Hi all - This is my first JBR. Returned to Perth from Bali last night and want to go back! I last went to Bali in 1998, my Husband's last visit was in 1980 and it was the first time for my stepson (15) so you could basically say we were Bali Virgins!
FLIGHTS
Flew Garuda and had great flights. Flights all on time and was very surprised at how quick we went through immigration when we landed in Bali. We were ready for the porters but unfortunately my Brother who flew a few days before did not know about the porters and got stung $20 AUD. On our departure from Bali we went to the Dewa Lounge. I thought this was great value for $100,000 RP especially as my Husband and I are smokers to sit in real comfort, eat and drink as much as you want and also internet to entertain stepson. Would do it again for sure.
HOTEL
Stayed at the Patra Bali in South Kuta, LOVED IT, LOVED IT, LOVED IT. I was a bit apprehensive after we booked as I read some quite bad reports on Trip Advisor but we had to wonder if they actually stayed at the same hotel. We were early for checking in so sat around the gorgeous pool area for 20 minutes while our room was being prepared and the then a staff member came to us and said "courtesy of the hotel we are upgrading you all to two deluxe suites". We had orginally booked and paid for 2 deluxe rooms. The suites were gorgeous, roomy and very much appreciated. Very close distance to the pool and the staff at the Patra were so warm and friendly - I dont think one staff member ever past us without saying "good morning" with the biggest smiles on their face. The distance to Kuta was no problem at all. We always asked for a blue taxi which turns up in 2 minutes (15,000 - 20,000rp) plus there is a shuttle bus to take you to Kuta Art Markets. We walked to Centro Shopping Centre in 10 minutes along the gorgeous beach front. Would we stay there again - definately!
BALI - THE TOURS
We were quite nervous about going to the Bali after everyone tells you be careful of this and that but we felt very comfortable in Bali and loved every minute of it. We did quite a few tours. Travelled to Ubub, visited volcanco and went to Bali Zoo which I loved and got to hold the baby lion cubs which was my highlight. The only thing about this tour which I didnt like was the restaurant at the volcano which our driver took us too. I thought the food was cold, horrible and at $130,000rp not worth it at all. The sellers too on the tour got a bit intimidating when we stopped for photos at the volcano but at the same time broke my heart. Seeing the little kids selling their bracelets brought tears to my eyes and yes we bought many off them.
My Husband and Stepson did the ATV tours and Loved it - they came back as muddy as ever and bought a Disk full of photos that were taken of them - originally 500,000rp but bought for 300,000. The tour cost $75US.
BALI HAI REEF CRUISE was my absolute favourite. We had a fabulous day. Picked up at our hotel and taken to a great ferry where we were served coffee and pastries. Great smooth ride to the pontoon which has waterslide, scuba diving, snorkelling and a great underwater boat to see all the fish and coral. We were then taken to and Island which was absolutely breathtaking for a delicious BBQ lunch and you could either hang around at the resort, go on banana boat rides or a tour of the Island. We would definately stay overnight if we did this tour again in one of the beach huts. Loved every minute of this tour. Also did parasailing from the pontoon for 200,00rp.
Loved Waterbomb Park and eating out. I am not normally a drinker but my sister in law said "you have to try the frozen margaritas as they are not strong" well one turned into another and next thing I knew I was up on stage belting out a rendition of Dancing Queen at the open mike night at the Bounty Pub (not hotel). The next day I felt terrible and bought a DVD player and spent the whole day getting over the Arak drinks! We ended giving the DVD player to our driver who greatly appreciated this.
Ate at many great places but for me hands down was Ma Jollys. Perfect for a romantic evening or a night with a bit of class. It was quite expensive compared to other places you can eat at but was worth every cent. On the Beach front about 5 mins walk from Patra - service, food etc, was impeccable. My Brother and his wife made a booking for the very next night.
SHOPPING
My Stepson went mad with shopping from Billabong T-Shirts to wooden penis' which he found highly amusing. I bought heaps of DVDs and so far everyone has been a great copy. i bought mainly from Matahari who were having a great sale and most of the bags and clothes were either 50-70% off and I found it cheaper to buy here than off the streets.
BREAD TALK
Couldnt get enough of this place. Did the best Crossoints and Bread and Butter Puddings - Oh if only they had this in Australia.
I could go on and on about our trip but I think Ive probably bored you all enough. At the end of the day we loved Bali so much, the people are just wonderful (apart from the one time I didnt use the Kodak Shop and went to an "authorised money changer" who sneakily took 300,000rp from me) and we cant wait to start saving our pennies to go back again.
Thank you for reading. Jeanette