Arrived back in Perth just before christmas after enjoying 14 days in magnificent Bali. Although I must say it was ver hot and humid for the entire duration.
Garuda were great. VOA no problems at all. Customs did search my bag and queried duty free alcohol which was 250ml more than allowed, but short explanation later and we were on our way.
Accommodation.
Ubud: Yulia Village Inn is in Monkey Forrest Road.
300,000 per night. Great staff, very friendly. Good rooms.
Tegal Sari...450,000 per night. Magnificent, etc...etc. do your self a favour and have at least a few nights here.
Kuta: Secret garden Inn: is in Poppies 1. 300,000 per night. Big rooms. Big pool. Central location. Would definately stay there again for a few nights on the way home.
Restaurants.
These were all wonderful;
UBUD: Batan Waru, Ashiana, Deli Cat, Berberku, Murni's Warung, Pizza Bagus, Dian Cafe, Barandi and the restaurant at The Tegal Sari.
KUTA: Secret Garden, Bamboo Corner, Black Canyon, Alley Cat, Enhay.
SHOPING:
Our driver took us on an all day marathon in Andong Street in Ubud. Here you have a street about 10km long with shops, shops and more shops with most willing to offer business price for quantity buys.
We found a store in Monkey Forrest Road that sells all of the Martha Tilaar cosmetics. It also has a wonderful array of xmas decorations, handbags, shoes, homewares, beaded baskets and clothes in 'western sizes'. It is opposite Uluwata Lace and is called River Valley.
In Kuta we found the AFL shop and stocked up on Eagles singlets, caps, and Grand Final winning t-shirts. Purchased the usual quantity of DVD's from Sakura. Took a day trip to Denpasar and bought heaps of 'stuff' from Matahari, Ramayana and Robinsons department stores. Got all our fabics from the merchants in Sulawesi street.
TOURS:
Did two cycling tours. The first was a gentle 4 hour Village cycling tour around the streets of Taman Village which is about 20 minutes from Ubud. Unreal day out. Finished with lunch at our guides house where we met all the family members + cat, dog, chickens, pig, rooster. 300,000 per person includes everything.
The second was a downhill cycling which was an entire day which started with breakfast in Pacung, a picnic lunch under a cool shady tree and finished at our guides 'friends' house for beer and french fries (or fresh picked coconut) 400,000 per adult and 200,000 for children over 5 years. This is the way to see the real Bali.
We also took a day trip which included Candi Dasa where we had lunch on the water at Lotus restaurant. Along the way we saw the Bat Cave temple which was built in the 11th century. Padang Bai where we had a swim. On the way home we went to Wine of the Gods for a wine tasting. Not bad wine actually. The fruit comes from Margaret River and Swan Valley regions in WA.
We have booked again for Easter and were lucky to secure a room at Tegal Sari as they are completely full. We are also staying in Sanur this time at Sanur Beach Villa's.
Thanks to everyone on the forum whose tips and advice made this holiday one of the best we can remember. Hope we have been some help for those about to go. Enjoy!!