We were in Bali from 12th to 19th January. This would be my 5th trip to Bali having previously been at the Intan Legian in 2000, Villa Rumah Manis in 2004, and The Villas (Sunset) in 2005 and 2006. we decided to branch out this time and hire a private villa to see what would happen and found it surprisingly easy and a little scary as we were dealing with the unknown. There was me, hubby and 'The Boss', who's three. I had decided to leave the 6 month old twin girls in the capable hands of Nanny and Granddad, as even though I had taken Jake at 6 months and that went really well, the thought of keeping two babies and a three year old safe was just too much to imagine. The twins are happy babies that sleep through the night so that was the only way I could pull that one off. Due to the size I might post this in stages.
Day 1
Oz Jet was delayed by two hours as the plane needed a jump start and their jumper machine was dead and the other airlines were not terribly keen to lend theirs out. The staff were very apologetic and we were given free bar service to Bali. Yay. The plane was so much better than Garuda as it had leg room and the seats were comfortable. I would definitely travel with them again. Upon arrival were ferried to the terminal by bus. Not sure why - maybe they aren't so happy about the competition. There was a huge queue as big planes from Sydney and Japan had arrived, but we were eventually plucked from the queue with the other families with small noisy children. One enterprising older couple got through quickly too as they had offered to hold someone else's two year old. If you want to get through VOA quickly, grab someone's kid for a cuddle!
We were collected and taken to Villa Poppy in Seminyak where the staff were there to greet us and offer us drinks. The place is just lovely with three bedrooms and bathrooms, a large open plan kitchen living area with lots of places to relax undercover. The garden is heaven and the pool lovely. Overall, a beautiful place with Ilu and Ayu willing to cook and more or less do what ever you want including go to the Bintang Supermarket for shopping and cooking. There was also Gede the gardener and Made who was on security from about 6.00 pm till morning. It's about 2 mins to Jln Seminyak and 1 min to Dyana Pura and about 10 mins to the beach - but no point in that as it is covered in washed up junk. I read the guest book and there were a fair few repeat customers. The one and only noted gripe was nightclub noise which starts at about 1.00am and goes to about 3.00. Saturday is a bit annoying but the rest of the time it was ok. Kinda like a dull thud from noisy neighbors a street away. Hubby and the boy did not notice at all. I reckon if it really annoys you then go have a beer and a jiggle with them. Otherwise the place is spot on, and actually more comfortable than the villas which is where I normally stay.
We wandered off to the Queen's Tandoor for dinner. We had the paneer and butter chicken which were a real delight and the vindaloo which was ok. Cocktails and tons of papadums for the boy. Really nice but a little expensive, as Indian always is.
Day 2
We woke early as boss 3 demanded. Nice and sunny again. Ilu and Ayu prepared scrambled eggs, toast and fruit for us then we had a swim and prepared the daily shopping list including must haves like mosquito spray shampoo and more bintangs. We wandered off for our now traditional meal at Glory Mr icky had the ribs in Sanur sweet sauce of course, boss had the fish and chips and I had the nasi campur and a jug of iced tea that I kindly shared with Mr icky. A few shops down towards Kuta from Glory is my favorite clothing shop Soul Sisters which covers probably 8 - 18 in sizes. Really nice stuff with good prices. The stuff I bought three years ago I still wear.
I sent the boys off in a taxi home and wandered back up Jln Legian/Seminyak. For dinner we went to Santa Fe on Dyana Pura. This was really nice and really good value. We shared a large sushi and some extra nori rolls. The fish was very fresh and melt in your mouth beautiful. I really recommend it as good price and good value and super sushi.
Day 3
Very heavy rains overnight and a power cut till 8.30am lead to an overcast but otherwise fine day. Had brekky and a swim before the inevitable trip to Waterbom Park to keep the boss happy. First we dropped by Centro to try to order Mr icky's glasses. Unfortunately not possible as the rimless glasses need a clear 7 days and we found this to be the case everywhere. O well. The boss' confidence grew throughout the day in the water and he loved the kiddie land, especially the big spilling bucket that he was too scared to go near but raved about for days. While dad and son spent some quality time together at kiddie land or on the lazy river, I was running up the slide tower like a mad woman. I did have the opportunity to wonder what sort of person thinks its appropriate to wear a thong to an Indonesian kiddie water park but o well guess that makes me a fuddy duddy. We had bought a blow up ring with us so boss could float around while we had a bintang at the pool bar. I can't wait till he is older so I can make him go on the boomerang with me.
The rain came in the late afternoon so we caught a taxi home and headed off to Pantarei for dinner as we go there every time. On the way we got stuck in a rain storm so I bought some dresses for the girls at the shop we took shelter in. Yet again the boss, who was a tad tired, was fawned over by the lovely Pantarei staff, who did a great job at keeping him happy by dragging out the maracas and letting him look at the fish and even putting a couple of chairs together to make a bed for him. We had a mezze plate which was really yummy and big, I find the entrees are bigger than usual and the mains a bit smaller than usual - thank goodness.
We finished off with the lightest bestest loukemades for desert. Gah! I am planning my next trip to Bali just thinking about them! Very heavy rains overnight.