THis is my third trip to Bali. A had a friend Sherryl come over for the first week.This was her first time out of Australia and she loved it.
Flight :
Garuda Darwin to Denpasar 2-09-05. I upgrades to business class for $280- return. Flight left on time and I can not fault the meals, entertainment or drinks.
Accommodation :
Bakung Sari Hotel, Kuta In 02/09 out 10/09 eight nights. Stayed in a superior room Comfortable king size bed, hot and cold water, Air-conditioning, T.v and fridge, inc breakfast which was adequate. I have stayed here before and I like the location.
Melka Hotel, Lovina Overnight 9/09. This hotel was very nice and they have just completed renovations. The hotel has its own small zoo with various animals, including an orangutan named Blanco.
Villa Sungai, Cempaka in 10/09 out 12/09 two nights. I won this accommodationin a BFN competion. The Villa Sungai is magic. It was an amazing opportunity to be given a chance to stay at the villa. Every detail was perfect. Made (manager) and the rest of the staff made us feel very special. The attention to detail was impressive. The food was amazing. I would recommend Villa Sungai to anyone who wants absolute luxury with complete privacy.
Temple Cafe and Seaside Cottages, Candi Dasa In 12/09 out 17/09 : I think this place would have to be my favorite place in Bali. I love its very quiet and relaxed pace and it has some amazing restaurants. The owner Shirley is a wonderful person and makes you feel like part of the family. I extended my stay here and if I had not pre-paid my accommodation at Tegal Sari in Ubud I would of spent my remaining time at the Temple Cafe.
Tegal Sari, Ubud in 17/09 out 23/09. I have sayed here before and loved it, this time round it had a different feel. I don't think the Tegal Sari has changed but I think i have.
Favorite restaurants :
Temple Cafe, Candi Dasa.
Vincents, Candi Dasa.
Zanzibar, Seminyak.
Kuta Plazza Seafood, Kuta.
Bubba Gumps Shrmip Factory, Kuta.
Bebek Bengil (dirty duck), Ubud.
Pizza Bagus, Ubud.
Ryoshi, Ubud.
Warung Enak, Ubud,
Rangoon Sunset, Lovina.
Anda, Amed.
Favorite purchases :
I am not much of a shopper so I did not buy very much, but here are my favorites.
I sent a photo of my 2 dogs over to Shirley at Temple Cafe & Seaside Cottages. A friend of hers does oil painting from photo's. I had my dogs painted on a 1 meter x 1 meter canvas. Boedi has done an excellent job. I had the picture hanging in my room at Temple Cafe & Seaside Cottages, it was just like having my dogs on holidays with me. They were so lifelike you want to reach out and touch them. He also does paintings from photo's of people. This would be my most treasured item.
I brought a queen size quilt cover, 2 matching pillow cases, 2 european pillow cases, 1 cylinder shaped pillow case and 4 cushion covers. They were made out of silk material with gold thread and they are beautiful. The lot cost me 1,000,000Rp. The shop was called Galeng-Galeng, Double Six Street 10xx (0361) 7472717.
I had a leather jacket made at french leather. It comes down mid thigh about size 18 for $110-AU. They have done a really nice job.
Highlights :
Going to Lovina to see my sponsored child Komang, I had made him a photo album of my visit last year as well as photo's from around Alice Springs. He loved the album as he could recognize some of the people in the photo's. The lady I sponsor Komang through Helen Flavel was also in Lovina. I was lucky enough to spend some time with her, she is an amazing women. She has so much energy and her enthusiasm is contagious. I got to see where they are at with the learning centre, this place has a life of its own. I also went to Komangs school. I had a wonderful day. It is amazing that when you around the children, they just make you smile.
Zanzibar rehearsal dinner on the 20/09. A HUGE THANK YOU to Dingo Joe for organising this event. It was great to put some faces to names. I had an excellent evening.
My driver Made. I had used Made as a driver last Sept and I couldn't wait to see him this year. He speaks excellent english and he is heaps of fun to be around.
Day trip to Amed. Shirley has a friend in Amed who has just completed Anda Amed Villas. Shirley took us up there for lunch and a swim in the pool. It was a great day.
Villa Sungai. I have already spoken about this place but it was definitely a highlight.
Aquatonic Pool at the Ritz Carlton, Thallaso Spa. This was an amazing 2 hours in a heated saltwater therapy pool. It cost $35-US but it was worth every cent.
Tattoo's :
Bali Downunder, 23 Jl Bakung Sari. (0361) 755306. I had 2 tattoo's, a frangipani on my shoulder and elephants linked trunk to tail around my ankle. Kadek has done an excellent job, I am extremely happy with both tattoo's.
Once again if you want any information please email me jco25308@bigpond.net.au I was in Bali for 3 weeks and I spent a lot of the time relaxing.