Flew out March 24th back April 7th on Virgin Pacific Blue via Brisbane. Good flights both ways and on time.
As we were there for Nyepi day we decided to stay around the Kuta area for the first couple of days until the religious celebrations had finished.As we were landing still quite early afternoon we had decided not to prebook any accommodation before we left and would just take our chances. We had earmarked Adhi Dharma hotel as we thought it was fairly central to everything and within walking distances to beach and shops. We were lucky as they had a room for 3 nights which suited us fine as we were wanting to head over to Sanur. They gave us walk in rate of Rp500,000 twin share (no breakie). The room was fine air con and clean. This is a nice property tucked away has lovely gardens and friendly staff. It has a good mix of guests Australian and European and all ages from families to older generations. Would go back again no problem. While there we headed into centro to get sim card for the phone. I just took and old Nokia over with me and within no time had phone sorted used Mentari sim and had no problems at all texting or ringing (thanks Dennisc).
We headed out to dinner on Nyepi eve night to our favourite Poppies restaurant. It was great to walk there and back as we got to see the oogha oogha's all lined up waiting to start the paarade. It was a great atmosphere.
After our stay at Adhi Dharma, we headed over to Sanur. Once again we hadn't booked accommodation before hand but i was hoping to stay at Puri Kelapa as i had stayed there last year and loved it.
We arrived to lovely smiles and friendly greetings. They were running at about 60% occupancy so a room was no problem. We had a single bungalow and walk in rate of Rp 225,000 twin share (no breakie)per night. This hotel is lovely not big about 50 rooms lovely gardens good sized pool and beautiful staff. Has mainly older European long stay guests. The hotel had bicycle hire for Rp 15,000 per day,so we decided to hire two for the next 10 days. Its a great way to get around and a nice cool breeze while you are riding.
We had good intentions of having a night in Ubud and Amed but unfortunately on the Monday i was starting to feel a little ordinary.
I promised myself before i left if i started to feel sick i wasnt going to muck about (like i have before) and that i would see a doctor. I asked reception could they arrange for this and within 20 minutes good old Dr Harry was there complete with his white coat and stethescope (sp?) A needle in the bum and some Antibiotics for about the next 5 days and he was all done. I started to feel much bettr and within 24 hours i was almost back to myself again. For about $80.00 aud it was money well spent and i could get on with the rest of my holiday without being in bed.
We ended up just having a couple of day trips instead of over-nighters.
We had a trip up to Lovina to visit sponsor kids (our thanks to Made and John for a great day) and also a day trip to Ubud.
Other than this we just spent our time walking and riding around Sanur enjoying all the sights and talking to some funny and interesting people.
We ate at all the usual places Piccadilly,Six point,Beach cafe,Bonsai,Bennos and Tooties. Our favourite meal would have to have been Jepun great feed and atmosphere.
Shopping was mainly from Jenny's and Tooties all fixed price no hassels. Brought off a few on the beach always nice to share it around and have a few laughs along the way.
Got Converse for the kids in Centro big wharehouse with thousands to choose from.
All in all another fantastic trip. Was a bit more layed back this time but totally relaxing.
Thanks to Tina and the girls for a nice catch up great to meet you all.
Hopefully back agin next year if the budget allows.
Cheers Shelly and Trish.