Well just back on Monday after 14 nights in Bali.
15 years since last visit (oldest child is 14 see the problem)!!
Took all 3 kids with us and had a ball.
Got a amazing deal with Virgin for the 5 of us so the 7:40 pm flight from Perth meant we really lost a day but the price more than made up for it! Flight was good and staff great took our own drinks and snacks so didn't need to buy anything on board. Flight back was great though it was cold on plane. Be warned that you can't take drinks from Bali on the plane as they will confiscate them at the last security check at gate which was a pain but it is only 3 hr 20 minutes so we survived.Only pain was no paperwork on board so whole plane was on their knees in immigration filling out forms and with 5 that takes some time! For a budget airline I thought they were great and will fly again with them.
Exchange rate hovered around 7300 to 7650 rp so not bad(better than 1200 rp the first visit in 1989)
Stayed at Dynasty and the only down side was I think that the location is a bit out of the way as we found we spent a lot of time at the Melasti and Padma end shopping and eating at places I found on the BTF. Apart from that can't fault the hotel it was great for my youngest (9) as he had a ball in kids club and all the activities around the pool each day. My 12 year old was caught in between as the kids club was a bit too young for him and he was too young for the teen club but he had a great time. My eldest enjoyed the relaxing side of Bali, eat, sleep and watch DVD'S.Hotel is not cheap but as it was kids fist visit wanted to be safe for them.
Caught cabs everywhere and was great no haggling just in and wack on the meter, had not one problem fitting five in a taksi (kids loved the spelling). Only about $4 aus to get from dynasty to Padma. The biggest pain is the traffic in late arvo / evening.
Went to Bali Safari and Marine Park well worth the money enjoyed it and was our family's highlight. Chose the Leopard package and was glad we did as the second tram ride that we went on was at about 5.15pm and the all the animals were up and ready for dinner even so much that the Tigers were stalking the tram and had a go at the tyres. All the animals were on the move though so had a real good look at the all!
Did a 2 day pass to Waterbom Park which the kids (and me) loved except the damn steps soooo many steps! New ride (CLIMAX) not open till the 4th June which was disappointing but never mind. Can get a bit expensive to eat and drink inside for a family of 5 so be prepared.
Just the 4 boys went white water rafting as Mum stayed and had a relaxing day at hotel. Went with Dewata a fairly new outfit I think and they were great. Lots more boats and groups on river then when I last did it which took a bit away from it but the smiles and shrieks of kids was well worth it. Was a bit disturbed by the amount of rubbish in river seems nothing escapes it. Not sure if it is the tourists or locals but a bit sad all the same. Be prepared for a bloody lot of stairs at the end I am not too unfit but struggled which was made worse by the kids who bounded ahead and kept yelling back to me "there is more stairs around this bend dad" over and over and over sooo many stairs. Obviously the Balinese love to build stairs that are bigger than we are used too, what a killer. Was put to shame as I recovered at top when up the stairs without even breathing heave came a little old Balinese man with our raft deflated and bound on his head!!
Booked all tours through same guys at Panji tourist info service on Jl Kartika Plaza ask for Gday or Kadek gave us good discount as we booked all with them. 2 very friendly guys.
Discovery mall was great and we enjoyed a nightly Starbucks coffee and tea for us and the kids loved the cold stone icecreams and slushies ( any flavour with gummie bears seemed to be the favourite! Shopping was good inside and got some good bargains by chance as we wandered around.
Bali Galleria was a great find as a big sale had just started and we took advantage getting shoes for myself and wife and handbags for her also. Found a doughnut shop J CO DOUGHNUTS AND COFFEE oh my god they were great like eating air with flavour so felt like you could eat just 1 more!Ended up buying box of 12 for kids (I promise).
Stalls are pretty hard on there bartering but got some good bargains.
Rained for the last 3 or 4 days on and off but not a problem as was nice change. My wife,oldest and myself all got head colds on the last couple of days but nothing to dampen the fun we were having.
Was happy and sad at the changes that have happened since we last visited. Happy at some of the facilities and cleanliness of places and the lovely Balinese people who keep going despite all that they have had to endure in the last 10 or so years. Sad at the loss of a little bit of the charm that we fell in love with in our first 4 visits as young travellers. I don't know why some tourists think they have to be so loud and over the top while on holidays. I doubt they behave that way at home!
Food,as family can be a bit picky thought it could be a problem but was surprised at them as they all gave it a go and seemed to be fine. Stayed pretty safe with our choices and all were great. Most came from the BTF reports and a re happy to say they were all accurate. Here are our ratings:
(borrowed this style from another forumite hope that they don't mind as I found it very helpful)
Sammy's - food 8/10 cold beer 9/10 toilet 8/10
food was good but small portions. Beer very cold which was great and got cold towel at night. Yogi was great
Sheppy's - food 9/10 cold beer 8/10 toilet 8/10
Became a favourite with us and didn't have a bad meal in 3 visits (kids choice) Owner (Aussie) made a point to talk to all guests friendly staff.
Indo National - food 8/10 cold beer 8/10 toilet 8/10
A bit of a BTF institution from what I read and it was great. Big restaurant and quick service, had BBQ ribs which were great!
Sea Breeze - food 7/10 cold beer 8/10 toilet 6/10
Not a bad place nothing bad but not as good as others. Kids found water feature out front very amusing!
Uncle Norms - food 8/10 cold beer 8/10 toilet 8/10
Not a big place and the menu was very small but staff was great and food ok. Sat down at last table in place at back only to have band start 10 minutes later 3 feet from us! Never mind we had some fun with them even though it was loud and kids didn't know any songs and laughed at us as we sang along.
Il Fiorre food 9/10 cold beer 9/10 toilet 9/10
Went here for my wife's 40th birthday dinner and were not disappointed. Kids loved it (garlic bread was great) and so did we food was outstanding the staff were well trained and attentive. The price reflected it so don't expect a cheap meal but great for a celebration.
Daddy's food 8/10 cold beer - toilet -
Nice and close across from Dynasty so we had breakfast there a few times ( when we could rally around in time for it) not exceptional but adequate.
Wayan and friends food 8/10 cold beer 9/10 toilet 8/10
Another pleasant place with great staff and food kids loved this place also.
The whole purpose of holiday was to spend some great time with family without the pressure of home and celebrate my beautiful wife's 40th birthday and spoil her like she deserves and I think we achieved our goal! We were already lovers of Bali and the people but now have 3 kids who are already planning the next trip for me ( hopefully they will pay ha ha ha )!
I have gone on long enough sorry! I f you have any questions contact me on email and I will try and help if I can.
Thanks for reading
Brett