My third trip to bali ( '95, 05, 08 ) my sister in laws second with a 25 year gap. She was blown away by the changes. More people ,more shops and didn't find the beach sellers as bad as she remembered.
Thanks to everyone who answered my queries before we left. I went well informed and it truly made our trip so much easier.
Flights
Used QFF and flew from Adelaide to Sydney (QF) then Sydney to Bali with Jetstar.
Was a huge rush once in Sydney to connect as flight was I hour late leaving Adelaide but they held transit bus for us and all was good. Coming home, late leaving but we were informed of this at check in and once on board the flight captain kept us informed re further delay off loading some checked in bags as 1 passenger did not board. Can't complain about that. The Jetstar staff were pleasant and had a ready smile. Qantas staff could learn a bit from them.
Ubud
This was the first part of the trip and we blown away by the sense of serenity and calm that staying at Tegal Sari provided. From the moment we arrived at 1 am til we left we were cared for beautifully. All the staff refer to TS as family. Their transport pickup/ drop-off ( within Ubud) was free and never a hassle to them.
We did lots. Bike riding, cooking class, dances, Tegallalang and went to distribution Day and caught up with my sponsor child. The restaurants were great. One we particularly liked as the staff were simply lovely was Mumbul. We never ate there but had cocktails before eating at Café Lotus and coffee after. Again service with a smile.
Did a little shopping, bought a book 'Bali a Travellers Companion' that I had been wanting and found Tegallalang a most interesting and enjoyable stroll. The wooden jewellery busts I bought were my best buy here.
Seminyak
Stayed at the Pelangi and whilst the rooms are a little dark and the block itself quite narrow having an infinity pool and breakfast area directly looking onto the beach was what we were after so we were more than happy. The staff here too were helpful & kind. Juice Park just to the left and on the beach was a great spot to sit and have a beer and something to eat.
I organised 2 pair of glasses at Optik Jaya Mandiri so thanks Dennis for the details for this place.
I was worried 4 days would not be enough time to organise but as my script was quite simple I could pick them up in 1 day. Do you believe that. I lost an earring and when I went back to collect glasses they had it for me. They also dropped us back to our hotel after. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend these people. They really appreciate the business they are getting from referrals from this forum.
Prescription glasses $40 and prescription sunnies $60. Not a huge range of frames but I found some that I was happy with and the price was excellent.
Did a half day trip up to Sukawati markets as we didn't fit it in during our time in Ubud.
Was okay but didn't buy much. Great prices though if you are after all the typical Bali gear you buy at the markets. Ended up having seafood dinner at Jimbaren which was OK. Organised the driver through Luca on the beach in front of the Pelangi.
Had a lovely hot rock massage at Febris spa in Kuta. Was divine. Rooms newly renovated and prices good. I would recommend this place too.
Ate at Gado Gado. Simply lovely. Our splurge for the trip. Also found Ultimo great. Immensely busy but worth a visit.
Our trip was all we had hoped for and more. Everything just flowed and before we knew we were flying home.
Thanks so much again to all who answered my questions.
Wendy