Us:
Went over for friends 60th, 11 of us ranging in age from 30 to 60. My 5th trip and husbands 3rd. Some had been before once and 4 Bali virgins. 3 loved and will go again but one couldn't cope with heat and reptiles so would never go again (Alaska better choice for her). Monkeys and geckos at Ubud finished her off but she did enjoy the shopping before she left. A bit worried that we might not like Bali as much as previously after two trips to Thailand in last year but in fact the magic hit us again right from the start and we can't wait to go back again next year. Wont bother with day to day info, will just make general comments about what and where.
Jetstar:
Flew Jetstar from Adelaide via Melbourne on 29th May. Only had one-hour transfer in Melbourne so not really long enough to do much but didn't cause any real issues, grabbed duty free as we bolted through. Got very cheap flights at Jetstar launch and very happy with service. Will say that it took a while for pre booked meals to come around was about 9pm. We had taken our own sandwiches with us so wasn't an issue and we just bought cheese & biscuits and wine/drinks. We got the allocated seats that we choose back in July last year. Had purchased comfort pack and while didn't need on way over really appreciated on way back. Would definitely fly again.
Accommodation:
Had booked into Bali Hai for start and finish of trip but with them closing we needed to book again. Ended up staying at the Kuta Paradiso for first 4 days. Was fine if you like a big hotel but a bit impersonal for us, we like to be on first name basis with staff. Room was fine (beach view deluxe). Booked via Planet Holiday (Agoda) and very happy with service, would definitely use again.
Moved to Tegal Sari in Ubud which we booked directly via website. Fantastic hotel and can't wait to stay there again. Never stayed in Ubud before however had been there several times. Really enjoyed and would love to stay longer next time. Friends stayed at Champlung Sari next to Monkey Forest and they really enjoyed except for the monkeys hovering over the open bathroom/toilet but did think that it was funny when the monkey stole toast and eggs from the breakfast table!
Off to Sanur from Ubud. Stayed at the Sanur Beach Villas with Ron. What can I say, we thoroughly enjoyed the Villas and Ron's company. I asked Ron to be my number 2 husband but he kindly declined as he already has the lovely Irma. He occasionally comes across as a bit gruff on the forum but in reality he is really cute and a bit of a softy I suspect but of course he wouldn't want anyone to know that. Just beware if you come in later at night because he may be skinny dipping in pool! I wish I had my camera with me. I'd like to say that it was a horrible place so no one except those who know would go there but that would be dishonest!! Thanks for everything Ron xx. As Ron was booked we moved to Puri Santrian for our last 3 days in Sanur. Again nothing wrong with the hotel we had club rooms as others were booked out and hotel at full capacity. Breakfast and rooms nice, hotel full of Europeans who didn't appear to leave the hotel at all, pool lounges full by 10am and kept for the day but as we were out wandering all day not a huge issue.
Last stop was Melasti Beach Resort, had stayed at Niksoma (loved) and Jayakarta before and enjoyed. Melasti was fine and would stay again but wouldn't be first choice. Room huge, 364 in main building and nothing wrong with breakfast but didn't like the pools and didn't have many lounges not that many people seemed to use the pools. Others in our party liked MBR and we love the location.
To follow: Bike Baik, School visit, restaurants and shopping.
cheers
kim :)