Got back on Saturday from 10 days in Bali & KL with my 13yr old daugher, her first trip to Bali, my 13 or 14th.
We got the one way fares for $199 with Jetstar from Bris via Darwin. I always swore I would never fly with Jetstar, but hey being female I guess I can change my mind. We were then flying onto KL and back to the Gold Coast.
Flight left on time, very, very comfortable seats, plenty of leg room. Service in-flight was faultless, we got snacks off the trolley which we both found tasty and reasonably priced.
Arrived in Darwin 3.5hrs later, to pass the time we sent postcards so no one could complain we didn't send any from our holiday lol. Had a bite to eat at Big Rooster.
Flight to Bali uneventful, grabbed one of those portable TV's, I think it was $12? will find the receipt if anyone need exact price, it is cheaper to pre-book on-line which I would reccommend as there is only a limited amount of spare ones.
As we only had carry on luggage, we were off the plane and heading to customs in record time, paid in Australian dollars, change was given in ruphia at exchange rate of rp7600, so I was happy with that and will do so in the future, saves the hassle of getting US$ (unless of course our dollar gets stronger).
Noticed prices at the Taski Kiosk have gone up since last trip, airport to legian is now rp55 000 (last year rp45 000) nothing to be complaining about!!!! But it only cost us rp31 000 for the same trip back lol.
It's still better than paying for un necessary 'hotel transfers'.
We were staying at Adi Dharma Cottages this trip, we usually stay at the Hotel, but I felt like a change - personally I wouldn't stay there again, I feel the Hotel is better value for the same $$$, there is no room safes or Foxtel at the cottages, we don't have Foxtel at home so its a treat for us, certainly not a necessity though. And as we shop for business the in-room safes are handier.
We do prefer the pool and resturant at the cottages.
Our room was right up the back on the top floor, 49 steps to be precise. Huge room, spotless clean, interconnecting door. I have started putting photos on my website if you are interested w's.iguanabeachwear.com.au in the travel blog section.
Unloaded our bags and headed out for a walk, daughter was amazed at how many times we were invited into nightclubs. Grabbed some toothpaste, deodorant & water (we travel light) and headed back to our room.
Spent the next few days shopping, exchange rate hovered around rp7700 - 7800.
Did the usual damage in Geneva, there is new stock since last trip but alot was just variations of previous stuff so I found it alittle boring....prices still the same.
Then off to Uangi, did some serious shopping here, prices similar to Geneva, more organised, cleaner, brighter premises.
Working around Galungan and Melasti Ceremonies during the short time we were there was abit of a challenge but I had pre-ordered alot of stock so that helped.
The traffic was horrible on the Melasti day ceremony, traffic was stopped from Bemo Corner and the length of JL Legian, every Taski was empty as tourists got out and walked.
Daughter got hair extensions done, we are both very impressed with the results, perfectly matched color, and very neat job, photo's are on website, and will provide further details to those interested.
I had a facial while I waited.....bliss.
Because it was my daughters first visit, we had to do the Monkey Forest/Tanah Lot thing - oh goodie...not!!! As much as I love Tanah Lot, the commercialism (sp) has blown it for me.
Well I actually had the best visit to the Monkey Forest, my daughter has been on my case since she was 2, asking me to bring her back a monkey lol, and she was finally there. One monkey hugged her leg and wouldn't let go,and another held her hand, J was in heaven and didn't want to leave, got some great photos.
Checked out Tanah Lot and got out of there before the sunset crowd departed so was back in Kuta in record time.
Will do more later as this is getting longer than planned, happy to answer any questions..