Left for Bali on 14th July flew Jetstar via Darwin. Could not fault Jetstar at all serice was fine and we had no major issues at all we left Sydney 20mins late but arrived in darwin on Time. Left Darwin a little late but again arrived in Denpasar on time. Would probably not fly via Darwin again as it makes it a long day and we arrived in Denpasar at 9.00pm and with a 4 year old this is not ideal. We did this as we saved about $300 per person so i guess that part was pretty good.
Had VIP VOA through Hadi and this service is absolutely fantastic out of the airport in about 20mins. However arriving at this time airport was not very busy at all.
Arrived at KTH in an executive suite for 7 days, didn't get to check it out too much first night as showers and straight to bed. Next morning we opened everything up and found we were in a corner room that was beautiful but our outlook was straight over a local compound and very smelly. We did request a ground floor if possible or overlooking the pool, so we were not really happy but the room was great. When we went to breakfast we just happened to ask if there was a possibility of changing rooms and to our great delight they told us that we actually had 2 rooms booked a deluxe and an executive, and you wouldn't believe it but the deluxe was in the new section poolside - PERFECT we said we will move. This was great for us as when our little one goes in for her day sleep we can still be outside or sitting on the fantastic verandah we had. We found KTH to be perfect for us we had 4 adults and our 4 year old, everything was great accommodation spacious, staff friendly and helpful, food great. We had no problems with breakfast everything we wanted and any extras cost us next to nothing would never complain at that. Sports bar was great for us footy mad people but the best thing was the Australian TV channels in the room loved this. It was also good for us as our little one got a bad cold on the second day and had to stay in the room so we really appreciated all the space and the TV. I cannot say enough about KTH it was fantastic. Loved the Kuta Steak House across the road best steaks in Bali by far and so reasonable, most of the eateries around Poppies 1 & 2 were quite good and cheap we noticed a big difference when we moved to Legian. Unfortunately we then had to move from KTH to head to Legian.
We arrived at the Losari where have stayed for the past 2 years. We book 12 months in advance so when we were there last year we booked and left our deposit for 3 weeks in 2 of the 3 rooms out the back. When we arrived we were told you can not book individual rooms only room types, not happy to hear this especially when we booked through the manager himself and was constantly in contact with them during the year to make sure the booking was fine which it always was they told us. So we tried to get other accommodation could have KTH room until 1st August but could not get anything in Legian from 1st Aug until 10th and we had to be in Legian to meet up with family. So we agreed to have 1 room out back for entire stay and the other for half the time then move to poolside at the front after lots of arguing and negotiating. We moved into the rooms only to be utterly disgusted how a place can deteriorate like it has over twelve months is disgusting. The rooms stunk and were filthy asked them to come back and reclean which they did but made no difference ended up going to Logis(supermarket) to buy cleaning products and deoderisers to do ourselves. Once cleaned, sprayed and aired for the afternoon much happier, husband totally cleaned airconditioner as well. Holiday they continued to be fine. As we have been to Bali many, many times this trip was to relax and chill out. So did not do trips or anything exciting just the normal. Husband and daughter did elephant ride and nursed the brown bear which she absolutely enjoyed. Watched dance performances and had a great time swimming and eating. On the 29th July we went to Ubud for the night.
We left early in the morning and headed to Ubud to stay at Tegal Sari. Could get in early to one room so we dropped our bags and headed off to the Ubud markets. Enjoyed these markets as are quite interesting didn't buy a lot but got some decorator items and pashmina shawls that are just beautiful. Went to lunch at a lovelly restaurant and then back to hotel for rest by the pool. This place is absolutely fantastic service and staff are 5 star. We had a standard room and a super deluxe there is no beter way to wake up than overlooking the rice fields, glorious. We then headed off to the monkey forest this was great and our daughter loved the monkeys lots of little ones and many babies including 2 sets of twins we then sat on our balconies and watched the workers in the rice fields. Next time we will be definately staying longer in this glorious place. Back to Legian and to change rooms.
When we arrived back to the Losari we were told we had to changed rooms 3 nights earlier or they couldn't guarantee us a poolside room out the front so we moved early. Again room was quite dirty but atleast it didn't smell a quick clean and we thought we would be right. First night in the bed and how horrible it totally sunk in the middle not happy, however worst was to come. Next night my husband felt something bite him thinking it was a mozzie he didn't worry to much until the next morning when he had bites everywhere - BED BUGS - they were everywhere in the bedhead, bed and base. Staff i don't think wanted to believe us at first which really pissed off my husband. They finally came to the room and were shocked my husband then stayed out the front of the room to watch them clean it out but you wouldn't believe it they put the bed in another room. I wanted to move rooms anywhere but he watched them totally strip the room and he said you wouldn't find a cleaner room so we stayed. He then spent to next 9 days in the room as when he went outside they became itchy with the heat. He went to hotel Dr as new bites kept appearing and was told he needed medication to get them out of his system. He took the medication which caused a reaction so back to Dr new medication and welts started appearing, we are still having him treated back home back our Dr said he was given right treatment and creams over there. Hence we were not happy at all.
On Talking to many guests over the 3 weeks we did not come across 1 guest that was happy with the treatment at Losari many people complained about dirtiness and many people were constantly swapped rooms. MAny guests were booked into poolside deluxe only to find no available rooms on arrival. It is very sad to say but we will never be returning to this hotel which is a shame as it is a geat location and their staff are fantastic our little girl loves the staff and they love her. We have looked at other accommodation and like many others from the hotel who booked Suriwathi while there for next year we will probably do the same. I hope no one has booked this hotel for there stay as you will be disappointed. When we left Mr Made the manager told us he was going to get things in order and get it back to what it was but they have lost us and many others it spoils your holiday.
On a better note we had great meals and caught up with lots of friends from over the years who made our trip worthwhile. We did notice big price increases in Legian in some places compared to Kuta especially beer and spirits. We also noticed how restaurants change. A couple of our favourite restaurants from last year were this year the worst. We found Ours to be really disappointing, expensive and horrible food only went once and wouldn't go back. The biggest price increase we found was Bali Beach Shack alot dearer for pretty ordinary food only went there once as well. Found it really off putting with boys out front begging you to come in.
However loved Sheppy's but best place was Uncle Norms food was great and the staff were out of this world our little girl wanted to go back every night. Robbie really spoilt her we didn't mind as the best snapper around. Pizza plce out front of Lokha is great especially Saturday buy one get one free. Bali Aussie great nasi and Ketumbar was also worth a mention.
Best pedicure and feet treatment at ambience and Carla was also good.
Shopped everywhere went to Ketuts, Miss debbi and Yanthi all good as well as markets to bartering. Found Centro quite expensive previous trips have found good buys there but not this time same with surf factory outlets pretty ordinary.
Hope I haven't bored you all even with some of the problems had a great time was good to catch up with everyone and meet some great new people. Just waiting for warm weather to show off the tan managed to get a pretty good one this time.