I know this is a bit late - but I hope you all enjoy. I have broken into days as I have found this format easier to read in other JBR's. I have been a reader for quite a while but have never posted a JBR before but thought I should share my experiences with you.
14-31 May. People travelling 2 adults (not a couple) and 11yr old girl.
Day 1 - 14th May
Up early as I had some last minute things to do for work before heading off to the Island of the Gods. Well this turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as I had just started to do work on the computer when an email came through from Air Asia with a very special deal - $0 seats, pay only the taxes. So with an offer like this I couldn't refuse. So into the website I went and with only a little bit of playing I managed to secure return flights for 3 people flying Gold Coast-KL-Bali for only $1050. BARGIN. So with that settled I headed off to the airport.
Flying with J*. Gold coast - Sydney-Bali. Well the first leg was great. Felt as tough had only just left when it was time to land...hope next leg goes as quickly! Arrived in Sydney with 4 hours to wait until next flight. Was horrified that you have to pay to use the bus to get to international terminal. I have travelled around the world and this is the first time I have experienced this. Oh well, only in Sydney I thought.
Got to the international, checked in and waited to board.
Had a 30 minute delay in waiting to board. Once we had boarded and were informed that all passengers were on board (I had already eyed up some spare seats.....) we were then informed that they had to unload 2 bags. Another 30 minutes, but then we were off.
Hope we get a head wind......No chance we had some little ones onboard.
Finally landed. Got through VOA very quickly - used $AU and were charged $30 each, and got change in $AU. Hmm, now I will have to change some money.
Went to bag carousal and my bag appeared in front of me. Great, now only waiting for one more. Waiting, waiting, waiting.
2 other flights had landed and they were clearing the airport before we even had our second bag. - Great they must have taken it off in Sydney!! 'P' went for a walk to the side of the carousal and surprise, surprise his bag was on the floor. I had to laugh but was actually p***d off that we had waited so long. Oh well we are here now I thought, time to get money changed and get a taxi.
Changed money at the airport. We thought the exchange rate was great 8600RP. Had money in hand and off to get a taxi coupon. No line up so we were off to the Secret Garden Inn in Poppies 1.
Day 2
Had a simple breakfast at SGI, did a bit of shopping in the lanes, and met some wonderful local sellers. 'P' bought the men a bintang, I think this is one of the best things he could have done. They ended up being great friends and would do anything for us. More about this later. We got a bali sim card (Simpati) for each of our phones then headed over to the Melasti Spa, where I had made an internet booking for 'R' to get her hair braided. Walked in and 'sorry we have no booking' they did however say that they could do it straight away. Great - Bintang time!!!! I left 'R' with a phone and 'P' and I headed over to Ricky's Bar. Ricky was not there as he had gone to the Safari Park with friends. A few bintangs later we headed to the Foo Kin Pub. I absolutely love this place. Had a few cocktails and bintangs. 'R' was now ready to be collected form the spa. 'P' went and got her. She then opted for her favourite Banana Smoothie and shepherds Pie. We stayed a little longer then headed back to Secret Garden.
Day 3
'R' and I were checking into the Dynasty today while 'P' stayed at SGI for another 6 nights. Went and did more shopping in the lanes, had a swim at SGI - great pool. 'P' was not too keen on this pool as it was very deep and he is not too good floating...lol.
Headed over to the Dynasty, checked in and went back to poppies where we had dinner at Bamboo Café. This is a great spot for a good meal that is very cheaply priced. Dinner and drinks for the three of us came to a grand total of 89000Rp. We then headed back to our accommodation.
Day 4
Headed to Carrefour, had never been here before so took our time looking at everything. Bought a bit of this and a bit of that... had to try all the different food items. The pasty sticks with chocolate on the ends were delectable. Had to go and buy more of these, as they didn't last long. Spent just on a million here - but had a trolley full of things (unlike at home).
Got a taxi back to Dynasty and dropped all the goods off. Collected my favourite pair of shorts and headed to the tailor near Secret Garden. 'P' got 2 ‘cow' leather wallets made by design of his old one; I ordered 4 pairs of shorts, and a pair of leather shoes. Was very happy with the price.
Headed over to Ricky's bar to watch the football. Drank a large number of bintangs. I know that we can here as Ricky personally arranges a taxi to take you where you want to at the end of the night, which is normally back to bed...lol
Day 5
'R' wanted to go to the kids club for the morning. She was number 5 which I thought was funny. She was also the eldest; the others were around 6/7. Amy, the kids' club staff member, asked 'R' if she wanted to stay as there were not many children. Of course 'R' wanted to stay. I then caught a taxi to Secret Garden Inn. Had a very lazy morning and just lounged around Secret Garden until 'R' decided that she was hungry and wanted to get picked up. So another taxi later she was back with us.
Went across the road from the Dynasty to have some lunch at ‘Daddies'. I wasn't overly fussed with the meal, very basic and pricey for the quantity that we got. We only had only drink here and ate, then left. Upon leaving we were informed that Daddies was closing for a few weeks due to renovations. This may have been why the quantity was very small.
We went back to poppies and did more shopping. Went to Poppies 2 and found Ricky's wife and bought a number of items from her. She remembered us from last visit so was more than happy to give us a set price. It is nice sometimes not to have to negotiate a price. 'R' bought a matching bag and purse for herself, and I bought one for a friend back home. Got a better deal as we bought 2 sets.
Changed some money 8725Rp, and went to Yutz for dinner. I had a steak which I must say is the best steak I have eaten in a long time. 'R' had a pasta dish which she could not finish - she barely scraped the surface and 'P' had a chicken dish. Had a few drinks (total price 180000Rp) and we were all very full when we walked out.
Day 6
Today was the Safari Park with Ricky as our driver. Went through the entrance and thought where do I go now? Saw a safari bus and walked over and sat down. Got my camera ready only to discover that this bus only takes you to where the animals are - not the bus that drives you through the animals - Duh.
Saw the leopard and got an amazing picture with blue eyes looking at me as if to say 'what are you looking at?' after the picture was taken, the leopard turned its head so you could only see the back of its head.
Walked around the park and found the orang-utan photo opportunity which had a lot of people around so we continued walking around to find the safari bus trip. We managed to find it and sat in the second last row. Got some amazing photos of the animals up close.
Got off the bus and found the tiger cub. What an experience to get up close and personal with this little fellow. The cub was very active and didn't really want to socialise. The cub found 'R' braids and interesting play toy. The animal handler attempted to take the cub away from the braids (as the cub was trying to eat them). The cub then growled and swiped its paw. 'R' got a love scratch on her back from this. She was so proud!
We were a little disappointed that the white tiger was not on display anymore. There was no notification of this anywhere around the park. We asked and were told that the white tiger was now too big for personal encounters. At least public safety is a concern.
We then headed back to the orang-utan to get photos. As we approached the handlers were walking towards the staff area with the orang-utans. I asked if we were still able to get a photo before they headed off. The big orang-utan put out its hand, I went to shake its hand, but as soon as it held my hand it climbed straight up. I was now holding and 8 year old orang-utan. I couldn't believe it. Well now to try and get a photo....the orang-utan was very aware of the camera and turned her head away every time she saw the camera. 'R' had the 1 year old and the smile on her face was priceless. We managed to get a number of fantastic photos. 'P' held the 8 year old as well and under advice from ME, yes me...lol, I managed to get an amazing photo of them both. Surprising how alike they look....lol. I suggested that he let the orang-utan climb onto his back and hug him from behind. This was the only photo I got of her with her facing the camera.
We had lunch at the park and thought it was very reasonable at 45000Rp per meal. We purchased some souvenirs and were very surprised at the cost. They were very cheap compared to souvenirs at any tourist place like that in Australia. We will definitely go back next visit, and hopefully the marine side will be up and running.
More to come