We just got back too (unfortunately) from our 10th visit. We were away for 1 month, and it was VERY quiet the first few weeks. Started picking up a bit towards the end. We also scored an extra day thanks to Garuda cancelling flight on Monday to Adelaide, But Garuda looked after us extremely well. Put us in the Sanur Beach Hotel with full meals. The only drag was we flew back via Brisbane! The Balinese were so happy to see Aussies...they seem to love us...Aussies are always happy and friendly???
Some observations... Petrol prices have doubled since last year, and so have taxis...what was once a cheap way to get around now starts to hit the pocket a bit, but still cheap by aussie standards...most trips around 30000rp ($4.80) Legian to Seminyak. It is getting close to be cheaper to hire a Jimmy for the day if you plan a lot of excursions of any distance. Still some amazingly cheap good quality restaurants around. R.aja's has reopened after being bombed in a new location. Moved next to the Bintang Supermarket on Jalan Legian. It is now cheaper and better food, infact the food was really excellent quality..Chicken Kare only 15000rp [less than $3.00] and made with Chicken Breast!!!!!!!
Satay [8] with steamed Rice and Peanut Sauce 25000rp [$4.00] again with breast meat...wow! I cannot help but urge people to try this place. They have kept all of the staff that were at the old place, and are very friendly. There were many memorable meals and I will make a list later for those that are interested.
I read reports of DVD shops closed, but I saw no sign at all of this...heaps of shops selling dvds and cds etc...general price for CDs or DVDs 10000rp each, buy 5 get 1 free, buy 10 get 3 free, etc.
The streets were quiet, but Discovery Shopping Mall was busy as could be...I cant workout why...maybe people feel secure there? I must admit the new bakery at the front of the complex was an amazing thing. All glass so you can see the staff in their ultra hygenic uniforms making bread and pastries...you had to queue to get served [it was worth it...lol].
The authentic Bintang Beer shop was worthy of a visit too! very cheap original stuff, with lots of bonus giweaways...pens, flags, Glasses, Beer etc!!!
Highlites of our trip in no order. 1 Seeing DJ Tiesto at Club 66...awesome. 2 Lombok side trip...different to Bali. 3 Having dinner at our friend Jufri's house in Medewi...4 the friendliness of the people...even after so much crap, they still keep going! 5 getting to stay an extra day!!!!
As a breakdown of this years trip we spent 2 weeks in Kuta at Istana Rama, 5 days on Lombok, 5 days in West Bali at Medewi [Puri Dajuma Resort] 4 days back in Kuta [Legian] at Su's Cottages and 1 day [thanks Garuda] in Sanur. Safety was never an issue, we felt totally comfortable everyehere..from the middle of Kuta to way out west in Negara markets. Cant wait to go again!!!!!!!!