Got back on Monday morning, after quite a full few days in paradise.
Departed last Thursday morning with Garuda, from memory on-time, great flight. Five of us arrived and were met by The Bali Concierge, then escorted into the lounge where we handed over our documentation. Some snacks were readied, and it felt like we had only blinked and they were advising us all was ready. We were quite enjoying it.
Dropped two friends at The Kuta Beach Club on Bakungsari, and the third friend stayed at Satria on Poppies II. Then off to our hotel. Sister-in-law and her husband were coming over from Jakarta, so we decided to stay in a two-bedroom apartement at the Kokonut Suites. They only had their soft-opening last month, yet they were full. It is just west of the 'jail' intersection, still has some finishing touches to finalise it.
We had booked the Baikbike tour the following morning, thanks to forumites for the recommendation and were not disappointed. Had arranged a pick-up for 7am, and the driver was there to pick us up at 6.45. There were six of us, and we picked up another pax on the way.
We headed up to Lake Batur where we had a refreshing breakfast overlooking the lake and mountains. All energised up, we then went to a coffee plantation, where we had an explanation about the differing plants, but the interesting thing was this animal - Luak, if not mistaken. This animal eats only the 'good' coffee beans, and then its excretion is used for coffee- apparently quite a delicacy. We taste tested this coffee, but I couldn't help but get my head around the fact that what I was drinking had come out of the rear-end of an animal. From here to the bike-collection point - the real journey was about to begin.
After saddling up we were on our way, predominantly downhill, is was a very relaxing journey, passing through the villages and ricefields with intermittent commentary, water and fruit stops.
Nearing the end there were about 5 hills, but nothing too challenging.
At the end-point we seemed to meet up with a number of other cycling tours. It was amazing to see the large number of people that had opted to go on these tours. Nonetheless I was very happy with our choice.
We then went to Wayan's for lunch, and boy was it exquisite. The Balinese vegetables, and my favourite smoked chicken and duck - betutu. I actually went back for a full plate of seconds.
Wayan was quite busy building/ overseeing his new project, he is building a new structure for his restaurant and cooking classes- my wife is very keen to go back and do the cooking class.
When Wayan found out I was from Australia, he proudly pulled out two full page double page Sunday newspaper reports on his tour.
Would gladly recommend it to anyone thinking of doing it.
From there, we had arranged to have dinner at Sharkey's at Jimbaran. There were about 19 about to gather there. Again we were not disappointed. It is in a new location, and down the end towards the runway. The food was unbelievable, as was the location - as fate would have it we spent quite a bit more on the alcohol than the food. The food averaged out at less than $10 per person. Unbeknowns to me they actually provide a complimentary transfer service from the hotel to the resto and back. We were all enjoying the atmosphere right up til about 10-ish. A couple in the group were leaving that night, so Sharkeys had a luggage room, for those departing on a midnight or thereabouts. So when they came in they popped their luggage in the luggage room and then Sharkeys took them to the airport. Again would thoroughly recommend them.
A little bit of a later start on the Saturday. After reading quite a bit about it on the forum, thought I must try the Safari park. The son of a Balinese friend of mine celebrated his 5th birthday, so I offered to take their family to the Safari park. Apparently it is the third of three in Indonesia, I havent been to the other two.
Each to their own, a good day was had by all, so much so we forgot to eat, or just didnt have time trying to pack everything in.
They had a waterpark, and lots to do and see. Quite an odd sight to see the roaming elephants urinate and do a number two. Not so much the elephants doing their business, but the associated measures by the keepers/ minders. Once it had urinated, which at one stage was looking like the flood gates had really opened- the keepers had the poop scooper ready at the behind, and out came these bowling balls, one after the other. Once that had finished- then then hosed down the area, and then sprayed a fragrant disinfectant around the feet and behind.
Very interesting to see the vast array of animals, and go on the safari tram tour.
We left close to 5pm and were rather peckish, so we stopped at Cafe Batujimbar on the way back where we ordered unbelievable lassies and accompanying food.
Then back down to the hussle and bussle. Forgot to say, Saturday morning saw the arrival of another sister-in-law, so a two-bedroom was no longer an option. Prior to departing for the Safari Park, we checked into a three-bedroom at Sienna. With a very large open area on the ground floor and a plunge pool, it suited our needs very well, and although it is down a little laneway off the main road, it is easy to get in and out of the area, although motorbike is always the preferred mode of travel when trying to navigate the surrounding area and avoid the jams.
Sunday came around, and my wife and her sisters went back to Jakarta. I left on the Sunday night. After taking my wife to the airport, went and had coffee at the shopping mall behind Galleria. Then went to say cheerio to the other two lots of friends. Before long it was time to head off to the airport, back to Oz:(
Thanks to all for all the recommendations, made this trip so fulfilling, and had a great time.