Some of you may have already read Thomas and Chloe's JBR's so this is just to fill in some of the gaps and details.
FLIGHTS
Flew with Garuda as we have done on previous trips. Great timings with arrival in Bali before lunch and the lunchtime flight back to Perth which is great timing when travelling with kids. The meals were nothing to write home about, however it's only a 3 hour flight so we survived. Service was good as usual with Garuda and we were the only plane down in Bali at the time so Customs and immigration were short even though we were almost at the end of the line. Paid VOA in Aussie dollars and received change in Aussie dollars also. No problems with porters or getting a taxi. It was raining when we landed but had stopped by the time we were out of the airport.
HOTELS
First 6 nights spent in 2 interconnecting superior rooms at the Adi Dharma Hotel. Had been 1000% percent (?) guaranteed by email that we would have ground floor interconnecting and sure enough we did. Can't say enough about this hotel. We haven't stayed in a hotel of this standard before (i think about 2.5 - 3*)so were a little apprehensive but very pleased. Only $35.00p/night for each room. Our rooms were right next to the pool with only about 6 steps from the verandah to the water. Perfect to sit on the verandah and watch the kids in the pool. Especially good as the lounge hogs were out in force and as I refuse to get up at 6am to reserve lounges we could just use the chairs on our verandah. Enormous rooms - hairdryer, adaptor plug, king bed, efficient fridge and quiet airconditioner. The rooms were a bit run down but I think that rennovations are due soon for these rooms. Spotlessly clean though which is what we like. Very friendly staff and efficent service. Will definitely stay here again. also liked the free shuttle service to Kuta square and Legian.
Next 6 nights at Bali Rani. Stayed in 2 interconnecting superior rooms - VERY small rooms especially after coming from the Adi Dharma. Rooms were also not cleaned as well as the Adi. No hairdryer and no drawer space at all. Had to leave some things in the suitcase. Maybe the deluxe rooms here are bigger. Great pool area. the kids loved it. Most hotels have only a small token kids pool, but this had quite a large shallow area. Lounge hogs out in force again.
Breakfast was great here - lots of variety and a lovely setting by the pool. Higher prices than the Adi for pool service and the restaurant but to be expected considering the Rani is another star higher than the Adi and located on the main Tuban road. Staff mostly friendly but very pushy room cleaning staff who kept hinting for tips and didn't do a particularly good job to earn them. Rooms not cleaned until after lunch at best. One day we were out until 3pm and came back to find the rooms still not cleaned.
Loved the location - we didn;t realise how close Tuban is to Kuta Square. Walking distance - even with 2 kids.
Overall we would chose Adi Dharma over Bali Rani again - for a lower standard of hotel we were extremely impressed with it. Would hesitate to recommend it to others because our rooms were a bit run down (needed fresh paint - bathroom bench cracked etc) but as it was spotlessly clean each day that didn't bother us in the least. Liked Bali Rani - just liked Adi more.
SHOPPING
I have discovered (and now love) fixed price shops and shopped at 2 recommended on this forum. I found the one in Tuban to be on average about 5000rp per item cheaper than the one we used in Legian, however the Legian shop had by far and away the best range for copy goods and so convenient just being out the back of the main shop. Was very happy with the prices at both these shops and it gave us a good idea of prices for bargaining in other market shops. Bought lots of surfbrands etc from the Legain fixed price shop. My daughter got one of the 21 game Nintendo cartridges at Matahari with plenty of the latest games on it for 500,000rp which is just over the price you would pay for one game at home. My son loved the toy area in Matahari - everything is so cheap. I loved the airconditioning. bought my son some imitation Crocs from Melasti markets. Only 50,000rp and I can't tell the difference from the real ones. Went to the Surfer girl shop in Kuta for my daughter and prices were just a little over 50% of prices here.
EATING.
I don't think we had a bad meal at all. Prices had gone up slightly since we were there 3 years ago but still very cheap. Food has improved a lot since last trip also. Had plenty of the usuals - satays, mie gorengs and nasi gorengs, curries and various squid dishes. My husband usually loves Pepes Ikan but had a bit of trouble finding in on the menus this time. Particular favourites were SEaside and Lanai in Legian, Secret Garden and Nasi Bali, Green Garden and Bubba Gumps. Bubba Gumps was a lot more expensive than we were used to paying but great food and great atmosphere for the kids.
DAY TRIPS
Waterbom while we were staying at the Rani so we could just walk. so much fun and great value. We were just on the go the whole time we were there. Thank goodness for Lazy River for a bit of a rest. Hired a cabanna which we found to be well worth the money. Had a discount voucher from the street.
Safari Park was absolutely wonderful. Lived up to it's reputation. The kids had some great photos to bring back to show their friends. We got there soon after openning so there were only us and 1 other family on the safari bus and we were the only people at all of the animal photo opportunities. No wait for the elephant ride either. Fantastic Day out.
Bali zoo Park was a bit of a letdown after being at the Safari Park. Should have done the Zoo Day before the Safari Day as we kept comparing the 2. Kids still loved it though and my son's t-shirt with the photo of himself with the python was a hit for news at school.
Crocodile wrestling - well this was an experience. Extreme lack of tourists. Very strange show with crocodiles that had been drugged with some sort of hypnotising stuff. Hundreds of crocodiles in small enclosures all lying on top of each other in mud and little bits of water. Would not recommend it - however our guide and his daughter who received free entry were very impressed.
MISCELLANEOUS
Exchange rates averaged from about 8450 up to 8700. Used Kodak shops and all were honest. Only times we used taxis other than Bluebird their metres were surprisingly not working! and we were taken the long way around both times.
Enjoyed our trip 100% and very sad to finish it. Need to spend heaps at home now to rack up the F/flyer points so we can go back.