I flew to Bali from Melbourne on a Jetstar flight on 8th March. (Kermy and family, Julie and Graham and Ruth were already in Bali.) I met Sharon27 the following day and Chris and Trish arrived on the 10th. Denise and Bob arrived 15th and Trevor on 18th. They left after 12 days or so, and Denise and Bob, Trevor and I left Bali 29th March. I booked a deluxe room at SuriWathi Hotel in Legian for the duration and Trevor and I went to Tegal Sari in Ubud for 3 nights.
Jetstar flights left on time and arrived earlier than planned. Meal to Bali was fine. Interesting that if you pre book a meal, costs $19. If you take pot luck, meals cost $15 in flight. Hmmm!
Two days of public holidays meant thousands of Javanese came to Bali. The Thursday prior to Easter was a Muslim holiday, then Christian Good Friday and weekend.
Many many hundreds of buses choked the roads. Many areas were crowded with tourists.
SuriWathi in Jl Sahadewa. Booked deluxe rooms again and felt at home as soon as we arrived. Same staff and lots of welcome smiles. The hotel was full and ran just as smoothly as usual. Breakfasts remain basic but adequate. We ate there most days. Lots of changes. The villa started to take shape. First started last November, the timber had finally arrived and the frame work began to rise. It will be interesting to see how it looks finished and whether or not a pool will be installed. The front large bale area is being converted into a massage centre and salon. I hope Lisa applies for a position and is successful else her income could drop drastically. I spoke to Antoni and he suggested she put an application in. Talking of Lisa, two of my friends Chris and Trish are both nurses and were concerned about Lisa's daily coughing. ‘Doctor Graham' checked her out and diagnosed asthma. If anyone else is staying close by some time, you might like to check if Lisa needs more ventolin from the apotek (no prescription is necessary). ‘Doc' (a paramedic) also suggested vitamin c tablets, cough suppressant, anti biotics, panadol. I expect vitamin c should be on going as well as the puffer. Back to SW, one day a team of ‘thousands' carried across a large wall to block off the end of the pool from the bale. They blocked in both sides and just left the driveway side open for construction. The staff at reception now have limited view to the road. The pool remains clean and fine for swimming. Plans in place for the construction to be completed in 6 - 8 weeks.
Wedding and 50th. We went up to Pacung Indah twice for celebrations. Moira looked sensational. Her outfit on the day after looked divine. David scrubbed up well himself. We enjoyed a terrific buffet dinner then the very sexy Joged boom boom dancers. Woo Hoo. Three days later we ventured up the hill again to celebrate Kermys belated birthday. Great buffet food, entertainment and good company.
We drove to Tanjung Benoa to check out the fish market, which I had found on a map. We drove into Jimbaran Bay on the way to see numerous newly built restaurants. All of the side by side old buildings have gone replaced by half as many brick restaurants. By the time we got to TB we couldn't find any sign of a market other than 2 gigantic ice containers and a man alongside a set of scales. Amazing to see within a small block, a Mosque and Buddhist and Hindu temples. Heaps more offerings and ceremonies as full moon that evening.
Alta Moda. I bought 3 pieces of chiffon which seem lovely quality and lycra for bathers. House of Komang made all of my garments this time. Funny, when I was looking at the chiffons, I must have had 1 or 2 hundred to choose from. As I made eye contact with any bolt, the main man had the bolt of fabric removed from the shelf and pulled a metre or two off the roll, if I didn't like the pattern he threw the fabric on to the ground and the team of staff hovering behind, rolled up each bolt and replaced in shelf. After a while I hesitated to glance too long just in case he thrush the roll undone again. I have used Brisbane Tailor for years, but every year his prices have been going up and he has never been around to negotiate prices prior. Didi had recommended Komang and I am very happy with the garments. They were happy to deliver too as it's much easier to try garments on in the air conditioned hotel rooms. They are located in a small shop, about 10 doors or so from Jl Sahadewa, on left side of Jl Padma as you head to the beach. After Wayan and Friends and alongside dvd shop but before Rama Gardens.
Jewellery from Audrey at Kuta Paridiso. I have had my wedding and engagement rings remodeled. Big risk! My words of advice, make sure you have plenty of time to arrange and inspect changes. My friend Chris has a few diamonds from other jewellery and gold used to make a ring. One diamond fell out first night, but Audrey arranged replacement. I had numerous photos of the style of ring for me and it has come back looking lovely. Although not faultless workmanship, I had been quoted au$950 in Australia to remake, so I have a lovely new ring for many hundreds of dollars less. I had another ring remade as I wasn't happy with the fake claws, made by them a couple of years ago. Another ring rejoined, ear rings remade exactly same as existing but lighter (less gold and less likely to make my lobes droop!) Some other earrings changed design, a claw repaired, bracelet shortened and outer links thickened. All is all I have been happy with the jewellery, but as I said, allow yourself plenty of time for alterations and bring a photo if possible of exact style. (You can download ring styles from jewelery shop sites on the internet). A day or so leaving my last pair of earrings were ready. I had a pair of rose gold hoop ear rings and one bent out of shape. First one made to match was the wrong colour gold, not rose gold (Don't know what they did with my gold). They remade, but the 2 new hoops are a terrible dark yellow and look terrible. I told Audrey that I wasn't at all happy with the results but since it was the day before I was leaving, nothing could be done). Just allow yourself plenty of time if you expect a great result.
Breeze restaurant in Jl Padma Utara. Terrific standard of meals. Desak and her staff are very warm and friendly and love to chat. You can connect to their very fast wireless internet free. In fairness, I think we should always buy a meal or at least a drink. Sharon, one of the waitreses, is due to deliver her baby mid April finished a month before her due date. She was struggling to manage with her baby pressing low down. Poor lady struggled to ride her motor bike and serve meals. We possibly fastened her departure by 'tipping her well', she left that day!
We ordered lobster mornay 3 times, giving them either a day or early morning notice. They buy the lobster at the fish market only when requested. The prawns and calamari are always delicious too. After the ‘attacks' I have found lots of restaurants don't carry too much stock, just in case tourist suddenly numbers drop.
Dinner at Bianco in Jl Padma, where Padma Club used to be. High standard of decore, service, presentation of meals and great music when the band plays. We all ordered fish being Good Friday. Chris and Trish, Ruth and Cathys last night. Corkage is 50,000rp so this night, ordered Hattens Two Islands shiraz, chilled. For me, I thought a good drop and at 240,000rp, reasonably priced. I have tried to find it in the supermarkets and liquor outlets, but no success yet. I went to Bianco three times and each night had delicious meals.
Ketumbar in Jl Melasti. One evening we sat upstairs on the balcony and enjoyed sunset and the slight breeze that passes by. Another night Sharon27 early birthday celebration, we ate indoors as rain was eminent. We didn't find the restaurant and staff had the same polish as previously. Maybe I could suggest we spent a long time sorting out the bills!
Sheppys restaurant. One evening we decided to try Puri Indah in Jl Melasti. It started to rain, then poured, so changed to Uncle Norms. There were a group of loud Aussies there so we chose to leave before ordering. One of the girls lifted her top, needless to say after many ‘sherbets'. At Puri Indah, the table next to us and most around us were smokers and the smoke wafted over to our table, so up we got and walked back to Sheppys. I had been there when it was Mutiara (remember JulieR?) and we had noted to never return. An Aussie couple have chosen to make a life style change and moved from WA to buy/manage it. We had a lovely night and delicious meals. It absolutely poured and the power went out for ages, but made it all the more interesting for us to experience. We wandered down to Bali Rock to join in on the St Pats day function, but found it a bit too noisy for us old fogeys! Looked like they were having a great night. Went to Sheppys another night and Sheppy spent a ‘long' time at our table. Maybe he had enjoyed a few too many Bintangs that day. Gee it's a fine line between chatting with your patrons and over doing it.
Wayan and Friends. The restaurant was almost full when we arrived and we struggled to arrange a big table for us 9. Eventually found two across from each other. Sharons last night. Trevor and I both ordered Onion beef Rostbraten and both decided not to bother with beef again Wayan and Friends. It used to be so tender and tasty. Hard as a rock last two times.
Bali Beach Shack new restaurant in Jl Sahadewa next door to Legends. We had lunch one day and meals were fine. We met a group from Bali forum news. The restaurant extends out back into a courtyard and across the back of the shop alongside. Lovely décor and run by Australian sister and brother. Mulit coloured flag is proudly displayed out front.
Dinner at Baby Face. We drove to Monkey Forest Road, Ubud and enjoyed a great meal. Relatively quiet after rains for more than 4 hours. No complaints, nothing to rave about.
Lunch at Indus in Ubud. I went to Indus twice with the girls then Trevor, Denise and Bob. The view is sensational over the ravine, rice paddies and mountain. The skies opened up and we watched a massage storm. Meals were delicious both times and all staff most attentive.
Dinner at Three Monkeys, Monkey Forest Road in Ubud. We sat out on the last table alongside the rice paddies. Delicious meals once again. Trevor and I ordered the red snapper with mango salsa and Denise and Bob both chose Moussaka. Desserts were sensational. I had tiramasu, the others apple crumble. One little ‘rabbit' dashed in between our table and interesting enough, we have seen many more ‘rabbits' this trip than ever before. Cleanliness or standard of restaurants seemed to have no bearing on their presence.
Dirty Duck restaurant, Jl Hanoman Ubud. We sat out in the last pavilion abutting the rice paddies. The gardens, ponds and walkways are beautifully formed. I enjoyed the Hanoman Street snapper and the others large juicy pork chops. Never again have they ordered the crispy duck, its just too crispy duck!
Big money from Permata Bank in Rum Jungle road. You can select up to 3 million and I am not sure how much you can get using the ‘other amount' key. The machine dispenses 100,000rp notes. Most other ATM machines, maximum withdrawal 1.25 or 1.5 million and dispense 50,000rp notes.
Bali Zoo. We walked thru the zoo last in 2003. It is still a pleasant walk, but cages are still very small. At least the lions are in better conditions. I expect the land area is fully utilized and no room for expansion. We watched our pygmy hippo and fed it a few bunches of greenery. There is a sponsorship program whereby you can sponsor an animal, to raise much needed funds to help run the zoo. I expect the Peel Zoo from Perth has helped the zoo greatly with their expertise.
Bali Safari Park is sensational. Sharon27, Chris, Trish and I enjoyed a wonderful few hours at the park. We watched the bird show where cockatoos and macaws cleverly do tricks and the hawks (?) fly from one food location to another. I chose to sit front stage and the hawk ‘hit' me with its wings as it flew past. Luckily the staff had forewarned me to sit still as the bird flew past. The size of the park is massive. It is the third park for this group throughout Indonesia. They appear to be doing it well. As you drive thru the safari park, you are taken past lion and tigers, deer, zebras, bears, monkeys, orangutans, camels, elephants, birds and many more. The accommodation area overlooks the lion park. We got to cuddle the baby orangutan, baby lion and pat the gigantic white tiger. Awesome!
Greenfields is next door to Tegal Sari in Jl Hanoman in Ubud. Denise and Bob were too late to book Tegal Sari and booked an upstairs room at Greenfields. Their room 203 is a great alternative to TS although the palm trees and other large trees do obscure the view some. Staff are delightfully polite, helpful and attentive. We were able to share a vehicle from either place. Made sense! Another 16 rooms are currently being erected along the front of the rice paddies further on from their pool. The rice on the plants was ripe and being harvested while we watched on from our balcony of room 24. A team of fellas arrived with equipment and motor and actually fed the slashed rice into the machine and rice separated below as the mulched plant was tossed up and over. Gee it fastened the process by 20 times or more. The women in other paddies continued to chatter amongst themselves and thrash the rice by hand on the board and seive.
Ubud market has changed. We went down around 4 one afternoon and found heaps more stoneware and many of the shops have doubled in size and come out into the market square area. We bought some herbs and spices, palm sugar, pashminas (which ranged in price from 50 to 20,000rp, same quality), cushion covers, table runners, footwear and dresses. It rained and goods were protected with plastic wrap, 'not so lucky us' got raining price. Prices seemed higher to us! I still maintain that prices appear higher in the mid afternoon when many tourists arrive. Lots of Asian tourists with their guides, and they don't seem to bargain with prices. Arini in the upstairs section of the middle market area is fixed price and well worth visiting.
Tegallalang. We ventured up the hill to check out the shops. I had been unsuccessful buying more animals with metal pronged feet last trip. I spotted a shop with many metal statues as we headed uphill. The rains were heavy and the road a major floodway. Fortunately on the way back we spotted the shop again and stopped to buy some pieces. Unfortunately the goods on display are not for retail sale, you need to place an order. Bugger! After long negotiations we finally got to purchase our chosen pieces. Denise went back a few days later and chose 2 birds then spent more than 30 minutes trying to wear down the shop assistant to purchase on the spot, without success. Bugger again. We took a business card and decided to locate the factory in Mengwi on our trip back to Legian. Wayan Merta drove us back from Ubud and rang the factory to find phone number was no longer active. Bugger bugger! He rang the Tegallalang shop and they said the factory doesn't make those chosen pieces any long (then why wouldn't they sell them?). Eventually after another call they said Denise could buy the two pieces, but more expensive. 200,000rp later, many many times less than in Australia, we went back up the hill to pay for and collect the ‘birds'.
BAT Elephant Park at Taro. Denise and Bob took a ride to the park and loved it. (We went there in 2006 and raved about it). The pool was empty so unfortunately they didn't get to wade with the elephants at the end of their ride. They too would love to spend a night in the park, waking to see the elephants from first light. We heard there is one ‘cow' who is in calf so hopefully their first born elephant will arrive in another year or so. Imagine the thrill for all at the park when the baby arrives safely.
Drivers. I try to book Wayan Merta or his off sider Wayan Parta for many of our Bali trips. I have known WayanM since 1993. They are busy so we also use local drivers and taxis. We had a few incidences when we wanted to find a particular place and had great difficulty with either getting the message across or locating the place. Sure did make me appreciate using experienced drivers. The two Wayans always are excellent. WayanM is also very learned on local and world history, current affairs and seems to know his way around at all times.
Bali Orchid Garden, Jl Bypass Tohpati. This was one of those days when we drove with an inexperienced driver. We drove past the gardens three times, rang three times without finding it. I wanted to buy a bottle of orchids to try to grow at home. You can select the variety and colour of orchid and between 20 and 25 seedling orchids are inside the bottle. I paid 170,000rp. Wish me luck!
An outing with Murni. I have met Murni a few times at markets close to home. Murni is a beautifully elegant Balinese lady a little older than me. We have kept in touch for a few months and hoped to be in Bali at the same time one visit. Murni rang me last Friday to invite Trevor and I out for coffee. What an experience. Murni is grand daughter of the King of East Bali. She is well known and an active member of the ladies Rotary in Denpasar. Murni drove us to her home to meet some of her family, then off to Ritz Carlton for coffee. It was delightful. Apparently Mohammed Alfied owns the hotel. Murni showed us his home of the cliffs edge. A helicopter takes him from Ngurah Rai airport directly to the helipad alongside the home. (Apparently Dodi and Princess Diana also stayed there and east bali). Next we drove to Mama Donnys café in the south area of Jimbaran Bay. Once again, we were waved thru as Murni was greeted by staff and security. Murni has invited us to travel to her family palace on another visit which we would love to do.
Forumites. Sharon27, Kermy Karen, Julie57k, Struth Ruth, Petron Sharon, David and Moira, Nessie, Ellyeagle Laura, Didee, Aunty Gladys Craig, Balisunset Tina, Shellade (in Carrefours), Jacqui, Sunshine Noeleen, Smudge, Geri, Vonda Linda, Clovis Linda, Harmony Lorraine, Cynthia, Gill, Mark (cant remember his poster names), Arthur (Charlie from Bali), Smokey, Nicno, Inmyblood Shauna and others.
Bought
Oil of Olay moisturizer with SF15, Oral b battery toothbrush, MT skin care products, Maybelline waterproof mascara, Revlon lipsticks, nail polishes, all substantially less in cost than Australia.
Block for satay sauce, sea salt, curry powder, palm sugar.
(Word of warning, customs officers may confiscate spices which come from markets, ie not sealed and branded. Spices bought from markets with hand written labels were taken on Sunday in Melbourne).