Hi All
Stayed at INNA KUTA BEACH HOTEL, you can't beat this great location if you want to be in the middle of it all. The pool is good, then the beach is directly behind it. If you are interested in the bungalows, the best ones were 415 & 416 - the other ones facing the beach are also on the walkway so you get all the noise. I stayed in a building room which was fine, there was a bit of a smell in the bathroom at times but we spoke to other people and it seems to be a common problem at most hotels.
I won't go into heaps of detail, you can ask questions if you like..but here is the best of what we found:
Restaurants: Fat Yogis, Wrap A Snapper, Papa's Cafe (by far the best), TJ's.
Shopping: DVD's via Helgie - no problems at all in customs. They were not even interested in them. I got about 100 and wish I got more as they are all top quality. Helgie is great, he is younger than I expected! He brings the DVD's directly to your hotel room, just email him before you leave with your list,(mcshop@hotmail.com) he will let you know if the quality is bad on any of your requests. I also hired a DVD player from Helgie at 30,000 per night.
Sarongs: 20,000 each from anywhere
Handbags: depending on quality and size 30,000 - 100,000
Any market bags should be 30,000 or less if you are a good barter which at times I could not be bothered as it was still cheap to me. The best ones I got where at a shop on Legian Road...sorry can't remember the name he is near Booster Juice.
Tootsies: I found this very disappointing, I know everyone raves about them but they are more expensive than the markets and didn't have any nicer stuff. Their DVD's are only 7,000 which is cheap but not a huge range.
Betty Bu: EXECELLENT! My favourite shop by far. Give them 2 days notice and they will make a doona cover for you in their gorgeous material. I only got cushion covers this time but next year, I will definately get a doona cover made up.
Gold Coins: Definately bring some, you get better deals if you bring them - everyone wants them, especially in the markets.
Hair Extensions: My friend got them done in the Matahari, outside the Body Shop. They are not the cheapest but they did the best job. We asked people where they were getting them done and all the nice jobs were done at the Matahari, it takes 2.5hours with 5 people on your head at one time. It cost $au40.00 and length is to her waist.
Hair Braiding, nail painting: everywhere! 20,000 for hair and 10,000 for toes and 10,000 for nails.
Shell Jewellery: 5,000
Masks: depending on size average 30,000
Billabong & Quicksilver shirts: 40,000 for xxxl and very good quality.
I know I got ripped off heaps of times but the trick is not to let it get you down, it is still cheap and if you are happy with the price you have paid - don't worry about it.
Money Changing: Always at the Kodak stores, never a problem, most of the time got a receipt. The best thing to do is to only change $100 or $200 at a time, easier to work out what you get back.
COULD NOT LIVE WITHOUT: the cheatsheet from FX currency Converter website. I reduced it on the photocopier so it fit in the palm of my hand and I knew exactly what I was paying..it was a lifesaver.
Stayed locally Kuta - Legian - Seminyak - Sanur - Nusa Dua, didn't do alot as only had 6 days, I really think you need a minimum of 10days but due to work, I could only fit in 6.
Travelling on your own: Not a problem there were heaps of single travellers over there, and my friend and I spoke to heaps - and they were all having a great time. The best thing about travelling alone is that you find out more because you ask more and speak to a wider range of people - rather than your own travelling group.
Please ask me questions if you like - I am just doing this off the top of my head and don't know what you would like to know...