You plan for the best holiday, but you can't tell if its going to turn out right until the end of the trip. We were just in Bali in Dec 08 - Jan 09. There is still just so many things to see. One thing is for sure, BTF and the information I got off here was useful in every way.(especially the info on wiping off the chalk marked crosses from your bags, that info managed to put a smile on many a childs' face) I didn't keep a diary of the things we did during our glorious 17 days in sunny paradise. And true to it, it only rained one day during our stay there.
Accommodation:
We're been staying in Sanur the past couple of trips. It is just so quiet and peaceful; don't get me wrong, it's just a preference from the hustle and bustle in Kuta. It's just more laid back here in Sanur. We stay in a road called Kesari. It is a nice big house with 8 rooms. There is a beautiful lap pool, a kitchenette for some simple cooking. Hot/cold showers, TV/DVD, towels and sheets changed daily. What more can you ask for 200,000 rupiah a day (...). It's our little home away from home! The place is owned by a British gentleman and his Indonesian wife. The staffs have come to become a part of our family.
Transportation:
I was recommended by the owners of the place we stay. As it would turn out, this gentleman would be like a brother to me. His name is Kadek. He owns a place called NITA collections. They rent bikes, cars and even have drivers. They also specialize in hand made leather goods. It is a piece of mind knowing that you are paying for good workmanship and quality. I have concluded that it is by some fate that I came to know Kadek. You read about all the 'horror' stories of tourists being involved in accidents, and ended up being taken a ride for millions of rupiahs. We got into a very bad accident on 13th June, a car ploughed into us. I had all the proper documentation, right of way and witnesses. My daughters and I were injured and in the end the driver demanded money from us even though it was clearly his fault. Kadek was on the accident scene within ½ and hour. He negotiated with the locals and police and he to was ashamed of their demands. He settled with them eventually. I did not have to fork out a single cent for the accident. I would highly recommend Kadek if you intend to drive, and want to be assured of an eventful holiday. Accidents can and do happen. He is 101% reliable and above all he is more concerned for the family.
Places of interest:
Waterbom - http://www.waterbom-bali.com/
USD $23 for adults and USD $13 (under 12 yrs). If like me, you have kids, then this IS the place you want to take them. Be prepared for a day of fun, and lots of climbing of stairs. Before you head down to Waterbom, make sure you visit one of the many Tourist Stations that offer you discounts anywhere from 5% -15% discounts or sometimes if you know them well enough 20%. You don't pay them anything. They just earn a commission off of you when you pay and present the discount vouchers at Waterbom or any other places like Waterrafting, Safari, ect. So the discounts do save you some. I get mine from a guy named Gade (62) 081916492664 (tell him Glenn from Singapore recommended) he will give a good discount., As you come out of Dynasty Hotel towards our left there is a Kodak money changer. Just across the road there is a pink building that has a Spa. He is located just on the right of the pink building.
BTW - for all you WaterBom fans out there, there is a new ride that is going to be ready by the end of the year, something with Loops (...)
Sukawati/ Tagalang -
- Tie/die apparel seems to be the 'in' thing this trip. Prices range from 15,000 - 30,000 rupiah. You can't really get these prices anywhere in Kuta as these places are like wholesale.
- Souvenir T-shirts 15,000 rupiah
- Woven bags (good quality) 30,000 - 70,000 rupiah (depending on sizes)
- Wooden statues 30,000 - 50,000 (also depending on the type)
- Copy sunglasses 20,000 -30,000 rupiah (their initial asking price is 75,000rupiah) Ray ban, Oakley, Dior, Channel ect.
- Women's sandals 22000 - 30,000 rupiah
- Dotted Aboriginal Paintings (made to order) 3 pieces 46cm x 46cm 150,000 rupiah, ready in 1 day.
- Name woodcarvings 30,000 (single names) 75,000 longer names with dolphin designs (a guy I know in Sanur)
Paragliding-
This was supposed to be my Christmas preset when we were here in Dec/Jan, but the winds weren't strong enough then. I use the services of a gut named Ketut Manda. He is a Safety officer with flybali, so you can't go wrong here. Someone just asked if there was hot air ballooning in Bali, believe me, this one of the the safest adrenalin sports around, if not, I would not have let my daughters of 16 years and 9 years of age try it out. It is done in Nusa Dua, just after Niko Hotel. It is outrageously the most awesome, breathtaking thing to do, and the view is unbelievably jaw dropping 600,000 rupiah for a 20 -25 minute ride ... worth every single cent!!!
Mount Batur -
If you are adventurous enough, rent a jeep and make the 5 hour trip to and fro, not before heading to Hardy's or Carrefour the day before to stock up on 10 kilo bags of rice, instant noodles, coffee, tea, biscuits and chocolates for the kids. You got to have nerves of steel to make the journey down to the volcano (it isn't that bad (...)). This is our 2nd trip here. The last time we bought the people and kids clothes and toys. This time around we not only brought them toys and clothes but also some food as mentioned. The people who live at the base of Mt Batur are mainly the 'Orang Asli' also known as the 'original village people of Batur' they are one of the poorest people who live in Bali. You've got to see to believe their state. There was this lady with 3 kids. Her children were all not more then 12 years (2 boys and a girl) she was preganat (looked like into her 7th month) and there they were dragging some plants that they use for they shelter. I don't know how to describe the emotions that went through when we gave the little girl a Barbie doll and the boys a soccer ball. This is why I make this trip. This is all so worth it. We think that our lives are difficult; you haven't seen anything till you've seen the people of Batur. I keep a picture of them on my wall just so I am reminded of their plight.
My most beautiful beach - Gege Beach
We were supposed to go for Parasailing, Flying Fish, Jet Ski & Banana boat (all for 400,000 rupiah) got the deal from Gade from the Tourist Station. The tide in fornt of the place we were supposed to do the sports was low; they wanted us to do it about ½ an hour away, so we decided to spend a day at the beach instead. I asked a lady at Circle K and she recommended we try out Gege Beach. It turned out to be the beach below from where we did our Paragliding. It was really beautiful, the water was crystal clear, it was kind of a seaweed farm, no hassling from vendors. Picture perfect & calm waters.
ShootBali - http://shootbali.com/
I understand that there are others similar, but I used them and would definitely use them again. Very professional service paid 285,000 rupiah for my piece which was about 68 x 42 cm. had it done in Black and white (monochrome) canvas and it looks real good. Only provided them with a photograph and they took care of the rest.
Bubba Gump-
Kids loved the place, kids menu comes with drinks and free refill. As a matter of fact so does the ala carte soft drinks. Our order of Southern fried chicken, Large Ribs, Kids Spaghetti, Fish and chips, Clam Chowder (you have to try this) and my Shrimps Galore (4 different kinds of shrimp) cost us about 800,000 rupiah. Definitely better then Hard Rock.
Sanur Beach -
Didn't do the jet ski thing as it was more expensive this time around (250,000 -300,000 for a 15 minute ride) Everybody kept saying that it was crowded in Sanur, but we just didn't see the crowd. The massage ladies on the beach were also complaining that business was really bad.
50,000 rupiah for a 1 hour massage
50,000 rupiah for medi and pedi with flower designs (look for MiMi and Aneka) just outside Circle K next to Bonsai Café. Tell them Glenn & Lorraine from Singapore recommended them. Sometimes the don't get any customers the whole day.
Money changer with best rates in Sanur, the one next to Kodak Photo, you can also make phone calls there and they sell stamps too. The mail box is just along the road.
DVD - we got about 350. Some places you buy 10 get 2/3 free 10,000 a piece, really depends on weather you like the person. PS2 games 3 for 10,000 rupiah. Wii games 20,000 a piece, lesser if you get more.
Overview-
Despite almost being stopped by customs carrying 20 soccer balls, 4 basket balls (all deflated) 48 Hot Wheels matchbox cars, 50 Barbie dolls in boxes, tonns of stationeries, clothes new and used for the less fortunate (almost 100kg in all); getting involved in a bad accident and almost being ripped off. I have to say once again that this is truly one of the most memorable trips that I have made to Bali with my family (been coming since 1990). And we are already making plans to go back again in December. we also visited an Orphanage, but there is just too much to write.
If there is anything here that interests you, please do not hesitate to drop me your email. I would gladly be of assistance. For those who have anything negative to say about this report, thank you in advance for your smart a&* comments, everyone is entitled to theirs ;) and lastly ............ Hati Hati ............ Bali I'm coming home soon!!
PS - sorry for the long one ;)