Although I have been to Bali many times before, July 2005 was the first time that I had ventured down Gang Samudra, in Tuban.
It is a laneway which runs from Jalan Kartika Plaza through to Jalan Wana Segara, which is where the front entrance to the Cafe Pantai is located.It is also very handy to these hotels:- Dynasty , Kartika Discovery , Febris, Green Gardens, Bali Hai, Ramada Bintang & Santika plus several smaller ones, with Bakungs Beach Cottages actually situated in this lane.
This small lane contains many shops, a couple of very cheap laundries and a few tailors.The 4 or 5 stalls at the end nearest the sea usually offer fixed prices, so shopping was a breeze here.
These are:- Jennys 29, Ketuts, RAMA Art Shop, ERIX Shop, and Jero( pronounced Zero) at ABS( Ayu Bagus Shop), also offers a fair price, but will discount a little more. Jero also sourced several more wallets which I liked, and nothing seemed too much bother for her.Another tourist told me that she used to sell drinks at Uluwatu many years ago, and he had known her for 25 years!
The outlets which stocked clothing also had great BILLABONG, QUICKSILVER & RIPCURL tee shirts "Out the Back". Being a pleasant stroll along the beach from the Dynasty, we found that shopping here was pretty relaxed, and a cold Bintang or two bought from the small deli about half way along, also kept hubby happy. This deli also had stock of VISINE eye drops for the ridiculous price of 7000rp, and I wish I had bought more of it, as the expiry date is 2009. They also stocked the Jamu product Bokashi Rub Oil for 10,000rp.
The 2 laundries, which were open to the street, laundered clothing very cheaply, around 1/6th of the price at the hotel. Although, we didnt end up using them, I have read previous reports about them on the BTF.
Although I personally haven't used C&D Tailors, run by Ali Baba, my friend has for the past 3 years, and she has been very happy with the finished product and the cheap prices. You can actually watch the tailors at work here, as it is open to the street. Their address is No 20 Gang Samudra, HP 0813 3861 1016.
FAST EDDY WATCH REPAIRS: Ph: 361 7443633 or Mobile: 62 817 356048.
Fast Eddy has been mentioned several times before on the Forum (Filo?), so I decided to take some watches to Bali for repair, as did two of my friends. I am happy to advise that my 4 watches are now working perfectly, and the "Rolex" diamente watch I bought in Penang many years ago, now has a replacement winder on it. Each repair cost me the grand sum of 15,000rp, and it took a couple of days for them to be done.
As an afterthought, I also took with me my daughter's shell & silver pendant which had broken off where it threads onto the choker. We had bought this last year in Bali. I knew it would cost a lot to have repaired in Australia, so decided it was worth enquiring about in Bali. Eddy had it repaired by a friend of his for 15,000rp, but I gave him a little extra for his troubles, as there was nothing in it for him at that price.It had also been "strengthened" in a couple of places as well!
CAFE PANTAI:
If you turn left at the end of Samudra Lane, you will see the Cafe Pantai, also previously written about on the BTF. This is one of our favourite restaurants,with very cheap and tasty food, and wonderful views over the sea and the airport, and for watching the locals play soccer and the sun set.If you have children, it is the ideal spot, as they can play in the sand whilst you eat.
We go early for a good table by the edge, or you can ring and reserve one on (361) 753196. If you sit close to the edge of the restaurant, you will be approached by the hawkers up until sundown, but we find that quite fun and usually buy a couple of piecs of jewellery from Monica and Vicki, and sometimes a CD or two from the others.
Also, if you turn right at the sea end, you will find the entrance to MA JOLY RESTAURANT, which is another favourite with forumites, dearer than the Pantai, although I haven't eaten here yet. If you are approaching Samudra Lane from the beach, this is where I cut through, usually with a cheery "Hi" to the security guards. So far, no-one has stopped us from using this short-cut!
So "Happy Shopping" to all those you take a walk down this lane.