Hi everyone I just arrived back on Wednesday and still a bit jet lagged from the milk-run with Jet* - Bali Darwin Brisbane. It was a very cheap flight but leaving Bali at 10.50pm Tuesday and not arriving in Brisbane till 10.20am Wednesday and then a 90 minute trip home sure takes it out of us mature people. But had a great time so it was well worth it.
I did the VIP VOA again but really as I was in row 4 on the plane and got off in the first group I got through customers no quicker than anyone else in the first few rows so won't bother doing it again.
Stayed at Yulia Beach Inn and would like to report that for a budget hotel it has a lot going for it. Its the first time I have stayed in budget but would definately stay there again. I had a bungalow opposite the pool area. In this price range the ones opposite the pool are the best because they have a small courtyard at the back and in front looking onto the pool. The ones looking onto the driveway do not have a courtyard at back. I did see the very upmarket rooms but for the price you could stay at a beach front hotel so I couldn't see the sense in that. The staff are very friendly and helpful, the rooms are clean if somewhat plain but the plumbing works (and I have stayed at many upmarket hotels in Bali where this hasn't been the case). The pool area is small but quite beautiful and as mostly the guests are Indonesian (and don't use the pool)I never had trouble getting a lounge. And the location was perfect as being on my own this trip it was great and I felt very safe. Yes I will stay there again.
Well I did the Bali Bike Baik tour - yes 59 years old semi fit and I had a great time. I did have to get a lift in the support van for a couple of hills but still did the bulk of the 27 kls. Our guides were fantastic and the lunch at the end at Wayan's compound was excellent as was the breakfast overlooking the volcano. Also enjoyed the coffee plantation tour. Highly recommend this tour.
What I can't recommend is the Bali Spa Cruise because even though I had confirmed by email before leaving home and also phone confirmation when I arrived in Bali - they failed to pick me up and no apology has been offered.
I had some good buys in Poppies lane 2. At the beach end about 2 or 3 shops in I bought some stunning silver/shell earrings for 55,000 RP and a couple of doors further down the lane at the second hand book shop I got some great sunglasses for 25,000 RP each. Also had 2 ladies business suits made up at Janoko Tailors I had taken my own suit over for them to copy - it was a good job and they only cost 400,000 RP each. But I would suggest that if you want to have suits made take your own lining over. I had forgotten this from having a suit made about 10 years ago. The Bali lining is very thick and the tailor said that many people buy their own from Spotlight and bring over. I will do this next time. Also visited Biarrtz on Sunset it's very similar to Geneva but so much more organised and cleaner but I think I found Geneva had more to offer.
I enjoyed having the Fish Spa treatment twice and my feet felt so soft afterwards 100,000RP. It feels a bit funny at first but you get use to it and the results are excellent. I had it at entrance of Matahari. Also had lots of spa treatments just outside my hotel on Jl. Pantai Kuta. The best were at Aroma Mimpi with Tutti and also at Smart Salon opposite KFC.
Had lots of nice meals everywhere particularly my favorite Aromas - they have the best and freshest wholesome food and drinks and I love the charming and relaxing atmosphere.
Did the Prada lounge for 100,000RP before flight home and really think it was worth it. Well that's about all I can think of at this stage but if I think of more I will post it later.