In Reply to: where to stay in Padang Bai & BratanLake posted by UTStud on Thursday, 18. January 2007 at 19:14 Bali Time:
and there are now 3 hotels that have swimming pools (although there are some nice beaches either side of the bay - ask for directions to the Blue Lagoon (say hello to Ayu and husband Made who have a terrific warung at Blue Lagoon from Anne/Melbourne) and also Bistaugal Beach (known as white beach). The three hotels (which are all on the road directly in front of the harbour) I suggest are (No. 3)Puri Rai (about 30 rooms and two pools) cost around A$50 per night, also the (No. 1)Padang Bai Beach Bungalows (also has a pool and dive centre called Absolute Scuba www.absolutescubabali.com) We got the 2 rooms above the dive centre at the front with a great balcony to see the harbour activities - bargain hard you can get a balcony room (no breakfast but includes tax for 225,000 rp per night air con, fridge, tv, dvd, clean, new - I don't mind not having included breakfast as there are many places to have breakfast at and it gives variety) or the other hotel (new one next to the Topi Inn on the beach harbour road) is called (No. 2)Mustika Sari Beach Hotel, phone 0363 41815 I Made Yadnya N. Manager showed me around, big rooms, air con, fridge, fairly large swimming pool, said would give me a room for 250,000 rp. We liked the Kadek Cafe for good meals, also the restaurant Kayu Bali - used to be called the Megibung (Karl, a german is the owner in residence) serves up excellent vodka and orange drinks! - no skimping on the spirits here! If you are lucky you may get to see a balinese dance or drama performance in the street where the early morning market is held - the whole padang bai community turn out for it - ask someone if anything is happening when you arrive - you will need to wear sarongs and a small donation of maybe 20,000 rp each would be sufficient. If you want me to send you any past JBR's of Padang Bai (or my current one when it is finished) email me.
Accommodation in Bedugal area - can't go past Moyra and David's place at Pacung - ask for the suite with the toilet with a view. And it's worth spending 5,000 rp. at the deluxe western toilets at Crackers' Bar and Grill at Candi kunning market - 10/10 on the Filo scale!