Hi, not a forum regular-poster, but found it so helpful when planning our trip that I thought I'd post a jbr and hope it might give someone some worthwhile info!? Especially travelling with an 18 month old!Flew home yesterday with Garuda...some things never change huh ;) Spent 7 days, stayed at Jayakarta Hotel (in the Appartments) and found them to be great for us with a toddler, though, as warned, were a long way from the pool (4 min walk!!) Great staff, moved rooms on first night as the bed was like a hammock built for one (very romantic!)next room was great. Lots of road works going on around hotel, so traffic a bit disrupted but no major hassle.
Ate at Zanzibar (end of Double 6) and had AWESOME seafood pizza, went back a 2nd time for another fix! Also ate at Yutz's (recommended on forum also) which was nice. Tried Gosha's a couple of times,and Poco Loco once, nice also. All in all had no problems with food and drank our Raspberry Cordial (25% of course!) and used the Aqium Gel for good measure.
Toddler info- took HEAPS of food over with us (UHT milk,crackers,tiny teddies,apples,Heinz rusk thingies,tinned spag,2 min noodles,saltanas) and used most of it. Didn't need to take milk as they sell a UHT brand that is imported from New Zealand, but everything else was usefull. Gave what we didn't use to Indonesian lady with children outside hotel. Stroller was invaluable, as were Anti-bacterial wet-ones, Aquium Gel,Scatterbugs insect repellent. Should have taken more toys but went to Matahari in Kuta Square and bought great toy for $3 AUD, on sale. Lots of discount toys to choose from. Took them everywhere to entertain son when we were eating!
I had 1 hr massage at Cozy's for 72,000 RP (~$10) which was awesome. Not a super-flash spa, but came recommended and can see why! Had to hold my breath a few times to block out the pain, but loving it at the same time (make sense?!) Taxi there from hotel (legian/seminyak) about 22,000 RP. Had 1 hr facial at Melasti Beach Spa, ok but lots of laying there with mud mask on and finished after only 45 mins. Nice enough though. Hubby had massage over road at 'Jakes Place'? 1 hr 44,000RP, but said it was pretty basic and nothing flash.
Loved the trip,even with 18 month old and 5 months pregnant! Hubby's first time and loved it, planning another trip for a couple of years. Thanks for the info from this forum, it was so helpfull, especially knowing 'safe' places to eat for me (fatty!) and our toddler. Oh, one more thing, didn't need to pay Departure Tax (100,000 RP) for toddler as is classed as and 'infant' apparently!
Cheers :)