I guess this can't really be classified as a JBR as i went for valentines day for a week, better late then never.
Bali was my 1st overseas trip, with my boyfriend at just the young age of 18. Thank god for staff discount travel, return flights bewteen the 2 of us were little over $300 FOR BOTH!! Unfortunately flying Pacific Blue, we had to first fly to Adelaide for the night. We arrived in Bali at about 11:30am. First thing i noticed smell and heat! Line for Visa was about 30 mins long, they seemed to be taking their time and i was getting nervous about the 'porters' i had read so much about. I ran to baggage and panicked as i saw about 30 porters guarding our flights bags. Luckily my bag came out on the coveyor belt and a played a bit of tug of war with a porter over my bag that had a cross on it?? anyone know why?
Straight outside to the heat of bali to order a cab for about $6 aussie. We stayed at Bali Dynasty, so impressed by this beautiful hotel!! They organised all of our activities and for resonable prices too. Our room was well maintained and very good size. It had a safe, fridge, foxtel, nice bathroo and BUFFET BREAKFAST, my fav! It changed menu items everyday which keeps things interesting. Also has a few good restaurants and the renovations didn't concern us at all.
The calculator became our best friend. We ventured onto the streets for the first time, i felt so bad ignoring everyone's offer, i felt so rude. My boyfriend couldn't help but say "no thanks" which made them follow us and hassle us for a while. We were getting really good rates out of the commonwealth ATM opposite Discovery Mall. one day was 8600rp woooohooo. I got a few good deals from poppies one and two. We left with masses of DVD's, bintang singlets, shoes, clothes, tailored work pants, jewelry. I loved the Indonesian girls they were so gorgeous. i would walk past them most days and they would call my name and come over for hugs.
I am a sewer so i went to Toko Central which i read had every sewing supplies you would need. I nearly died in this place!! I got about 10 kilo's of sewing supplies for around $20 aussie. Also Waterbom shop sold real INSIGHT brand swimmers for over half price, we both got swimmers.
We went white water rafting, so much fun! i would recommend it, they also pick up and drop off. Waterbom was really good. There is no lines and very modern, i could have stayed forever. Bali safari park was alright, we were there during the day and it was so hot that it was exhausting. LOVED cuddling the orangutan and tiger. Also went on an elephant ride and got to feed heaps of animals. My favourite activity was BALI BUGGY AND QUADS. You must try this. a couple of hours on a quad bike or buggy through the jungle and quiet villages. This was such an adrenalin rush and i thought it was cute how families and little kids come running to the path to hi-5 you.
I recommend that no one hires a motorbike as the roads are toooo crazy! We thought we would be up for it after our bali quad rides and within 2 minutes of hiring we had an unfortunate accident and i ended up under a taxi, under a bike and under my boyfriend. There was lots of blood and cuts but nothing too life threatening and all was okay. Off to the night clubs just a couple of hours later :) I was nervous about this because of the bombings. We looked at the memorial, it was really nice and well respected. There were army men with very VERY large guns patrolling and guarding the doors, i am not sure if this made me feel safe or scared.. Our fav place was Bounty. Lots of fun and great drinks and people. I really liked the clubs once i relaxed a bit and we just caught a bluebird home (one time i even had my future told by a taxi driver).
The rare times we could not get bluebirds we were ripped off by the driver. All the sellers asked how many times in bali? I new not to tell the truth, so if anyone asks it was my 4th. Oh and everyone ask's "honeymoon?" hahaha. We made some wonderful bali friends that i hope we see next time. I would recommend Jimbaran Bay for seafood, its beautiful! You sit on the beach and i picked out my own live dinner. 7 Days is not enough.
Thats the main things i remember off the top of my head, I love bali and am planning another trip for my birthday in September. yay!