My flight over was with Qantas using FF points, Darwin - Denpasar. Have not flown Qantas to Bali since 98, must say I do prefer Garuda. But as I arrived there on time and in one piece, I really am not fussed who fly's me there. Through immigration and customs in good time. What can I say 'back in paradise.' I had the first seven days by myself to relax which was great on the second week there I managed to talk Four friends into coming over. One is a Bali junkie like me, One I dragged over to Bali Mar 06 and converted him, One hasn't been to Bali for 10 years and One first timer. It was a great week with all of us there very full on, but in hindsight I thing the week by myself should have been after everyone had left not before.
So here is some info on my holiday:
Accommodation:
Green Garden Resort and Spa, Tuban: this place was wonderful it was a shame that I only stayed one night, (I will be back at some point). The room was very nice, the bed was comfortable, the air-con worked very well and the room had a huge bathtub, which I sat in for 4 hours after checking into the hotel at midnight (with a bath tub this size I must remember to pack a man for future trips). Breakfast was nice I had a cheese omelet and mixed juice. Booked through Wotif.com
Temple Café & Seaside Cottages, Candi Dasa: I love this place so relaxing, this is where I had the week too myself. I stayed in room 3b as I always do. I didn't motivate myself to do much more than reading, sun lounging and massages. Oh I did throw in a couple of smorkling trips. I only ventured out of the hotel on one occasion for a meal, as I love the food at the Café.
Tegal Sari, Ubud: Between us we had both wooden rooms, a deluxe and a standard. I love this place and have stayed here many times. The staff are friendly and helpful. Love the pool, love the rooms, love everything about the place.
Losari, Legian: This place was nice, the rooms are clean, beds are comfy, aircon works well and the waters hot. There is nothing special that stands out about this hotel it is like many others, but I enjoyed staying here. The staff were great and I love the location.
Things we did:
In Ubud,
Did the bike ride with Baik Bike tours (I have contact details), a very enjoyable day. I finished the ride sitting on the inside of the van (one is not as fit as one thought she should have been). Two of my companions lasted a bit longer than me (they were solving the worlds problems on duty free gin and jack daniels until the wee hours). Only one of our team finished the ride and that would be Rose' so named for the deep connection she had for Hatten's Rose. But it was all worth it for the food at the end. It was amazing, so much choice but I couldn't fit it all in.
Cooking Course, Warung Enak, I have done two previous cooking courses at Casa Luna. This was most enjoyable only four of us, maximum six people. It started about 7am with a tour to the markets, the back to the kitchen to begin a gastronomic journey across Indonesia, we made dishes from Sumatra, Kalimantan, Bali and Central Java. The classes are held Monday, Thursday and Saturday each day with a different set menu(I think I will try a Monday class in Sept the menu sound delicious). Rai who was our instructor was great, very helpful and informative.
Zen Spa, love this place I am a very happy repeat customer. My friend Rose had the Mandi Lulur (her first time) and was a bit concerned about the flower petals and how they lodged themselves in the most inappropriate places, I told her she should have had the Mandi Rempah so she could dodge the chunks of turmeric that tried to lodge themselves in similar places to the petals.
Jimbaran Bay:
Ritz Carlton Spa, Aqua Tonic Seawater Therapy Pool, I have been here many times but it was a first for 3 of my friends and ones second trip. It is basically water massage for two hours in a heated seawater pool. LOVE IT, will be back in Sept.
Resturants:
Dirty Duck, Ubud: the best Crispy fried Duck.
Waryng Enak, Ubud: Great menu, great food.
Citi Grill and Inn, Ubud: Great Surf and Turf.
Nomads, Ubud: Great food, Great prices.
Zanzibar, Legian: Love their breakfasts.
Tanaya's Café: Best Japanese Tepanyaki.
Dolphi Café, Legian: Great food, Great prices.
Bubba Gumps, Tuban: Great food I love ordering a margarita here, and the best garlic bread.
The rest of our holiday was spent wandering the streets aimlessly shopping and lazing around the pool. Any questions please ask.
Cheers