Okay, my turn to bore you to death!
May 10-May 29, Ubud, Amed, Legian
After landing in Bali we headed straight for Dharma Jati II in Denpasar to drop off donations. After a quick chat it was time to leave and head for....
Ubud (4 nights)
We had never stayed here and my husband had chosen where we were to stay after browsing the internet. I wanted to stay at Alam Shanti, but no, he thought Tepi Sawah was nicer. At least I can now say he chose well, we really liked it here, it was very quiet, only 12 villas. The staff were all lovely and we felt like we had the place to ourselves even though it was over half full. The villas are about 8 mins by car from the centre of Ubud, but the villa's courtesy car was a fantastic service, nothing was too much trouble, it was like having your own personal chauffeur! We tried Tropical Bale on Mother's day for dinner. It's a really nice restaurant with views over the rice paddies and the food was delicious.
The boys (hubby & son) had a massage at Pertenin and were very happy with it, but poor old mum here missed out because they were booked up. That's okay, I ended up having a pedicure, but now I can't remember the name. It has been recommended on BTF before.
On day 3 we headed off with our driver Wayan to the Safari Park. We really enjoyed it here, we were the 1st to arrive at opening time and we had some fantastic photos with both the lion and tiger cubs, the highlight of the day. Next highlight, NOT, was falling down stairs and twisting my ankle! Fortunately it was towards the end of the day! I have to admit the staff were great and attentive getting me around in the wheelchair. The next day was spent lying under the gazebo by the pool relaxing with my foot elevated.
Time to leave Tepi Sawah, with a quick look see at Tegallang(sp?). I was only able to look in a few shops because I was hobbling along with my sore ankle, but I liked what I saw there. I love fixed price shopping and things were heaps cheaper than down south. And on to ...
Amed (4 nights)
Once again we stayed at Anda Amed Resort, We love it here, it's so peaceful, so much so that you don't want to leave. We didn't do much here apart from snorkel at the Japanese Shipwreck and at Lipah Bay and just lay beside the pool and relax. We did go down to a restaurant (Paeso's - think that is what it's called) for dinner on the Friday evening to watch a band. The band come up from Candi Dasa and I have to say they were fantastic, really great vocals.
Legian (11 nights)
We stayed at Kumula Pantai in a junior suite (gnd Fl) of the new wing in front of the pool. We were very happy with our room and the location. Noisy neighbours etc were never a problem. KP is still our choice of hotel in Legian. We didn't do much apart from wander around the shops browsing. I did manage to spend $400 in Marks & Spencer. A quick trip to Matahari & Ramayana in Denpasar, my husband & son always stock up on Nevada clothing, it wears well and is cheap. My highlight was having my wedding rings remodelled. I had read a recommendation on BTF before going, about this place, so off I went with our driver in search of it. It took us a little while to find, but I am thrilled with my new ring and bangle. It cost me 500,000rp to have my ring made and $450,00 for the bangle with me supplying the gold/diamonds.
I had the usual pedicure/manicures done, tried Briella and Eden Green (think that's what it's called) outside KP, price was good, but Briella was better. I also had a couple of treatments at my favourite place, Prana, always good!
I did see a spiritual healer whilst in Ubud, had read about him on BTF, but for me I didn't get anything from it. I did see someone about my ankle down in Legian, upon a recommendation I chose to give him a visit. Yanto was great, and I feel like I'm walking better than I have in years (I had a severe ankle sprain 2 years ago) and then hurting the other ankle this time around. He also worked on my energy levels and neck muscles, I suffer migraines a lot. He was worth the money!
Eating out, we had a few meals at KP, only because of convenience, you get lazy by dinnertime and can't be bothered walking far. We did try Waring Asia, yummy food and the cheapest meal we had the whole holiday, we can now see why people queue for a table; Mirimar, Goody's; Breeze (hubby loved the Nasi Goreng Pizza!); Zanzibar - sorry but this place is so overrated in my opinion. I did enjoy my latte's at KP, I just loved sitting upstairs on the sofa's by myself and chilling out. Bliss!
That's about it, we did do other stuff, but my memory is fading,
Thanks.