Ok I want to go back already!
This was our first trip to Bali and I still can't work out why we haven't gone sooner! I guess we are not huge beach goers or drinkers and most people we had heard talk about Bali mainly spoke of booze and beaches. We have been to Singapore, Penang, KL and Langkawi and Bali beats them all.. so much to see and do. (though if you are a shopper I think KL is better for shopping- bigger range plus electronics stuff).
So hubby and 2 youngest kids departed Perth on 22nd. My daughter and I were delayed because her passport was not within the 6 months expiry by a few days... I felt like such a dill as I checked months before and thought it was ok by a few days.. so they wouldnt let us fly and we spent the next day frantic trying to get an emergency passport and fit on another flight. Passport office in Canberra initially said it could take 3-4 days minimum. I was beside myself. we did manage to get one issued the following day but hubby had to get to the Aust embassy in Denpasar to sign consent form and it was a public holiday in Bali that day and it was closed - a woman had to get special permission and come in from home to process it. We were very lucky and finally on a plane by 6pm via Jakarta.. I have learned a big lesson - CHECK ALL PASSPORTS CAREFULLY!! A stressful and costly exercise that cost me a precious day of my holiday!
Two youngest kids 11 & 7 spent the first day at the kids club at the Dynasty. Surprisingly enough they found it boring and were not keen to go back. They were happy to use the pool and slide though. We didnt spend much time at hotel so we wouldnt have used kids club much anyway.
So Day 2 we were picked up by our driver at 7am and off to Lovina for kids to experience the dolphin swim thing. (family of 4 was idr 900 000) I am aware of the politics of this exercse on this forum but it was something they really wanted to do and we had a good discussion afterwards about animals in captivity and it raised their awareness. They had a wonderful time up close and personal with the dolphins - and it was so quiet, not many people around. The pools were spotlessly clean and the dolphins appeared happy and enjoying their visitors. Next our driver took us to a place nearby for a buffet lunch -no idea what it was called. Only Aussies and europeans there, food ok and reasonabliy priced. Then off to Git Git waterfall. Lots of steps but managable. Hawkers quite pushy and I got sucked in and bought things I hadnt planned on because I felt bad not buying after looking!
We had planned more but the kids were tired so we decided to return to the hotel. However it was a Balinese holiday and all 3 000 000 motorbikes were out enjoying the day off. We were stuck in a traffic jam for total of 5 hrs! Saw two motorbike accidents - surprising there are not more with the traffic and way everyone drives. Overtaking blindly on hills, bends etc was quite frightening - but we made it!!
Finally back to Dynasty by about 8pm and went across to Italian restaurant (Celios or something?) Great place, good food, good price - pizzas good size too. Ate there twice.
In am went across to Daddy's for breakfast. Eggs, bacon, juice, toast, coffee for 25 000. Kids breakfast 25 000 with huge pancake (very filling) with maple syrup, bacon and milkshake.
This was the day we went out to visit the 3 school children we sponsor through Rotary. We arrived at the school and were met at the gate by smiling happy faces, then intoduced to the three children and some of their parents. Some of the older children were keen to practice their English on us. We were invited into their classroom - very basic, blackboard and wooden desks, nothing else. Our 3 kids, plus the sponsor kids all took turns at writing their names on the blackboard. The school library consists of a few shelves of books in a small room. Next visit I think I will try and buy some Indonesian books in bookstore in Bali before hand and leave them for the school or just donate some $$. It was wonderful for our kids to meet these kids and to see how different school is for them. It was school holidays yet the kids still attended school. They didnt do school work but had other planned activities and helped to clean up the school -plus wore their uniform... now my kids did not like the sound of that and hope Australian schools don't catch on!!
Next stop was the Franciscan Orphanage near Denpasar in Tukka. Once again we were met by smiling faces and the children broke into song. In the WA town where I live we had an excess of toys from the local Christmas hamper appeal so all the extra balls, craft, books etc came in my empty suitcase for the orphanage along with the 5 cent excercise books picked up in Perth at the back to school sales. Sr handed out all the toys and the kids joyfully played with and shared the toys. My kids joined them outside for a game of soccer.
After this we were dropped in Sanur. I asked the driver to drop us at a shopping centre and said we would get a taxi back later. He dropped us near a taxi stand. We could find no shopping centre, but settled on MacDonalds for lunch nearby (kids choice-yuk). Then a taxi back to hotel. Later walked on beach to Discovery Mall for some shopping... (or maybe we did this the next day I dont remember!!)
Sunday we stayed at the Dynasty for the Dim Sum Buffett (60 000 idr each)- good for Dim Sum but I forgot how oily Dim Sum can be. We had a quiet afternoon in hotel reading and relaxing.
Monday was the Bali Baik tour day. Picked up at 7am and off to coffee plantation and breakky overlooking volcano - absoluely stunning. Bike ride was fantastic. Best thing we did. Highly recommended - kids loved it too - best way to see real Bali and village life and value for money. Included lunch at Wayan's home- a true feast and experience.
Tired and full after this so back to hotel. No need for dinner. Watched a couple of DVD's with kids. Bought a cheap DVD player at Carrefor rather than hire from hotel at 75 000 per day.
Tuesday was waterbomb park after breakfast at Daddy's. We hired a cabana which was great and ensure we had somewhere to relax in the shade. I found it expensive to get in compared to water parks in KL and Singapore but it is asthetically pleasing and more trees and shade. Food and drink prices not too bad. Kids enjoyed the rides - 7yr old loved the Euro Bungee. Braver than I! I was scared just watching her.
Wed we went to Safari park. We hired a driver but I just discovered that the PArk offers free shuttle from Kuta and we could have saved $50! (oh well gave a guy an income for the day)Got some great animal pictures. Kids loved holding baby orangutan and lion. Yes white tiger looks drugged! Kids had a camel ride and fed elephants. The bird show was pathetic. Safari was good. Feel like I dont need to go to Africa to do one now!
Found the resturant a bit limited for choices and then it bucketed with rain after lunch so kids didnt get to go on any amusememt rides or play at water park- the whole safari was a water park by then! So we decided to return to hotel. 11yr old son was not feeling well anyway. Amazingly, just 2 mins after getting out of the car he created a huge "pavement pizza" in the hotel corridor. We were so glad we didnt leave it for the driver! Son felt instantly better after that.
Thurs our last day :( and did some final shopping before a very crowded flight home. Arrived in Perth and through customs easily.
I have to say th bike ride was the highlight along with visiting the kids. We wanted to try white water rafting but kids were exhausted and really we couldnt fit any more in... but that is good because there is so much we havent seen or done - so that means we will have to return at least a dozen more times to see and do the things we want to. I was truly amazed about how much there is to do and see.
The people were lovely. Food and shopping cheap.
Roads a nighmare and I dont like the attitude of the hawkers (more aggressive than Malaysia in general)... but hey I still loved it all and cant wait to go back!
Thanks to everyone - reading your tips and advice really helped in planning this.