My first attempt at a JBR so be gentle with me.
Arrived in Bali on the evening of 1/3/10 with my son, mum and friend, flew Jetstar from Sydney, arrived a little early, for our 12 day stay. Took us 1.5 hours to get out of the airport. But all was good except for 1 very tired little boy, who briefly fell asleep on the floor of the airport.
First stop for 6 night was Legian, stayed at Padma Resort, which was great, we enjoyed every minute. Staff were great, pool was great, breakfast just divine.
We ate at Bali Beach Shack, Zanzibar, Billy's, Flying Piano, Padma Room Service, and one night went into Kuta to eat at Kori, which I love after eating there on our visit 2 years ago. My son loves it as the Bar staff whisked him away and caught turtles and frogs with him all night. (hand sanitizer all round after this activity) Enjoyed the food everywhere we ate. I left with a list of restaurants and things to do a mile long from info ive collected from the forum, so will just have to return again to try them all.
Had prescription glasses made at Optik Jay Mandira and very happy with the price and quality, shopped at Miss Debby, Santa Shop/Kele, LeeLee's shop, and a few others, nails, facial and hair wash and blow dry at Wida Linda near the entrance to Padma, and my friend had a massage. Best manicure and pedicure and so quick.
My son had a surf lesson 4 of the afternoon with Nyoman on the Beach outside Padma, he enjoyed this so much, and when I actually got to watch, when the beach sellers left me alone for 5 seconds it was good. I enjoyed chatting with them all, and I bought lots of stuff I didn't need. I bought my mum a croched hat, which she kept leaving on the bed every time she packed her bag. And uttering something along the lines of (I don't want the &$%#^ Hat).
Next stop for 1 night was Mara River Safari Lodge, had a great time here, did the night safari and they brought and Elephant to the front of the reception at night, which was great fun. Played with the Baby Elephant, photo with tiger and orangutan etc etc.
Sleeping to the sound of the Lions Roaring was a great experience.
Then onto Mercure Resort at Sanur for 4 nights, had stayed here before 2 years ago, Was great to catch up with our driver from last time Yoman, My son had fun in the kids club a few times, Ate at Mama Putu's, Bobby's, Mango at Sindu Beach (Twice), Fortune Cookie (twice, great food, loved it here).
Got washing done at Nesa Laundry opposite Mercure, love the smell of the washing so much, went to Hardy's and bought some ironing spray to bring home.
We all went to De'anti Spa over the four days, and enjoyed this aswell.
Went to see Turtles in Kuta after reading about it on the forum, but it was just eggs in the sand, so driver took us to Turtle Island, and then suggested Dolphin Encounter, My son was sold on the idea the minute it came out of his mouth, so off we go. Went to Dolphin Lodge then out in a boat to the dolphin enclosure just opposite our hotel pretty much. We both enjoyed it, the Dolphins name was Jasmine and so very clever, the dolphins seemed happy and well cared for.
Went on a trip to Ubud to Monkey Forest, Yoman took my son in thank goodness, they freak me out. Had lunch at a nice restaurant, cant remember what is was called though. Also went to see Ketut Liyer, I had my palm read, and realy enjoyed the experience, ive read a lot about him and some people say he was a bit money hungry, but this was not my experience and he didn't try to sell us any paintings. Went to a few silver places in Celuk as my mum was on the hunt for a nice piece of jewelry. She bought a nice ring.
The rest of the time was spent by the pool or just walking around.
My mum found it a little hard to breath at times, as the humidity seemed to flare up her asma, but she took it easy and enjoyed it also, my friend who was on her first overseas trip enjoyed every minute and is now a Bali convert, already starts every sentence with next year when we come back. My son had an absolute ball.
Late flight home, very little sleep on the plane, and my son didn't sleep a wink, will try to fly in the day next time, and loosing a nights sleep is a killer.
It was a well earned holiday after a stressful year of family sickness, I love Bali and hope to return as soon as I can.
Thanks for reading