We celebrated my 60th birthday with a holiday in Bali from 24th April to the 10th May. Bali is my all time favourite holdiday destination so I have been planning it for over 6 months. I went to all the places I have enjoyed over the years (12 visits). I counted down the "sleeps to go" for the last 6 weeks. I never thought the day would come. To say I was excited was an understatement. Our party of 6 included my wife, two sons, daughter in law and a future daughter in law. It was my daughter in law's first visit to Bali.
We flew Garuda from Sydney on the Saturday the 24th April - we went business class - you only turn 60 once. We had one of the new Airbus 330-200. It was very good and the service was fantastic. The new planes are excellant.
3 nights - Bali Hyatt in Sanur
4 nights - Oberoi in Lombok
3 nights - Chedi Club in Ubud
6 nights - The Legian in Seminyak
Hyatt was a great place to unwind and relax. The Regency Club was as good as always. It was nice to catch up with the Balinse staff who remember you from previous vists. Went to Massimo and Kaya Manis - both were very good.
Were supposed to fly to Lombok on Tuesday morning with Transnusa however the flight was delayed until 5.00 pm that afternoon. The flight was interesting however it only took 20-25 mintues.
Oberoi Lombok would have to be one of the best hotels in Indonesia. Everthing was great. The girls thought the rooms were so good. We spent 3 days snorkelling (mornings) on the Gili Islands as it was only about a 20 minute boat ride from the Oberoi to the Gili Islands. As we went 3 times we were taken to different spots on each of the Islands each day. The snorkelling was just wonderful and I would recommend the Gili Islands as a must do. The view from the Oberoi looking back to Bali is fantastic. We all agreed this was one of the highlights of our trip. The turtles, fish and coral were excellant.
Flight back was uneventful and it departed on time. We then went to the Chedi Club at Ubud. We did the Bali Baik Tour on the Sunday. Great Fun. Highly recommended. Have done the bike tour previously and it was just as good. My wife does not ride so she went with the support vehicle and enjoyed it just as much as us. Lunch was great. The younger members went to Naughty Nuris Warung for cocktails and ribs. They went twice they liked it that much. Also went to Ibu Oka for suckling pig. One son and daughter in law went to Mozaic - said it was emazing.
The last part of our holiday was spent at The Legian. This has been my long term favourite hotel in Bali. It was nice to catch up with all the staff we have got to know over the years. We spent the last couple of days just lazing around the pool with walks along the beach in the morning and sunset. It was just so nice.
We went to La Lucciola. Sarong and Ultimo for Dinner. All were good. However we tried Sardine - Carla at The Legian recommended we try it, and it was excellent and can highly recommend.
Also went to Warung Asia for our Thai - good as ever.
Went many times to Cafe Moka - for our daily hit of vanilla slice - have not tasted better anywere. Plus the air conditioning is so nice after shopping.
Did not have a bad meal - there are so many good restaurants.
Shopping was short and sharp with a couple of trips to Seminyak. The girls negoiated some jewelery purchases from the girls on the beach. I think both parties were pretty happy with the outcome. Went for our usual visit to Jenggala Keramik at Jimbaran Bay.
Flight back to Sydney was uneventful and left on time.. Older 330-300 - but you just try to sleep.
It was a fantastic holiday. To spend it with my family was the GREATIST HIGHLIGHT and I will NEVER FORGET IT.