Returned last Friday from 20 days in Paradise. Stayed at the Bali Rani Hotel in Tuban - great although the bathrooms are getting a bit tired. To start with, there were 12 of us including 2 from Port Hedland (eldest brother and wife) spread between the Bali Rani, Green Garden and Melasti Bungalows (including my other brother) to celebrate our silver wedding anniversary.
Great flights both ways with Air Paradise from Perth. Only hassles were that I still had the dreaded flu for half the time and and we had to spend the first night at the Ramayana. I suspect that was my fault for requesting a specific room at the Bali Rani. Anyway it's nice to try different hotels. Room at Ramayana was adequate although the plumbing was pretty noisy. Free breakfast and off to the Rani the next morning.
Went to Sanur 3 times just for a change. Definitely more tourists around than last year on the beach but not much activity in the streets. Had 2 great massages at the Sisters of Mercy (?) next to the International Sports Bar just up from Sindhu Beach Markets. Highly recommended.
Restaurants in Tuban visited were Impala Seafood, Gracie Kellys, WET, Pantai, new one opposite Waterbom Park, Mini Seafood (just past Santika Hotel), Febri's, Pandan (old Terrazzo) and Melasti Bungalows. Gracie Kellys is a great venue and good fun - food so so. Pantai was only breakfast and a little disappointing. View made up for it though. WET was poor - maybe we ordered the wrong things. Pandan has just opened - had teething problems but might turn out OK. Rest were brilliant. Impala is always great fare. Mini Seafood is owned by former owner of Mini Bar & Restaurant located in Jalan Legian. The head chef and some staff went with him. This restaurant will go places in our opinion.
Other eating spots were TJ's, Secret Garden, Legian Gardens, Pappas, Koppi Pot and The Pub - all on the mark. The volcano pizza at Pappa's is must. Not saying anymore - just do it. Bonsai Garden and International Sports Bar in Sanur finished off our gastronomic journey.
Can't talk too much about shoppping - that's the better half's department. New Discovery Mall has some interesting shops and merchandise.
Overall I can only say that Bali is as good as ever and you can definitely see an increase in tourist numbers. The Rani was 85-100% occupied during our stay. The completion of the roadworks makes walking a breeze. The footpaths with their yellow non-slip centre pieces and the decorative metal manhole (personhole?) covers are a credit to the planners. We never had any trouble with metres in any taxis. Had no hassle with hawkers or shopkeepers - stay happy, they are only trying to make a dollar. Weather was a bit humid with 3 lots of rain although only once during the day. Exchange rate was between 7400 and 7750.
Thanks brothers, sister-in-law and friends for helping us celebrate our 25th year of marriage. Ho Hum - only 339 sleeps to go. A stint at the Griya Santrian in Sanur next year for half our holiday might be on the cards.
PS One of my brother's friends left his new expensive camera in a taxi when we headed off to the Secret Garden for lunch. He phoned the Taxi Company but was not very confident he would see it again. Honesty is alive and well in Bali - it was returned by the Taxi Company the next morning at 3.00am.