Me, Hubby, Stepson (14), Sons (7 & 4) for 12 nights.
Arrived on Sunday morning after a wonderfully uneventful flight with Air Asia. Absolutely no problems, checked in online so straight through at Perth Airport, plane arrived in Bali 20 mins early. It was a full flight and my claustrophobia kicked up every now and then, but I didn't find it any less comfortable than Garuda last year. Meals were small and you only get a drink (water) with the rice meals, not with the hot dogs, but that's not the end of the world. Plenty drinks on board.
We were the only flight at the time (8amish) so no need for VIP VOA. there was a quick line and a slow line. Needless to say, we were in the slow line.
Arrived at KTH and we were put in a room on the 3rd floor as the owner of the other room was still there. they let us into room at 11am, which was good. Straight into the pool. As far as value for money goes, this is a great place. Huge amount of room for the 5 of us, and having the 2 bathrooms is a huge plus. Lovely staff, coz they are Balinese, good restaurant, but we won't eat there all the time. Good transport and tour desk. the down side is that the location is quite out of teh way - we have had taxis refuse to take us to the hotel and although it's not a huge walk down to the main road, with little kids and shopping, it is a bit of a nightmare at times. We learnt our lesson on day 1 - if we are walking with the boys, make it after 4pm when the temperature drops!! Also, the hotel doesn't have a money changer, but there are a couple just a few doors down who have been OK so far. The safe in the room means that we aren't fumbling around with money at reception, so I guess it doesn't really make much difference.
Went to Discovery Plaza on first day as the boys' money was burning a hole in their pockets, but we were all so tired, that I think it did more harm than good. Nonetheless, the boys were happy to come all the way to Bali to spend some of their money on Hot Wheels cars and transformers. Yep, that's moeny well spent!! I've managed to get a nice dose of laryngytis, so I wrote Day 1 off at 7pm and went to sleep. Woken by the rooster at 4am.
DAY 2
Better day! Straight to Ketuts to get most of the shopping out of the way - I really don't like bartering, but love a good bargain
!! Lots of Jimmy Choo purses and bags bought today. The boys wanted back to hotel for the pool, so I got dropped off by the KTH driver at mataharis for supplies (just lollies and chips really!). There's not as much there as I remember and I think I may have been better off going to carefour, but we'll do that next time. Hit Discovery mall again to show the boys the arcade. They were in their element! $10 kept them entertained for 2 hours!! Nice dinner at the food court, then some bargains downstairs int he shoe store. Of course, more Power rangers, Ben 10 and Hot Wheels toys.
DAY 3
Waterbom. Great fun!! I was really impressed with how well set up and maintained this place is. We were $90 for the 3 of us, plus $50 once inside for lunch, drinks, photos and 2 fun rides which were extra. Not cheap by Bali standards for the food and drinks, but way cheaper than we would have been for the same thing in Perth. And we have 3 happy campers today.
Once back at the hotel, I decided to go for a wax, which I had not had time to do before flying out. What a stupid idea that was!! I was attacked from both sides by 2 ladies (admittedly there is a lot of ground to cover), but the wax varied in temperature between third degree burns and just plain cold. there was one pot for 6 booths - and by pot, i mean saucepan, not temperature controlled waxing pot. Girls were in and out every few seconds refilling their popsticks and then when one of them took off with the pot, it was my turn to lie there covered in cold wax while they went from booth to booth for more!! I have never been happier to finish a waxing session in my life!! Talk about pain. But I'm sure it will look fine - when the bleeding stops!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Waiting for hubby to come home after his time out and then we may be going off to the Slingshot tonight. I'm just looking, mind you!! Off to Mara Lodge, Safari Park and Klungklung orphanage tomorrow.
Weather - hot yesterday, no rain yet, still quite dry heat.
Exchange rate - 8200 - 8400 so far