Hubby, myself and our 18mth toddler flew Skywest from Port Hedland to Bali on 23/12. Perfect flight with Skywest as usual. On arrival at DPS we were the first people in the airport so straight through VOA, Immigrasi etc. We were out of the airport in about 20 mins which was wonderful after waiting 2 1/2 hours when we were there in April. Straight to Kumala Pantai where we stayed for 1 nights before flying to Lombok the next morning (more on Kumala Pantai further on).
LOMBOK
Flew Indo Air to Lombok, stayed at Jayakarta Lombok. Loved the hotel, we were the only Westerners staying there but the other guests (mainly domestic tourists) were all lovely and staff couldn't have been more obliging. Often our toddler would be asleep when the room boys came round so they would come back whenever we went out, our room was always made up on our return. Breakfast was absolutley amazing, i've never seen anything like it! They had everything you could ever imagine! The only prob with the hotel was that the food and drinks were quite pricey which meant a 10 min taxi ride into town for lunch and dinner. Beautiful drive along the coast to Senggigi tho so it really didn't matter.
Ate at Taman Restaurant in Senggi several times - beautiful food and wonderful staff. The staff there played with our little boy most of the time which was a great break for us.
We did a bike ride one arvo (the only day it didn't rain), hired bikes - one with a babyseat and rode from the top of the mountains (pusuk pass) down thru some villages and then back to our hotel. Mumma could hardly walk by the end of the day but well and truly worth it, one of the best things i've EVER done.
Hubby did a couple of day trips down Kuta way to surf, he had a great time and came back with awesome photos. All too soon our week in Lombok was over and it was time to head back to Bali. Can't wait to go to Lombok again, will definately go on our next trip. Unfortunately we didn't get to the Gilis this time as the weather was so bad that most of the boats weren't going.
It certainly pays to know some basic Bahasa Indonesian in Lombok as most of our taxi drivers didn't speak English and when we were not in Senggigi there were very few people who spoke any English. I had been teaching myself before we went and learnt so much more over there.
LEGIAN - KUMALA PANTAI
We arrived back in Legian on 30/12. Legian and Kuta were absolute chaos, so busy! Went shopping in Kuta a few times but the traffic was so bad so there was no hope of getting taxis home. Ended up doing lots of walking!
We stayed at the Kumala Pantai. We hadn't stayed there until this trip and to be honest I don't think we would stay there again. It was ok but there were a few small things that we weren't too keen on. We didn't find the staff to be real friendly, we were still getting asked by the staff on the last day if we were staying at the hotel where as at other hotels the staff know you after 5 minutes. Also we would ask the staff to wash our little boy's bottle at breakfast and that generally went down like a lead balloon. The pool hours are 9am til 7.30pm - there was never any chance of getting a pool chair (especially in the sun), they all had towels on them by the time we got up. Also breakfast didn't start til 7.30am. We are early risers (especially with a toddler in the room!) and were often up and at it and out of the hotel by 7.30am. Room was nice tho and very bright and clean.
NEW YEARS EVE
We had NYE at Billy's Bar in Garlic Lane with some friends that we meant on the forum. Had a fantastic night. Great atmosphere with live music. Billy and his staff were heaps of fun. Legian and Kuta were so busy, it was a great atmosphere. Busier than i've ever seen Bali.
RESTAURANTS
Ate at heaps of places, Ours in Garlic lane - beautiful food and Nikki and staff were wonderful.
Our favourite place was Blue Ocean on the beach front near KP. Food was incredible!!!
LEGIAN BEACH
Couldn't believe the rubbish!!! There was literally piles of rubbish on the beach and we went in the water a couple of times, rubbish was gathering up on our legs as we were walking! Hubby says he'll never surf there again. It's such a shame as it will really start turning tourists off. You could smell the rubbish as soon as you left the hotel.
SPONSOR CHILD VISIT
My little boy and I went to visit our sponsor child at Sobangan. The kids were on hols so our little girl met us there along with her mum and sisters, her teacher and lots of other kiddies. Had a great morning, fortunately Made's sister spoke a bit of English as when we first got there we couldn't communicate at all, we all stood around looking at each other trying to talk to each other in our own language. Was heaps of fun tho, the kids loved my little guy and vice versa. Next time I will make sure that we have a driver that can speak English so that we can all communicate a little better.
Hubby had another tatt done. He had a big dragon on his arm from years ago so he had that covered. Excellent result, if anyone wants details, photos etc drop me a line.
Well think I'll leave it there. Had a WONDERFUL time in Bali and Lombok and can't wait to get back. Bring on October!!!