Just back from a quick trip accompaying my son who went off to volunteer in West Papua. He had to travel via bali and get some medical supplies and sporting goods and needed his mum to help him shop. I've trained him well I think! Even though he has been there several times before he still was happy for me to assist (and have a holiday!)
Flew over and back on Jetstar from Melbourne (Star class on the nite flight home - definately recommend doing this). No delays either way - in fact on return much prefer the customs and immigration clearance process in Mel than Syd. Very quick and painless unlike the long long lines in Sydney. My son came the next day on Garuda - his flight was delayed out of Sydney by 5 hours.
First 2 nites at Santika in TUban in a superior room. Didnt like this hotel at all. While the staff were friendly enough, the hotel food was well priced and good, as well as the massages, the place was old and tired. The new deluxe rooms look better and their pool is better. The main pool is too too hot to swim in.
After the boy got off safely with medicines and basketballs and a sarong so he could mandi ( background - he's 19 yrs old, first time away from mum and dad for a long period of time but been to indonesia and other places with us before. He's done some study of bahasa indonesia. I went with him to DPS domestic airport at 1.30am to put him on the plane. I was a blubbering mess. But he is in Jayapura now having a great time and his Bahasa indonesia is really becoming fluent).
Then off to the tailor - La Risso. My friend who also came over, first time to Bali (usually goes to Thailand) couldn't believe the fabric at Alta Moda (location is Kuta Parkir) and the cheap prices for suits for work. Roughly between 100-150 AUD depending on fabric etc. Alta Moda had beautiful Zegna suiting fabric at very reasonable prices.
I got some great female business shirts made -w th french cuffs. the cost about 12AUD. Look great with my "genuine copy" cufflinks.
We had a couple of massages at Febris. Recommend the foot massage there. Under 20AUD.
Then off for remainder of trip to Aston at Tanjung Benoa as my friend wanted a quiet beach holiday. Aston has new manager and has been refurbed. Much better now that when I went a few years ago. Had dinner at Bumbu Bali - try the pineapple mocktail - it's fabulous almost sherberty. The little warung across the road is quite cheap 8000rp for ayam nasi goreng and you dont get sick (well I didnt).
Aston spa had a discount of 25% on services which made it quite reasonable compared to other places.
Could also get a foot massage in the hotel bale near the pool for 50,000rp.
Sunnies on the beach and at the little mini market across the road 25000 rp. Went to Geneva and got some things - found the minimarket at TJ had things also at a reasonable price.
Mooched around bali collection, got some satay paste in the supermarket (really recommend this - you can bring it back to Australia no problems and you just add hot water and mix it into a paste. Got this recommendation from a cooking class at Casa Luna some time ago).
Lots of tourists around - many, many russians.
Good driver with english was Ketut Sariana 0819 1613 353. Usually just get one off the street and haggle but if you are new to Bali Ketut would be good. Have previously used Jimmy Gorgeous as well but he is often busy.
So that's all. Thanks to all for the various tips. Didn't get to check out the jeweller that Tuberose recommends. Definately will next time.