Posted by Cathy on Sunday, 18. October 1998 at 09:34 Bali Time:
Three of us returned last week, first time to Bali and Lombok, and had a fantastic time. We stayed four nights in Sanur, a great place to get accoustomed to the place. We stayed at Besakih Beach Hotel on Danau Tanblingan, right on the beach, with a beautiful pool looking over the water, a great place to just sit and watch , so many things going on all the time, close to the markets, restaurants, shops, money changers, (we didn't have any problems, just look confident be polite count your money as many times as you like in front of them, BRING A CALCULATOR AND TAKE IT EVERYWHERE) My husband and I walked early each morning around six, you get to see the locals and all the early morning preparations for the day, it'ts still warm but there's a nice feeling of quiet before the day starts. We did a White Water Rafting trip from here up into Ubud. There aer a few companies who do it equally wll, we went with Sobek and paid $42.00 AUD each. A must to do great fun the scenery is beautifil,the guides making it fun for everyone. We took an underwater camera, good idea. We then went to Ubud for one night, we would stay here longer next time, stayed in Monkey Forest Road,Ubud INN, about $85.00 AUD for three people. Good location, lovely gardens and pool, but they were two storey cottages, the bottom cottages ceiling is upstairs wooden floor, you can hear them tie their shoelaces! We went to the Monkey Forest great fun, and an amazing temple, huge statues below a staircase to the river. The Ubud markets were fascinating great for shopping without too much hassling, take your camera. We went to a dance in the evening at the palace, they are regular here and at other local places, the hotel can help you. We dined at Casa Luna A 3 storey restauant , wonderful food great decor. We then went to Lombok for 4 nights. If you haven't been there GO. IT was quieter, less developed ,the locals just as friendly, a slower pace, the scenery stunning, lots of culture that is virtually unchanged overy many years. We stayed in Sengeggi Beach Hotel Nusa Bunga, on the West coast, beach frontage, pool , mountains as a backdrop, good restaurant,and only 23 rooms, so it's quiet. At low tide you can walk for ages along the beach . We did a day trip, do your homework,wokk out where you want to go and hire a driver, Kuta beach is a must simply breathtaking. We finished our trip with one night in Legian, to finish shopping and to be close to the airport.
Musts for Bali and Lombok,
calculator, suncream, the usual beach necessities, the ability to say no, and keep walking when not shopping, a bum bag for your money, an umbrella or rain coat as the rainy season has started and it rains every day, plenty of luggage space for your shopping , camera.
My husband and I travelled with our 15 year son, we had a fantastic time, you can't get bored it's just so exciting, and until you experience it for yourself the country, the friendliness of all the people, the culture, nothing can prepare you for such an experience.