Flights both ways was with Garuda and the same flights as TinaG, so won't go into them. Ironic, it was Tina's birthday on the way over and mine on the return flight.
Bob (myself) my wife Regina, Son Dean and sister in Law Sonya.
Barong Hotel 3 nights.
For a budget hotel,it is great value. No problems at all, towels and sheets were fresh and the rooms clean. Great location. 100 percent booked.
On our first morning, straight after breackfast it was of to shop for balinese dress for our, up and coming Vow renewal. After 10 minutes of shopping at two shops at the morning market area, just up from Bemo Crn, we were all fitted out for Regina and myself, my two sons and our daughter and daughter in law to be. All for round the AD$100.00 mark.
On the same night we went to a friends 50th birthday at Kubuku Restaurant in Poppies 1, There were about 70 people all dressed in red/white, which gave the party a great atmosphere.
John who's party it was turned up an hour late on the back of a motor bike and delivered on to the stage to the tune of an Elvis song, he was totally dressed as Elvis with wig and a microphone, mimming to te lyrices, much to everyones delight. Next surpise was two Madona/drag Queens coming out and doing several numbers before Paul himself came out in full drag, a total suprise to John and the rest of us, making it all a fun night out.
Amed, next 3 nights. we stayed at the Hidden Paradise Hotel at Lipah beach, this place is a true paradise and has just had it's restaurant area rebuilt and the gardens revamped, with the outside of the bungalow style rooms painted. We have stayed here twice before and know that the flavour the food in this restaurant is excellent, so three out of three nights thats where we eat. Had lunch at Gede restaurant up the road a little which was good also. Not sure of the other restaurant thet we had lunch at, but it is part of an 8 room hotel on the cliff dropping down to the beach, with a few of Mt. Agung.
The meals wer great and the view outstanding.
On the way back to Kuta we stopped of at the Water Palace just before Candi Dasa. this place is very reaxing and only 5,000 Rp per head to visit.
Ida Hotel, last 8 nights.
We love this little 54 Room hotel. It is round 30 years old and very quainte. And this is where we chose for our Vow renewal ceremony, which was attended by 30 family and friends. Their were 14 of our family staying here in the rear area, where the Superior bungalows are. There is a garden area with water feature, surrounded by 12 bungalow style buildings which made it more personal, and is a very quiet area. the staff had linned the pathway with bamboo style archway, with coloured flags and flowers, from our room to the water feature, which would of been about 30 meters. They had also errected 3 large white Balinese umbrellas and a decorated table for the ceromony. I hate being the centre of attention, but once I saw the scene that the staff had created, as well as the knowledge that my two sons and daughter were there with us to enjoy this occasion, I took great delight in the entire ceromy, from the dressing into Balinese dress, greeting the quests, awaiting the arrival of my bride for the second time in our life, my daughter walking her to the ceremony area and the ceromony itself. The service took about 20 minutes, the celebrant spoke very good english and didn't rush any part of the service. Then it was a fifty meter walk round the corner to Ida's small restaurant. We love the food at this small restaurant and had the staff cater a smorgasboard style balinese dinner for us, to which they did an excellent job. We had a tremendous day and finished at midnight, then off for a great nights sleep......The Ida Hotel isn't for everyone, but all our family who stayed there, and are used to the more, resort style beach hotels, just loved it as much as we do.
Other places we ate;
Kori,. poppies 2, had my sons 29th birthday here with a black/white theme. the staff did up an area of the restaurant for us with seating for 30 people. Had 30 black/white stubbie holders made up also.
Jegeg Bulan in Poppies 2, good food and cheap, owned by same owner as Warung 96.
The Balcony, Jl.Benisari, owned by the Un's Group. ate here twice and a favourite of many in our group. Cheaper than Un's but justas good.
Warung 96, great Pizza and cheap.
Ku de ta, Great service and fine dinning. Expensive for Bali, but around a quater of the prise you would pay in Australia for thew same service and quality.
Kuta Town House. Good food, cold beer, watched the footy, plenty of staff working for the amount of people eating there, yet, very, very poor service, so the security guy out front got my tip.
Batan Waru, Next to Centro. Good food, great service, mid range pricing for Bali.
Jimbaran Bay; Menega Restaurant. Went twice, both times at 4.30 for the sunset and drinks. Ordered snapper, Pippies, Chumi,(squid) and prawns for 12 of us. cost for food was 60,000 rp per head. Second occasion took two drivers and paid for them. This time ordered a very large fresh water river prawn each, as well as the same previos order and cost Rp 105,000 per head.
Kunti, Near Bemo Crn. Great Sushi, always very fresh and very cheap.
Geneva. Regina bought 2 - 800mm high white carved stone light fittings, 1- 1meter x 1 meter larege HAPPY BUDA carving with a timber frame and so smaller items, with shipping to Melbourne AUD $400.00 Should take about 5 weeks!!!!!!!!
Had a great time, a little more tiring than usual, due to so many family beeing there together. Looking forward to our next trip in May 2009. Hope to go to Jakata for 3 nights as a side trip.
Cheers. Bob and Regina