Ok I'm doing a report, have put it off as I feel I cannot write anything like the standard of what I've read. But all those JBRs helped me no end so here ‘tis.
Flew on Australian Airlines from Perth to Denpasar Thursday 28 July. Cleared all parts of customs easily, used the porters as with two tired children this seemed the easiest option. Purchased a taxi voucher for rp25.000 and arrived at Dynasty at 10.20pm. We were shown to our room straight away room 127, family pool view, ground floor. Later we moved a bit closer to pool room number 133. Would recommend rooms 135, 137, 139 and 141, as being the best to watch the pool from balcony. Rooms were perfect for family of four (kids 6 and 4), king size bed and two singles. TV with heaps of channels and shower in bath.
This was my first trip to Bali, I have previously been put off by stories of smells, hassles, etc. So travelled extensively around Oz and other places like Europe, US and Mauritius/Seychelles. Should have gone sooner we had a great time, ended up extending our stay by five nights to 14. Will definitely return, awesome family holiday destination.
I didn't keep a journal so will just run through some of what we did.
Ubud/Monkey forest
Used driver recommended by Sharon (thanks heaps), Komang had good English and nothing was too much trouble. He took us into the monkey forest and explained some of the things around it. We encountered no aggressive monkeys, as my grandparents did at the other forest on previous visits. Had a wonderful and cheap lunch at Café Wayan?? It had little ponds in the toilet.
Waterbom
Bought tickets for US40 for family. Discounted tickets from hotel.
Had a great day here, though thought the food looked not too good and a bit overpriced. Went over to breadtalk and bought a big bag of goodies. Was subsequently informed that I could not bring them back in. Talked them into letting me take half. Used a backpack on our later visit. Purchased a return ticket from the kiosk before leaving for rp160.000.
Had a one hour massage at Soul Asylum for RP 88.000, as this was my first massage ever, cannot compare but thought it was lovely. The even do kids feet massages while they get to play on game boys and listen to MP3's for approx. RP70.000, good to use if you want a half hour massage and can't shake the kids!
Bali Hai Cruise
As we extended our stay by five nights we had an included bali hai cruise, to Lembongan Island. I must say given the travelling time, this cruise would not be worth the money to me. Would rather go somewhere closer for water sports/snorkelling. Kids did not feel well on trip over. It seemed like the time on the island was sooo short.
Tanah Lot
Caught a taxi to Tanah Lot on the hottest day during our stay, would have to say that this is something to do in the afternoon breeze. Went to Ku De Ta on the way back for a drink and some Turkish bread. Love this place, will return with bathers as the surf looked awesome.
Lake Batur and mount Kintamani.
What a view. Beautiful spot. Our driver (Komang) took us to a restaurant with buffet for rp50.000. It was too early 11.30am for lunch for us, so we had a juice and took in the view.
Restuarants
Ate most evening meals at Febris (across road from Santika), really enjoyed the food here and the Mango juice was divine. Never cost more than Au$25 for six drinks and four full size meals. Service and quality were excellent. Each time we went they gave us a free mens tshirt.
Bubu gumps, had the worst meal in Bali here, really felt it's overrated.
Impala Seafood - lovely
Dynasty Buffet dinner buy 3 get 4th free. - kids eat free. Ate here four times, as it was just so convenient (about 10 steps from door).
Gracie Kellys - had pies and kids meals, not worth the money.
Had several lunches at Bread talk.
Other stuff
Went to the timezone place at top of discover mall rp1.000 for token.
We would not hesitate to recommend the Dynasty, as first timers we couldn't fault it. The kids loved kids club and the staff were great. We popped in a few times and always felt they were well supervised. We will definitely stay there again.
Prices
Blk mkt shirts shorts ladies & mens - RP25.000-30.000
Billabong wallet and purse - RP80.000
Kids Blk mkt Tshirts/ shorts/etc - 15.000
Silver girls bangle 60.000
Game boy multi games - 260.000
Hair braiding/nails @ dynasty 55.000/45.000
Ladies sandals/thongs 20.000-30.000
Revlon foundation AU$8 lipsticks RP25.000 (got lots of Revlon)
Good leather high heel sandals from centro RP130.000
Water 1.5ltrs 1.850
Cooldrinks 3.500
Juice boxes 1.500
Mens denim ripcurl (blk mkt) 100.000
2x shark tooth necklaces for boys 15.000ea
mango juice (fresh) RP10.000
Dvds/CDs buy 10 get 7 free 10.000 ea
Internet RP300 min ten mins RP3000
Icecreams from 1.100 (for rocket) to 4.000 (for Magnum/cornetto)
Surf factory outlet - for me (size 12 not much to my taste), hubby got four pairs of shorts denim/cord for equiv AU$80 good quality.