I just returned to Ont. Canada today from 12 days in Bali. I was on a Package from Goway travel. I flew Malaysia Airlines from LA to Kuala Laumper then on to Denpasar. I stayed at Dewata beach Hotel in Canggu. It is a very nice hotel with beautiful gardens and about 25 nice cottages. It is right on the beach which has a wild surf (i think bigger then Kuta). The problem is the hotel is 12 km from Kuta which translated into 45 min. bus rides. However the area around the hotels is very pretty and peaceful with plenty of rice paddies. There are 2 hotels next to Dewata which had very good food at more reasonable prices. There are also 4 restaurants in Berewa which is a short walk. They all had good food at good prices but limited items. I would tell the owner the day before what I wanted so he could get it fresh at the market. Beware to brinf insect repellant at night as it near the paddies and the mozzies bite.
In Kuta I found Peanuts a great night spot and Twice Cafe in Legian to have a great afternoon happy hour. It is near Beleka beach hotel. The big surprise for me was the hawkers. I expected many but not so persistant. After buying a watch my first day I was followed feverishly by 5 other trying to sell me more. What surprised me the most though was that one turned violent when I refused to buy from him. He kicked my feet as I walked trying to trip me then pulled an old pocket knife out and said he would "kill me in my hotel". I hadn't read about stuff like this on the forum. I eventually found the best way to handle hawkers is completly ignore them. Just a wave off, no eye contact. I stopped wearing my watch in Kuta and walking on the sunny side of the street seems to help as they stay in the shade.
I spent a night in Yeh Sanih at the Puri Sanih Bungalows for 50000 a night right on the beach. Not much of a beach but great for swimming with no waves at all. Also dolphins are in the area but I didnt see any on my trip so only paid 30000 instead of 60000 for the 2 hr. boat ride. On the way back to Canggu stoped at the lovely Danau Bratan. Bedugul hotel has great views and rooms for about 50000 (I didn't spend the night,but will next time).
The weather was almost always cloudy and only one day with no rain, but all in all the People of Bali where very nice and friendly, always smiling. I made many friends and look forward to returning. Thanks to everyone who helped me before i left and I hope this helps someone.
PS. I used mainly my Visa card for money at Atm's and did have a couple of times when I didnt get any money.One Sunday it seemed all the Atms in Kuta were out asall I meet at them couldnt get money at various locations. But I had Canadian cash as backup which was no prblem to change. If you go to a changer and you thin he is trying to rip you off, just take your money and leave, there are plenty of them.