Just returned from our 6th visit to Bali and missing it already. Each time we say "this will be our last", but when we arrive there we feel instantly at home and start planning our next holiday.
Air Paradise...our first flights with AP and I would certainly fly with them again. They were punctual and we were well fed and watered on both flights.We travelled to Bali with only cabin luggage which made our arrival easier, however we did have to purchase a large bag to carry all the shopping home. (naturally) Next time I will travel lightly again as I found it was much easier this time to buy clothes for the older/larger lady. (age 53/size 16)
VOA.....Buying the VOA was quick and efficient, but being in the back row of the aircraft and last off meant an hour's wait in customs.
Accommodation... Our first 7 nights were spent at the Melasti Beach Hotel in Legian. We hadnt been there for 4 years, so noticed many changes- more rooms, more pools and improvements to the breakfast and restaurant. it is in a great location, but maybe next time I would try somewhere smaller. After a hectic week of walking and shopping, we then transferred to the Bali Tropic at Tanjung Benoa. The Tropic is an all-inclusive property where we had a complete change of pace. We took full advantage of the food, drinks and activities and had a wonderful rest in the sun. This is a beautiful resort obviously not well marketed in Australia as we were the only Aussies there. As we were a party of 12, we certainly made up for the lack of other Aussies. Most guests were English and German and we made some great friends there. Elaine- if you are reading this, I'll email you soon.
Eating out in Legian...
*free buffet at the Melasti- OK-just!
*Bamboo Corner-Jl Padma Utara- great Indo food or just a club sandwich and cold Bintangs. We had many lunches and drinks here.
*Bali Aussie-one of our group needed a roast, but I wouldnt bother.
*Gosha- an oldie but a goodie. Love the seafood kebabs here.
*Zanzibar- on the beach road at Seminyak. Great food/setting.
*Sharkeys at Jimbarin Bay-superb sunset/setting. Excellent seafood.
*Posers-corner Padma St and Padma Utara-good snack food.
*Mykonos- Greek restaurant in Seminyak. Possibly our best meal in Bali.
*La Monde- the pizza looked good. Unfortunately I didnt order it!
Shopping...Apart from the usual stuff, we had shopping success at..
*DVD shop in Garlic Lane.
*Ladies skirts and tops and shoes-Garlic Lane.
*Leather-French Leather Garlic Lane. Ladies jacket-$100.
*Padma Bali- fantastic bead shop-set price-around between Rum Jungle Rd and Legian St.
*Animale Factory Outlet- great for ladies clothes-all sizes.
*Makro- good for our iniial supplies.
*Ramayana- Revlon make-up.
It always feels like I am buying heaps and then I get home and wish I'd bought more. An excuse to go again next year!
Already we are planning next year's trip, so I guess I'll have to keep on working until then. Cheers!