By way of introduction, I'm usually marym but the forum seems to have taken a dislike to me so I've had to reregister.
Thanks to all those who have answered my miscellaneous questions over the last few months. Everything was gratefully received.
The purpose of this trip was for our daughter's wedding - only decided upon about 6 months previous - so it was a pretty hectic time - resulting in a holiday to Bali totally unlike any previous one and one I wouldn't be in a hurry to repeat. I'm exhausted!!
The wedding party was only small, 25 in total, but this was what my daughter wanted and planned the short time frame with this in mind, knowing that a number of people would require a longer lead up time. However, she was very pleased that 6 relatives from England and Scotland were able to join us - but boy were they hard work. These people have all travelled extensively but are used to package holidays and cruises, ie everything pre-arranged and pre-paid. This meant that we were treated (not by any means intentionally) as their local tour guides. It was as though their brains turned off when they stepped off the plane. Anyway, they loved Bali but said it was a very tiring holiday and what they really found annoying was continually having to pay out. We did tell them to bring cash but they decided this wasn't safe and we were continually looking for ATMs due to the small amount available daily. We found out very quickly that letting them loose on shopping expeditions wasn't a good idea when we were told they had paid 300,000 on the beach for a sarong. I think they returned home still totally bewildered by the number of noughts - watching to ensure they didn't give away 100,000 instead of 10,000 was a real chore. We had a couple of days respite when we sent them off on day trips - the itineraries pre-arranged with the driver.
The most memorable occupation of the first 5 days was going to and from the airport collecting them. Despite, transfers being included in their accommodation bookings and only a 10 minute journey they wanted the reassurance of a familiar face. Their reasoning being that as it was only 10 minutes it was no hardship for us to be at the airport instead of the hotel reception. I suppose when you look at it like that what they say is true.
Naturally, it was wonderful to see them and I only mention this so others can be aware of what they might be facing in a similar situation.
We had a problem with a driver. My daughter wanted a car seat for their toddler and ended up with one recommended from Trip Advisor as those names given to me here were booked on the dates required. Our experience serves to show that absolutely everything needs to be confirmed. The web site of the driver engaged shows a new vehicle with a dvd player. He sent someone else instead with guess what, no dvd player and a vehicle about 8 years old, with a driver whose english wasn't the best. Anyway, he turned out to be a lovely guy and a very careful driver, but no compensation was offered for the difference in what was expected and what was actually given. One date was changed (whilst in Bali) from those originally booked and no one turned up to the next date booked. A telephone call revealed that he thought we were cancelling totally and had since made other bookings. Fortunately, I'd taken along the details of everyone I'd been able to find who had a car seat so a replacement was found eventually.
Our only shopping consisted of having new cusion covers made for our cane patio furniture. This was done by Anita Cushions on the bye pass road in Tuban. There is no number on their paperwork but the taxi driver found it easily enough. They also had some very nice furniture for sale. It is not a retail outlet per se and I think just make cushions for commercial purposes. For the grand sum of $43.75 I have well made, fully piped covers in a very good quality fabric - four chair cushions and seat and back for a 2 seater couch. Highly recommended. This was a suggestion from either someone on this forum or Trip Advisor - thank you so much.
I tell a lie - I also bought a large quilted bed cover in the Ubud market for 400,000. The starting price was 900,000.
ACCOMMODATION
My husband and I planned 3 days of indulgent R&R prior to anyone arriving to join us and initially booked in Canggu. However, as time went by this turned to fantasy as there were several things needing to be done that demanded we be closer to civilisation or we would be spending most of our time in taxis. A couple of weeks prior to leaving we booked into Heliconia Villas in Seminyak. This wonderful small complex is located down a very pretty and well lit laneway directly off Jalan Laksmana. I had only been able to find one comment about the place by a person who described it as "a hidden gem". This was indeed a very apt description. The villas weren't the largest or the most luxurious but the garden was delightful with a pool large enough to actually swim a few strokes (you might get giddy if you wanted to do laps). The king size bed was comfortable with top quality linen and towels, all changed daily. Cooking up a storm in the kitchen might be a problem but there was plenty of cutlery and crockery - which was all we needed. The staff were great and nothing was too much trouble. It is Japanese owned and this was reflected in the nationality of the other occupants, but the owner spoke perfect english. The place was full but we never heard a sound from the other villas, or from the road either. Beautiful! The only problem we had was with the booking as they wanted copies of our passports and both sides of our credit card. However, it was made very clear that this wasn't going to happen and that we would book via an alternative method if they insisted. It was explained that this was a requirement of their bank but we could pay in US dollars in cash if preferred. This we did. Thanks so much to the person who mentioned getting currency from the Post Office with no commission.
We were well pleased with the transaction as the rate was much better than that offered by both Thomas Cook and Travelex.
Heliconia will be seeing us again.
Santika
We had 5 nights here. Chosen due to the continual good reports and accessibility to the airport.
Unfortunately, I'm going to be more objective. The grounds are beautiful and immaculate and the service exceptional. We had four garden chalets and two queen garden chalets. Without exception all suffered with continual maintenance issues. These were dealt with quickly and efficiently but it got to be a little annoying, particularly when one was a drainage issue and when cleared up in one room just cropped up in another. To open the bathroom door at the end of the day to the scent of sewage is not a turn on. Even the butler acknowledged that the types of problems we were encountering shouldn't be occurring in a property of this calibre. The once elegant decor is now faded and dated and in need of renewal. In our opinion all rooms were ripe for renovation. But by far the worst issue was the beach works. I highly recommend that anyone staying in a beachfront resort along the Tuban strip in the not too distant future request accommodation as far away from the beach as possible. Every night, without fail, we were awoken at 3.00am by the caterpillars getting to work on the rocks out in the ocean, and the racket continued for at least 2 hours. I kid you not, it was as though they were in the room with us. They have to work to the tides. Despite profuse apologies from the butler and management, not even a spa treatment was offered in compensation. We couldn't change rooms as the hotel was full. Would advise that any food purchased at either the Sunset restaurant (beachfront) or room service (same menu) should not include pizza.
Stanmore - thanks so much for your tips on things locally. The young lady at the telephone place was great to deal with and we bought all of our dvds from upstairs.
The Manik salon next door in the Dynesty was well utilised.
I bought a dress, a top and an infants West
Coast tee shirt from Dianne's fixed price stall just up the road for the grand sum of $11AUD. I had been requested to buy a couple of pairs of Billabong/Quiksilver denim shorts and she acquired these at 100,000 per pair. There are no "copy" items on display. Don't know how this price compares but presumed this was a reasonable.
Villa Bali Gita (5 nights)
This was the wedding venue. If anyone knows of anywhere in Bali more magnificent pls let me know. We certainly didn't find anywhere during our initial reseaches and we weren't disappointed with the real thing. If you are considering a wedding non hotel or beachfront I suggest you check out the very extensive web site. I'll be more than happy to answer any queries. Ubud was chosen for the wedding mainly in consideration of our overseas guests and their worries in respect to the heat. I must admit the temperature was very comfortable and I wouldn't have enjoyed sweating it out. The owner works tirelessly on the preparations but if you wish to have a legal wedding she insists on a wedding planner. For us this wasn't necessary as my daughter couldn't see the point of spending time in Bali messing around with consulate offices and translators. They were married the day before they left for Bali in the Perth registry office. It was a lot pleasanter than they'd anticipated and with just four friends in attendance (unable to come to Bali) and a long boozy lunch at Coco's afterwards, it turned out to be a wise decision. Other than her father and myself (me babtsitting)none of the guests in Bali knew there were married. They signed a book and were given a beautiful certificate so it all looked pretty authentic.
Puri Bambu - Jimbaran
We were returning on the midnight horror so had a day room here. Chosen as we havn't been to Jimbaran before and would give us the opportunity for a quick look around. It is a small, very pleasant budget hotel and an improvement to the BGH where we had a day room last year. Considering Jimbaran has its fair share of upmarket real estate of one sort or another we were shocked by the squalid condition of the streets - funds don't seem to be filtering down to the locals. The dogs here also looked to be in pretty poor shape in comparison to other areas.
Memorable Meals
We ate at many places already commented upon by many others so I won't repeat but a couple are worth mentioning:
Lestari at the Umulas Stables
This place is beautiful (casual fine dining) and just a short taxi ride from Seminyak. The food was wonderful. They have a marguerita slushy machine and the complimentary one went down so well I had another couple. Three courses, along with wine and beers, the bill was about $70. All lighting is by candle power and a small torch is offered to read the menu. I asked to see the accommodation but unfortunately for us all rooms were booked. The Umulus district looked very pleasant.
Tropical Bale, Ubud
I keep plugging this place and hope that someone is having a look. There was a bakery attached but this has moved into town. Both bread and pastries are divine and in fact formed part of the menu at the wedding reception. The owner also gave a very competitive quote for catering the wedding, prior to the decision to utilise the villa's catering.
Kori, Kuta
Our overseas guests were eager to try Indonesian food and out of several places(unfortunately not Bumbu Bali, whose food we've enjoyed on many occasions in the past) voted this one to the be the best. I can't comment as I steer clear of Indonesian spices as they upset my stomach. 3 bouts of bali belly, that actually turned out to be non acceptance of the spices (a doctor's diagnosis) have proven him correct as I havn't suffered since.
La Sal, Jalan Drupadi, Seminyak
A new spanish restaurant - we had tapas for lunch. It is very bright and modern and not really my cup of tea - I prefer a bit of bali authenticity - but the food was good.
Grocer and Grind, Seminyak
Really enjoyed dinner here and also purchased their own baked bread and muesli whilst at Villa Heliconia.
Bush Telegraph, Double Six
Mention this place due to the deplorable food. Went to watch some sport thingy and wish we'd stuck to that and the drinks. A dog and cat hanging around seemed to enjoy my smoked chicken though and it was satisfying knowing that at least 2 members of the Bali animal kingdom went to bed with full stomachs that night.
Trattoria, Jimbaran
This is the sister to the Trattoria on Jalan Laksmana. The menu is exactly the same and as we aren't familiar with eating in Jimbaran it turned out to be a good choice. However, it's new and took some finding. (Turn left just before Four Seasons, heading from the beach.)The pizzas are really good.
Wedding Cake
This was purchased from Ixora Cakes - a German bakery in Cendrawasih, Pettetinget. All their products are made from natural ingredients and it shows in the results. The cake was a chocolate mud cake with white icing, the only decoration being fresh flowers provided by the florist. It looked wonderful and tasted the same. A little different in so much as there was a thin layer of ganache in the centre. It was served with chocolate sauce made from Belgian couverture chocolate (the difference between that and ordinary chocolate is unbelievable) and was a magnificent finale to a magnificent occasion (bit short on adjectives aren't I?)
Ixora Cakes are part of Ixora Villas and we had considered staying there but at the time they were fully booked. There are many villas in this locale and I'm pleased we didn't stay here as it's not a particularly attractive area, a bit barren is the best way I can describe it. We went to collect the cake on our way to Ubud and it's quite a way from the main road. Cendrawasih itself could do with a few of the pot holes filling up, but they do deliver. Check out the web site, their range of cakes is very impressive.
Our next trip to Bali will be more to our norm. We've purchased a week at a timeshare at Candi Dasa together with a free week in Phuket, with 2 years validity, (a good deal for $100)so are looking forward to investigating the east coast. Candi Dasa is the furthest we've travelled on this side of the island.
I apologise for the lack of creativity (something I really envy in those that have it)in my writing but hope that someone will glean something useful from the information offered. As mentioned before, please email me about Villa Bali Gita if you would like additional information to that on the website.