After the very untimely death of a dear friend we decided a Bali Trip was cin order. This one was for you Big Trev!
As we were coming from different cities we decided to meet in Melbourne the night before flying to Bali.
We got good rates at the Mantra Tullamarine ($99 per room per night). We were flying with Jetstar via Darwin. There was a HUGE line up at Jetstar check in and we found out that our flight to Darwin was delayed. Just as well really coz we were in the line for 2 hours to check in.
During the flight to Darwin I noticed several ppl sleeping with their head on the drop down tray from the seat infront of them. Is this a new thing? I have never seen it before.
Arrived in Darwin and straight thru to the International area, no time to wait. Then onto the flight to Bali. Lots of schoolies on our flight.
Our flight arrived in Denpasar on time and the waiting time for VOA was about 15 mins.
Ou driver had been arranged by a friend and of course he wasnt there when we came out. We phoned him and about 5 mins later he showed up.
We stayed at the Grand Istana Rama at Kuta Beach. We had stayed here 18 years ago (we have been to bali many times since) when this hotel was first opened and thought the location a winner this time.
Usually we have the breakfast on the first day and go anywhere else after that, but we loved the breakfast here and went every day. The pool bar was great, staff were lovely.
The room was very big by bali standards with chilly air conditioning.
We did the white water rafting (awesome), tube canyoning, atv.......all awesome)
Our daughter (22 years old) hurt her foot walking, but we found an elderly lady on the beach who massaged her back to health. Her name is Nora (she looks like she is 100 years old) and she is down the kuta art market end.
We also found Wayan & Mades esky of delight down that end, together with Pat, who would cook the best garlic peanuts at home and bring the next day for us, Sarah the master of nail art and the sunglass man, the icecream man, the corn lady, the list goes on and on.
This holiday was more about sitting and watching, which we did a lot at Wayan & Mades
There were some other Australian ppl there. A couple from the west (Hi Jude), a couple from northern victoria and Andy a PE teacher. Had a blast, fell in love with Bali all over again. As ususal my very best-est friend ever was in Bali at the same time. We ate at some great places. I loved the B couple in Kuta.
Going back as soon as the house in Adelaide is sold......hahaha
Arrived back in Hobart to a HUGE 15 degrees and found myself thinking at work...............this time last week...........yeah, you know
the rest.
Cheers