Been back for 5 weeks - cant wait for next trip.
Myself and mate S flew out on the 01/08. Flew Garuda - no problems. Consumed quite an few beverages to kick start the holiday.
Arrived in Bali - great to be back.
Though we had a 2hr wait through VOA which was a pain.
This is 2nd trip for me, 6th time for S.
Thought we would check out Sanur this time so we were booked at the Peneeda View.
Hotel itself is not bad at all yet we were disappointed to find they have given us one queen bed. I love my mate S yet we did not want to share a bed together...We had booked a twin. The hotel offered to change us to another room which was not nearly as nice. So we ended up staying in the same room with a made up single bed in the lounge room. We were not impressed. The hotel offered us free drink at the bar for the inconvenience - mind you it was just a fruit juice...
Anyway, we were only here 4 nights before heading off to legian.
First day just took it easy. Went for a walk - found Hardys. Stocked up on nibbles and mixes for the duty free vodka.Had mexican out the front of the hotel which was ok. Band there was so so yet we were on holidays and loving it.
Next day shopping...went back to Hardys got some lovely sandles for 99,000 rupiah...would of bough a lot more yet have large feet - size 40 - most were smaller sizes. Walked up and down main street , stopping for bintangs along the way.
That night dinner at Rib Warung..had a lovely meal. Yet i forgot to be organized and change some money. So thought would pay by credit card. Heard not to let the card out of your sight, so when the staff told me they would have to use a machine at another restaurant i said i would come along. So out we walk yet the young girl then hops on a motor bike. Well, it was quite a sight me trying to get on wearing a short skirt and trying not to flash my knickers plus the fact i had quite a few bintangs throughout the day & night. Finally got on and went just down the road yet was fun...only in Bali. Ended up having a big night a the Lazer Sports Bar.
Next day was hangover day - lazed by the pool, eat a lot.
They had a guy called Putu at the hotel who did massages.
Never had one with a guy before yet they said he was great. So thought i would try it. Never again. I have had many massages in Thailand & Bali before and i not a prude. Love them!! Yet this massage was not right. He went far to close to private parts and his hand kept brushing me in areas far to often that did not need to be touched. I felt he was a sleaze and i felt a bit distressed after it - not that wonderful feeling of floating on air... So just a warning to ladies out there who may think of having one there.
Went out for dinner that night at Coriander which is across the road from the hotel. This place is fantastic - food great, staff friendly & drinks cold.
Safari Park the next day...We got there early which was great as hardly anyone there. First up had a photo taken with the lion cub. When i first saw her i thought sh*t - she is a bit big for a cub. Any apprehension disappeared in seconds though - she was so beautiful - amazing experience. Also got photos with the oranutan Bronny - she is just adorable - did not want to let her go. And also the baby tiger which did not want sit still but was just absolutely gorgeous. This is definitely a highlight getting up close and personal with these amazing animals.
Took the safari journey which was a great way to see the park and animals.
Lunch at the Lion Restaurant - bit more expensive yet worth it. We got there about 11:30 which was great as only one other table of people there. Although all the tables by the windows were booked already (so if you want one book ahead) - the lions were coming right up to the window and as no people there we got up close and personal...amazing being so close..got great photo of me nose to nose with a huge lion. Loved it!
Next day went for a walk along the beach up to the other end of Sanur - definately next time would stay up the other end...a lot more bars,restaurants and hotels that looked lovely with lounges on the beach...was a bit quiet up the Peneeda View end.
Just lazed by the pool most of the day after that. Late arvo did some more last minute shopping. Found this lovely jewellery shop which i read about on the forum called Sayang. Lots of lovely unique, different pieces. Picked up a gorgeous ring which i paid about $30 (aus) for yet would of easily cost probably 3 times as much at home.
Also went to the optometrist in Hardys to pick up a pair of prescription sunglasses i had ordered. What a let down - could not see properly through them. Took half an hour to get back my deposit - so glad i did not pay the whole amount up front. Got money back eventually...(found out in Legian later on what the problem was - next jbr).
Last night in Sanur and we headed off to the Gateway of India for a meal - another fantastic restaurant. Food sensational and yummy papadums the size of my face & great price.
Hope i havent rambled on too long - its is great doing this jbr - brings it all back.
Will continue later with next part of trip Legian where we head off to tomorrow.