Back in March I managed to snare $222 return flights with Garuda from Melbourne. Still with a Vietnam trip ahead of us at the time we both managed to sneak away for another 10 nights before the silly season.
Staying the night before our flight at the Park Royal was an indulgence. We checked in at the Garuda counter by 8am the day of our departure, then headed back to the Park Royal for breakfast, arriving back at the airport with the right amount of time to go through immigration, buy our duty free and head to the gates just as our flight was called to board. Perfect!
Flight was on time and we cleared the airport within half an hour. Driver was there to take us to the Maharta in legian. What a great little place this turned out to be. So quiet around the smallish pool which suited us and not a lounge hog in sight. Clean basic accommodation with the famous mozzarella restaurant on the beach with a fabulous breakfast watching the ocean and all that passes by. Free wifi was an added bonus to stay in touch and retrieve emails.
Some of our eats:
Seaside, an old favorite and an easy one to get to for our first night
Kori, always lovely, great food and ambience
Mang Enkeng, a hidden treasure. Took a recommendation from this forum. Seafood lovers delight. Sitting in a little bale over the water. In seminyak. It's a must and not expensive, had prawn platter, fish, calamari, squid of two types, veggies, chicken noodle dish and shared. We also had four bintangs and a bottle of wine, all for $60 per couple.
Pearl, well what can I say......AMAZING! French food, well priced food, we topped it off with wine which bumped up the total price. Started with a tasting plate which was a selection of most of their starters. Then I had the duck confit, a signature dish, that was beyond anything I could explain, taste buds bursting by this stage and the grand finale was a chocolate fondue with little delicate balls of coconut icecream.
Un's, food was good, always love their home made ravioli of great selection, you can even get a tasting plate of them all.
Potato Head for drinks, never had i ever had to line up for anything in bali! well we had to here but it was worth it. Behind a giant facade of recycled shutters was an oasis of dining and bars for all levels expenditure. Had cocktails and tapas before heading up the road to the living room for dinner. Had been here years ago and remembered it being much better. With so many new places popping up everywhere, I doubt I'll go back here.
TJ's oldie but still a goodie.
Lanai, good cheap feed
Ultimo, we really liked this place. First time here after reading on this forum good reviews. Did not book, maybe should have, line up to get in this huge establishment. Our name was put on a wait list and we were seated at the bar. Took no more than ten mins waiting. Great food! Cheap and good service. Will go back.
Had jewellery re modeled at Bali Rani hotel with mrs Pak. Negotiated a great price to have ring remodeled then using two left over diamonds not needed in the new design to have stud earrings made. Also had a solid gold bangle made a fraction bigger with a slight change to its shape. All turned out amazing. Great quality finish, even had left over gold not needed handed back in a small nugget. An honest and humble lady. Highly recommended.
Second last night was spent in Ubud, a small working component of my holiday. Stayed at Puri Sunia. A tranquil oasis! Wish I had a few more night to spare, this place was divine. Great staff and inclusive activities, such as yoga every morning followed by jogging afterwards if you have the stamina. I just went for a little walk. Complimentary afternoon tea served daily and a cocktail party on Friday afternoons by the pool hosted by the manager. We just stayed here for dinner this night and had a great night in with friends, food was yum.
Did a bit of last minute shopping. Yoga pants just $20 from dunia. Great quality. Also due to hearing on this forum about a shop called Passport, I had to visit. They have moved now. No longer in seminyak but on JL Legian, left hand side just past Padma st heading to Kuta. Got a great dress! Cost $80 but felt a million dollars in it. Great for curvy girls. Layering pieces galore too.
Got to the airport three hours prior to our flight. Decided to go to the premier lounge. Happy to pay $25 pp for lovely comfy lounge chairs, not bad food and basic drinks inclusive. There was also wifi.
Overall Bali has changed, not sure if its a good or bad thing??? Business seems good but feel it is getting too busy for me. 1988 was our first visit here on our honeymoon, then later with children year after year, now it's just us two forty something year olds. Bali will always be close to my heart but feel we must move on for the next few years and visit more of this wonderful world we live in.
Thanks for reading, feel free to ask questions. I will leave my email open and will reply as soon as I've had a good nights sleep.