After visiting Bali for the past 25 years, sometimes twice a year for 4 and 5 weeks, last year I was diagnosed with cancer of the larynx and subsequently had my larynx (voice box) removed. During the recuperation period we had decided that Bali was no longer an option - too many complications! Anyway a couple of months ago I said bugger it we are going, I felt it was something I had to do.
We booked Garuda Executive Class which gave us an option of getting an early flight home should it be necessary and I have to say the Garuda staff at both ends were excellent.
As usual we stayed in Sanur at our usual hotel 'Swastika Bungalows' and the staff here were fantastic although they could not comprehend what had happened to me, we have stayed there for years and it is by now home from home.
Arrivals at Denpasar was even more chaotic than ever with long queues for visas and immigration and only 4 desks open, this served to remind me why we never go on Weekends normally.
Sanur was very quiet although some of the luxury hotels were quite full, less than 10,000 rps will get you anywhere in Sanur by taxi and the Sanur bemos will cost you 2,000 rps, although we always gave 3,000 or 5,000 for the two of us. My wife was riding in the front of a Bemo when 3 Japanese tourists got in, on alighting they gave the driver 2 X 50,000 rps notes. She has over the years seen many Balinese smiles but never one as big as the drivers when she knowingly looked at him but said nothing.
A taxi to Kuta will cost you around the 50,000 mark and Denpasar 35,000. Meal prices seemed to be up a little but still cheap. Arena on the bypass is still in my book the best in Sanur. Places have closed down and new ones opened with still some building taking place. We stuck to many of our old favorites wanting to see the staff as much as enjoy the food. One new place we did try and like was 'Fat Tuesday' which is opposite Swastika Bungalows. Another that we had we had not been to for years was 'Tia Gardens' It was a good meal, well priced and with friendly staff (aren't they all)
There has been an outbreak of Dengue fever in Sanur with the hospital full to overcrowding and we heard of several deaths. It is being kept very quiet and there are no reported cases amongst tourists.
The weather was most unseasonal for this time of the year with rain falling pretty well on half the days we were there. The locals are quite worried about the changes as they have a very dry wet season and wells started to run dry. With more and more of the locals buying pumps more water is being drawn creating more problems.
Coming home I ran into a problem with customs over stuff in my hand luggage, I had a card saying 'Suara saya bilang saya tidak biss bicara' I have no voice I cannot talk and I was immediately waved through :-)
It was nice to be back!