Had 8 weeks in Bali - returned to remainder of an eastern Canadian winter...sigh. Back now for 2 weeks and it seems long ago and far away again.
As for hotels, Bali Garden Hotel has been such a pleasant part of our stay for the last 10 years and now feels like home. Very much enjoyed the extra pools as they do dilute the crowds as the hotel was running to full capacity the entire time we were there. The spa pool is off limits to children so more relaxing. They are in the process of opening a small convenience shop just outside the internet room/bar- lots of shelves and a large cooler already installed. Had one of the renovated rooms for several weeks; they are nicely appointed. The beachfront restaurant is convenient and does some tasty meals.
In Ubud we tried Green Fields Resort -absolutely charming staff, wonderful location, spacious room so we're already booked for next year. Moved to Cendana Hotel and Spa for ten days (deluxe room)as family was joining us for their first trip to Bali and we wanted a more central location for them (and a TV - that was a joke!). The overpriced room rate reflects their location, but as one floats at the edge of the salt water pool overlooking the little padi, it does have the feeling of an oasis in the middle of town. We won't stay there again however-small room and the price being out of sync with other similar hotels. We had stayed at Ubud Village Hotel for years but avoided it this year due to the renos. We feel the reduced size will detract too much from it for us to return. We went for a look but were disappointed.
Restaurants: We were sad to see the beach changes in the front of Pantai Restaurant but it still remains a firm favourite and, with the new beachfront boardwalk, has been discovered. It was busier than we have ever seen it. Already some beach erosion again in front of Discovery Mall as a result of the storms and strong winds during this rainy season. Ultimo was especially enjoyable. Saw my first snake in Bali in years as we descended to the lower level at Murni's Warung - it has a lovely atmosphere overlooking the Tjampuan River but food is just fair. (Well, the cashew pie with vanilla ice cream is better than fair.) We always make a visit to the Sunday night Balinese buffet at Wayan's Café in Ubud. Ketupat (Legian) was also good for Indonesian food. Best coffee at Tutmaks (Ubud). Pizza Bagus (Ubud) is a staple, as is Kampung Café up on the buyer's strip. Hit the usual spots in Kuta/Tuban/Seminyak areas. Tried unsuccessfully to find Zanzibar but did locate it on a map... once we were home. Next year!!
Had lots of tailoring done at Janoko again; they made many copies of items from fabric I had brought and from a bit I got at Alta Moda. Had a bathing suit copied at Climax but brought the fabric as she has a poor selection. Found a good tailor in Ubud just across from the main BCA bank.
No dental work this year but my husband continues to be very pleased with the crowns Dr. Rudy has done over the last few years. I have chickened out from having the laser bleaching done... I think.
As for shopping we spent our Ubud shopping time in Tegalallang. As for the Kuta area, Unagi was a find -thanks to the forum for that and also for Maharani Silver. Just across the lane from Maharani Silver was Becky Shop, a plus sized clothing shop with tons of choices! Far better than Animale and Jacques Ruc in selection, tho most clothing was done in the crinkle rayon. Shopped on Seminyak, Double Six,etc. We tried to find a good framing shop; we've used Panorama on Jl. Iman Bonjol for ages but their selection of framing is so limited. This year we used a small little place in Ubud that is operated by a fellow from Ambon but again few choices other than heavy wide frames. Would appreciate some suggestions for framers if anybody knows of some. Got a couple of pairs of glasses from one of the optical shops in Discovery for equivalent to $180 Canadian - a deal!
There was a bit of excitement for our guests to witness during one very heavy and long downpour. We aborted our outing to Tanah Lot as the roads were more like streams but by the time we turned around and and hit Jl. Legian, the water was so deep that we thought it impassible. We holed up on the raised driveway of a Japanese restaurant watching the rain, other vehicles being cheered as they braved the water, stalled bikes, shop owners trying to prevent waves from rushing onto the floors of their shops, etc. Went to their restaurant to kill some time till the water dropped to mid-hubcap depth. Charged out again and no problems till we hit Jl. Kartika Plaza when it deepened a lot! Cars were pushing water out front like it was snow and by the time we got to the hotel parking lot, our car engine was steaming from contact with the water. Lots of photos taken, people walking barefoot thro the water and many cars stalled. One of the hazards of being there during the rainy season.
Highlight of the trip: Watching the traditional rice harvest in the huge padi in front of Green Fields.
Surprise of the trip: Aga white (Hatten) is drinkable!
That more or less sums it up-a good trip marred a bit by some health issues but had the fun of family and a friend coming to join us when we were there. It is refreshing to see Bali again thro new eyes as newbies notice things you have taken for granted and are commonplace.