Arrived home Saturday after 12 nights in Bali. We flew with Jetstar and had read all the posts before leaving. We managed to get cheap tickets when Jetstar first opened their books, so for $325 each return, we were happy just to arrive in Bali safely. It was certainly no frills but, its not really a marathon flight from Sydney. We had our cooler bag with some drinks and snacks. For the price we couldn't fault them.
I hadn't been to Bali for about 13 years and my partner had never been before. Well it had certainly changed for me in that time and was different to what my partner had expected. We had been reading BTF regularly before we left to help decide where to stay, which we did with great success.
4 nights at the Bali Garden, Kuta, although the Hotel is getting a little tired, it was clean, great staff, huge room, great location and sensational breakfast. What more can you ask for at $50 USD a night. We did a lot of walking around Kuta/Legian area visiting many licenced premises inbetween shopping. I've got to say the most enjoyable Bintang was with George at the Bagus Pub in Poppies Lane II. Bloody Cold Beer.
We found the beach somewhat dirty with rubbish and dead fish. Makes you wonder whats in the water killing all these fish. We found the pool at the Bali Garden a safer option for swimming.
We then went to Ubud for 3 nights at the Tegal Sari. I don't think we could have chosen better here. The wooden room over looking the rice fields, was very different to places we have travelled before. Very nice having breakfast on the verandah watching the locals working in the fields was quite nice. The pool was so cool and refreshing in comparison to the one at the Bali Garden. We do a lot of walking and the footpaths around Ubud made it very difficult, given that sections of it were missing opening into storm water drains. My partner, Peter, was a little disappointed with Ubud, but, he is pretty much a water type person. I think it added a bit of variety to the hotel myself.
Then we headed off to Sanur for our last 5 nights. Stayed at the Sari Sanur $38 USD per night. We were most impressed with our stay here. Nice little Bungalow's, with very private verandah, little court yard surrounded by trees. King size bed, large open type shower. American breakfast was brought to the room each morning. A very short walk to the beach through the Bonsai Cafe. Apparently the beach front was only done up about 3 or 4 years ago and has made a great improvement to Sanur. They have built break walls and an unreal footpath right along the beach, fantastic for our early morning walks. The beach is so much cleaner than Kuta. It was very quiet tourist wise, very few Aussie's. A bit sad for the locals, it makes you wonder how those with families really survive, with no Government support for schooling or anything. I took alot of quality clothing that my 6 year old daughter had grown out of and gave it to some of the locals we got to know. They were so appreciative of it and is good to know we can help in some way.
It was a most enjoyable holiday and will definately venture back there at some stage.