Hi all,
Just a quick JBR after returning back from 3 weeks in Bali. I'll Write some more when I get the time.
We left for our first ever trip to Bali on 17th Feb from Melbourne, flying with Garuda. Wasn't overly impressed with the airline but for a 5 1/2 hour flight, who cares! Long as you arrive safe.
Stayed at the Padma for 8 nights, then 4 nights at the Maya Ubud then back for another 8 nights at the Padma. Both hotels were stunning & I couldn't fault a thing. Would happily return to both in the future. Lovely staff, spotlessly clean & gorgeous grounds (the Maya has to be seen to be believed! None of our photos even do the place justice!).
Highlights of the trip included the Safari Park, where we got to hold the baby orang utan & lion cub. Also got to pat the white tiger which I would have to agree must be sedated somewhat...Probably our favourite day of the trip. The elephant park was also fab. Elephant rides were great & heaps of fantastic photo opportunities with the elephants. Also did the usual water sports, Jimbaran Bay for Seafood, lots of shopping etc. etc.
Nyepi celebrations were fantastic. Such an amazing atmosphere the day before. Parades were brilliant, very glad we got to experience such a unique celebration. Thankfully the weather was great for Nyepi so we spent our day of confinement by the pool (getting sunburnt!) Of the three weeks we were there, we had sunshine for about 5 days. Not as much as i'd hoped (the tan isn't looking as amazing as I wanted!), but considering it's rainy season I guess it was to be expected. Pretty excited with the weather in Melb upon return though!
Anyways, just a brief outline. Haven't got time to write a detailed report as yet...may get around to it in the next week or so! Otherwise, feel free to ask any questions
Cheers!