Just a few notes about my recent trip, returned yesterday from 2 weeks, straight back to work :(
Stayed at Grand Akhyati Villa in Kerobokan. absolutely beautiful place! bit further out than i would have preferred, but depends what you are after in a holiday, it may suit you perfectly. the staff are so helpful and they provide a free shuttle to Kuta, Legian and Seminyak whenever you like. Would definitely recommend it.
Headed into the usual nightspots in Kuta on New Years, and it was over run with drunk idiots more so than I've seen before. Don't get me wrong, we were a group of 20 - 25 yr olds ourselves but these people were just ridiculous, and not to mention i dont quite understand their fascination of wearing next to no clothes? [male and female].
Bagus still has the coldest beers! Danny who works there gave us a great deal on Watersports at Nusa Dua.
Went to the safari park for the first time. everyone getting photos with the drugged up animals never drew me in on my previous visits to Bali, but thought id finally go check it out this time. Went on the safari bus which is included in the entry fee and that was really good, also the elephant show i would recommend, very funny! would be great for kids.
Some Restaurants of note -
Nirvana- quite good, cheap meals and we really loved the girls up stairs in the spa, went there after every meal. Make sure you have one of their frozen orange margaritas. Amazing!
The Living Room - went here twice. More expensive by Bali standards, but still cheap compared to Aus. Not sure if it was just a coincidence or not but on separate occasions a friend and i had Tempura Crab for started and threw up afterward. No Bali belly or anything, just didn't agree with either of us!
Warisan - one of my favourites on this trip. Again, more expensive by Bali prices but for the standard of meal you are getting in Australia you would pay top price. Definitely recommend the goats cheese tart for starter. Staff are great and you have to check out the toilet! Listerine, panadol, hair gel, ear cleaners, moisturiser, cotton buds, etc all for you to use!
Trattoria - the best pizza and pasta, loved it. Didnt find the staff to friendly though
and thats about it!