Had a great stay. My 3rd, my family and best friend's 2nd trip, a couple traveling with us and my friend's 2 children's 1st. By the second day everyone was planning their return.
We enjoyed Jimbaran Bay- Georgia's was really good, they under charged and added freebies- aside from being the most reasonable priced and delicious, the owners, Wayan and Ketut were very personable.
"Gary Cooper" at Noesa Gardens in Benoa was also wonderful, great prices on wood statues as well.
Wayan Purya was very accomodating and kind, had wonderful tours.
We had a down side- we made reservations to stay in the guest house at Casa Luna we reconfirmed and were told all was ready, got there - three families, with 4 children to find out nothing was ready and had to spend 3 hours finding a new place. Landed in a terrible place full of Rats called the SRI on Monkey Forest Rd in Ubud. Returned to Casa Luna for dinner- the best any of us have ever had- great food, wonderful prices and Janet De Neefe was a gracious hostess.
Do not stay at the SRI. We ended up having to look for another place at 6 am.
Had absolutely no bad experiences with people or money changers( and never had that experience)
Didn't have enough time- you need at least three weeks.
People were absolutely lovely to us and our children hawkers were quieter then in prior years and prices more reasonable. 20000rp for shorts, tshirts 25000 for sarongs and no trouble finding larger clothes.
got a nice leather jacket in Benoa- the ones in Kuta looked not as well made - for $65 US
Any questions- feel free to email me
And thanks to all of you for information - I made use of a lot from the forum