Thanks to all have enjoyed reading all reports and getting good insight on what to expect on returning to Bali after 12yrs
and what a change it was!! Planned / booked everything ourselves via net what a saving a spurr of the moment trip 10 days of total bliss and a few bintangs
Arrived morning flight Denpasar from Perth and only plane so it was quick and after a no thanks to the porter holding my bag it was off outside to our waiting driver who greeted us with cool towel icy cold water and welcome flower (arranged transport with resort cost more but well worth it) and off we set to our three days of luxury indulgence to Natura in Ubud. The drive was a real eye opener seeing the sights and how much the place has changed. On our arrival to resort we were escorted to our luxury villa and WOW it was everything and more of what we were expecting the villa was amazing and the private infinity plunge pool and view a total knock out oh and the welcome drink hmmm. This place really feels like you are the only ones there well in fact we nearly were as it was very quiet in Ubud this time of year. Dragging ourselves from our villa we dined at the restaurant (all to our selves)of course nasi goreng for me yum its been a long time. The resort offers a shuttle service so a drive to markets next morning was the go. Items on list silk scarves for me and tshirts for hubby we hit the markets and feeling guilty youve paid next to nothing and the heat and all the shops the walking im done> what a change monkey forest. Last we were here monkeys and markets were it
So im totally over the walking / shopping and want to retreat back to luxury. While waiting for car at pick up point we sit inside a little place and enjoy a cold Bintang and decide to return for dinner that night to enjoy a traditional balinese share plate. All done driver take us away. Head into centre next night more looking around decide on dinner at Tropical, a seafood platter for two the fish was the best i have tasted in a long time and finished off with rose petal cardamon ice cream yummo. Then off to buy our ticket for the fire dance from the lady seller we had promised day before (word of warning dont sit front row )and yes she remembered us. Final day we enjoyed our relax massages, the spa hut is a steep walk down near the river and with the sound of the river this was total relaxation however the walk back up the steep staircase you feel like you need more pampering. Reluctant to leave our new found place of luxury our next two days were to be spent at the Safari Park and this too was amazing. Drive from Ubud very scenic we got the feeling the driver did not really know where this place was and we were correct so after a few phone calls driving around car park a few times we got dropped at entrance and waited around not knowing if anyone knew we had arrived but then the jeep pulled up and another adventure began with the heat we were so glad we werent day visitors. This place is an experience and certainly a must do playing with a cub in lobby pre dinner first night and an elephant visit to lobby second cant get any better. Enjoyed a couple of foot massages and a full massage over two day period and swimming in the pool with the rhino and zebras right near you doesnt get much better. Again not too many people staying so second day there was no buffet and brekky was ordered from menu staff were fantastic food very good.
And for our final 5 days we head off to Rama Beach Tuban. Once again totally happy with our accommodation exactly what we were looking for (not into high rise in Bali)Walk into Kuta first two mornings and yes we are not feeling guilty about our first shopping experience in Ubud any more. So glad we did Ubud first as this is so full on searching for bags for prezzys, search for a tailor to have suit made for hubby another thing on list. Shops are way over priced and cant find what im looking for its relatively quiet and when you have much needed cold drink and sit down you decide thats it shopping is done. Escape with a stroll on the beach. Pick up few dvds power is out search in the dark. Oh yes loved the fish tank at Mataharis didnt think i would be into this but great feet refresh pick up.
Third day next on list make booking for high tea in the afternoon at Biku. Taxi driver has no idea where or what we are talking about even though we had address and was obvious we were on a long journey by road to somewhere just up the road. We enjoyed the arvo and how we ate/drank everything!!! tip prob good idea to order only one between two, enjoyed the experience and picked up a nice little book from book shop. Head to Genevas (i liken this to a two buck shop) so much easier than bartering at markets and the prices are great so for all your little nick nacks this is the place picked up my next list item cushion covers A stop off at irish pub at Dynasty for a cocktail and beer at my daughters recommendation.
Late night pizzas by the pool with a few drinks is the go first two nights. Get our act together and its brekky and lazing by the pool catch up on the book reading final three days.
Venture up the road to Kunyit Bali adjacent to Hotel Santika Beach authentic balinese food greeted with a flower behind the ear and a really nice garden setting, enjoy the evening staff and food excellent.
Next night after another quick look around discovery head out to the deck and enjoy a sunset drink and another nasi goreng couldnt believe the pool on the beach it has been a long time.
Laundry done near hotel nothing beats freshly smelling ironed clothes and hubby likes the ironed jocks enjoy while you can Mr. Head out to Galeria taxi driver tries to talk us out of this shop but we want to have a look picked up quite a few xmas pressies at duty free, oils, scarves, soaps all in nice presentation boxes cost a little more but pleased with items.
Final arvo pick up the suit not overly impressed got what we paid for i guess oh well. Find a bag shop nearby exactly what ive been looking for another item crossed off and were laughing.
Final dinner (on my to do list) Poppies havnt been there for thirty years and it hasnt changed a bit still dark although we couldnt see a thing back in the day great to see some things dont change.
Last two nights the yobbos came back to hotel around threeish good thing the rain came down and quietened them up.
Early morning brekky and off to airport taxi driver said although transport free would like a tip cheeky till the end.
Plane delay and thats it our holiday, total relax totally enjoyed our quick trip and till next time hope you all enjoy yours MERRY XMAS