Mon 14 March.
Today we decided to check out Kuta Galleria. Huge place. Very modern, but most shops empty. When we were there Miss World Australia (Sarah Davies) was putting in an appearance. Mostly shopped and hung by the pool that day.
On Tuesday we had booked the Ocean Rafting. Our Transfer arrived at 9.30 and off we went. When we arrived, had our photo taken and hopped aboard. This is a great cruise. A lot of fun. Really fast. Take your hat off! Took about 40 minutes to get to Nusa Penida where we stopped to do some snorkling. This was fantastic. Beautiful reef. It was my first time snorkling and was in awe. We then continued onto Lembongan Island where we boarded a smaller boat which took us th Coconuts Beach Resort. We were served a really nice lunch and had use of the pool. We then boarded the boat again and went to the pontoon. Island Explorer's pontoon is smaller than Bounty and Bali Hai but just as much fun. Did banana boat rides, snorkling, kyaking and glass bottom boat rides. The guides we had were a blast, dancing to music, joking around and snorkling with us. Headed back about four oclock. Purchased our photo and were taken back to our resorts. What a great day. Well worth the money. Worked out about $40aus each.
Wed, Thurs and Fri. Hubby and I hired a bike and took off on our own. Friends wanted to hang around the resort. This would have to be one of the best things we did. So much fun. Can see lots more on a bike. ie little back streets were the locals shop. Could stop whenever we wanted to look at something without being hassled constantly.
Finally found Geneva Handicrafts on the second last day as every driver I asked had no idea what I was talking about. This place is fantastic and so cheap. I bought a large wooden elephant (which was cheaper than the wood shops in Ubud) those twirling wind things (cheaper also) and some little nicknacks. I carried the elephant between me and hubby on the bike (so funny) the locals obviously have had a lot of practise.
As usual bought loads of shirts, sarongs, watches, over 100 dvd's and all the usual stuff. Hubby is a shopaholic over there. As I said earlier would not take newbies again as they hated it and constatly made it known. The three days on the bike on our own was so much fun. We also ate out alot on our own as they thought everything was too expensive!
Restaurants we went to:
Bubba Gumps: so much fun and yummy food
Kori: great as usual
Poppies: was my first time and is now a favourite
Macaroni: ate here several times, really nice
Cafe Dulang: great for lunch (they have water jets attached to there fans)
KuDeTa: beautiful setting but otherwise highly overated
Casa Luna Ubud: nice breaky
JBR 5 Last day and flight home, tomorrow.