We arrived on the first Pacific Blue flight from Perth to Bali (281108) which was delayed but we got through the airport pretty quickly. Don't forget to have your money sorted for the tax. We had 25 US each ready to go. Apparently you can get money changed at Australia Post with no commission but you will need to give them 2 days notice to do this. Also keep in mind that under 8 days is only 10 US pp.
Got the usual taxi from outside the airport - again easy. Cost us 50,000 to Legian. It was raining lightly when we got in and we wondered if this was a sign of things to come as we hadn't been to bali at this time of year before.
First stop was Puri Raja. We were staying here for the first 5 nights. We booked direct with the hotel via email and I had my confirmation details and email with me so no problems there. We had previously stayed at the Niksoma (now pretty overpriced I think), Padma (oldy but a goodie and great pool and service) and were recommended to try the Puri Raja. Its much more reasonable price wise than the two others mentioned and enjoyed the same stretch of breach front as they do just with a few less bells and whistles. I wont lie, if we had more money to spend I would have preferred to stay at the Padma or Niksoma but for the price we got a very clean and nice room (not much different to the others really in terms of space and cleanliness). The air con was great and we had a nice balcony. The gardens at the hotel were beautiful and there were two pools. The breakfast was nice but we were spoilt last time having breakfast at the Padma's Bella Rosa every morning so that made it hard to compare. We had to hire a DVD player as the rooms only had the TV but it was only 50,000rp and we only had it for a couple of nights so no big deal there. Again main benefits to Puri Raja are price, location, cleanliness and staff.
It was pretty quiet when we were there. I think combination of low season and being just before school holidays resulted in a lull. We had the most perfect weather for their rainy season. Hot days, beautiful nights and only one small rainy period one morning in addition to our first night so we were really lucky.
Shopping wise we did a couple of things. My husband had a suit made from House of Komang. We were really happy with it and they had really nice fabrics to choose from. Paid 1.1 million rp. Probably could have got it a bit cheaper but for good fabric we were happy to pay that and that is pretty much how we determine price. House of Komang is on Padma Street.
Love all of the boutiques they have in Bali these days. Lulu, Maggi Pascale all have lovely stuff. Brought a couple of dresses and some jewellery from them.
Had a couple of paintings done as well. We just took pictures and asked them to replicate and they did a great job. Large size was 400,000rp and extra large was 700,000rp. The extra large had to be taken off the frame but its not too expensive to get them restretched in perth so that was fine. We had them done at Ana Artistic Touch wihc is Jl. Pura Taruna in Legian. On the same street at Yutz, just keep walking on that side and its further up before you turn onto Jl. Legian.
We also brought a lot for the house. Platters, frames, etc. Our favourite place for the wood platters and table runners etc is Sukma. Its right up the end of Jl. Legian where it bends around and heads into Seminyak.
Got most of our DVDs from Jimmy Disc Centre on Padma Street. He has two shops on Padma street and between the two of them you should have everything you need.
We also booked Jimmy for a ½ day and he took us to the Safari Park which was great to see. Definitely great for families when you need to entertain the kids.
Went to the usual places to eat and some new ones. We always go to LaLucciola and we walked along the beach on Sunday for the breakfast which is always sooooo good. They only do breakfast Sat and Sun mornings but are open for dinner every night. Never disappoints.
A friend put me onto Warung Yogya. Its on the street behind the Padma which is called Jl. Padma Utara. Best nasi goreng. We loved it and ate there lots for lumch. Cost us around 30,000rp for both of us with drinks. Highly recommended. Very clean and very yummy.
We also had lunch at Kori on Poppies 2 which we do every time. Its consistently good and the chicken satay never fails me. The garlic bread is a treat as well if your missing your bread. Best milkshakes as well.
We tried a couple of places we hadn't been to. The first was lasal in Seminyak. Its Spanish inspired but has an extensive menu. Not super cheap but super good and again highly recommended. If its busy you will need to book here for dinner. Would also be nice for lunch as they have couches upstairs that overlook a small rice field.
We also went to Sarong which was Indian inspired and absolutely gorgeous. Again not cheap but wow this place was special. Food was outstanding and they served the best cocktails I had ever had anywhere! Great for a romantic dinner or a group of friends.
We also tried Yutz in Legian and to be honest weren't that blown away. The food was fine but with they way everyone raves about it we expected more and I wouldn't go back.
From the Puri Raja we went to Disini Villas in Seminyak for 2 nights. We booked this on wotif to try and get the best rate as everything was so much dearer being in US dollars. Got a good deal through wotif. Disini was lovely. Great villa, great spot and fantastic bed. Had everything you needed and the staff were fantastic. We stayed at Kayumanis in Nusa Dua last year and that was a step above in terms of overall service and facilities but Disini was really well located and we could not fault it. It was much better for going and having dinner in the surrounding resturants and being closer to civilisation whereas Nusa Dua you are sometimes more confined to your villa.
We checked out Ultimo for dinner one night. I don't think we picked the best items from the menu but the crème brulee for dessert made us forget about everything else as it was divine.
We went to Grocer and Grind for lunch and that was a great place. Breakfast, lunch or dinner it was amazing. We also checked out the Tuck Shop right on the corner as you enter the main street in Seminyak's eat street and they had great coffee and tea.
This was our honeymoon and I have to mention that the make up artist who did my makeup for the wedding is setting up shop in Bali to do weddings (hair and makeup) from May-Aug 09. I cant tell you how good a job she did and how many comments I have had on my make up and I would thoroughly recommend her to anyone getting married in bali next year. Email me for her details and I will put you in touch. She has a website so you can check out everything there. All in all, Bali remains fantastic and we had such a good time. There continues to be more and more shopping and eating establishments popping up that are of a very high standard. We had a great time and I hope that this helps anyone else who is heading over soon.