Me (7th time), friend - first time, my mum - first time, and my two children (6 & 8 ).
9 nights - Sanura, Ubud and Legian.
Last part Legian
At 10am Made came to take us to 'Jayakarta Private Residence' for our 4 last nights - I have always loved Legian - it is where I first stayed 20 years ago.
We stayed in Barb's private apartments - 2 rooms interconnecting ($140 for both per night) and I thought it was fantastic value for money and would definitely stay there again. My friend would definitely stay there again as well and this was her first time. She loved it. The whole resort is huge, 3 pools etc and it's nice to be on the beachfront and close to the shops as well. Walk to the pool shouldn't even be commented on (but I will) - what's the different between this Hotel and any other hotel - prob only takes 2 minutes.. My kids would only swim 20 minutes at a time - too much shopping to be done and the kids didn't need too much sun. (my poor son - took all this shopping really well..)
Once we got there we had our first meal and Bintang - (then many more) at Seaside - excellent value for money and wonderful food. Our favorite! One night I did comment (we were upstairs at Seaside) that that night plus a few times at some circle K's we were 'short changed' by about 10,000 etc. It didn't bother me too much but it happened quite a few times in Legian that I did really notice. Had read on here before about this happening, though when it came to money changers apart from one which quoted a high rate then changed it once I got in there - I had a great experience with them. They were all very proficient.
My friend enjoyed Legian the most. She said mainly because everyone is really friendly. There were heaps of families and groups of people and luckily we didn't come across too many beer swigging boofheads (though we may have looked like that to others). Ate at Seaside, La Casa - kids loved Yogi, Warung F...? something just outside the entrance to Jayakarta - really nice. Went to Briella Spa - that was lovely.
Did the normal thing - DVD's Nintendo games 62 in 1 $55.00 at Matahari's, got some lovely Joy bracelets (copies) from Bintang Silver - that was my special buy ($130 all up for 6 assorted sized bracelets) Went to Marine Park Safari was cheaper to go through tour desk on street. $35 US entry and transport was free. Did the elephant ride (kids wanted too - $20US for each - for 10 mins ouch!!) Loads of shopping and walking - fixed prices - Bali Shop & Miss Debbie's Garlic Lane. Etc Etc
Most of all my friend fell in love with Bali so I was so happy, she can't wait to come again. This time I wasn't so sad to leave as I know I'll be back within the year. Had an AWESOME time...both kids had a ball and my mum enjoyed it as well.
Like normal, over packed to get there - next time I'll take bathers, undies, the clothes that I wear there and sunblock. Everything else you can get there. Took Aquaear and Travelan and didn't use them once. (silly I know)
Can't beat beer, manicure, pedicure and daughters' hair braiding with Kim, Melissa and Yumi at Sammy and Suzy's beach bar, watching the sun go down. It's priceless.
Next time as I found the whole Kuta/Legian area so busy with traffic, I would probably spend a few days staying down south in Tuban to get that part of shopping done then back up to Legian. You would think that I wouldn't need to shop anymore but that never seems to be the case.
Love, Love LOVE BALI !!!!
Thanks for reading :-)