Just got back last night from a very enjoyable 10 nights in Bali with wife. Report below:
Flights
Flew with Jetstar from Bris (via stop-off Darvin) and back via Virgin Blue. Some rough weather on way into Darwin and hard landing into Bali airport made us very happy to arrive safely. Booked VIPVOA via Murti - it is a very efficient service - but proved unneccesary due to the airport being very quiet (9pm Thurs night).
Accomadation
Stayed in Seminyak at magnificent villa (Space at Bali). Very happy with choice - large 14m x 4 m pool and first class staff. It was a great sanctury from the Idul Futri hustle/bustle during the week we were in Bali.
Dental Treatment
One of the main purposes of trip was Wife's dental work: she ended up via Dr Rudi (thanks BTF !) getting 5 crowns & 1 root canal for grand total of $13 million rupee: $1500 approx vs $12,000 AUD quote in Australia ! Wife was a bit concerned as to the Mercury removal procedure Dr Rudi used for removing her old fillings used in Dr Rudi surgery vs how it is done in Australia (dental dams etc) - but overall was happy with the service.
Restaraunts
Best meal by far was at Breeze at Samaya. Romantic setting (on beachside at dusk) and simply excellent food/service. Expensive by Bali standards ($100 AUD for two - including cocktails/beer) - but worth every cent. Also enjoyed Ultimo (Seminyak) and Queens Tandoor.
Massages etc
Had a daily massage/spa treatment each: Murano Spa was good, as was Wellbeing Spa. We checked out Jari Menari and Bodyworks - but both seemed a bit expensive vs Murano particuarly.
Shopping
Bought some excellent Marks & Spencers business shirts ($25AUD) from their store in Discovery Centre and $80 AUD Rockport business shoes from Centro. Also, bought all our Billabong shirts/shorts etc from Ketut's Fixed Price Store - Last Shop on Gang Sorga off Jl Sahadewa (Garlic Lane). Ketut's was full of well travelled Aussies who are regular visitors to Ketut's.
Tours
Did excellent Banyan Tree Cycling tour. Cost: $450K each - but worth it ! They pick you up from villa around 7.30am and we were taken to restaraunt for light breakfast before ride begins around 10am. We cycled (mainly downhill) for nearly 4 hours then had a great meal at tour managers home at end. Really got to see rural bali - people super friendly and worth doing.
Finally - visited Ubud for a day - Wife met up with Wayan (healer) from Eat,Pray,Love book for a short consultation which she was very happy with. Also visited Bali Dogs centre - its a very tough life for animals in Bali ! Ubud is great - next Bali holiday will be there !!
Anyway - great holiday. Thanks to BTF for all the insight - its an invaluable tool. Any questions, feel free to ask.