Probably a bit of an unusual group from my readings of emails to the Forum over the last few months; three single blokes only a tad past the first full blush of youth departed Darwin for Bali on 24 March. Totally different backgrounds and histories on the island; Colin was one of the hippie trailers back in the sixties (perhaps a bit more past the first full blush...), another one who first visited in the mid 90's and me with the first visit in 1987 and quite a few since.
Let me start with expressing my gratitude to the contributors to the Forum. I have never seen such a wealth of information about a destination and the accuracy was amazing.
I downloaded the Filo File, the Bali Bible and the LynneD restaurant guide onto a pocket PC and a day didn't pass when I wasn't checking it for a place to dine that night or where was the best place to look for an umble umble or where you might find a cold and frosty Bintang in the jungles of Poppies 2. I thought I knew a fair bit about Bali but I was kidding myself. I do know a lot more now.
Sammy and Susi's is a great place to meet some quality people like BaliBob, Regina and the learned Smudge.
(Tony and Sue from Adelaide said to say hello LynneD - you have great friends).
One of the first things I picked up from the Forum is that you can't beat Nicki for travel deals. I worked through all of the usual websites (asiarooms, wotif, kayak etc,etc) best Darwin travel agencies and others. Even Liz and Lynda, the lovely ladies at the Garuda office in Darwin who can't do enough for you were unable to match her prices for accommodation. Nicki came up with the goods at a cheaper rate and no hassles. I had the great fortune to catch up with her at Sammy's and Susi's and she is a treat to meet as well.
The three of our party stayed at the Kartika Plaza in Kuta, one for five nights, one for eight and I spoilt myself with a whole fortnight. Kartika is well into my top 10% of hotels to stay at anywhere in Asia for all round quality, location, tucker, nice people, the pool ( I would surrender my next reincarnation to bring that pool back and stick it on top of the next door neighbour's place{sorry Leslie and Neil}) and just the feel good atmosphere.
Much of my comments have been covered by ChrisR in a posting of 8 April. They visited an old friend of mine at the Munching Inn in Benasari (turn off Poppies 2 towards Warung 96 and keep going for a couple of hundred metres). Maree puts on interesting, great value Balinese and Australian food if you prefer that has a distinctive and refreshing mix.
I would also like to support LynneD's comments on how good the food is at Un's, Kori's, Ma Jolly's, TJ's for Mexican, and the one that I reckon is seriously under stated, Kunyit out the front of Santika in Jalan Kartika Plaza. If you like steamed duck just go there. A Balinese Sling with the complimentary nibbles will definitely improve your evening while you are waiting for the entrees or mains.
A note for future visitors during Nyepi - the ATMs close at around midday on the day before Nyepi and many are still not operational past midday on the day after Nyepi. Not a major hassle but could be a problem for people who can't sing and dance.
Australians who can't get by without their cricket fix (and who can when Warnie is throwing his best) should be aware that the upstairs off Poppies 1, Agung Sportz Bar serves very cold inexpensive Bintangs and catches the breeze (straight across from Fat Yogi's and next to the Secret Garden but taller). The Stadium Cafe in Kuta is OK but a bit on the expensive side without the breeze.
I can happily support from personal experience this trip, Brisbane Tailors for a suit, Black Canyon Coffee in Centro if you just want something light and Thai (about seven times a day seems good) and the indo-National in Jalan Padma. Kerry and Milton are great people who provide a high quality venue, service and cuisine that will keep me coming back for as long as I don't have to honour that earlier bit about my next incarnation.
Many thanks to you all.