5th trip to Bali - 4th family trip. Hubbie (51), me (43), kids (14, 12 & 7). Last in Bali in 2005 (for the second lot of bombs) and this was the first trip with all the knowledge of the forum. A friend put me onto the forum about 6 months before our trip and I spent hours reading all the wonderful JBRs and general information. A huge thank-you to all you formites for all the wonderful information.
FLIGHTS/AIRPORT
Flew Mel-Denp on Jetstar. Left Melbourne a little late. Haven't got too many nice things to say about Jetstar. We were using Qantas frequent flyer points and Jetstar was the only way to fly direct. Grumpy air steward, and we weren't too happy about paying for food etc. Landed a little late and from the moment we landed to arriving out of the terminal, it took 45 minutes - best ever!! Queued for 2 taxis - a bit slow but once in the taxi we soon arrived at our accommodation.
ACCOMMODATION
Stayed at Bali Dynasty - 4th time to stay there - in the new studio room. Had room 807 first room on the ground floor so very close to Gracies. Was a bit concerned about the noise but we slept every night no problem. The room is perfect for us - especially having the 2 TVs so kids could look at a DVD while we watched TV after dinner. BUT it is a lot of money to pay for something that essentially you only sleep in (US$173 per night). More on that later.
RESTAURANTS
Came armed with a list of restaurants to eat at and managed at least half on the list. Had previously taken the kids to Daddy's Café as they had loved the Snapper - but one meal there was enough this time -has definitely gone downhill. For family meals we ate at Il Cielo (but kids got bored with that!!), Febris - cheap and cheerful and pretty good food, Thai restaurant beside Il Cielo (wouldn't go back as got Bali Belly after eating prawns!!), Boardwalk - we all loved this restaurant- great atmosphere, good food, great service but a bit slow - but who cares when you are on Bali time!, Pantai - average, Ifiori - great pasta, all loved this restaurant though a bit more expensive for a family meal. Averaged about $55 per meal including juices or smoothies, and 2 large Bintangs. Definitely more expensive than previous years but still very reasonable.
Adults only eating out - Koris x 4 - always a favourite of ours and we have never been disappointed. Averaged about $90 per couple including numerous Arak Ataks!! And they do the most wonderful frozen Margueritas. Sarong - the most divine meal I think I have ever had - about $160 per couple including Thai Bloody Marys. A wonderful dining experience. KuDeTa - definitely a place to see and the most fabulous location. Food excellent but we felt a bit old here - a very young trendy crowd. Paid $150 for the meal but that included just 2 Coronas to drink!! Next trip I want to go to La Lucciola and The Living Room.
Shopping, activities and general bits and pieces to follow.....