Just got back from another trip to the Island of the Gods!! Stayed at the Melasti Beach Bungalows in Tuban this time. Usually stay with friends but this time wanted to 'immerse' myself in the whole Kuta thing and the Melasti Beach Bungalows fit my limited budget.
The hotel was nice and recently renovated. Definitely a budget hotel but the staff were friendly and went out of the way to be nice at all times. I had got a tip from my friend Ketut the manager of Melasti Spa in Legian that pointed me at the MBB.
By the way Ketut from the Melasti Beach Resort spa has now opened her second branch in the MBB in Tuban. Same great spa services and yes the prices are still 50% off! She is a classic Bali success story starting out as a beach seller and now running two great spas in resorts in Bali. You go girl!
Tuban was a cool base for my shopping and eating forays. Sakura is just down the street from MBB as is the whole Kuta Square art markets. Found the prices in the area no better or worse than anywhere else though I still like to go up to Legian area for shopping at least half the time.
Found a really great new restaurant called Blue Fin right across the street from Sakura. Japanese fusion cuisine. Really good and moderate prices. Excellent service and quality and a respectable wine list as well.
Checked out Pantai restaurant and have to agree with some other forumites that I was a bit disappointed with the qulaity of the meal. Loved being within a five minute walk from Starbucks at the Hard Rock!! Got my latte fix there almost everyday. Even ventured into the Hard Rock restaurant one day for a very over priced hamburger which I will admit was very good. Bubba Gumps was in the area too, stopped by and seemed like I was in the USA instead of Bali.
Did venture into Seminyak a few times for a food fix from my favourite KuDeTa. Had lunch a couple of times at Bali Deli. Had good japanese at a place called Yuni's and made my usual pilgrimage to Made's Warung one night for dinner which featured unremarkable food but great atmosphere.
Seminyak shopping included Geneva, Paul Ropp Shop, Biasa and a host of other small shops on Jalan Raya Seminyak. Definitely a shop-a-holic's paradise!
Well way too long a JBR but still have left out lots of stuff.
Bali is better than ever!