Hi there everyone - I will attempt to do a JBR - I feel I must pass on some of the experiences I had as I gained so much useful information from this forum, excuse my grammer as I am no Rhoads scholar. Just another little note - went with the family and did all the white water rafting, horse riding, flying fish, jet-skiing, safari park in April 08, this was a girls trip, shopping and relaxation, with one day of adventure.
My Daughter and I Left on the 5.15pm flight Saturday - all good. Arrived at about 9pm straight through VOA (paid $35 Australian) no problems. Need to pinch my self, are we really here again, yes balmy warm weather, sweet smells in the air, Djarums.......
We stayed at the Bali Dynasty Resort, on arrival at reception were informed that our room had been upgraded (as we had stayed here before) and had a balcony directly above the bar and pool. Lovely. We could be part of all the action by just walking on to our balcony. Good nights sleep as rooms lovely and clean, beds very comfy.
Sunday.
Had the usual scrumptious buffet breakfast, everything you could think of and they now have large urns set up so you can help yourself to a few teas and coffees. I love my cups of teas so this was a big plus for me (...) and I don't like having the waitresses running around too much, they are always so busy. Walked miles today checking out all the shops etc. Jumped in a ‘bluebird' taxi to Bintang supermarket over seminyak way mainly to find Mr Honey Man, couldn't find him so came back to Tuban where I found an internet café and for 300 rupiah a min (so cheap) logged on to Bali forum to find his phone number. Rang him - informed us he was in Java and wouldn't be back until Wednesday, well I said to Em no point in us getting glasses made as we wouldn't have time. To be continued..............
Went back to Matahari and shopped some more - our feet where aching and just happened to notice a reflexology room on the left as you go towards the toilets and for only 50,000 we sat and had our feet and calves massaged for an hour. Died and gone to heaven, you simply must have this done its wonderful.
Sunset bar for Happy hour at the Dynasty - tasty pina colada for me and Em had a margarita, 2 cocktails for 49,000rp pretty good I thought.
Off to Bubba Gumps for dinner.
Liked the whole ambience of the place, the staff so attentive and explained how the restaurant ‘works' wont say too much as don't want to spoil it for others, but do have the Margarita and see what happens. Food was good also had the ‘Run Chicken Run' delicious.
Monday
Off to Carrefour for first time, only 10 mins from Tuban by taxi well worth the trip. Bought my Martha Tiller Biokos range, so cheap, cant wait to try it. Found another reflexology room called mugemi and here for 40,000 rp we had on arrival a choice of any soft drink we fancied, a foot massage and shoulder and neck massage - wow what a bargain and so relaxing. Lunch was a thin crust pizza from the food court on second floor (trattoria I think it was called) only 14,000 rp Em and I chomped it up.
Off to Malasti Spa for Pedicure and Manicure. Em had acrylic nails done 200rp, good job. I am sorry to those who love the Malasti but I didn't much like having my Pedicure and manicure on a hard seat in reception area, everyone to their own I guess.
Off to the Febris for dinner - nice meal, cheap and a sign on the table informed us we could have a sample shoulder and neck massage whilst waiting for our food, why not we thought, was very nice - so much pampering in one day, but hey this is Bali (...)
Tuesday
‘Bluebird' taxi to Ketuts fixed price shop in garlic lane, purchased some nice bits and bobs here and so cheap, first time I have not had to barter which saved a bit of time. Walked around corner to ‘Sita' fashion now you may think it's a fashion store but its actually a place they sell pottery and masks etc unbelievably cheap and great stuff to boot.
I should have told you all about the Tailors, whoops. This was on Sunday, Well I had read on the forum about having shorts, clothes etc copied. Went across from the Dynasty to Diannes, but they couldn't copy my shorts, so Diannes husband took us to Artono Tailors across the road. Negotiated a price for 2 shorts to be made @ 100 rupiah each. Well I picked them up this afternoon, and they were perfect, can highly recommend them.
Had another massage by pool, followed by cocktails.
Off to Billys Bar for dinner - lovely meal and reasonable priced. The best thing about Billys is the atmosphere, the staff are so friendly, theres a band, and room to dance, we had a great time and met lots of nice people, lots of dancing and fun.........