Just arrived back from Bali yesterday and already suffering withdrawal symptoms. My 3rd Bali trip in 9 months. Jan 25-Feb 5.
Bit long hope I don't bore you all!!
Day One
Arrived in Denpasar with 2 friends for a 12 day girls trip from Perth on morning flight. No probs with delays either end, arrived at Peninsula, Tanjung Benoa by lunchtime. Myself 10th trip, one friend 7th trip other friend 1st trip (Bali virgin!) Lovely hotel rooms and pool area and water sports on beachfront. During arvo after drinks at beach bar went for a wander down beach strip, checked out the beautiful Conrad hotel with its own wedding chapel. Dinner at Coco Bistro, opposite Aston hotel next door to PBR.
Day Two
Relaxed around pool, checked out spa places along Jln Pratama (main st in Tanjung Benoa) Jepun looked very nice had a 2 hour mandi lulur there. Checked out the Bualu markets at Nusa Dua gates, then discovered the Bali Eye (a new attraction in Bali - hot air balloon) went for the 12 minute ride ($US 25) wonderful views over Nusa Dua at sunset, not frightening as balloon is tethered to the ground! Shopped after at Bali collection had dinner at one of the many restaurants on Jln Mengiat. All restaurants in Nusa Dua area (and spas) give free transport to and from hotel.
Day Three
Our 'new' Bali friend now acclimatised so time for initiation - into the hustle and bustle of Kuta. Hotel driver 60,000rp one way, bluebird taxi back. Dropped off Matahari, walked for miles! Up Legian St, down Poppies 1, stopped at Poppies for drinks, continued through to beach then back up through Poppies 2 to show our friend the memorial. Lunch at Kopi Pot, walked down to Melasti through Garlic Lane, stopped for wonderful reflexology treatment with hand, neck and shoulder massage at Ambiente (near Padma St corner). Discovered this placed last trip when staying in Legian, bliss!! Always do a fantastic massage. Highly recommended. Continued our walk to show friends Niksoma, dinner at Zanzibar. (No fire dancers on beach this time on a Sunday night).
Day Four
Back into Kuta- ordered some things to be made at a tailor in Poppies 2 (Janako) and some leather cushions at Tommys in Padma St (had lots of bags made there in past trips). Back to hotel for lunch and massage by pool. Dinner at La Scala a lovely local restaurant that resembles Sydney Opera House.
Day Five
Early start to the day. Picked up 7.30 at hotel for white water rafting (Telaga Waja) then Elephant riding. Lot of fun especially as the sky turned black just as we arrived at elephant park, however safari trek went ahead with umbrellas in the rain! Back to hotel after a long day, dinner at Dewi Sri in Nusa Dua.
Day Six
Driver took us into Seminyak, strolled along main road checking out all all little boutiques and shops, along the deserted Dyana Pura to beach. What a mess. The beach this end was disgusting, piles of rubbish with a lot of building works going on right at the front of the Sofitel, would not have been wanting to stay in this hotel for this reason. Lunch at Lanai on beachfront near Double 6, then back to hotel and dinner at Kecak, a delightful local restaurant.
Day Seven
Decided on a relaxing day by pool (no shopping!) Had massage (yes another one!!!) Dinner at Lucky Duck at beginning of Benoa strip. Recommended, lovely food and service.
Day Eight
Had a 5 hour ‘marathon' at Thalasso Day spa in Nusa Dua. Ooh la la!!! For anyone wanting the ultimate in spas, this place is the one to visit. $US160 (approx $AUD 180). Located in Grand Mirage in Nusa Dua. Wow! The aquamedic pool was wonderful with jets arranged in a circuit to massage every part of the body. Definitely worth the money for the experience. Treatment followed by light lunch (included) by the pool. Expensive by Bali standards however very reasonable compared to Aussie prices. Dinner at Tao opposite Ramada Benoa. Beautiful outdoor setting, would be perfect for a wedding.
Day Nine
Half day trip with driver. Checked out Conrad hotel, which looked magnificent. Views were spectacular. Next stop Uluwatu temple, not as many monkeys around as I could remember from trip there a few years back. Great views over cliffs. On to Blue Point Villas which I had read about on the forum. We were lucky enough to see it set up for a wedding later that day. Looked beautiful with tables organised around the infinity pool overlooking the ocean. Chapel was decorated with thousands of petals and flowers. On to Dreamland beach - where have all the beach shacks gone?? Couldn't believe it looked so different to last trip there in Sept. Also lots of rubbish on the beach.
Day Ten
Pysched ourselves up for a big day of shopping. La Lucciolas for brekky (yum) Picked up leather goods and other bits from tailors. Did our big DVD shopping spree, and last minute buys. Back to hotel, bellboys helped us with our mountain of bags!! Dinner at Jimbaran Bay. Very expensive. $AUD216 for 3 of us!! Sorry I know you go there for the ambience but I would rather pay this money to go to one of the good restaurants up in Seminyak.
Day Eleven
Papas for brekky, bit more unfinished shopping around Legian. Back to hotel for another massage, had fingers and toes painted freshly with flowers in preparation for trip home. Kecak for dinner again. Really liked this place!
Day Twelve
Left Denpasar with Garuda at 12.10am. Was informed day before re: flight time change. Had a bumpy ride home to Perth. At one stage everyone was lifted out of their seats with a pocket of turbulence, quite frightening, everyone screamed, never experienced anything like it before and have travelled all over the world!!
Ate at many recommended restaurants from the forum, thanks for input everyone!
Exchange rates ranged from 8000rp to 8200rp at reputable money changers (PT)
Any questions would be happy to answer!