* Flew from Perth with Garuda 7.15am flight.
On time, no problems.
Flight full.
* Paid VOA in rupiah.
Was pretty much straight through (no other flights at the time)
* Stayed at Sri Ratu Hotel in Legian
See previous report on this forum and at
http://micbali.proboards21.com/index.cgi?board=leg&action=display&thread=97
* Checked out 2 new hotels -
The Harmony Legian & The Island
See previous report on this forum and photos at
http://micbali.proboards21.com/index.cgi?board=leg&action=display&thread=1833
http://micbali.proboards21.com/index.cgi?board=leg&action=display&thread=1834
* Spent a week in North Sumatra which was booked from Bali.
To book it from Perth the cost quoted was nearly double.
Cost quoted to book from Medan was also more expensive.
Originally we were going to book direct with Garuda in Bali but as the office was busy at the time we opted for
Kuta Cemerlang Bali Jaya (KCBJ)Tours in Jln Raya Kuta to do the booking.
Efficient, prompt service & no problems.
Returning from Jakarta via the International arrival area (around 4pm), noticed the VOA line was very very long as about 4 flights had arrived at the same time.
Baggage had been stacked up all around the carousels
* Dining:
Only ate at 2 restaurants this trip - Warung Sobat (once) & Plengkung (a few times)
The rest of meals were at warungs(padang) & carts (duck)
Warung Sobat & comments at:
http://micbali.proboards21.com/index.cgi?board=warung&action=display&thread=1806
Attended a function at Reflections Bar/Restaurant in Seminyak.
Cosy place with lounge area & nice atmosphere
Reflections
Jl Laksmana 19x, Seminyak
Phone: 08179 724280 / 08123 647915
Owner:
Nikki Wardley
0812 466 3125
website:
http://www.reflections-bali.com
* Shopping:
Didn't do a lot of shopping, just the usual makeup, sunglasses, watches, shoes, surf shop bits n pieces
* Alcohol:
Found Jim Beam to be in short supply / difficult to get at times (and cost higher).
Also Hattens white wine (Alexandria) not as easily available as Rose & the Red.
Purchased wine & Jim Beam from the bottle shop next door to Bintang Supermarket.
This shop has expanded their selection of overseas wines & incorporated a supermarket section.
Also purchased from Rukun Jaya on Jln Pantai Kuta
* Developments
Apartments, townhouses, condotels etc seem to be appearing everywhere
eg Royal Towers at Tuban & Seminyak Town House to name just 2.
Had at look at the Dreamland developments at Pecatu Indah Resort/Estate:
Pecatu Indah Resort / Estate development is in full swing.
New entrance gate/statue at the beginning of the area manned by security.
Either side of the road to the old Dreamland Beach is now being developed with the construction of man-made lakes , a golf course (already operational), condotels, hotels & villas.
The hotel being built with the golf course is connected to the golf course via a road under the main road.
Parking at the New Kuta Beach (Dreamland) is currently 5000rp for bikes & 10000rp for cars.
We did not park & visit the beach this time, but just took photos of the surrounding area up to the car park
Photos:
http://micbali.proboards21.com/index.cgi?board=beach&action=display&thread=1641
* Nightlife
No clubbing/pubbing this trip except for one night at Bali Rock.
Not very busy at the time and the band was less than ordinary (took awhile to realise they were playing "Mustang Sally")
* Tattoo
Can recommend Buddha Face Tattoo with Agung D
Professional, no problems
http://micbali.proboards21.com/index.cgi?board=dread&action=display&thread=1298
* Customs on arrival in Perth
Had nothing to declare.
Bags Xrayed & then asked to show the DVD's as they were checking for "unusual" ones.
Generally Bali is much the same but with a lot more development/building overall.
Not sure when the next trip back will be, except that it won't be for quite some time....