We arrived in Bali on the 7th of October much to the horror of our families that wanted us to stay home. As I said to them at the time, I choose to live my life the way I choose to live it and Bali is the ONLY holiday place that I love and can truly relax and shop until my arms are ready to drop off! We stayed until the 17th and had the best 10 day holiday as I knew we would. I felt completely safe with my husband, my 7 year old son and 3 year old daughter.
Thanks to everyone for the information they shared on this forum, it contributed to a great trip. Although this was our 8th trip to Bali, it was the first time I read the forum before our trip.
VOA - we paid the $25 in US dollars as we changed money at the airport prior to leaving. When we arrived in bali there was no wait getting through, although this was because the plane only had about 12 aussies on it the rest were indonesian.
Accomodation - we stayed at the Jayakarta Hotel Appartments for a total of $100 AUS per night for a two bedroom self contained unit on the 3rd floor. No complaints. (normally we stay at Padma which we absolutely love and highly recommend). We stayed one night in Ubud at Tegal Sari ( we had booked for 2 nights but the kids were bored so we went back to Jayakarta!). This place was exactly what everyone described. We stayed in room 20 and 21. Beautiful! Staff excellent! Food Great! Shopping great but because everything was so quiet, sellars were a bit desperate and unfortunately you can't buy off everyone, although I gave it my best shot!
Dining - We dined at Tanaya Restaurant Jl Legian in Kuta. A great Japanese restaurant that does a fabulous tepanyaki (lobster, calmari, salmon, prawns, vegetables, chicken, beef, fried banana & ice-cream, rice, salad, soup - not in that order! for $175,000Rp - a great splurge)
Zanzibar - for breakfast each day was exactly like forumites said. An American Breakfast - 2 eggs, bacon, 2 sausages, sauted potatoes, grilled tomato, toast, fresh fruit, coffee, juice ONLY $25,000Rp what a bargain!) Excellent service and excellent food.
Seaside - This restaurant was right next door to Jayakarta facing the beach. Great staff great food. Has security so felt very safe.
Shopping - I brought home 32 pairs of shoes! From Edward Forrer and Bata & Osh Kosh. Fantastically cheap and great quality. The streets were quiet and I mean very quiet - lucky to have passed more than 10 people in my walk to Kuta Square. Once you see the security (much more than even after the first bomb) you feel safe and don't give it a second thought. Yes I ventured into Matahari, Discovery Mall and the places I said I would avoid before my trip. Security check bags, and run the metal detector over you before you enter - including McDonalds!) Restaurants have security out the front checking people as they enter and certain streets have now been baracaded so cars can only go in certain directions. Went to Geneva and bought lots of knick knacks, the usual cheap pressies to bring home (wooden bowls, vases, placemats, candles, incense etc.)
Waterbom Park - Kids loved it. It was very quiet and again security checks before you enter. This is a must do if you have kids.
Hard Rock - Took the kids the the pool and they loved it. Security was very impressive once again.
Driver - someone on the forum recommended Made Sukarma 081 835 4088. We gave him a call when we arrived and he was the best driver we have ever had on all of our 8 trips to bali. He speaks very good English, is 28 years old with an 8 month old daughter named Tika. He was great. So good in fact, that we took him out to dinner at Tanaya's as a surprise. He was very humble. I even went to Mataharis and bought a bag full of clothes and toys for his daughter as a parting gift. If you go to Bali give him a call. He is fair, does not suggest ("what about a trip to volcano, or elephant park, or silver jeweller, etc etc.") No pressure from this driver. We had many interesting conversations with him, about the situation in Bali, tradition, ceremony etc. My children were speaking Indonesian by the end of the trip - Namasaya Harrison, tomakasi etc.
Mood of the people - Very upset that the terrorists won't leave Bali alone. They are so sad and worried that tourists will not come. If we don't go, they don't eat as there is no other industry other than us. They were grateful that we came. They continually thanked us for coming to Bali. They are angry that the Sari bombers have not been executed. They want justice and they want people to keep enjoying their holidays in Bali. Without us they have nothing. All I can say is that we will return, we felt safe but were also responsible and not careless. Yes I did choose restaurants that were not crowded, that did have security, that were open, that were closest to the street, but I did not do this with fear and it became natural just experiencing Bali with acceptance that this is how it is going to be now, not just in Bali but any trip.
We had a great time. We love Bali, we love the people, the culture, the food, the shopping, the weather, the service and being able to live like a King and Queen albeit for a week or two. Keep going to Bali, there is no other place like it in the World!!
Thanks for reading and thanks for all your advice prior to our trip.