Hi all,
Got back a few weeks ago but haven't had time to write a proper JBR so thought I would just jot down some recommendations:
Food:
Poco Loco (Legian) - the best Mexican I have ever had in my life complete with giant cocktails! Just don't order an entree AND a main - trust me you won't get through it!
Fat Yogis (Poppies I)- food not so crash hot even though it was recommended but great spot for people watching and a cold Bintang.
Fuel (Jl Legian) - A bit expensive but very cool place and a great last night treat!
Shopping:
Bags:
Howards in Poppies II was good for all sorts of bags though Howard himself is a bit rude!! Picked up some good bargains though (4 handbags and an overnight bag for 250 000Rp - took a long time to get to that though!
Fabrics etc:
The Batik factory outside of Denpasar was the best for this - bought heaps!
DVD's
Recommend using Helgi - he is the best - bought about 12o off him and they are all excellent quality. Bought a further hundred from Softcomp in Poppies II and the one on the way to Waterbom. All excellent quality and no problems with customes (they even searched my bags and didn't care!)
Tours:
HIGHLY recommend Made's Bali Adventure Tours (especially Dee). They are excellent value, really small groups and accomodating of any changes to their tours that you want to make! Also they give you a free carry bag which is big enough to carry all your purchases and water bottles in and just slings over the shoulder - very handy and not as hot as a full backpack. We booked through the one outside Hard Rock Hotel on the beach next to macca's and Poppies I - EXCELLENT staff - great sense of humour and very eager to please - can't speak highly enough of them!
BARS:
Of course you have to go to Paddy's Reloaded - it is great fun and their illusion shakers are unbelievable - just don't drink five of them!
Hard Rock Centre Stage - great cover bands but expensive drinks (Sydney prices) but this is to be expected. Danced on the bar with Vertikal (Indonesian Band) - very very fun!
Wave - this is a new bar that opened the night before we got there. It is outside the Inna Kuta Beach Hotel (but not part of the hotel. Really nice balcony bar and a club underneath - really really nice and cheap drinks - highly recommend you give it a go!
Stayed at the Inna Kuta Beach Hotel and would stay there again - it is the most convenient location - we walked just about everywhere (despite the heat!). Clean rooms - great pool, friendly staff but above all location, location, location!!
Hope all this helps - we had a great time and can't wait to go again!