Spent one lovely in Bali. Left Brisbane Saturday 10th Feb, flew to Melbourne with Qantas then onto Bali with Jetstar. We really had a smooth trip, no hiccups, baggage booked directly from Brissie to Bali, aircraft only left 20mins late. We had pre ordered a meal and DVD on demand so can't complain.
Got into Bali about 10-30pm, got a blue taxi to Puri Raja, booked in, threw our bags into our lovely room (room 107) and back up into the street to down a couple of binnies. We settled in quite nicely to the Melasti Bar. Had a guy singing until 1-00pm and were nicely satisfied sitting up at the bar having our binnies and breathing in that beautiful air and smell of Bali. Oh, it was great to be back, even it was for a wee week.
This was the first time we have stayed at the Puri Raja and thoroughly enjoyed it. Our room was really nice, had lots of cupboard space to put your clothes away, service was very friendly. Brekky was fine...a choice of fruit platter or fruit juice, egg any which way with bacon or ham and tea or coffee. I used to order the scrambled eggs because I got the eggs served on a piece of toast, then another 2 pieces on the side, so it really filled me up. Found the brown bread toasted was nicer than the white bread, which I find quite sweet.
Was really pleasant sitting around the pool under the umbrellas. We generally swam in the ocean rather than the pool, because the pool was quite warm. Had a few swims every day in the ocean...always refreshing.
We have stayed at the Bali Mandira for the last 3 years for our annual trip in Aug/Sept, but will not stay here again. Nicki our travel agent, was trying to organize our next trip for this year and the best price for Mandira was approx $150 per day, for a superior room. We thought whilst we were over there, we would see what their best "walk in price" was. We were told by one of the receptionist girls, that they would "match" our last years price of $103 AUD per night. Got her to write her name down with the price and that we would back that afternoon to pay in advance for our Aug/Sept hols. When we went back that afternoon, she wasn't there, but the reservation clerk was bought to us, who told us that that was the wrong place, and to add on another $40 USD per night. We told him we come back each year, but he wasn't interested in us, or as far as we were concerned, any Aussie. So my lovely husband told him to stick his price and that they were only looking after the Europeans who patronised the place, and were pushing the prices us, and we would never be back!!
As we walked through the Mandira it was really noticable that the place only consisted of Europeans. Their euro is really strong currently so they don't really need to worry about the price. We went next door to Legian Beach Hotel also. Same thing there. This is why we really enjoyed the Puri Raja. It ONLY consisted of Aussies, who were happy to talk to one another. So we will go back to PR again in August.
Restaurants you ask....Oh yes, food is always on our agenda for lunch and dinner. So being there for only week this time, we thought we had to consider each meal. I should tell you all that John & I aren't into going to Bali to have Italian, Mexican or anything else but usually Indonesian food or seafood. We figure that because we live quite close to the Valley in Brissie we have all that at our doorsteps, so go to Bali to eat their food.
We had dinner on Sunday night at Breeze. Desah has been a long time friend so thought we would go there and say hi and have a Nasi Goreng. Whilst the food is great, we love Desah, but the place certainly lacks atmosphere. MOnday night..we went to OURS in Garlic Lane. There was a group of us that met at S & S so decided to party on up there. Food and atmosphere was great. 9 out of 10. We met 2 lovely couples from Adelaide....Steve & Meryl, and Adam & Bettina, and a beautiful Kiwi couple, Brian & Lara who were leaving the next day. Well of course,dinner at Ours was not enough...It was on to Hulu's (we have been going to Bali for 10 years and this was our first time there), had lots of fun, then back to Legends for more punishment. Steve introduced us to the Jam Jar cocktails.. 55000 each, in a little bucket and potently full of alcohol and juice. Of course we took over the microphone from Ketut and we provided the entertainment for the night. We all had hangovers the next day.
I might add that I don't really like having hangovers in Bali, because I like to wake up early, go for a run along the beach and just completely enjoy the day, instead of nursing a headache....so really self-inflicted...a great night had by all, great friendships made, but we all suffered the next day.
I'm sorry,...this was supposed to be a quick JBR, but it's like I'm there...back in Bali again....remembering it all.
Back to the agenda...Tuesday night we went to Flying Piano. Great meal and listened to Pedro play his piano.. Will certainly go back again.
Wednesday night, went to Seaside Restaurant on the waterfront. Great food. Some one was getting married there and they had a reception of about 30 people.
Thursday night ...our favourite night spent at Yutz restuarant. This was most certainly the best meal.
Friday night---La Monde up in Padma Utara street. We had a seafood special for 150000 for 2, plus had some kebabs added to it. The food was really divine. Beautiful fresh seafood...and also had a lovely Pina Colada cocktail which came out in a coconut fully decorated with flowers and orchids..was really nice.
LUNCHES - We generally ate at the small warungs around PR, namely Bamboo Corner, Kartini, Wali Warung (outside Niksoma), Asia Warung (thai food..yumeee), warung Murnah. All of them exceptionally good, but my favourite was Warung Kartini. Someone on the forum suggested it some time ago. Its up a lane way behind Suri Rtu but really cheap and delightful. I had a Mie Goreng...7500 rupiah and just so nice!! If you are staying around there, you must try it.
We usually went to S & S each night for drinks. Adam from Adelaide gave Sami a Penis bottle opener. He was a little embarrased at first but after many photo shoots took to using his new tool quite nicely. Luckily Suzi wasn't there that night...
Remember Made the chip man? Well, he's out on stress leave. The locals say its because he walks too much, up and down the beach. We say its because he's offered a binnie by a kind Aussie at every beach bar and the alcohol has got the better of him. He's supposed to be back on duty by now....I wonder if he took out Income Protection Insurance!!!!! (Tina G...surely you would have sold it to him!)
Apart from eating we did lots of relaxing in that week. Didn't do much shopping. That was the trade off with my husband..Bali for a week and no shopping, or Karumba and fishing...which would you prefer.
John did have to get a suit made for a wedding we are going to. Of course went to Brisbane Tailor our favourite. Mr Anson is really good. Also got 2 pairs of work long pants made for myself.
It was bloody hot in Bali in February. Locals say it was about 36+ every day. Alot different to what we are normally used to in Aug/Sept. Rained really heavy one day and the streets flooded. Almost needed a boat to get to see Mr Anson at Brisbane Tailors.
Got some MT products from Supa Nova to last me until next trip in Aug.
Lots and lots of roadworks happening.
Well everyone, thats it for me. I know it was supposed to be short but got so excited writing it cos it felt I was back there again.
Have already booked next trip. Flying with SA to Singapore then onto Bali. Staying at Tegal Sari, Sanur and Puri Raja.
Any questions email me.
Julie