Our stay at the Rama Garden Hotel JL Padma for the five days was just "best budget" perfect. The staff are just great very friendly, lots of laughs and being a small hotel in just a short period of time you get to chat with them all.
Our first day was very busy off to Poppies II to Janokos to get the tailoring sorted as per usual a short stop at Bagus pub and DVD shop opposite to get movie stock. H*** hadnt returned my email before leaving. Unusual for him. Then up to Warung 96 JL Benasari for the much awaited second Bintang. Tailor costs 2 Long ladies suit pants good quality, 2 copy dresses, 1 Knee length long Coat lined, 2 copy long sleeved tops. $90 AUS.
Approx 6000Rp in Taxi to Poppies11 Intersection however 21,000Rp return as Kuta area sooooo busy with Independence Day.
Lovely to experience the red & white decorations everywhere so very colourful.
Once back at the hotel we get organised again for the short trip around into Garlic Lane - first stop Wayans she was at a Ceremony. However we managed to re stock the familys needs of Billabong Shorts and shirts. Prices have gone up a little but the quality was still very good. My son has washed and washed his denim shorts and they still look brand new after 16 months.
Went across the road to Ketut's shop - first time meeting the lady, She is lovely. My son loves the FORD shirts so got him a different colour one here 75000Rp We thought we had a good buy in the street last year for one at 90000Rp. :-)) Both Ketuts and Wayans were very busy.
Over the next couple of days we got out and about. Looked around Nusa Dua, Tanjung Benoa area. Went up to Candi Dasa and Padang Bai. Padang Bai is certainly very colourful and beautiful. The planned resorts - villa development will certainly change the face of this place. I believe that is what I read on this forum. So do yourself a favour and see it while you can.
In Candi Dasa stopped at Vincents restaurant another forum recommendation - thankyou. Lovely and clean and excellent food and service.
Had a look at the Water Gardens Hotel. Very nice indeed - peaceful and relaxing close to most facilities, walk to restaurants including Vincents etc. would certainly like to stay there at some point in time.
We also checked out the Rama Garden equivalent in Candi Dasi - isolated from facilities it seemed. It is right on the beach and more for European taste I feel or those that like Beach time - pool lounge sun tanning type of break.
Thats it for now please ask any questions, happy to answer.