Having read some JBR's before i went i thought it sounded like a good idea.
We left Perth via Air Paradise on 21st Jan. Arrived to a very hot and sticky Bali. First hurdle was at VOA. They wouldn't take my $100US. Made in the 90's they said. Bit angry as i had got it from the bank the day before. Didn't matter they took VOA in Aussie dollars. Through quite quick but the luggage took forever.
Driver was waiting 2 cars 1 for luggage 1 for us. They gave us some icy cold face towels. Much appreciated!!
Arrived a Bali Rani. Very happy with deluxe rooms. We were on 2nd floor but no problems. we even got the connecting rooms we asked for.
We unloaded gear went and purchased water and headed straight down to the pool and the bar. Big mistake!! Pool was nice and bintang even better.
Bubba Gumps for tea. If we didn't have the kids we probably would have skipped tea. Lucky they were there.
Bubba Gumps so much fun we vowed to go back. Hang the expense. We needed to take the camera. The staff were so much fun and the food was delicious. Margaritas not so nice though- too salty!!
Day 2- We decided to head fro Waterbom Park. Found some 15% off tickets as we were walking. Bonus!!
The boys loved the slides. I loved the lazy river.
We decided to buy lunch there even though everyone said it was expensive. Didn't find it too bad. The food was nice. Got attatcked by bees whilst trying to eat though. This put us off a lttle and decided to leave after 31/2 hours. Found a driver and took a drive over to Sanur to walk up the beach and show the boys where we stayed last time.(Besakia) Had a bintang at a fave bar on beach. We couldn't believe the lack of tourists though. Really sad!!
The beach looks good though. No stalls on it now. Sand is raked and there are some groynes. Looks good!!
Tea time- decided to go up to the Dynasty to the Irish pub Gracie Kellys. Excellent. It was hard listening to the music though and looking up and seeing Balinese singing Long way to Tipperary. They did a good job. One complaint- we were still eating entree when our mains came. Food was great!! Pool table there so the boys had a couple of games.
Barman made a great sex on the beach!!!!
Day 3- Surfy son was itching to try the beaches. After discussion on the forum decided we needed to go to Padan Padang, Uluwatu and Dreamland. I had no idea where these were but thats where we were going.Driver wanted to take us to water sports. Didn't understand him too good. Led us to believe it was on the way. Went to Tajung Benoa. Walked to the beach and back in 5 mins. Not happy!!
Off to Dreamland first. No idea what to expect. Had to walk down some hilly terrain. Couldn't even see the beach to start. Probably 15 mins max walk. Lots of warrungs on the beach. Whoever meets you at the top you go there warrung. We had Eric. A cool surfy. The boys loved him. They set us up with umbrella & Lounges. Wonderful. People there but not rushed. Very pleasant. Beach nice but no real surf at this time of the year. A few hawkers wandered up the beach. no pressure and very cheap.We bought lots of cd's from 1 guy. It was great - no hassles. Certainly a good day. The food from Eric's surf cafe was pleasant & cheap. MInd you how many differnt ways can you do fries!! We had Gucaomole. Nice with lots of crushed corn chips.
Boys had KFC from new centre for tea and we popped over to the Kartika for there Sunday buffet roast. 99000 each. Nice but wouldn't rave.
Day 4 Rest relaxing and bit of shopping
Had been over to the new shopping centre. Airconditioning wonderful. Matahari's not so nice. Had a big sale on though. Disapointed as shoe sizes only go to 39. New centre sizes are bigger.
Went to Papas for tea on Kuta Beach. Beautiful setting!! Had cocktail in coconut. The boys ordered Kintamani Pizza (pepperoni).
Came out like a huge volcano. They cut the top off and the pizza was inside. Very novel & nice.
Ceasar salad was to die for!! As was the reat of the food.
Whoops thats only 4 days!!
Will have to post the rest later Sorry hope it hasn't bored you so far!!