As much advice gained from here was helpful, feel its only right to return the favour. Eighth time to Bali (only second for play).
Flew Pacific Blue, not bad for a budget airline, comfy seats and good crew, would advise taking own headsets as their ear plugs hurt my ears! Enjoyed my own screen and didnt mind paying $10 for Avatar.
Stayed at the Haven Hotel in Seminyak (got a great package deal for 10 nights)and stayed one night at the Mara River Safari Lodge (awesome experience!). Haven is brand new and in a great spot but if you like relaxing by the pool would suggest one of the older resorts where you can laze on a deckchair watching the ocean.
Breakfast was ok, not the choice of Padma etc.. Restaurant meals were great (awesome steak) and reasonably priced). Would suggest this place but I wouldnt stay here again only as I like to try different places each time! Melasti (could have taken a cheaper deal) may have been a better choice in hindsite!
We both got the flu so lost one and a half days but was impressed with doctor that hotel called, gave us a shot, more antibiotics, psudo eph and vitamins(500 000rp each. Felt great in 2 days!) Will try and get money back from travel insurance!!
Prices seemed to have gone up a bit generally, averaged 7500rp to the AUD$ for the trip.
Weather was raining every day but didnt mind how this cooled things down.
Didnt really eat at night much but had Mojitios (cocktail) at just about everywhere we visited:
Kudeta - The best Mojito (and pricyiest)
Haven - good Mojito and great steak and meals!
Havana Club - great steak and great Mojito!
Bali Cafe - great find in Jl. Oberoi, good atmosphere and ok food!
Nero - great Grape Margeritas!!
JP'S - Great Mojito
Jeffs Burgers - good burgers
Bali Rock - good margaritas that got better and stronger with each one!!
Tsavo Lion Rest (Bali Safari Park) - Great Mojito but crap steak, good breakfast and other meals ok. Great experience eating with teh lions looking at us!!! Patted tigers, nursed orangatans, rode and fed and was kissed by elephants (not really into this but dee wanted to and was good although did feel guilty about 'abusing' the animals).
Had about 2 massages every day!!! Dont think that the more you pay the better it is...we had the best one at a place near Bali Deli (not Pradha. Stuck with Carla Spa a fair bit, good value if nothing else, bit hit and miss!! Also Shinkei on Legian (ok).
Tried Dr. Fish (little fish nibbling off dead leg skin) at the Matahari, cost 100 000rp for 20 mins, twice as much as everyone else but more and bigger fish I reckon!!
Shopping:
My better half loved Body and Soul, found a factory outlet with same stuff but up to 70 % off. Same with Flamingo (my choice) bought a few T-Shirts at one store which was 50 % off!! Couldnt find a Polo Ralph Lauren Shop anywhere!!!! ;-) ha ha - if anyone can shed light onto why they are everywhere????
Got two of our wedding photos printed on canvas for 30 000 each! Very thin and didnt realise could get onto thincker canvas for 100 000 each, didnt get time to return for this as would take 2 days. Good value tho!
Didnt really bargain much, couldnt be bothered.
Got afew thick silver bangles for around $25 each (about a third the price of the set price sliver stores (probably not same quality but we couldnt tell the difference.
Got fantastic leather jackets made at French Collection in Garlic Lane (recommended from forum) Great work, I got a black blazer style for $AU120 and Dee got a fitted tan style for $110. Took two days and Ivan was a great guy!! Quality work, all our friends back here amazed.
Went to Genevea (seemed to have hiked up prices and did seem really dirty!!)so didnt buy much here. Biaritz was closed each time we went there but did get taken to Krisna on Sunset road and was impressed with prices of paintings although not the same variety as Geneva.
Got about 60 DVD's, so far all have been great quality!
Went to Ubud and met with Ketut Liyer Medicine Man(from advice on forum). Was a funny experience and lovely old man but to tell you the truth, we both got exactly same reading (and after searching the net it seems the same reading as four million other people!! "Live to 100, will be rich, both smart people, boths lips as sweet as honey blah blah...Paid 250 000rps each! He is apparently 95 but is losing it a bit. Gave us business cards and encouraged us tell our friends. I think he is a tourist attraction. We didnt go with any particular questions and enjoyed the experience but not what I expected!! But hey, I hope he is right about us both!!! I will let you each decide!
All in all good trip, except for getting sick! Maybe its cause Ive been so many time buts felt a bit over it by the time we left! Having said that, first day back at work and wish I WAS BACK THERE!!! ;-)
Hope this helps some of you in some way. Thanks to all whoes advice we took.