Ok so here goes my first ever JBR. Hopefully its helpful and interesting for you all..
So we arrived in Bali (myself and my Husband) 2 days before our other friends did. I just have to say how much easier it was to do the VOA payment in Sydney rather than waiting in line in the Airport!! When we got off the plane it felt like coming home. I'd even forgotten how different Bali smells!
Had to have a laugh when waiting for our bags to come around when one poor guy asked if he could get a trolley from one of the porters and as the porter ran off, he turned to his friends and asks "do you think I have to pay him? I have no money!" I remember the first time at the airport!
We stayed at the Bali Mandira again this time with our friends staying down the road at the Alam Kul Kul (thank god I didnt put them at the Bali Garden as was the original plan) We stayed at the Mandira on our honeymoon and loved the location as well as the staff :) There are renovations however they didnt disrupt us until the last day when the water was off for our last few hours before checkout :( We stayed in the Cottages and then moved to the Pool Villa for the last 2 nights. What can I say those Villas are amazing. Beautifully set out and the staff are very attentive. (especially Johnny Cash!!)
So much has changed in Bali but so much has stayed the same. I really enjoyed been able to look for some well known spots that I didnt get a chance to last time but still have not eaten at Mozarella or Potatoe Head :/ Must fix that next time
Favorite food places! - Papas (outside the Alam Kul Kul) A little expensive but convenient when you are waiting for 3 girls to get ready for anything and they make awesome cocktails. The staff got to know DH by name. Bali Garden - Amazing as always, Lunch at Dream Beach on Lembongan Island was pretty nice (I'm a bit of a Nasi Goreng fan and try it everywhere) Also found a nice new one called The Beach Hotel? Nice spot and great service. The best meal by far was The Romantic Dinner at the Mandira that we treated ourselves to on our wedding anniversary. 4 courses with a beautiful white wine! All in a little private booth overlooking the beach. Couldn't fault it!
Activities - So we had some first timers with us (I've been 3 times hubby and another friend were on their second 2 on their first) so we did the usual Safari Park, Waterbom, the girls did White Water Rafting (a recently broken collarbone stopped me) day trips etc and a whole lot of shopping. I found Miss Ketuts on Garlic Lane as well as the old favourites of Diannes and also Ida at shop 43 in the Kuta Markets. Ida is such a soft spoken man and so friendly! All fixed prices. We gave his kids the novelty hats we got at the safari park and they were stoked.
Watching my friend learn how to Barter was hilarious - she got some great deals. They all loved her because she is just so Aussie! However our other friend couldn't grasp it and kept asking for our help even though I tried to explain to her that it is rude to get someone else to step in...
I did try and tell them you haven't been to Bali unless you have paid too much for something and one of the girls paid 90000rp for a pair of thongs in the Ubud markets that broke after an hour :D:D I couldn't help but laugh at the look on her face when they broke.
Also went dolphin swimming and snorkelling on Lembongan Island which was beautiful (next time I think we will stay here a few nights as we did not get to see much of the Island)
We finally got to see a Tanah Lot sunset (It rained heavily last time we attempted it)
We also went over to the Rock Bar at the Ayana Resort (recommended by a friend) I used the priority access by going into the Aqua-tonic Spa. Not particularly worth it but the Rock Bar was amazing (service isn't quiet up to Bali standards but the view makes you forget about it). The hotel looks fantastic and I think I would like to stay there maybe two nights to see how the other half live haha.
As far as driving goes we have a driver that we used for our honeymoon and our friends loved him! His name is Dewa and he is so friendly. He got on so well with the girl that sat up front. Dewa has 2 kids and another on the way and next time we visit we will meet his family in Ubud :D
One place I managed to visit this time was The Beach Shack. Aussie run with a drag show. Great show, alot of fun (DH wasn't too sure) something everyone has to see once - it is also located on Garlic Lane
We attempted one night out at the Bounty but it turns out that I'm old and married because this year the drinks tasted like fuel and the guy that puked next to me just wasn't funny!
Highlights of the trip- Watching the squirrels play at the hotel, watching my friend get hysterical when the Elephant she was feeding tried to reach around her to get the bananas, meeting Putra and Wayan at Agus beach bar out the back of the hotel, the many Bali sunsets and sharing it with friends
For the first time ever I got on the back of a scooter! I've always been too scared however ventured out a little late before checkout as I wanted to visit Miss Ketut once more. Running back to the hotel a guy offered transport and the next thing you know I was up the road on a bike!! Not as scary on a quieter road and there was such a nice breeze. DH wants to look at getting an international licence before our next trip.. I'm not so sure.
Overall the quality of things in Bali seems to have improved (or maybe I'm just wising up on what to buy haha) Came home with some lovely dresses and paintings for the house we are building and a lovely guy even managed to find the exact same pair of sunnies that I bought when I was there 2 years ago!!
I am hoping that on our next trip I get to see more of the traditional parts of Bali as I feel like I've seen so much of the tourist side and I'd love to get to know the place better and meet more of the people
If I think of anything else to add I will but feel free to ask any questions. This forum has been such a wealth of knowledge for me