My wife and I are from Canada, and this was our 10th trip to Bali. We got some great tips from this forum, and so wanted to return the favor for others who are on their way there.
OK, perhaps not a standard blow by blow JBR - but just thought I would mention the real positive aspects of our trip this time. Hope it is helpful.
BIKE TRIP
A real highlight was the bike trip with Wayan Sujana and his company Bike Baik
http://www.balispirit.com/tours/bali_biking_bike_tours.html
A truly memorable day and highly recommended.
CARGO
Again, as we have done many years - we used the always reliable, PT. SAPTA PRIMA CARGO
By Pass Ngurah Rai 480X Sanur, Bali 80228 mail@saptaprimacargo.com saptacrg@yahoo.com www.saptaprimacargo.com Ask for, or email Gede.
DRIVER
We can certainly recommend a great driver. Ketut is very safe driver, has a good command of English (better speaking, than writing), and has a very good sense of humour which kept us thoroughly entertained during our trips. A genuine nice person with great integrity.
We have used him many times over the years, and would highly recommend KETUT SUDIARTA as a driver. His rate is very reasonable at 400,000 rp for all day (includes petrol) 0bviously much less if it's 1/2 day or less. His phone number is 081 239 32604, and email Canditransport@hotmail.com.
I don't think he check's his email every day - because it's expensive - but he will get back to you in a couple of days.
We have recommended Ketut to several friends who have visited Bali, and all raved about his service! A good guy! You can check this forum or Google his name for more info.
UBUD ACCOM
Ketut's Place Ubud - This is a great place to stay, but beware there is a company pulling a scam on these guys. If you go to the website - be sure NOT TO BOOK through the email (ketutplace@indo.com). This is a company who claiming to be Ketut - BUT IS NOT. They have higher prices that what the real Ketut has - and want to get the money up front - before you see the place!!
Ketut and his family are lovely people, and Ketut is head of the local Banjar. There place is about a 10 minute walk from the corner of Jalan Raya Ubud and Monkey Forest Rd. (quiet, but an easy stroll to town). Note: there are quite a few stairs, as it is set beside a river gorge.
If you want to stay there, please be sure and book your accomodation through the real owner Ketut Suartana and his email is ketutplace@hotmail.com
UBUD FOOD
So many good places, but two of our favourites were both on Monkey Forest Road DIAN's & 3 MONKEYS (almost across the street from each other). Murni's is also good and has a lovely setting beside the river.
BALI BIRD PARK
Was surprised at how well this was done. Enjoyed wandering around the beautiful area for a couple of hours.
LEGIAN RESTAURANT
Wonderful food at the Swiss restaurant called YUTZ on what used to be Rum Jungle Road
GIFTS
One of the best things we did was to round up from home, a whole bunch of small stuffed animals for gifts. As we rode bike through the countryside we would stop at random, and give them to some of the poor little kids. It was such good fun, to see the joy on their faces.
As always, we very much enjoyed beautiful Bali - and hope you will as well.