Flew Cathay Pacific from JKF-Vancouver-HongKong-Denpasar on their AllAsia Pass. The flight attendents were extremely nice and friendly. They give you a little package with sleeping mask, traveler's toothbrush and a pair of socks. Children get a lovely entertainment package which is full of activities.
The Airport
Going through customs was a slow line, but not after my long flight, it was a little tough waiting to get through. There is an ATM machine right at the airport. No toilet paper in the airport bathrooms. ALWAYS carry toilet paper or traveling wipes with you.Be prepared for driving on the opposite side of the road. Passing is permitted in almost any time its do-able , horns honk constantly as a warning and is expected when passing on two lane roads. Close your eyes if you're squeamish.
Stays
I based myself at Ubud, and already mentioned earlier the quantity of cottages with lovely gardens or rice field views available.Walking is tricky as the canals are the sidewalks .They are merely covered with slabs of concrete that are laid down in tight sections. They are removed if there is blockage.
The Hotel Jakarta near Seminyak is a lovely 5 star hotel right on the beach.There are three pools bar, and a massage pavillion right out in the open for deckside massage. Beach is black sand.
Game Boy Cassettes Color
My son loves Game Boy and I looked in two place. Matahari's in Denpasar had nothing. They mentioned Tiara Dewata, another store a few blocks away. I attempted to walk it, which is crazy as nobody seems to walk across streets without taking life in hand. Tiara Dewata had game boys on the second floor near stationary and children's backbacks. They had five game boy items, all black and white cassettes. There are 32 games in one for example and prices started at 117,5000rp. or about 18US$. I looked also at Hong Kong airport. They of course have the latest everything. Pokeman Gameboy color was 62$US!!Not a deal. Also great spot to buy children's school supplies.
My friend bought little silver filligree boxes at Matahari's for 3US$
We saw the exact item at the Denpasar airport for 6US$.
Our driver was Agung Sita Wibawa, a gracious, elegant well spoken driver and local Engish middle school teacher( Agungsita@yahoo.com ) He drove us for hours at a time and really seemed to enjoy his work. My personal favorite spot was not Besikah, but Tirta Empal. There we saw a Balinese family celebrating the first birthday of their child. They did not mind us watching as the child, his mother and father, aunts and uncles, grandmother and grandfather sat in a circle and were blessed with water,chants and flower petals. The child was dressed western and wore a gold bracelet and gold ring. Quite a special birthday party.
Performance: It is very easy to see dance every night in Ubud. At the tourist information, there is a handy sheet with times and prices. There are different dance companies dancing the barong, or legong or kecak, so you can go more than once to see the same dance . I recommend a video camera. If you hold it steady, you don't need a tripod.The best performances are in the villages, but the dances at Ubud Palace were interesting too.
Spice Market
The name translates to "Yellow Monument" in English. Translate that into Indonesian and you have the name of a large spice market.Our driver took us there coming back from Git Git area. If you like spices, and especially saffron, it's available in large bags. Prices????I 'm sure it's a bargain. I unfortunately got distracted buying wooden toys there for my son. Hand made cycles, boats and cars can be bargained for 3-4US$ a piece.
Airport Departure Tax: Don't forget your 50,000RP at departure. It was a big help when people posted this info here. It saves a lot of hassle to have a 50,000 bill set aside.