Just returned from 18 blissful days in Bali... this trip was to attend my sisters wedding which was held at the Keraton Jimbaran (who were just amazing with what they provided)... Over 40 people travelled to help celebrate this long awaited for occasion and we enjoyed some fabulous times together. Airline was Garuda.... not overly impressed with them and never was... booked through Roger at Garuda Orient Holidays who I cannot say enough about.... Roger has been an extremely helpful and patient guy (and believe me one has to be when dealing with me) and I have utilised his services for the past couple of Bali visits. I spend a great deal of time researching agent prices and comparing them to internet prices as well as booking direct with the hotel. Roger was able to offer a package which allowed my son too travel as a child (at 15) and we combined the airfare with a 4 night booking at the Bali Dynasty on a two for one deal and booked the rest of the accommodation directly. No agent was able to offer accommodation at the hotels we like cheaper than booking direct or via internet so we just book a minimum package. Roger patiently checks prices on lots hotels for me and has never complained about the amount of work I ask him to do... he is a gem J Some of you may remember the problem I was faced with prior to travel when the Kumala Pantai seemingly had lost my booking just before I was about to travel. Well the good news is at the last minute I was advised that they had it; I have learnt that if you want things done 100% then you deal with Desi only at KP. Desi was away when I confirmed my booking and I was told it was not there and that the hotel was full (having had it confirmed prior to this) but the booking was there and on Desi's return, it was found. Interestingly enough after I left KP to go to the Dynasty I called to see if I could return to the KP (having checked out hotels right along the beach front hoping to find something appealing- more about that later...) I was told by KP staff that the hotel was full and I could not return... for two days I looked at other options and finally called the hotel again and this time spoke with Desi who advised there were plenty of rooms.
I have mentioned to Desi that the ongoing problem associated with email really needs to be addressed and that there are obvious problems associated with people trying to book and confirm bookings with other staff members. Therefore, my advice is to always deal with Desi only if possible or at the very least get everything in writing from KP.
More on the holiday later plus some info on the beachfront hotels in Legian and Kuta.... Some insight into the 'Girls Night Out' at Legends and a lil on the 'Boys Night Out' at Indo National and the Hulu Club..... Oh what a night ........'
Fabulous group of people, many of who are forumites... and a great holiday with the most amazing meals........
xxx