
MONEYCHANGE
Only exchanged money @ the Mandiri Bank Seminyak or any PT Central which all gave a receipt and correct notes.
MUST HAVE TREATS 4 GIRLS
The girls had their hair braided and nails done for 40000Rp in Discovery Mall 1hr & aircon perfect. Tattoos @ Soul Asylum only airbrushed but non toxic & safe unfortunately they didn't last long.
The girls enjoyed massages @ Putri Spa only 50000Rp but I wished I had a few more & taken up a half price offer @ Soul Asylum the massage area looked fab dark cool soft music & heaps of candles. The girls also had haircuts @ Kudos I thought they said 16000Rp but when I paid it was 60000Rp each still cheap for wash, cut, dry.
Overall we had a fantastic time and would love to return for a serious shopping trip for furniture & carvings.
Have enjoyed reading everyone elses take on Bali and appreciated all the latest travel tips.