Hi everyone,
My JBR is slightly delayed, but as soon as we got back I headed straight to uni, so didn't have much time to write up this JBR. This was my 3rd trip to Bali with my parents, and I just keep falling more in love with the place every holiday.
FLIGHTS
We are actually from Townsville in QLD, but we decided that we would head over to Perth to visit my grandparents first before heading on to Bali from there. And I must say - no wonder so many people from WA head to Bali every year. We got great flights (Jetstar departing at 9:30am and then Virgin coming home departing at 3:15pm) and it's so short! I want to move to Perth just so I can go on regular trips to Bali.
On our arrival we had to wait an hour at immigrations. But some friends we met said they were stuck there in the afternoon for 3 hours, so we were pretty lucky.
ACCOMMODATION
We stayed at the Jayakarta Apartments again this year. I've noticed on the forum that some people don't like Jayakarta, but my parents and I really like this hotel. It's in a great location in Legian and right on the beach. We rent our one-bedroom apartments from Hendaru. Our one last year was quite old, but this year our apartment was newer and perfect - very spacious, which is what we need. And it really is true when people say all you do in the rooms is shower and sleep.
FOOD
- PADMA UTARA
•We don't get the hotel breakfast included with our apartment, which we don't mind. Last year we headed down to Warung Patrick every morning for breakfast and we did the same this year. 35,000IRP gets you tea or coffee, juice, toast, eggs, bacon and a fruit platter. Warung Patrick is in the lane opposite the Rendezvous nightclub.
•We also frequently visited The Coffee Shop. My parents think their lattes are better than in Australia. They also do great pancakes for a simple breakfast and good burgers and toasted sandwiches when Bali Belly hits you.
•Tropical was another regular spot for us. It's on the left just as you walk out of the security gate at Jayakarta. Blondie is great entertainment and the food is great - I had their Mie Goreng every time we went.
•We tried out Baleka, but the power went off five times during our meal - we think because of construction happening on the next floor.
•Corner Bar: coldest beer at any restaurant my Dad reckons. The food was great too.
•La Monde: we got a great table on the top level, free Arak on arrival and great service.
•Sammy's Warung: beer nuts and a cool towel on arrival, nice meals and Yogi will talk to you until sunset.
-OTHERS
•You can't go to Bali without visiting Legends in Garlic Lane. We went there to celebrate my Dad's birthday. The waiters were great and the owner even got him up on stage to drink a cocktail containing 5 spirits. You can imagine how he felt in the morning.
•Legian Pub on Jln Padma had yummy Mexican food and was very busy, so it must be popular among Aussies.
•The beachfront Italian Ristorante connected to Kumala Pantai to the right of Jayakarta as you walk along the beach had great music, food, views and gelato.
BEACH
I thought I'd make this a separate section and make a special mention of our Beach Bar, which we went to every night to watch the sunset. Nyoman and Wayan have a bar to the right as you walk onto the beach from Jayakarta. They're between the Beach Bum and Frank's Bar. Nyoman speaks good English and was also much less crowded than the other two bars. We told him he should get a sign done before we next visit him.
When you go down to the beach, keep your eyes out for Mary who sells jewellery, purses and does the usual manicures and pedicures. She always does good deals. There is also Harry who sells watches at good prices.
SHOPPING
•We visited Ketut in Garlic Lane about 5 times during our trip. She is friendly, her prices are great, and if it isn't too busy she also gives out bottles of water.
•Silverberry on Jln Legian (before the supermarket) is great for silver jewellery. I got a new bracelet for my Pandora charms and a ring. My mum also picked up a necklace and matching bracelet.
TOUR
•Kadek (Tours of Bali) took us on a trip to Uluwatu, Nusa Dua and Padang Padang Beach. It was great to see another different part of Bali. We went over to Turtle Island. It cost $40US each - we don't know if this is the usual price. We also checked out Uluwatu Temple - breathtaking views.
•We also used his service to go up to Ubud and ride an elephant on the way (so much fun!) However, my parents didn't really appreciate it when we got taken to a gallery where the cheapest painting was $60US and the owner followed us around and was a bit pushy. So they think they'd rather just hire a driver next time.
RANDOM BITS & PIECES
•We know only to use Kodak money changers, but on our first day we saw a good rate of 8199 down a lane so my dad thought we should give it a go. And what happens? I took my eye off the money for one second to ask my mum something and I lose about $25AU. We learnt our lesson and went to the Kodak shop at the beginning of Rum Jungle Rd every time after that.
•For your sim card, you can't go passed the man outside the Bintang Supermarket. He puts the card in your phone and sets it all up for you.
•For internet, we sometimes went to the one next to Tropical or used the wifi at the hotel.
•SPAS: We went to Luna Spa on Jln Padma Utara, the Spa and Tan on Rum ungle Rd or Briella Spa next to Tropicals. My mum recommends seeing Brianna or Nyoman at Briella if you want a really good but really hard massage.
•TAILOR: Our tour guide referred us to Ratna Tailor on Jln Benesari opposite Enhay's Restaurant. He is definitely the best tailor we've been to. He copied a pair of shorts and skirt for me, fixed a dress I tried to get made on a previous Bali trip and made a dress into a long skirt. It was ready on time and great quality.
•SPONSOR KIDS: We are part of the WA Rotary Sponsorship program and my mum and I sponsor a child each. We visited them last year and it was lovely to see them again. We gave each child a lollipop, the school a soccer ball and whiteboard markers, and gave our children an Australian t-shirt. This is always a highlight of our trip.
Well, sorry for the long JBR but I hope it has some useful information for someone. Thanks :)