Finally got around to posting our JBR, albeit a short one. Any questions just ask.
This holiday, our 10th to Bali, was alittle different fromour usual trips as this time our group of 11 conisited not only me, my wife and 19 y/o daughter but also my 82 y/o father and my brother(we just lost mum before xmas), our friend and her 18 y/o son who is just getting through leukemia after 3 years plus two other couples.
We flew out of Perth on Monday 4th May with PB. No problems checking in all 11 of us. The plane left on time and I can only applaud the crew. They were all male and very chatty and friendly with all the passengers. Flight over was uneventful until landing at Bali. Got through VOA no problems but then huge stuff up with the officials handing out new(?) swine flu declaration forms with little instructions in broken english. Oh well it is Bali. Dad got a bit flustered but we were out of there well within an hour and met outside by the boys from Sorgawi Hotel.
Found the Sorgawi on the internet. We have stayed at the Bakungsari last 3 visits but this time they had priced themselves out of the market. Pulled in to the hotel about 12.30 and the wife sorteout the paperwork. By the time I arrived in the second van all the rooms were sorted so I was hanging for a bintang. No problems! One of the hotel workers (well i think he worked there even though i never saw him again for the next two weeks) grabbed three beers out of the fridge and told us to fix him up in the morning when we changed some money.
Dad commented that he was feeling hungry and asked if anything would be open. I told him to stash his bags and we would have a wander down the road and find him something. So five minutes later we stumbled upon Mammas German Restaurant. Ten minutes later we were sinking our second Bintang and I was initiating Dad and my brother to the ways of the friendly Balinese by joking with Ketut that she didn't look German. This was one of the greatest memories that I will keep for ever. Drinking with my Dad in a German Restaurant in Bali at 3 o'clock in the morning.
First day we did the essentials shopping run to Carrefour before back to the hotel to chill for a while before dining. Over the next few weeks we ate at all the old favourites like Uncle Norms, Sheppy's, Bali Bagia etc. Because of the company with us this time we probably ate at more mainstream restaurants than normal. No warungs or foodcarts for us this time, and the amount of money spent proved this.
Did a few touristy things for the bali virgins like Kintamani, coffee plantations, safari park, waterbom and balinese dances.
Was impressed with the safari park even though i was sceptical about going there, knowing what I do about some of the "zoos" in SE asia. The only thing that spoilt the day was the lion and tiger on display for photo opportunities. Anyone who says they are not drugged must be looking through rose coloured glasses. At one point I saw the 2 handlers lift the lion (which looked dead if not drugged)by the tail and the neck on to the log where it collapsed back into its position. The tiger was just as bad with two keepers dragging an obviously petrified animal by its chain back into position.
The girls frequented the beauty spa across the road from Sorgawi (Angelina's Spa?) many a time for manicure, pedicure, facials etc. They all seemed happy with the girls there and if wifes happy I'm happy!
The two other couples wanted tobuy and ship some big carvings and lamps back to Perth and as I have done this previously, I took them to a few places I had been to including Balistones/Cargoku as I found Felicia very helpful with both shopping and shipping back to Perth.
We were getting 7600/7900Rp to the Aussie dollar for the two weeks.
Still found it quiet over there compared to the past and the locals were feeling the pinch. Found the stall holders in the markets more agressive this time but still open to bargaining. We got a few things from Ketuts fixed price shop when we had enough of haggling but what we payed on the street was much the same as her prices.
Flight back was same as going over. Great crew, smooth flight. Would definitely use PB again.
Can reccomend Sorgawi Hotel if you I looking for a clean and friendly budget hotel. If you are interested email Roman, the manager through their website and tell them Richard says hello. I am sure he will look after you on price.