This is my first JBR, so please be kind.
We went for 10 days after not having been there for 11 long years. I have to say that Bali is still the land of the Gods. So much has changed over that time, some good and some not so good. Remember this is just my opinion and my impression of the changes too.
We stayed the first 3 nights at Bali Mandira Hotel as I had heard years ago that it was nice and had stayed at Padma last time. The Mandira was beautiful. Very quiet and a lovely aspect. Their addition of a spa and yoga classes was a bonus.
We went for a walk round Legian the first morning and got lost. I couldn't find any of the landmarks from 11 years ago. There were some derelict buildings and of course lots of development. I looked down the beach to where I had stayed last time- Katika Plaza Hotel and could see this huge white building next door. I later found out that was the Discovery Shopping mall. More about that later.
After a day or so we did some venturing out to find what was the latest bargain to be bartered for. We found that the Music Tape shops of years ago are now replaced by DVD shops and of course still a great bargain.
One of the great changes is the availability of a fabulous variety of Food. I had compiled a list of Restaurants and cafes from the forum and tried some of them. Zula's was great for Vegetarian snacks and of course a good Soy Latte.
Some friends had recommended Gado Gado and later in the holiday we tried La Lucciola's of course. They both lived up to the high recommendations they had been given.
Staying in Mandira was central to getting to Kuta and to Seminyak. What a vast difference between the 2 areas. Kuta was a maddening hub of motorbikes and cars. I drove in Bali last time but there was no way I was going to try it in this traffic! The Bemos have moved over to allow Taxis ( sometimes under sufferance) and I got such a surprise the first time I travelled in a Bluebird Taxi when they used the meter and actually charged me what was on the meter. I was used to the fun of the Bemo Barter.
The next part of my holiday was spent in a villa in Canggu called Tamu Seseh. OMG it was so heavenly to stay 1) in a quiet village without any traffic or hawkers 2) in a totally self contained villa including dining, lounge and private pool plus 3) pleasant. eager staff who were always willing to advise or help in anyway they could including 2 chefs who would cook up anything you requested. Having been to Bali many times before, we declined offers to do day tours and used our 5 days there to totally bliss out. Read novels that we brought from home specifically to read and leave in Bali. Sleep , Swim, rest............aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh. Oh and the occasional 7 minute walk down to the beach. ( We were the ONLY ones there) Unbelievable after the crowds at Kuta.
Oh I forgot to mention my big WIN.
On the 2nd Day I got a call to the Mandira to tell me that I had won a 7 nights holiday in a 5 star resort. I was gob smacked. I asked them how this had happened as I hadn't entered into any competition or anything. I was rather sceptical, I have to say. I asked them if it was Timeshare? No apparently it wasn't. Turns out they got my details from the card you fill out on the plane when you enter the country and it was a Travel Club Membership. I know this course, I got picked up and taken into Kuta (to redeem my prize) and had the 90min interview. Since being back, I found out that this is very common in Bali now that explained why so many people kept trying to stop us when we were out to be given a 'Scratch and Win' Postcard. I have to say that the membership seemed pretty good but a little too much for my budget at the moment so now I have a Premier Card to retrieve my prize in the future.
The last part of my holiday was spent at Resor Seminyak ( sits inbetween Kudeta and La Lucciola) The Resor was comfortable and central. After staying in the Villa anything would be a disappointment I think.
We explored Seminyak. WOW what a phenomena. I know I keep saying it but this is such a change to 11 years ago. Fabulous , Wonderful Clothing and Eateries.
We found the Best Coffee at Grocer and Grind on recommendation from an aquaintance. It was a 10 min walk from Resor down a laneway. I have to say that I might have even missed it otherwise. It is just fabulous. Choice of Aircon or outside seating, Deli/ Café menu with good 'Industrial Strength' Coffee. Including Soy and Skim milk option. We had to go there every day. I have to recommend the Ricotta Pancakes . uUUUUUUUMMMMMMMMMMMM
In the same laneway is the Bali School of Massage. I had a bit of a sore back from the Flight and the different beds so was in need of a good Therapeutic Massage. Definitely worth every rp of the 90,000 they charge. ( I even think that they way undercharge for what you get)
Now I mentioned Discovery Mall and I would normally not go to such a big Mall other than I lurv Air Con! It was an experience and I did get some bargains there in the top level Centro .I have to say the coffee at Starbucks was yuck.
We went to Katika Jalan because we wanted to go to Bali Brumby Tailor. Again this was from recommendation of this forum. We met Putu and got a couple of pairs of trousers made (took our own fabric) He advised us where to get more suiting fabric at Alta Moda which led us to ordering 3 more pairs . His work is devine. He has a great eye for detail and delivery of fabulous service. Even washed the new fabric as recommended before making it up and delivers to your hotel if needed.
This a rather jumbled account of my 10 days back in the Magical island of Bali.
The freneticness of Kuta/Legian was counterbalanced with the serenity of Canggu and the playfulness of the Kuta Beach Market ladies as they start their Barter 'Singing'. This all makes up the essence of Bali. I feel blessed that I could enjoy it again finally after such a long Break.