Just back from Bali on monday 23 August with my husband.
Ramada Bintang - great Hotel suited to couples. Mainly Italians and French. Not many Aussies. Right on the beach and very quiet. Nice pool and Bars. Also good supper club at night with great band playing great music. Did not go to their Disco. Food beautiful but not as cheap as out on the sreet.
Places to Eat - recommend Metro 77X just down from Bintang. Chicken Satay with rice 15,000rp ($3 Aus). All Star surf cafe also good and cheap. Garden View Hotel in Legion great smorgasboard meals and very cheap, different theme each night eg. Mexican, roast, seafood. Blackies Intan at Jimbaran Bay is worth the trip. Great seafood on the beach. They will also provide a pick up and drop back service. Great to sit and watch the sunset.
Taxis - Blue cabs are the cheapest and are metred.
Drinks - I took with me a cask of wine and had no problems. Wine is very expensive ($7 aus for a glass.) I did not like Bintangs but my husband did. I discovered Bali Coolers which are like Island Coolers ard were a great alternative. Alchohol in general very expensive. Only buy sealed bottled water. I did not even drink their juice. Bought bottled water anywhere and bought big bottles for our room for tea and coffee instead of using mini bar. Also took my own coffee and tea and bought long life milk from the supermarket.
Shopping - found Melasti Markets cheaper than the Kuta Art Markets and absolutely hated Mataharis (too much like Grace Brothers)
Prices - use this as a rough guide.
Baby G watches - 25,000rp each ($5)
singlet tops 15,000 ($3)
12 Nike socks - 40,000rp ($8)
Leather shoes - 35,000 ($7)
Kids reboks - 35,000 ($7)
CD's - 60,000rp ($12) - 85,000rp
PC's - 50,000rp ($10)
Playstation 10,000rp ($2)
silver rings - 5 for 60,000rp
Nike shirts - 40,000rp
watches - 25,000rp - 30,000rp (on the beach)
leather belts - 20,000rp
hats - 10 for 50,000rp (on the beach)
sarongs - 2 long and 2 short - 40,000rp (on the beach)
TIP - barter hard and give yourself room to move up if needed. Stand your ground and they will usually give in. Best bartering is on the beach.
Money Changers - we took cash and were warned about fake money. Mainly changed money at banks. Lower rate but were guaranteed real money, not being ripped off and got a receipt. hotel rates were shocking. Just be very careful of seedy money changers on the street.
Stolen Bags - I saw 2 ladies have their bags cut off their shoulders by motor bike riders. I had a bum bag and had no problems. Just be careful.
Overall - had a great time and can hardly wait to go back. Did not feel it was suitable for young children. we plan to go back in 5 years time with our kids who will then be 15 and 12 years. We visited friends at the Jayakarta Hotel and felt this was perfect for children.
Have fun all you first timers. Its GREAT!!!!!