We are just back from our three weeks in Bali - thanks to all who provided info to us before we went. I haven't provided much detail on names and prices mainly because I didn't take many notes and I don't enjoy shopping much,and I think I probably paid too much for most things anyway. I am very happy to answer any specific questions.
We flew Singapore Airlines from Brisbane with about 3 hrs in Singapore on the way there and 8 hours on the way back. Flights were uneventful - really just an ordeal to get through as part of travelling overseas.
Our first 6 days was in Ubud staying in Kajane Villas. We celebrated our 30th anniversary there and while expensive, it was certainly special. Our villa had a beautiful canopied bed, outdoor bath, our own pool (just big enough to do some short laps) and very attentive and friendly staff. We were right in the middle of Ubud which we enjoyed, but seemed miles away once we were inside the gate. A driver was provided to take us anywhere in Ubud that we wanted to go and collect us as well. In the 6 days we never had to wait more than a few minutes. While in Ubud we spent a lot of time walking around and also did a bike trip which was fantastic, especially biking through the villages decorated with Penjor. Kajane organised it for us and it was the same price as on the internet. We were in Ubud for Galungan Day and while it was a bit of nuisance because everything was shut, it was great to be there and see all the decorations and all the people dressed in their best clothes going to the temples. One of the staff at Kajane took us to their family compound and we saw them making penjor and lawar and other food (we skipped seeing the pig killed). There was a real holiday atmosphere which was great. We ate at the Kajane restaurant, Ary's (for our anniversary dinner), Lamak, Rendezvous, Casa Luna, Enak, and various other smaller cafes. Generally the prices reflected the quality, and of course everywhere is much cheaper than Aus and we love Asian food.
There were a lot of mosquitoes but we have routine in Asia of regularly using Repel and antiseptic handwash. In hindsight we wished we had stayed longer in Ubud and spent more time driving around other parts of the country as it is so incredibly beautiful.
Our next stay was Villa Naga Maya in Legion. It really suited us to stay in a small place (only two villas) and the two bedroom villa was very comfortable. Merrick and his staff were incredibly helpful and did so many little extra things for us that made our stay that much easier. I found the damages deposit and full payment up front and contract to be signed all a little excessive but I suspect it reflects the different approaches between Americans and Australians and there was absolutely no problems at all.
I was sick for 3 days with fever, vomiting and stomach bug but got over it fine (our travelling dispensary was well used). Our two adult children arrived from to stay with us for the rest of the holiday and we really appreciated the space in the villa. Only downsides were that you have to walk up a gang to get to the villa which wasn't a problem for us but could have been a nuisance if it rained a lot. Also I forgot to ask before we left and discovered that the second bedroom had a double bed not two singles and because there was air conditioning outside the bedrooms, the kids reluctantly chose to share. The villa was very roomy and interestingly decorated. The huge bed/lounge in the living area was only a dozen steps from the pool so it was well used - all four of us could fit on it together. I want one at our place! The place was a bit grubby when we arrived but I think that was because of the holidays - once all the staff were back, everything was kept very clean. Overall we were very impressed and it was like staying with friends, not at all like a resort, and it was well located for cafes, money changers, internet etc. We also got our laundry done through the villa and it was very well done, coming back on hangers and smelling great, and it was reasonably priced as well.
The English couple staying in the other villa both got Dengue fever with the husband having to go to hospital. None of us have been bothered by it but we were quite careful about the bugspray, so be warned.
Our next stop was Novetel Nusa Dua. Because we booked through APVC and then at the last minute had to book an extra day we had 2 nights in a 2 bedroom, 4 nights in a 3 bedroom with pool (in the timeshare (APVC) section) and 1 night in a 3 bedroom with pool in the hotel section. The hotel and APVC are decorated exactly the same but there are differences in what is provided - minibar and more bathroom products in the hotel and washing facilities and toaster in the APVC.
The Novetel was very comfortable but very much a resort. There were a few minor issues with various rooms (losing power, broken door, not enough towels etc) but they were all rectified very quickly and we found the staff exceedingly friendly and helpful. Even though there was a conference there was hardly anyone in the pool, heaps of pool chairs and towels and the pool was immaculate. If you want a very relaxing, comfortable, easy time I would certainly recommend the Novetel. The beach was only a two minute drive in the shuttle and we never had to wait more than a couple of minutes. The beach was great - both the water and sand were beautifully clean.
A real negative was that the internet was available in 1 hour blocks for 25,000 and on the second last day, both computers disappeared, so no more internet.
We ate at several places but there were no real standouts. We had seafood at Jimbaran Bay. The sunset was spectacular and the food was good but really for the price I think we do as well in Queensland. I don't have the name of the place but it was one amongst many along the beach and they all seemed very similarly priced. I think next time I would try the seafood at one of the village cafes and just go to the beach for a beer and nuts and corn while watching the sunset.
We spent a bit of time in Seminyak - Ku de ta was interesting for people watching, but I thought overarated, Made's Warung had fantastic Nasi Goreng and Gado Gado and the Indian Place in the main Street (Queens???) was really good Indian, if you feel like a change. We also had a special night out at Living Room - expensive but worth it.
We met a driver at Discovery and then used him for the rest of the trip. He was very friendly and reliable, his English good and the cars he used were always really clean and quite new. He used different cars depending on our needs. I expect we paid him way too much (after the first trip, he always said 'up to you') but the 300,000 recommended here seems such a pittance for a full day of driving, given they have to get the car, pay petrol, parking etc. We paid way more than that for the taxi from the airport when we came home. The driver's name is Made and his number is 085237160450.
I had some clothes copied but they took a whaile (
Overall we had a great trip. The kids did a lot of shopping and even I bought a few things. We visited spas Zen (in Ubud); Chill, for reflexology in Seminyak; and Gulah (great but probably a bit dear for what you got). My daughter was very happy with the acrylic nails she had done at Bali Galleria but not so keen on the waxing done through the same owner. We did warn her that waxing in Bali was not such great idea.
Compared to our last trip 25 years ago, the people seemed friendlier (maybe we have matured as well), they certainly accepted 'no' after one maaf tidak terimah kasih and we didn't see the groups of little kids with trays of things hassling the tourists, that were so common last time. Our two kids (20 and 23) enjoyed it a lot more than they thought (could have been the cheap drinks and clothes) and were most impressed with how friendly and helpful everyone was. We had planned to make some trips around the island, possible staying in the north, but in the end we spent a lot of time just walking around and getting to know the place. The food was great. We almost always ate Asian food and were never disappointed. I can't really comment on the Western food as we didn't bother with it. The steak we had on our first night at home - fantastic! While I enjoyed the Bali Coffee (black and sweet), I can't wait for my first skinny flat white no sugar, when I start work on Monday.
Next time I would spend more time in Ubud and spend some time driving around the island. I can see the appeal for some people in the spas and shopping but what was really special for me was the fabulous scenery, the friendly people and the consistently great food.