Just flew in last night and wish we had another week :( Not happy about having to cook my own dinner and not being in the pool for happy hour in another hour!
Flew in Saturday to a very crowded VOA. Kids tired, grumpy and hot. Five year old proceeded to head butt three year old so she started screaming, security came and escorted us to the front of the line!!! Whingy poms complained that they had been waiting two hours and got really vocal complaining to immigration, silly silly woman as they then stopped her at customs and searched bags. Tip - don't whinge at immigration it will get you nowhere, do however try and get your toddlers to cry!
Stayed in the new family rooms at the Dynasty which were lovely. They were a decent stroll from the pool but it was nice not having any of the associated noise at night or coming too and from being in a quiet wing of the hotel. Was very pleased with the accommodation, no problems at all. Perfect size for our family of five but we spent most of our time in the pool or out and about.
Went to Waterbom first day as it was last day before the renovations, was very busy I think avoiding a Sunday visit would be best as there were lots of locals. Thoroughly enjoyed the day here and would have got a two day pass if it was going to be open as usual. Kids safety vests were fabulous.
Safari park - got a driver (ask for BAWA if staying at Dynasty) who didn't muck us around at all. We absolutely loved the Safari park and were very glad we went. Eldest DD is saying it was the best day of her life :) The actual 'safari' was not all that exciting - but that combined with the shows, the orang utan, the water park and the rides definately made it a great day out. It was extremely quiet and we had all the rides to ourself and no lines at the animals etc. We will probably stay at the park for an overnight next time as it was really enjoyable. Took about 45-50mins to get there from our accommodation.
Dynasty was nearly fully booked with a lot of people hanging out in the hotel. Most nights out we were one of one or two tables at the restaurants. Had dinner twice at Kartika and had a huge buffet, dancers, band etc and it was only us and one other table on both occassions. The Kartika was absolutely dead, I wouldn't be suprised if they were at 5% occupancy. No one in the pool during the day.
Didn't find the shopping at the malls/outlets to be worthwhile at all. Prices were very similar to Aus so really didn't bother buying much at all. From the markets we bought hats (20000RUP), fake surf tshirts (20-35000), fairy dresses (25-35000) and of course about 50 dvds at 10000RUP a piece. Wish we got more! Exchange rate fluctuated around 7200-7600.
Security - was tight around hotels/airport but in the typical 'Balinese' way. Security stopped cars and walked around with mirror underneath but would not look at the mirror! Watched one van get impatient at our hotel check point and drive through even when security banged to stop. We never felt unsafe though at any point and many of the Balinese commented about it being quiet because of the 'Australian Economy'. We stupidly bought alcohol duty free on the way in, didn't drink it and then carried it in our carry on luggage on the way home!! Duh. Was confiscated by very happy security :) Security onto the plane was very tight flying out, bags scanned twice, swabbed, we were frisked - including the kids and our carry on luggage scanned AND opened.
Flights there with Jetstar was on time, no dramas. Flights home also on time getting through immigration/customs on way out very quick. Flight home very quiet about 2/3 full so heaps of room to spread out and catch a quick nap.
Favourite nights out were the Tepan Noodle Bar at Kartika and the Boardwalk at Bali Garden. Very impressed with Bali Garden actually - layout and location will probably book here for next time.
Thats all!