Have been enjoying reading all the posts. Haven't been to Bali for 10 years and we are booked for 3 weeks in September. We have been a few times and like to stay in Ubud as we arent true beach lovers - would rather go for the day.
In the past we have stayed at Gunung Merta which is a bit out of the way but lovely people and accomodation - on the road up from Kuta keep going straight by the police station? Telecom? Memory is hazy. Stayed there for a month last time but we bought bikes so walking wasn't an issue.
Wondering if anyone knows if they are still operating and can report on state of things, including prices etc. The "newer rooms" in the back overlooking the river and rice paddies were great the older rooms are a bit too dark.
Also last time my son and I spent hours creating batik tee shirts and the like on MF Road - I really enjoyed that and was wondering if there was something similar either in Ubud or elsewhere. If so I am bringing some blank oversized tee shirts as their selection was too small for us for the most part.
The HOneymoon Bungalows were just starting up at that time, we hung out there alot with Aussie friends (kids make friends quick) and Janet at the time was also involved with a nursery school scheme.
Casa Luna was usually our favorite. We used to call the Tuna Tosado Casa Luna Tuna - what a shock when we got home and going out for pizza cost the same as a meal at Casa Luna.
I am sure we are in for some surprises and many changes.
We are considering Lombok but may just stay on Bali - there's always plenty to do and see. Would love to go back to Amed, and also Tirtaganga (the royal pools - that was fun - pardon if I mix things up getting older)
I was glad to read that the library off the soccer field is still there and running. They were another familar spot for my son and I.
He was only 6 last time we were there and he would hang out with his friends at the soccer field and go to Pondok if he needed something. I could go off for a few hours and know he was safe. A different world.
In the world of crazy drivers as Bali still is, it was amazing how when they saw a small child on a bike they would go out of their way to go around him. We never felt unsafe riding our bikes around Ubud. Eventually we traded them for a car rental for the last week. That was another friend of ours (who also had a son the same age) but unfortunately he passed away a year or two later from lung cancer (avid smoker) He was from Sumatra and his wife Caroline was from Philly or there abouts. Wonder if she managed to stay.
Nice to walk down memory lane. looking forward to creating new ones. Thank you to all who take time to post and share their experiences. Bali is truly a magical spot.