I have leanrt so much from this forum that i hope after reading my report you will also be well informed. My family of husband 3 kids (21,19,17) and me headed over to bali to celebrate my hubbys 50th birthday he has been going to bali since 1978 then I fell in love with bali in 1982 and then we introudced bali to our children this was our 4th time as a family hubbys 2oth something and mine 8th. Boys left a few days before us on the sunday 21st June us girls left on the wednesday all flew garuda out of sydney flight was full not a spare seat. Used vip for all of us, sorry to say but this is one of the best things I have ever done, both days there was at least 6 flights arriving within 1/2 hour of each other. We were met at the bottom of the stairs taken into room within 20 mins pasport stamped luggage collected escorted out to waiting driver whilst those on our flight had not even started to be processed. It was worth every cent. Used nettravel in kensington nsw. Paid 38 aud each.
ACCOMMODATION: Kumala Pantai 24 days
We always stay here and book directly with desi. This was our 4th time at kp and stayed in the new 2 bedroom apartment at the front of the building on the top floor. Ist thing no balcony which was a bit of pain no where to hang out wet boardies and cossies and to to be able to get some fresh air instead of air con 24/7. I was not happy at first there was a terrible stench smelt of sewage went to complain at front desk yes no problem will send someone up, I had forgot what bali time is like after going down twice a day for ist week I was starting to get pretty cranky and let them know finally fixed the problem after week and 1/2. There was no where else to move to as all rooms full. Have to say after all the times we have frequented kp I was disappointed with the service and atmosphere this time. I feel it has got too big and lost what we all loved about it when we first discovered this property. The location cannot be faulted, great restauants the beach and a bit quieter than the other end. We paid 1799000 for this room which had a king size bed and 2 singles with a rollaway(210000). Even though hotel full never had a problem getting a pool lounge.
MASSAGES:
I only had these at the hotel, this time as kp as a new salon, paid 111000 for a full 1 hour body massage,
to die for. Girls all very good and have to say a good atmosphere here. But for me the best thing was a head cream bath, you have hair wash and massage then a thick cream is rub all over your head and then steamed while this is happening you get a neck,shoulder and middle back massage this was divine probably went for 1hour then hair rinsed and massage then blowdried. Fantastic.
HUSBANDS 50TH:
This was a special occassion and as bali is the place that we all love there was never any question that we would not be here for the big 50. My husband had 2 great friends from the time they were 8 come over one a bali lover others bali virgins. Bali virgins only there for 5 days but loved it and are already talking about going back. Decided to do something a bit different and went to ubud which would also give the virgins another side of bali. Booked Indus did all my email from aus through elizabeth who was a delight to work with and organised the cake and all for me. Sat out on the terrace all 13 of us perfect night food delicous a good night had by all.
Will continue part 2 soon with restaurants and shopping info.