In Reply to: JBR's posted by lannai on Wednesday, 20. May 2009 at 07:57 Bali Time:
Well here goes a little::: We were leaving Perth on the 24th April on the evening flight with Virgin, we arrived the 2 hours prior to departure and spent this time having dinner (chicken and chips) at the Red Rooster (or some chicken place in the airport) followed by relaxing Dome coffee and a quick look at the duty free shop. We boarded the plane pretty early and the plane was almost full. We had a good flight but no movies, however the time went very quickly and 15 mins early we landed in Dps. Off the plane and into that old familiar smell, ahhh we're back again! Then down the steps to immigration to be greeted by 5 long queues, way back past the VOA, which we paid in Aus $, very quickly with no holdups and change in Rp. Back in to line to wait for the Immigration stamp, there were little children, obviously tired and crying but they didn't bring them through any quicker, (maybe should have asked the kids to cry louder - or even gone and stood down next to the booth then they may have let them through quicker)but no prob's for us we are now on Bali time!!! our luggage was waiting for us when we got through and straight through customs with nothing to declare.. As we exit the airport doors there is the sea of faces, all holding up cards with names on and looking at every traveller in anticipation... we make our way to the Taxi window and pay the Rp95000 to Sanur, the driver takes our case and leads us across the carpark to his waiting taxi, pops on the air con and away we go, the streets are busy leaving the airport and on to the bypass even though it is after midnight, 20 mins or so later we have arrived at Paradise Plaza Hotel, we get the best smile from the Bell man who has worked there for many years and he rushes across the foyer to give us a big hug and "welcome back to Bali". I had emailed the hotel explaining that our flight was delayed and would be arriving after midnight, everything was ready for our check in and we were escorted in the lift up to our room within minutes of arriving. As is usual, there were a bouquet of flowers and a card from the management welcoming us back to their hotel, along with the other freebies: free meal for 2, free massage for 2, free laundry 15 pces and of course the complimentary free 2 bintangs!! Unpacked, had a cup of tea and in bed before 2am ready to start our holiday bright and early the next day.