Hi arrived back from Bali early Tuesday am. Spent 9 glorious day in Bali staying at the Kuluma Pantai-Legian.
My 7th Visit
Arrived 7 May. Arrived took a Taxi from Airport, Taxi fare had increased since last year Now $55,000 Rup we paid $30000 last year, but fuel prices have gone up. Checked in and then headed straight to Centro, As my sister wanted to get glasses made up for her and her husband. Mum and I had a look around, but to me its like being in the shops at home, would rather look at markets (except for the shoes). We opted to have a coffee overlooking the beach, very nice were given cold facewasher to wipe our face & hands, very good service. My sister opted for cakes from Breaktalk. Had 1st meal at the Cafe Sands and meet our friends Again(Staff- Eric,Wayan Sri,Desu,Budi, who remembered us from last year and treated us like long lost friends, and pampered us the whole stay).
Can't remember which day we did things so will just tell you what we did and where we went(excuse the JBR its my first one).
Went into Denpasar to Ramanyas, 50% off muost things in shops, great bargains. Didn't do too much shopping as were there for the rest. Went to Geneva's- 2nd visit there, went last year, If you don't want to barter for things, this is your place to shop, To me it's like a WA Salvage, covering 3 floors and the girls follow you to help you and push your trolley, mind you they gave up on us after 2 hours. To my Mum this was great, she could see how much each item was without the hassle of batering, & know what price things were
on the streets without being ripped off.
Anyone staying near the Kumula should go to Miramar Garden Restaurant on Jt wekudura-legian, can highly recommend,Walking distance, just around the corner. We weren't sure at first as no one in restaurant when we arrived, all vegetables and fruits organic and so fresh, We only eat Indonesian Food while in Bali, We had 3 evening meals here, and very cheap and very clean restaurant.
Also the Tailor opposite the Hotel was fantastic, very reasonable and we did't have to barter as it was so cheap, I took some of clothes that needed altering up with me, In AUS it would cost me $15.00 each for Hem to be altered. It cost me $4.50 for 2 pairs of trousers to be taken up. My mum and sister had 3 pairs of trousers made all within a few days as business was slow with the lack of tourists. aHe did a really good job and without a pattern.
Arranged with our Driver friend (Made +628155758697) Who we met 2 years ago(while we were staying at the Melastic Beach Resort) for a day trip,We left at 08.00am drove to Bedugal looked at Markets (brought a top from there, they had bigger sizes which was great, and had so many comments about it and how nice it was, Pd 50,000Rup)
looked at Temples, Fee Paid to enter.
Went onto Singaraja which was so clean and beautiful and very peaceful, Would have liked to stay a few days, never mind maybe next time??, then to Lovina where were stopped for Lunch in a lovely restaurant overlooking the Beach-smorg lunch $50,000rup per person.
Then continued onto the Hot Springs, swam in springs for longevity. A bit green, but though what the hell, went in, just didn't put my face under(small fee Paid to enter), naturally the enterance to the springs has markets and you can also buy a towell,(though cheaper to buy on your way in""""), Came back a different way, spectular views and scenery.
Our Friend invited us to see her Village Ceremony in her Village of Singapadu, What a great Day- Meet her Family who made us extremely welcome. Walked around the Village Temple, The Village band played especially for us and loved having there photo's taken (I did ask if this was okay first), the kids were so excited to see us and have there photo's taken and loved seeing themselves on the camera. I have promised to send their photo's to the village. Onto our Friends family Temple, obviously they had been waiting for us to arrive, as they were so excited to see us and made us so welcome and wanted to show us everything they made , At least 20 women under one temple making and preparing the offering, what a spectular sight, We couldn't believe how beautiful they were and how long it takes to make all the offerings, They even coloured some of the rice-pink. This was such a special day that I will not forget, & the True Bali.
I will miss the lovely afternoons laying under the trees by the pool and having 1-2 bintangs and just totally relaxing after all the running around that you do in Bali.
Hope my JBR hasn't been boring. I'm sure I have forgotten half of what we did there, but reality has set in and have been a bit grumpy since I got back