First JBR, so here goes!! Travelled with hubby, 16 yo daughter & 14 yo son - 5th family visit.
FLIGHTS
Flew Jetstar - Melb/Darwin/Denp. Departed Melb 30 mins late arrived Darwin on time. Landed Denpasar 15 minutes early.
Had checked flight stats before we left 3 flights landing same time. We arrived & we were the only flight in. Thru the airport in 5-10 minutes. Completed Health Form on plane - ran at by about 10 masked officials who just grabbed forms without looking at them, thermal scanner sitting idly in a corner.
Return flight left Denp on time after many security checks. Everything seemed to set off beepers - watches, sandals, belts & then full body frisk!! Did customs at Darwin then 4+ hours sleep on the carpet without about 50 others!! Good way to meet people!! Half hour late leaving Darwin. Landed Melb about half hour late. Left sitting on tarmac - pilot hopped on loud speaker & told us looked like airport had forgotton we had arrived - got off about 15 minutes later!!
Would I use Jetstar again - probably if cheap airfare - definitely not thru Darwin though - is a huge day!!
ACCOMMODATION
Stayed Dewi Sri 3rd time in family room. Is pretty tired but clean & staff friendly. Basic brekky - juice, coffee, cereal, fresh fruit, eggs, toast. A lot younger group of people there this time not many families but all very sociable & friendly.
GENERAL
Didn't do any tours as have done all before. Did a day at Waterbom. Ate at mainly cheap cafes around Poppies II. Some of our favourites were Warung 69, Warung Citti (next door), Piggys, Rainbow Cafe, Ratu (which became a favourite for footy watching with many other Aussies!!)
Did most shopping at Factory Outlet stores (thanks forumites for this info) kids were in their element buying plenty of hoodies, jeans plus all the usual summer gear. Also shopped at Mandy's (old friend) in Benesari.
Visited AFL store - thanks to DennisC's instructions & just had to wander into KTH & have a look around after reading so much about it - very impressed!! Staff did say there were a few forumites there - just couldn't pick you out!! Will try it out next year.
Took Gastro-Stop with us. Have had previous problems. About $6 pack 30- just took 1 if anyone thought they might be getting a pain. No bali belly!!
Spent the rest of the time just catching up with our old beach friends & their families - passing on school stuff & kid's clothes.
Overall loved it!!. Very busy - many younger people but all pretty well behaved - just having a good time!!
Well time for a snooze. Will do Lombok report later.
Hope I haven't bored you too much.
Cheers, Deb.