In the lead up to our spectacular Bali holiday I have constantly come across people saying, 'Don't tell everyone or it will become too popular and be ruined or it won't be a surprise.' Therefore, I have chosen to label my just back reports 'Bali Spoilers' as I reveal the good, the bad and the ugly experiences of our trip. So I shall apologise now to all of the hotels for spoiling their little secret surprises. For the rest of you, here is all of our juicy goss, hints and tips...:D
I must confess that Bali Fever has hit me quite hard this time around. Of course the initial symptoms were always there. I've always scanned the forums and kept in touch with what was going on in Bali. For years I dreamed of what we might do... ONE day. But when the possibility of going to Bali in TEN short weeks was proposed to me I simply could NOT resist. All of the practical issues that have held me back for so long flew out of the window and simply disappeared.
It was then that the full blown symptoms of Bali fever set in. Signs included having sweaty palms, insomnia, a compulsion to mention the B word at least every half an hour and of course obsessing over the Bali forum numerous times a day. Hallucinations of a warm paradise, frangipani flowers floating in the pool, swaying palm trees and spectacular cocktails have also been occurring. Our first bout was in 2003 and now it was happening all over again.
For me holidays are a full pelt awesome adventure. It does not seem right to sit idle by a pool when Bali has so many exciting and wonderful experiences to offer. If I am going to all the hassle of going away I am going to make it worthwhile!
Before I knew it I had booked myself (and my brave husband) into 7 days of pure awesomeness, packed full of magnificent sensory adventures. I also carefully cherry picked each hotel based on the unique experience that that particular hotel could offer us.
How could I choose between...
- the Ayana (used to be called the Ritz Carlton) as an introductory welcome to Bali
- an African inspired hut over looking the safari park
- a lush valley villa in Ubud
- a beach front villa at Amed
- a beach hut right on the beach at a tropical island
- or the gorgeous Conrad to appropriately say farewell to Bali?
How could we stay in one or two hotels when they all offer a completely different adventures? So I chose G (- all of the above :D)
BEWARE... it was the Bali fever that made me do it!
MY HASSLE SAVING TIPS FOR BALI NEWBIES BEFORE YOU GO...
HINT: Go ahead and book your holidays online.
Always check out asia rooms on the internet as well as asking for direct quotes before you book with anyone.
Unfortunately we consulted some agents who are highly recommended on the forum but they ended up being more expensive. To add to the disappointment the online airfare went up as we waited for the agents uncompetitive reply.
HINT: Don't forget to claim your vaccination costs on your health insurance so you can get some of your money back. We had our Vivaxim shot (Hep A and Typhoid) and picked up our Malaria tablets.
HINT: If you want to experience the best that Bali has to offer use the forum and try to do your homework before you go.
In 2003 I specifically told a random online agent the tours that we wanted to do. I think he got some mates together and did their version of the tours that I had asked for. Although we survived the tours they were very basic and dodgy. Try to book the proper tours with the right people that others recommend on the forum so that next time you can enjoy the fantastic tours again for the right reasons.
HINT: Besides the obvious also pack...
Travelan (to avoid Bali belly)
Raspberry juice/cordial or syrup (at least 35% strength - 10ml a day in a glass of bottled water)
Vitamin B tablets (to avoid mosquito bites) Start taking them 2 weeks before as well as during your stay.
Aqium gel (apply regularly but especially after handling money)
An underwater case for your camera (or a disposable underwater camera)
A waterproof watch
Acupressure sea bands (if you suffer from sea sickness)
Kwells (if you suffer from sea sickness)
A small pack of tissues (in case there is no toilet paper)
Brand new toothbrushes in an unusual colour to remind you to rinse your teeth with bottled water.
A watch with a light so you can see the time in the middle of the night.
A "Don't worry be happy as I'm in Bali" attitude and a light hearted sense of humour:D
Oh and finally do not forget to pack your plastic 'look alike' wine glass on the flight. It is not right to kick off your amazing holiday by drinking wine from a cheap thin plastic tumbler:D