We planned to meet up again with the friends we had joined in Candi Dasa, and they had booked at the Pelangi Beach Hotel, so we decided to join them for four days. Thank goodness we only had to pay for the first night up front, as we were not at all happy with the hotel and left the next morning. Could not believe that the hotel was only about six years old. There are two wings running side by side with only a few meters between them, and the tiny balconys look across from each other - no privacy at all - like cell blocks - very claustrophobic. The pool area and restaurant were close to be beach side by side, and also very cramped and noisy. We moved to an older hotel close by which had generous grounds and comparatively spacious rooms - and the dining area was attractive and open - the pool was much larger and you could swim lengths. it was a little shabby, but a great improvement on the Pelangi.
Seminyak is a good area to stay, a little quieter than Legian but still close to restaurants and shops. We enjoyed walking on the beach each morning before it became too hot.
Our final week was spent at the Peninsula Resort in Tanjung Benoa - this is a time share, but we were there on a "discovery package"
we bought four weeks and had one free week. We definitely were not tempted to become members. The apartments are spacious, the pool area by the beach is particularly attractive and it is a good place for families. What a money spinner these time shares are - not only do the members have to pay up front, but they have to pay maintenance each year as well; and last year I noticed that they had to pay extra for electricity as the rates had gone up. This year there was a surcharge for water for members from other establishments.
There are numerous hotels in Tanjung Benoa now, including the Conrad - also some new villas have been built and they are asking high prices per night. We thought that the meal prices in this area were higher than elsewhere, and the restaurants on the road side were very noisy as there is a lot of traffic even though there is a dead end at the village. Dont know if we will return to Tanjung Benoa.
We flew from Wellington to Sydney and then caught the Garuda flight
at 10 am. The return flight from Bali is at midnight - and we arrived in Sydney at around 7 am, with a good connection to Wellington. Everything went smoothly - no complaints at all with Garuda - very good service altogether. We paid too much to stay in the Prada Lounge - 150,000 each when I heard you could stay for 100,000 each; but it makes the hour or so at the airport much more bearable. Am now looking forward to the next trip to Bali either later this year or next year.
The forum has been a great help, it makes a big difference to have first hand information from people who either live in Bali or visitors who have experience with accommodation, restaurants, etc. etc.