Back 2 weeks, myself and partner Paul, from 5 week trip so thought it time to JBR.
Used FF points for his trip so had milk run up on Qantas Syd-Cairns-Darwin-Denpasar. Wasn't too bad left Syd 1.20pm and arrived Bali 11.00pm (Bali Time) Did the Qantas Club Hop so wasn't to painful.
As we were staying over 30 days had 60 day visa so straight through Immigration (only us and 1 lady there) bags were waiting straight out to taxi window and cab to Kumala, checked in and sitting on our veranda with the first Bintang with two friends who were staying in the room next door by 11.45pm.
Day1:
Up early (with the time difference) Breaky and off to change some money and buy supplies @ Bintang. Wandered down to Centro to order some glasses, had Lunch @ Mama's German on JL Legian (good as always)
Dinner that night was @ Seaside on Blue Ocean Beach (next to Kamala Panti) we used to always have our sundowners here when it was Café Warna. In 2005 it was being renovated when we were there so we went to the Lanai. Last year it was open as Seaside; however it was very quiet, not very busy at all.
What a difference this year really busy and a whole different feel. They have entertainment 3 nights a week, however Sundays they have a great band and we had to book each Sunday to be assured of a table.
The food here is great, the menu varied covering Euro, local and Mexican. The staff is amazing. Really the best place to sit and watch the sun set, which we did most nights.
Day2:
Had a look at the Carrefour Department Store on Sunset Road, carries just about everything you would see in a mix of Kmart, Big W and Bunnings, however the food section (hot food) is worth a look.
Lunch @ Warung Murah on Double six (great food very cheap), sun downer @ Seaside and Dinner @ Warung Asia (off Double Six) Great Thai at a great price and packed every night.
Day3:
Off to our first of 8 Massages at Callego (down a little gang opposite the living room, beside the Hu'u Bar on the beach) Great strong professional male masseurs and @ Rp70,000 for a 1 hour massage very good value. There is also a Warung here and Deck chairs on the grass. A great spot.
We then floated down to Matahari Dept Store in Kuta Square to check out the menswear, Lunch @ Dulang (the mist restaurant a couple of doors down)
Walked from there down to Supernova for the Martha Tillar supply run.
Sun downer @ Seaside then off to Dinner @ Barcelona on Jl Rum Jungle (opp the Capt Cook) This was a new place this year and they have a reasonable menu and also do Tapas. We decided on Tapas and Jugs of Sangria. The food was good and the Sangria even better. Wobbly trip back to the hotel.
Day4:
First day on the beach out the front of the Kumala Panti. We always get our chairs and Umbrellas from Oggy and crew and the new addition to the team O'Neil. All the regulars there including Jimy Hendrix (watches) Barney Rubble (sunglasses) Rudi the hat man and Made the shorts and tee shirt man. Also all the regular girls in that area who are too numerous to name.
Sun downer @ Seaside and then dinner @ Warung Wali, which is on the left before you go down to the security hut at the front of the Niksoma. We decided to try this one because one of our friends with us has a nick name of Wally.
It was great food at a great price, however what made it great was the staff, really friendly and very funny. We have for the last few years been drinking the Hattens Rose ( I know not the best drop in the world however when you are Bintanged out it is OK) On this night we ordered a bottle which was dully opened at the table and consumed quite rapidly. When we asked for a second bottle our waitress informed us that that was the last bottle, however she could fill our bottle up from the box (2lt cask) , which she duly did twice more (only in Bali)
Day5:
Beach all day and then we headed off to the Secret Garden Restaurant in Pasar Agung off Poppies 1 to meet up with the famous Hilary and Brian (aka the Kuta cowboy) from BTF fame. We headed off to a little Warung that they recommended just around the corner (Bamboo Corner 2) Had a great night with the guys and learnt some great Indo from Hilary.
Day6:
Off to Callego for massage #2 and then the Beach for the Balance of the day. Dinner tonight @ Café Bali on Jl Oberoi, this was recommended to us by a friend who lives in Bali. It is only recently opened and is a little bit hard to find, as it does not have a sign on the building. It is right next door to the Moroccan Restaurant, and in fact owned by them.
It is styled like a plantation house from Malay or similar. All white with white timber shutters and overhead fans. The food is very, very good and I are small portions., and a bit like a tapas idea, but not Spanish. Medium price range, great atmosphere, great service, worth a visit.
Day7:
Beach all day then off to Seaside for sun downer and dinner. They have a great band on a Sunday night and the place really hops. Also a great place to watch Local's day @ the beach.
That's all for week 1 more to come soon
Gary