A quick JBR as we mostly relaxed, eat, drank and swam....
Jetstar from Brisbane via Darwin - last time for me...will pay more to fly direct - over the Darwin stop over thing. I took my son and daughter (9 & 7) off for a quick trip before I started my new job. Firstly Jetstar did not give us the immigration forms - I should have realized but they didn't even say to us that we should get some when we land and fill them in - it was a debacle...everyone running around...not a professional way to go Jetstar - a quick speech on the plane would have been better.
Anyway taxi (easy as) to our first night's hotel - I booked budget (Bakung Beach Resort - Tuban) because we got in so late. Well the room was about a 1 star - facing onto a brick wall..I hope other rooms may be better. My kids took one look at the toilet and said I'm not going in there! The rest of the resort would be a 2 star. Probably would not stay again.
Couldn't wait to go to the Bali Dynasty for the next 4 nights. This was a pressy to the kids as I would not normally pay this much for a hotel. It was as nice if not better than any hotel I have stayed at here in Aus. Not one bad comment about the place - kids loved it, service really good. Queens of India - excellent restaurant. Dianne's and Jennys fixed price store across the road. Had an hour of play in the gamezone at Discovery...not too bad for about $12 all up. I do prefer Legian but this was a lovely time...the Black Canyon Coffee (name ??) (beachfront of Discovery) wish we had found it earlier - awesome place for drinks and food.
Next hotel was the Mara River at the Safari Park - once again excellent - kids loved it - I think if you were going to go do the park - stay a night (it cost me $135US) such an experience...extremely unique!
Last few nights were at Besikah Beach resort, Sanur. Though rooms are more budget, we loved this resort. We had a great time. Right on the beach, food excellent...have learnt how to get rid of those pesky Market ladies....be FIRM ('stop following me!!') Shopped at Tooties (Fixed price).
I think we will spend more time in the Sanur area from now on as Kuta/Tuban the traffic is so bad. Loved shopping at Matahari's - it is one of my favourite places to go to. Grabbed bargins on clothes and Revlon..so happy.
Off to Tanjung benoa next trip - never stayed there so looking forward to that. My kids love Bali - after two days being back they are asking when are we going next. Hope I didn't bore you too much - thanks for reading.