In Reply to: ATM'S posted by aussielea on Sunday, 23. September 2007 at 14:12 Bali Time:
I've been using nothing but ATMs since 2003 and never had any trouble. I always take some back up cash with me in case I lose the card, or if the ATMs might go down for a day or two (never happened, but I always think of worst case scenario). Traveller's cheques are a waste of time and get you a lower exchange rate - plus they cost you to buy them - plus you need your passport with you to cash them. Way more trouble than they're worth.
Melasti spa has always been my favourite, but I only visited once this past trip. I got the warm stone massage, which was nice overall, but disappointing. Cost me $20 and while it was relaxing on the whole, there were too many 'gaps' in the treatment. Started with a nice basic massage, then the girl just completely left the room for about a minute - no explanation - just left me laying there. When she came back and started the warm stone part, it was nice, but again, too many breaks as she stopped, clanging around trying to get each pair of stones. Perhaps an assistant would have been a good idea as, while it was nice, the breaks and sound of clapping tongs slipping on the rocks took away from the relaxation.
I didn't bother going back after that one treatment there. Had I been staying at Melasti I probably would use the place, but found when you have to travel to go there, it's not really that much better than anywhere else.