We have just returned from our first trip to Bali. I found this site so valuable in our planning and preparation that I thought I would attempt to share our trip with you all.
GETTING THERE
Our family (2A, 3 C) flew with Jetstar, Sydney to Denpasar direct. I am an anxious flyer but we had such an excellent flight I almost relaxed (only incident was the person in front of me smoking in the toilets, but was dealt with by crew!) We had plenty of room and a spare seat beside me . We were delayed in Sydney for 30 minutes so late arriving in Bali. We were given the yellow swine flu cards to complete on the plane and had changed money to pay our VOA in USD. Our entry to Bali was smooth, in fact we exited the airport in around 25 minutes, which included changing some AUD to IDR. All the things I was expecting, intense heat, overwhelming smells and crowds of people, were there, but the excitement must have dampened their impact.
My friend was waiting at the airport, she had arranged a van and driver to take us to our accommodation. Straight to The Dynasty to check in. Stayed in Family Pool View Room. Requested room not available so need to change room next day. Stocked up on breakfast vouchers, had a few drinks with friends. Very long day, but we are in Bali at last!
DAY 1
Still on NSW time so up early, walked around resort in daylight then ventured out onto the street. Great time to explore, only walked up to Centro and back, just taking in the sights and sounds of the area. Back to hotel to meet up for breakfast, then spent our first morning just relaxing by the pool and catching up with our friends. Weather was overcast and started to shower as we ordered our first lot of happy hour drinks. Decided it was time to get out and see something. Taxi to Poppies 1, it was pouring with rain so best described as mayhem as 11 of us tried to negotiate our way to a money changer then down lane to find TJ's Restaurant for lunch, stopping only to bargain for some umbrellas on the way! 30 minutes later we all sit down for lunch most of us soaking wet, with about 6 different umbrellas, 1 already broken. Very grateful only paid 50,000 each.
Lunch was excellent. Some headed back to resort and rest on for some shopping. Walked down Poppies 1 and then Poppies 2. Mainly looking, did not buy much as first day! Taxi back to resort and time to get ready for dinner.
Driver picked us up at 7.30pm and went to Drops at Legian. Meals were great! Can't believe how cheap too. 500,000 for our family of 5, only $65!!! Walked through Legian a bit after dinner, just taking it all in.
DAY 2
Transfers to Bakas Elephant Park. It was nice to see some of the more rural areas. Once we arrived, children had Elephant rides, and loved it. I also had a short ride which was a highlight! Did not enjoy the reptiles they brought out for kids to hold though!!!!!! Then some went white water rafting, lunch provided was enjoyable.
Managed to fit in some shopping on the way home, ordered some leather shoes for husband and sons, purchased a leather bag for me.
Dinner across the road from Dynasty at Kin Khoa - Thai restaurant. Another great meal and cheap too.
Off to Dianne's fixed price shop! Best way to shop for me, got dresses, shorts, caps, bags etc. Loved it and went back almost every day for more! We are all starting to get into holiday mode!
DAY 3
Waterbom Park. A fun day for kids and adults! Bought tickets at MBA stand at Legian, paid 695,000 IDR ($82AUD) for entry for 2A and 3C. Put some money on a band for snacks, but decided to eat once we left, mid afternoon. Great park, something for everyone, even big sooks like me who tried waterslides for the first time!
Walked back with all the tribe to resort. Nice for kids to experience the shopping for some things that had caught their eye! Mainly sunglasses and boys got soccer tops and hats too.
Dinner out front of Dynasty at Queens of India. Excellent Indian food, very tasty! Another lovely meal and great value too.
Kids exhausted so went back to resort, us girls took a taxi to Legian to shop, ended up shopping our way home. Had a great night! Absolutely falling in love with Bali!!
DAY 4, 5 and 6
Great days spent relaxing, everyone together but also doing their own thing. Perfect holiday really.
Spent time by the pool. Some returned to Waterbom Park! Plenty of shopping was done by all. Really started to enjoy the shopping and get a feel for it. Managed to have some suits tailor made for my husband (XXXL), and clothing for my sons too. Loved Geneva's too, could have, or should have spent a whole day there! Next time.
Breakfast was at resort each day. Lunches and snacks mostly around the pool or grabbed something quick while we were out.
Dinners were varied.
Il Cielo - Italian, across the road from Dynasty, another great meal and a great price.
Nayan(??) Restaurant at Legian, next to Adika Sari Bungalows. Lovely meal, menu had something for everyone.
Our most expensive meal in Bali and so worth it was at Dewata Café at Jimbaran Bay for sunset. Chose our seafood and how we wanted it cooked. Served in the most glorious of surroundings. What more could you ask for. Sunset was spectacular!
DAY 7
Our last day had come, all too quickly! So sad to go but busy talking about our next trip already!!
Packed, then out for last session at pool, and got nails re-done and girls had hair freshly braided. Boys out for last quick shop. Checked out of resort but stored our luggage at reception. We had arranged for a bus to take us to have a meal of Babi Guling (something my husband had researched on here and was on his must do list!) We were driven all the way to Ubud, nice to see the different areas and more rural existences. What can we say, the meal was fantastic, can't believe how cheap it was 25,000 per serving, with kids meal of rice, roast port and crackling for 15,000 each. Delicious way to end our holiday!
Back to resort, used departure lounge to shower, change, just time for a few drinks and then time to go!
Our return flight was to Darwin where we holidayed for another few days. Flight was at 11.00pm, so after a long day made our way to airport and rushed through check-in, up to immigration. Amazed at how many checks and xrays to go through. Almost last on plane and allocated seats had been changed. Everyone exhausted but so happy!
Sorry if this was too long or boring, didn't realize we had done so much! Just a note to say we absolutely loved our trip and can't wait to go again, in fact I have spent the last few days since I have been home researching somewhere to stay next time (We are planning for March, here's hoping?)
Thanks!!