Got back 24th Feb from a great holiday.
Arrived at 5.30pm 17th Feb to the International airport and walked as has been said to a big hall which is massive and yes we all congregate in the middle to pay VOA - $50 Aus. 3 planes had arrived but got out in 1/2 hour which was good and hit the throng of drivers signs etc and found a taxi and on the way to Sanur via the toll bridge. 22 Minute ride to arrive at the Respati Beach Hotel. Very very nicely kept hotel including a breakfast which was great every morning. The staff were all extremely friendly and helpful with no problem left unresolved. Beach access was great with a nice pool, The street the other way was always good for a walk. Tried Starbucks and before anyone says anything the coffee there was awesome which is sometimes hard to find in Bali.
The Kuta and Legain shopping was the usual but was fun at times with a better selection and price than anywhere in Sanur that we found.
All Blue Bird taxi drivers used meters most as we hopped in but all did when asked. A couple of look alike taxi's that we hopped into tried to negotiate when asked to put on meter but got the message when we bailed and got in the ones that would run the meter. Pickup set at RP.7000 for the first 1 Km but most times Sanur to Kuta RP. 90,000 - RP.110,000 total. Had fun with quite a few drivers learning more Balinese language etc. No driver tricks at any time to try bump up time and cost of trip just did as asked and always the most direct way.
Ubud was overcrowded due to Chinese New Year the day we went to Sukawati Markets then to Ubud. Spent less than 20 mintues then bailed with our driver out to have lunch over looking the rice fields at the Bebek Sari Restaurant. More crowded here than Kuta and Legian and the locals said its trending that way more and more over the last year.
Went to night Zoo trek and dinner and was okay but I would be more likely to go to Taro Elephants or Marine and Wild Life park for value.
Over all the food was again great one worth a mention in Kuta is Bubba Gump it was good fun and great food.
In Sanur we enjoyed often going to SkyBlue BBG (Barbeque Blended & Grilled). Run by a Darwin Expat off the main road of Sanur towards the beach - Jl.Kesuma Sari No.5, Semawang - Sanur - Bali
Phone: +62 361 270 683.
Worth a visit and eat and drink in a quiet relaxed bar and restaurant.
The holiday was great and lets not let the Media Hype and Govt narrow minded views change our views and passion on continuing to support Bali.