Flew out of Brisbane on Virgin flight that left on time. The flight was a little longer this time as we nearly flew over Darwin ,6 hours 20 mins, however this time we had FREE entertainment with Foxtel. Landed to a nice 32 degree humid day. Would have been a shock for the plane load of passengers that landed at the same time in tracksuits , jeans and jackets. Lucky it only took, from plane to our driver, about 30 - 40mins. Waiting outside with his usual big smile was Gede.
As we were driving to our hotel there was a large storm brewing ( which happened nearly every afternoon). On arriaval at the HRH, down came the rain which lasted about 30 min. Rain wasn't a problem as it was gone by the time we checked in, dropped the bags and finished our first Bintang. First stop was Miss Debby in "Garlic lane" for the usual supply of board shorts and T shirts for the week. A look around and then in to Garlic Lane Cafe (first time)for a cold beer and a very nice feed. Price, service and food was great, if you haven't tried it , do yourself a favour. Then back to the centrestage for a night of entertainment and more beer.
Day 2 ,after a visit to Galleria we were heading back to Kuta when the taxi drive misjudged the length of the steel bars sticking out the back of the truck in front.Lucky for us we had a metre to spare before it joined us in the cab. it even shocked the driver. Now it was a time to teach our 18 and 21 year olds (their first trip) the art of bartering. They took to it very quikly so it wasn't long before we had to do a hotel bag drop then off to the pool bar. The hotel pool is great, it's so big that it's not hard to find your own space for a relaxing drink.
Day 3 was an early start to the Bali Safari and Marine Park which was organised and elephant ride booked by Gede before we even reached our room on day one. Lucky we left early because the road works were shocking. They have finally opened part of the Marine Park it's only a small area but it's a start.A great day was had by all.Tonight was the night that the young one's would out last the oldies at Centrestage. The oldies retired at about 11.00pm followed by the young ones at about 2.00am full of Bintang and cocktails. I will spare you the details the effects of bed spins and cocktails had, lets just say that the oldies were one up in the health stakes come day 4.
Day 4 we lost the 18 year old after breakfast as he retired to the room to recover from the night before. Then there were 3 , a walk along the beach to Discovery mall. This was the hottest day so far so we retreated back to the Hotel for an afternoon in the pool. We found a lovely spot at the pool bar and yes we were joined by the "lost one" although he said his first beer had bones in it. That night we ate at a place in Kuta Square because it looked busy we thought we could not go wrong, NEVER AGAIN, can't remember the name but it was betwen KFC and Matahari, poor service and poor food for the price.
First impressions of the Hard rock hotel ,great staff , great bar , fantastic pool. Rooms are clean but are just about ready for a make over,a little expensive for a standard room ,drink prices exspensive.
Part 2 to follow