Thanks again for all the tips info and JBR's makes for a fun filled holiday, getting to experience others take on Bali, then going and making your own fun and golden memories.
Myself and Miss 13, Miss 15 declined the offer to join us until just before travel was immenent so she missed out but wont be so hasty in turning her nose up at my offer next time!
Flew Garuda out of Perth at 5.15pm arrived in Bali 8.45ish quite busy Jet star had landed around then and another plane came in behind us but lots of counters open, our line did seem to be the slowest! Once through immigration though no hold ups, bags were already off the carousel and straight through to our wonderful driver Adi who took us to our first hotel.
This was a budget holiday as I booked within a week of our return in Sept. We had 4 nights at the Dewi Sri and for $50 per night for both of us and breakfast, it is basic, clean and the pool was never crowded, the second night as we got changed for a swim we had our first rain for the trip and miss 13 commented 'oh no it is raining', I did suggest that this may not be a real problem as we were planning on getting wet any way, and it was beautiful swimming in the rain, and everyone else vacated the pool so that we could enjoy this moment together.
Two tips for the Dewi Sri, buy a pillow and whenever possible catch a taxi so you can avoid the ladies trying to give you a bracelet and sell stuff they are very persistent and the heat can wear you down! I did a few of my childhood years in Kununurra (to end WA) and holidayed in FNQ (Far north Queensland) but I have never experienced humidity like Bali in March, it was embarrasing, walking outside I was sweating, not glowing like a lady should!
We had a fairly lazy start to the holiday, shopping for essentials like handbags, shoes and sim cards and a trip out to Carefor for choc, chips, Bintang and toiletries.
On Sunday we went to Sanur and did the Seawalker, this was an absolute highlight, but we had a few this trip. It was amazing, the guides were fantastic, made us feel completely safe, it was $150 Us for 2 but worth every cent, the fish were everywhere, so close and they would take food out of your fingers, the coral was beautiful, and the amazing experience of being able to walk around on the bottom of the ocean it was incredible.
Went to material St in Denpasar armed with colour photocopy, quantities and instructions from my mum for aterials for a quilt, this was a trick process, I did try t explain it would be long slow and painful, but this did not deter my salesman he insisted on trying to be helpful, eventually I left there with enough for probably 3 quilts, well it will keep my mum happy for quite some time and keep her happy to babysit the 6yr old whilst I am away (duty free booze works for dad!)
Miss 13 wanted to have lunch on the beach, she does not like being touched by unfamiliar people and is very precious about her own space so thought this was a strange request, she had forgotten how frenetic it could be, needless to say once luch was eaten she was out of there.
My Mother in law arrived 7th for the week with Sis in law they stayed at the Patra, much flasher but still crap pillow and useless aircon.
Monday White Water Rafting with Bahamas, great fun was a little nervous but nothing extreme great day out we even jumped out and swam/floated the last 100m. Lots of people mention the steps at the end. Tip for the unfit dont be put off by this, just wait around until you can follow up the ladies carrying rafts, paddles etc, they keep a steady pace but slow and dont overtake them half way up when they swap over cause then you look slow!
Also got my hair chemically straightened and had my first massage, my mission was to get one every day but this proved harden than it should have with a 'I dont like anyone touching my hair/feet/me' teen in tow who didnt want to sit and wait for 90min whilst I indulged. However I did find Sole just outside Matahari's fabulous and they have an internet place next door so we were both happy.
Tue took MiL and Sil up to Safari Park for the day, we stayed the night another highlight, The room was beautiful, the pillows soft(yes multiple pillows too) my favourite was the young man explaining facilities showed us the basket of carrots to feed the animals and we both went ooh we get to feed them too, then he demonstrates taking carrot out of basket and hurling as far as you can to get them to the zebras from the balcony, not quite so ooh but very funny! We patted a tiger cub held an orangutan, fed and touched and rode an elephant and then even got to feed and pat zebras on the night safari, sat and ate meals with lions wandering past and drinking just past the end of our table. We swam and looked over to animals next to us. It does cost quite a lot by Bali standards but it was an absolutely priceless experience.
To follow Ubud, Bali Buggys, Water sports.