4 of us went over for 13 days . We stayed at our regular , Matahari Bungalows . Next trip in Sept we will stay there again , however will then look elsewhere . We all flew AA from Perth , departed on time and arrived on time . Through immigration in 10 mins , waited for bags for 10 mins , in the car and off to the hotel within 30 mins of touchdown .Friends had extra alcohol and went straight through . Did not see any rain all trip . We hired a car one day and I drove with an international license upto Tengalang . We stopped at Ibu Oka for lunch . We also hired scooters for traveling around the Kuta area . We had 30kg luggage each , however while there filled a container with pots . Bought quite a few water features from Sanur and Seminyak areas . So now to sell 25 cubes of pots !!!! We all took off to Amed for 2 nights , as it was their low season we were able to bargain for accom . Stayed in the suites at Double 11 . There were heaps of places up their offering rooms with air con for around 150,000 idr . If you like diving then you would enjoy this place . A little quiet for us , but enjoyed some magnificent views while traveling through the surrounding areas . Drove home through Kintamani , stopping at Les to see a waterfall . Buffet dinner in Kintimani was worth what you pay , about 60,000idr . Was stopped by the Polisi on the way down the hill , luckily had my license so no need to pay anything . Now here comes the interesting part . After 3 days of driving , going through the traffic lights on the bypass rd at the Benoa turnoff the light turned red . There was no globe in the orange and the traffic was horrendous .We were the last car through. Copper comes after me . Show him my license and he wants 500,000 for red light . Showed me the fines book and goes through all the normal spin . My Mrs knowing how I love to bargain starts getting worried . Anyway trying to give him 100,000 idr and I wasn't getting too far . I know everyone will say take the fine as he won't and will take the 100,000 idr eventually . But after a hectic day I just wanted to get out of there . Paid 350,000 idr in the end . 3hrs later I calmed down . Was also stopped on scooter while in Sanur one day , as I had my license once again no money needed . So was pulled over 3 times this trip after never been pulled over before . Saw quite a few license checks going on this trip .
Did all our local shopping at Ketuts , tried to share the shopping around , but found most shop owners being way over the top with prices . Bought a few homewares up tengalang way . Went to Potato Head one day for a look , great venue . Had a few cocktails and enjoyed the serenity . We all did Marias cooking class and enjoyed the day . Not 5 star but worth the money .This was meant to be a relaxing holiday but ended up being the opposite . Exchange rate was around 9000idr to the Aus $ .
Food : Mozzarella in Padma was very good and priced low . Ate at a Warung in Jl Mataram a few times on the right just before Jl Majapahit , most dishes under 15,000idr and great food . Went to Jimbaram for dinner , 6 people with drinks and too much food 600,000 idr , 2 whole fish , 2kg prawns and 1 kg squid . Tried Steakz in Jl Benesari and we all loved our meals which were priced cheap . Now to rid the body of the excess Bintang in time for the next trip in 12 weeks .