Just returned from our 12th Bali visit. Jenny and I are both in our late 50's. We have been gonig to Bali since the early 1990's, our 2 boys both loved it as children. They are both grown up, but we still enjoy Bali as mature age travellers. This is my first attempt at a JBR. Flew Grauda Excutive Class from Sydney on the 17th May. Flight left on time and was enjoyable. The only issue is the inflight entertainment which was terrible. The A330 are starting to look a little tired.The plane was pretty full. Stayed at the Bali Hyatt at Sanur for 4 nights which Jenny's favourite. This year we upgraded to the Regency Club which was well worth the extra cost. We both love Sanur and its peaceful syle. After Sanur went to Lombok. The Merpati flight was interesting. The plane was very old but the flight was only 15 minutes in duration. I am sure it was held together by sticky tape. When we landed both engines had smoke coming out of them. Luckly it was over before we could get too stressed. We stayed at the Oberoi. It was about 1 hours dive from the airport though some beautiful country side.The position of the Oberoi was sensational.It is situated in a bay with no other hotels - you have the place to yourself. We stayed in the middle of the range accomodation which was excellant. We went to the Gilli Islands 2 days for snokelling. This is something that I have been wanting to do on previous trips. I was not disappointed. The coral and fish life were as good as I have seen. The highlight were the turtles. Every day we saw between 10-15 turtles either swiming or resting on the bottom. It was a great experience to see so many in their natural environment. It took about 15 minutes from the jetty to the Gilli Islands. We left each day about 9.00 am and got back between 2 and 3.00 in the afternoon. We got very tied but were very happy with the whole experience. The Oberoi was a bit pricy but would definately do it again. The only issue is that because of the isolation you are locked into the hotel for dinner.
Next we stayed at the Kupa Kupa Barong at Ubud for 3 nights. I must stay the staff were fantastic. The only issue with the accomodation was that it was on 3 levels. It was a bit much up and down the stairs. We went to a jazz night at the Indus which was great fun. Did a cooking class at Casa Luna (slow cooked Duck)which we also enjoyed. Had great Babi Juling at Ibu Oka in Ubud. I organised with Wayan a Bali Bail tour. I would recommend this to all Bali Travel Forum readers. I really enjoyed this and the lunch afterwards at Wayan house was fantastic. Wayan's wife had prepared the lunch. There were 8 in the group and we all said it was one of the best things that we had done in Bali. The last stop was The Samaya at Seminyak for 3 nights. Thanks for Forum advice, The Breeze restrauant was excellant. The Samaya is in a great position and would stay there again. It is a bit pricy but you cant take it with you. Left Bali on Friday night 30th May. Slept quite well, but 2 hours out of Sydney the Pilot woke everyone up by switching on the cabin lights and wishing everyone a good morning and announcing breakfast would be served ( about 3.30 am Bali time). We rolled over a tried to get back to sleep.
Overall won of our best holidays in bali. No real negatives.
Highlights were.
Swiming with the Turtles at the Gilli Islands.
Bali Bail Tour at Ubud.
Hotels - my pick was Oberoi at Lombok. Jenny still likes the Bali Hyatt Sanur with its gardens and setting.
Meals - La Luccoila for dinner (twice) Cafe Mocha for lunch and a cool drink. Best new find - Grocer & Grind. Sunset drinks at The Samaya.
The greatist pleasure as allways.
Bali - its people and their friendship
Looking forward to our next visit.