Hi got back on Sunday after an 8 day trip (4th time). We always stay at the Jayakarta, this time we upgraded from the residence to the deluxe rooms which are in the middle. Room wasn't any better and paid more would stay in the residence next time the rooms are bigger.
Got some clothes made wouldn't bother again nothing was perfect and very time consuming.
Loved the weather this time of year it was a little cooler had some rain and a bit humid.
Went to Jimbarayn bay for the first time our driver Dicky took us from the Jayakarta for 100,000rp and waited while we ate a feast of seafood (I am not a lover) but friends were had a table on the beach. Was a nice night but expensive (approx $100 per family of 4) paid Dicky an extra 50rp because we thought it was worth it.
Hired another driver for the day to Ubud negotiated 375rp but pd 450rp from 9am to 4.30pm. Maybe it was expensive not sure but in reality cheap transport. Went to Monkey forest, I told my friends not to buy food to feed monkeys because they become aggressive trying to get the food sure enough 2 other Aussies' had bananas and the monkey jumped up his pants onto his chest and are funny to watch (he was ok) Found the Ubud market to be more expensive than I thought it would be.
Had pedicure- 50,000rp, leg massage - 60,000rp, body massage 60,000rp at Lunar Spa up the road toward Kuta from the Jayakata great value 40,000 less than Melasti.
We to Waterbomb park got a deal at the tourist box next to the Jayakarta for 200,000rp per person good deal. Had a great day went on the new superbowl ride good fun and another successful trip of being brave and going on the Smash down ride (yeh). Went across the road to discovery plaza to get our cheap Krispy Creams but bummer it's closed down.
HIGHLIGHT
We on Bike Baik ride again this time with friends and husband. Got picked up at 7am from the hotel driven to Lake Batur for buffet breakfast then back into the car to the coffee plantation for a tour of Bali produce eg, coffee trees, ginger, pineapples, cinnamon etc. They also have the Lomat coffee the coffee that the cats eat the coffee beans then poo them out then are reharvested and ground into coffee. Generally very expensive coffee to try only 30,000rp no one thought the coffee was great but how often can you try poo coffee.
On to get the bikes, rode through the villages children and adults coming out to say hello. Parked the bikes and went into the rice fields to see how the rice is harvested. Got to have a go thrashing the rice out (hard labour) no men to be seen. Mainly down hill for 25km. FANTASTIC BETTER THE SECOND TIME.
Then stop have a cold bottle of water, a face washer into the van and off to Wayan home for the most Delicious buffet lunch. Since I was there 2 years ago Wayan has put an extension on the back and built a beautiful garden and open entertaining room where we sat at a long table and sitting on cushions. He has also added a temple onto his property which 2 months ago he had 800 guests around to celebrate it has taken 4 generations of living there to be able to afford such a celebration. 13 people live on Wayan's property. He is so proud of his Balinese culture that he tries to impart this knowledge in a very low key way but very interesting. With his success he is now sponsoring the school which we rode past and his father works at and also sponsors 2 children whose parents are to poor to afford school. I took some books, pencils etc over to give to the school. Everyone loved the day, it truly was the highlight.
Our driver took us to a home wares wholesaler not Geneva which he thinks gets the rejects not sure of the name something like "Ulwanta" to get to it we drove past the prison where Shepal Corby is (don't know how to spell her name). Great prices, good selection