I'm not going to post a JBR because this trip (my 5th) was purely for relaxation, shopping and eating out, so I don't want to bore you all with details. What I would like to do is mention some places we found enjoyable and some people we found helpful.
Firstly, our intention was to arrange for some stoneware to be shipped back home. I heard about Balistones on this forum and on the day we went, we were greeted by the owner, Felicia Sudiana (an Aussie married to a Balinese). She helped us make our selections and then did everything that was needed as far as organising cargo. Her warehouse is huge and definitely worth a visit if you are (like us), creating a little piece of Bali in your own backyard. (Address Jl Nakula 33, Legian - just off the bypass).
Next was our cooking class at Sate Bali. We were staying at Resor Seminyak (because of it's proximity to all the fabulous restaurants on Eat Street) and chose this restaurant for dinner one night, not knowing that you could learn to cook there. We put our names down for a class and had the best day. Nyoman Sudiyasa, the owner, is a lovely person and explained all the ingredients to us. The class is hands-on and after all the chopping, mashing, rolling, stuffing, etc, you get to sit down and enjoy all the delicious things you have prepared. The cost is 325,000 rupiah per person and the class runs from 9.30am to 1.30pm. Definitely worth it. (Address Jl Laksmana/Oberoi 22A, Seminyak - just north of The Legian).
Another night we ventured up to Venue @ The Moon. We'd eaten here on previous visits when it was Full Moon and knew it had closed for renovations last year. We were eager to see what it looked like after it's refurbishment and we just happened to met a lady at our hotel who was a friend of the owner (another Aussie lass married to a Balinese) and she mentioned that she'd been asked to sing at the restaurant. So we decided to go along for the night. Well, what a night it turned out to be. We were introduced to the owner, Melody, who is a lovely lady. We had the most delicious meal and were entertained by a band who absolutely 'went off'. Needless to say, there were a few sore heads the next morning. (Address Jl Petitenget, Kerobokan - right next door to the old Intan)
The next 2 places have been mentioned extensively on the forum before, but I just wanted to add my bit. Ketut's shop (gang off Jl Sahadewa or Garlic Lane) and French Leather (Jl Sahadewa 4C). Ketut is a gem. She greets you with a lovely cold bottle of water when you arrive and if she hasn't got what you want, she'll get it for you. Everything is fixed price so there's no need to haggle. Her first price is always a good one. Matt at French Leather (Garlic Lane) is also great. His English is superb and I had a jacket ($100), boots ($70) and 2 men's wallets ($14) made without any troubles. He also takes aussie dollars, which is handy.
Now on to massages. Salon Jengeg on Jl Laksmana (just next door to Taste restaurant) was great. It wasn't there on our June/July 2004 trip, so I don't know how long they have been open for. 39,000 rupiah for a full body massage (1 hr) and 20,000 rupiah for back and shoulders (30 mins). It's nothing flash inside, but it's air-conditioned and you get a bottle of water when you arrive. For those who don't like being massaged on the sand, this is probably ideal without going for the full-on luxury of the larger spas.
And last but not least, Khaima Moroccan Restaurant (Jl Laksmana or Eat Street). We wanted to visit this restaurant last year, but just ran out of time. Well, we were glad we made time this visit. We took along another couple we'd met at our hotel and had a great night. The food is more then you could ever want to eat. Very authentic atmosphere and they also have dancers on Wednesdays and Saturdays (I also think there is another night during the week, but can't remember which one).
I have a list of restaurants we visited , exactly what we ate and how much everything cost. I also kept a list of all the lovely things we brought. (I just love the 'homeware' type shops around Seminyak). So if anyone wants to know anything more, please ask. But for now, I think I've gone on enough.
Leanne