Booked the VA 0700 flight to Bali, smooth flight and on time. VOA $115AUS for both. Stayed 2 nights at Champlung Mas, room was very clean and comfortable. Slight problems with checking in when they tried to charge again after a deposit was already paid - just speak slowly and stand your ground. Quiet on the streets, due to Kunningen, a lot of shops & markets closed but all ok. Some money changers still operating. Weather clear until late afternoon when it bucketed down and roads were awash.
4 nights at the Bali Dive Resort and Spa with 2 newbies to Bali, simply beautiful!! A newish resort about 2 kms from Tulumben with own dive centre and spa. Bungalow rooms are ocean facing with the centrepiece being the pool. Rooms are gorgeous with glass frontage and a small porch to sit on, beautifully decorated and comfortable with TV and sofa sitting area. No wifi in rooms and sometimes erratic in restaurant and lobby but no biggie. Also no tea/coffee making facilities but other than that can't fault it. Relatively small with only 27 rooms and caters largely for Europeans who like to dive. Gardens are beautifully manicured and the staff are always smiling and so helpful from the front desk to poolside. Food and drinks are reasonably priced.
Dive centre was well equipped from what sister-in-law said, she had 5 dives in 3 days. We snorkelled at Liberty Wreck and Coral Garden but found it to be much nicer at Menjangen. Hired a driver for a day trip to water palace and traditional village, stopped for lunch at Candidasa and then spent the rest of the time with much needed R & R.
Everything you need is at the resort. Used the spa which is luxurious and then transported back to airport within 2.5 hours.
Flight home was fine and now it's back to the grind tomorrow.
Hope you enjoy my report.