This was my fifth trip to Bali. Our last trip was in October 2005 during the 2nd bombing, so returned with a little trepidation. This did not last long and was very quickly we at ease again within hours of arrival. I breathed in the incense, slipped into the pool and tucked into a sate dinner. Bagus!
I was travelling with my family (hubby and kids, 9 & 7), my girlfriend and her two teenage children and was also met over there by three of my husbands surfer friends. So had a nice size group, all Bali returnees.
The plan was cocktails for the girls, while the surfers did their thing and the kids went hard at everything. Only 24 hours into our holiday my girlfriend was struck down with a nasty case of Bali Belly. Four days sick in bed was a real bummer. I had her kids during this time while the guys surfed so my cocktail plans were ruined and my stress levels were heightened when I also started feeling queasy. I was fortunate however, had two days of stomach pain and queasiness which I fought off with Yakult and Panadol. Did not develop into anything serious, although I must say I did feel off in the stomach for most of the two week holiday. My kids also developed diahhorea, as did my husband. We have had many holidays where no body has ever been sick, and this time just about everybody was struck down with tummy problems.
For all of those who like to take precautions, I think I would have to agree. Usually I take raspberry juice, and last time took Travelan also. My husband always laughs at me, but when you have children there I always think it prudent. However, this time I didn't take anything, we were all sick to some degree, so it makes me think that the usual methods are effective and I will not travel to asia again without them. It didn't ruin our fun but it certainly puts a dampener on things. We all took Yakult though everyday while there, always do.
Just when things were looking up for everyone, my son (7) gets an ear infection which happens everytime in Bali. Had to get the doctor to our room at hotel (Dynasty) and he was great, drugged him up and checked on him 3 times during the rest of our stay.
Then myself and two others developed a headcold/flu thing that was also going around. So all in all we were the walking wounded. And we were not alone. There was so much of it going around, tummy probs and flu problems. One of the guys at the hotel said it can often be at this time of year rainy season/end of rainy season. Lots of rain and humidity, bug heaven. Don't know how true this is but met loads of sickly people this time around.
Enough of sickness though, we still had a great time.
Did Dreamland beach one day which was nice. Legian and Double six beach a few times, also great days.
Bali Bird Park was a lovely day too. Had been about 3 years ago, but enjoyed it just as much. Kids were younger before, so they got a little more out of it this time too. Stopped and at some of the stone carvers on the way back too, and bought some great stone statues.
Had a few trips to Discovery Mall. Had Christian Dior prescription sunglasses made for mum at Optik Tungaal. They were fantastic here and would highly recommend them to everyone. Exceptional service and quality. Bought makeup and shoes in the Centro. Surf shops in here good too. Always finish with an iced mocha at the Black Canyon out back and watch the surf. Very relaxing.
For the girls, geat beads at Sanzik on Jl Sahadewa (midway along) I bought about a kilo (where else can you buy jewellery by the kilo!), leather handbags made at French Leather on Sahadewa, very good. Lovely dresses at Uptown Girl on Jl Legian (right hand side heading towards Seminyak from Jl double six), bought really nice tops and dress at Budda Wear on Jl Legian on this same stretch.
Stayed at the Dynasty for the third time, but will be our last. Lovely hotel and staff are fantastic, but we found there to be quite a yobo element to the guests this time, the ugly Australian tourist was alive and well during our stay. Unfortunately, our room was very close to the pool bar, too close, and with the pool being open until 10pm it was hard for our kids to get to sleep with the shennanigans going on out in the pool. Lots of bad language, drunken woman cat fighting and people just behaving badly. It was poor form.
We were invited to watch a Hindu ceremony, which was fascinating. My kids made offerings with the locals, and played with their kids, always a highlight.
We added to our Bahasa vocabulary as always. It is amazing how far speaking a little indonesian can get you. It is appreciated so much. The balinese are always amazed and constantly ask us where did you learn bahasa, have you lived here before? etc. It is great to be able to bargain in indonesian. My husband is very good, and even has many balinese words and phrases too.
Ate at all our favourites, Warung 96, Poco Locos, All Stars, Daddy's, Green Garden, Golden Lotus and had a very special night at Ku De Ta.
For anyone staying at the Dynasty, excellent drivers are Agung or Malik in the front car park before getting onto the street. The guys running boats for the surfers out the back will take the kids out on boat rides to pick up the surfers, usually for no extra charge. See Dola. For sarongs, clothes , hair braiding or nails, see Lily and Amy out the back of the Dynasty, lovely girls.
Took that nasty midnight flight home to Sydney on Sat night, so still a little groggy, and always melancholy when I return from Bali.
Already looking forward to next time.
Becky
p.s. Thanks all for the info that gets shared on this forum too, it is always invaluable to me when planning a trip and it really gets you in the Bali mood.