Hi All, just back from our second trip to Bali this time also included a quick side trip to Lombok. Bali seemed very quiet this year compared to last year at the same time. Did a couple of tours with the same guide we used last year he said he had plenty of work but agreed that there are less people about.
Stayed in the Hotel Jayakarta which was not to bad a little big and impersonal. Thanks to info we read in this forum we got round the hotel trick of putting you in a room far from anything. Told them straight away the first room was not good enough and that a refund or a new room would be required and next thing you know we have a room right by the pool and in much better condition. Seems this is a standard practice as they appeared to have a list of people who wanted better rooms. So thanks to the forums info we got things sorted quickly. Other than that the rest of the place was great pools, service and staff. Great place for families.
Great area around the hotel with lots of nice places to eat tried lots, Rhum Bar and Le Monde were the best for alround quailty, price and service.
The beach out the front of the Jayakarta is great. Spent most nights at Wyans Bar on the beach watching the sunset and chatting with the locals and visitors. Great place to relax and meet new friends. Easy to find Wayans Bar just head out the back gate of the hotel a round 5.30 pm and follow the sound of the bongo drums. A must do Wyans is a super guy and the music and company makes for a nice way to end the day and set up for the evening.
Did a couple of trips, one to the Bird park and the Reptile park next to it. Both places were well worth the visit if you like to get up close to the wild life. Kids of all ages will love it.
Went to Bali Discovery Quad bikes had lots of fun the team there were very good and the place is well run. Had a ball only low point was that after the quad biking we found out that just up the road the same company has started Bali Buggy which looked as cool if not better and we where going home the next day so I could not do it. Next time but.
Flew to Lombok stayed at Navana Roemah Air in there floating Villa 200 meters of shore in a bay. For anyone who wants just to chill out this is the place. No stalls or shops no hassle you have a surf ski to paddle about on, the divings great and you call up on the walkie talkie and meals and they are paddled out to you. We took drinks snack food and CD's and had the best time just relaxing. You have to check out there web site if your after something a little different. just google floating villas Lombok.
Thanks for all the good info we got from this forum saved us lots of drama's and pointed us at some great shops, spas and resturants.
Thanks again