The recent WA school holidays had me really hanging out for a surf. My kids were at uni and I had a couple of friends who were in Bali and there was nothing happening around the traps. I couldn't get a flight through the regular channels. But I did happen to check this forum and there was a post with regard to cheap flights to Bali with Royal Brunei from Perth.
The flight times were perfect for me and the cost was $574 including all the taxes. I didn't mind the 12 hour flight which included a 5hr stop over in Brunei. For $5, I had a tour of the city which included the food markets. Worth doing the tour. Apparently, it seems Australians have to pay the $5 and some other nationalities don't. My advice is if you do this round about way to Bali that you carry a few $5 notes as to change a $20 or $50 is a bit of a waste.
Arrived in Bali at 1:30am with no probs at customs. As I hadn't booked a room I went straight to Melasti Beach Hotel Legian. I got a room for 360,000 including breaky. It's the second time I have stayed there. As with my other time, the room had that mould smell and certainly had seen better times.
Up at the crack of dawn, I decided to check out some other hotels. I am familiar with Puri Raja, Legian Beach Hotel and the Padma, and most of the hotels along that strip.
I had walked though the Maharta Hotel a couple of times previous, so decided to see about the price. It is nestled between Puri Raja and Niksoma. I was able to get one of the new rooms for 300,000 including breaky. Great room - nice and roomy and in good condition. This is a very quiet hotel with very quiet friendly staff. The Maharta has great food - especially lunch. Their banana pancakes are the best I have had for a long time.
I caught up with my friends who were staying at the Dewi Sri near the memorial. That seemed like an ok place to stay as well. My friends were happy there as it was central and they weren't really into the beach.
The surf was just great for the 7 days I was there - probably the best I have had in 30 years of going to Bali. I lost 2kg. My favourite restaurants were Katumbar and Wayan and Friends.
The surf shops seemed to have a much better range of surf clothes and cheaper than in Perth.
The night life was really for the younger set. We are middle aged and hardly saw anyone our age out and about after 9pm. Although one night I walked back from Kuta and stopped in at the Hula Club. That was a great show and there were middle aged ladies and gents. Unfortunately, couldn't stay there long. That night I ate a great gaddo gaddo from a food market just down from Dewi Sri. It was very nice but I also ate an ice cream straight afterwards, followed by peppermint tea and then a few beers. That mixture was too much. Not Bali belly but not feeling too good.
I also located the losman I stayed at 30 years ago. Wayan Pastinni it was called. As I walked through I met the owner and his daughter. They were thrilled to have someone from the past look them up. I will bring them my photos from way back then to have a look at when I go back in October. Anyone remember Doggies Night Club?
All in all, it certainly was worth going on the spur of the moment.