Just back from a week in Bali 4th trip. Went with Husband, 4 kids aged 18 - 22, plus mother almost 80.
Flew Jetstar with no problems, about 20 minutes through VOA.
Stayed at Anakula Villa, Seminyak. Everything the internet promised. Kids loved sitting in the pool drinking alcohol they brought at the minimark on the corner and watching the DVD's they bought for $1. The only downside was that the lounge/Kitchen is open and gets very hot in the afternoon and has no airconditioning. Staff were excellent and used room service a lot, especially for breakfast
Day 1 hit the tailor. Went to Janoko in Poppies II as recommnded by the forum. Mens suits were 400,000 rp. Didn't have the fabric I wanted for ladies suits so caught a taxi to Alto Modo and got fabric there. Excellent selection. Also got pants copied and ladies and mens shirts made. Excellent quality but they were busy and we didn't get our items until Saturday morning
Day 2 went to Bali Galleria - not really impressed and to Geneva Handicrafts, very busy and hot so decided to come back anotherday. Highlight was high tea at Biku. Had a facial, pedicure and massage. Didn't realise that massage in Bali meant torture, thepaid was worse than childbirth. The kids did enjoy theirs and said they didn't hurt
Day 3 more shopping and visited Ketut's fixed price stall. Found the street sellers have become very aggressive since our last visit 2 years ago. Always trying to rip you off. Twice they tried to make us give them 100,000 instead of 10,000. So beware. Also they would agree on a price then refuse to give you the item unless you paid more. One of them just near Januko in Poppies II was threatening me.
Day 4 went to Bali Safari. Everyone loved it and our driver Wayan was able to come with us and make sure we got to see everything. He was excellent and I can pass on details to anyone who is interested. Loved cuddling the tiger cub and nursing the orangatan. Lots of pictures
Day 5 the kids hit waterbom park and I did more shopping stocked up on makeup at mataharis.
Day 6 Went to Geneva in the morning, lot better time to shop as wasn't as hot and crowded. Took my daughter to dolphin lodge for dolphin encounter. This was a treat for her 21st birthday. This was excellent and great to spend 45 minutes with a dolphin. The others went to Timezone for some cheap fun.
Day 7 Picked up suits from the tailor and some more last minute shopping.
Best places to eat were Lemongrass and Rio in Legian Street and Biku for high tea. Also discovered Hello Restuarant which is a magazine of restuarant menus that you can have delivered to your hotel or villa. Cost 12,000 rp for delivery. Excellent if you don't wnat to go out.
Flight home was delayed by one hour. Used the Dewi lounge for 100,000 rp but was a bit disappointed. They called our fight an hour before it departed and we only spend about 40 minutes in the lounge. there was only 1 softdrink in the fridge and very little food. Overall a bit disappointing.
Everyone loved the trip and kids and planning going back with their friends later this year.