BALI 2009.
March 11th - March 31st.
PREAMBLE:
This is our 7th trip to Bali. During our stay the religious holidays and observances for Galungan, Nyepi and Kuningan were held.
In choosing our accommodation, I selected hotels/villa with ground floor rooms, easy pool access and in a location close to amenities.
We did not attend any major tourist attractions this trip as we are bringing our adult children to Bali in December. Two have not been to Bali before so we wanted to check out a few places keeping their needs in mind.
FLIGHTS:
Garuda Executive Class ex Sydney Wednesday 11th March. Departure time 11am - left on time.
Garuda Executive Class ex Denpasar Tuesday 31st March. Departure time 11.40 pm - left on time. We utilised both the Qantas and Dewi Executive lounges at both airports.
On both flights the plane was only ½ full. Friends were due to fly out the previous night from Bali, however their flight was cancelled and they were transferred to our flight. Even with this cancellation, the cabin crew advised that there were only an additional 17 people flying that were booked on the previous night's flight.
A word of caution...our return flight time was bought forward ½ an hour. When I went to confirm our flights at the reception desk at our last hotel, the staff called Garuda for us. They were told to advise us to go to the Garuda office at the Kuta Paradiso Hotel so that an alternate E-ticket could be issued. While I checked with the hotel if it was possible for Garuda to fax this new E-ticket, I was told that it was not possible. Our friends whose flight was cancelled only found out when they also attended the Garuda Office at the Kuta Paradiso Hotel.
So, the lesson is to reconfirm your return flight at least 48 hours prior in case there are changes to your flight and your E-ticket needs to be reissued.
I require medical assistance at the airport/s due to bad arthritis in my knees and leg strain and need a wheelchair to traverse the concourse and alleviate the need for prolonged standing in long lines. This was all prearranged in our booking with the travel agent.
I could not fault the assistance I received from both airports who responded both promptly and with courtesy. I would sincerely recommend that anyone who experiences pain from prolonged standing or who can not walk long distances, to arrange for this type of service when travelling in the future. A letter from your Dr may be requested, however although I have one, it has never been asked for.
ACCOMMODATION:
We stayed in 4 hotels and 1 villa during this trip. We wanted to experience hotels and areas other than our usual, The Legian Beach Hotel, Legian.
1. Bali Garden Hotel - Tuban (5 nights)
Jl Dewi Sartika, Tuban.
Familiarity with a particular area and hotel can often cloud the potential positives of a place. So it was initially for us at the Bali Garden Hotel (BGH). We arrived hot and sweaty and shown to a room. We were very disappointed because it was on the 2nd floor and there were too many stairs for me to get down to the pool. Additionally the corridor that led to this room overlooked a lot of rubbish.
We returned to reception and explained the situation and that I needed a ground floor room. They had one left and my husband went with the bell boy to check it out. It was room #176 (deluxe).
It turned out to be great, access via the small verandah that overlooked the restaurant and only a couple of steps to the pathways that led around the grounds. While definitely in need of refurbishment, it fulfilled our needs.
The room had twin beds, but by then we didn't care, we just wanted to settle in and get cool and then go and check the hotel out.
The only problem was the constant odour coming from the bathroom drains.
It really is a nice hotel, with great eating and seating towards the beach end called The Boardwalk. There are three pools, one of which is a salt water horizon. This is difficult to get in and out. While it has steps, they are deep and there is no railing to hold onto. This turned out to be the case at all the hotels we stayed at.
Breakfast was included in our rate and was the usual fare, no cereal though.
All the staff were helpful and courteous and loved to chat with us. We met a great guy at the front desk named Dewa who helped me out several times with problems I had with my camera and phone.
Our neighbours were sisters from Perth, Barb and Jan. They were just great to hang with, share our day and have the odd meal. Thanks girls for your great company.
BGH has beagle dogs as part of their security team and they sniff for drugs and bombs.
Last comment - Would we stay there again? ...Possibly.
Laundry: We used the Puspa Sari 2 Laundry Service. Cross to the opposite side of the road and walk down about 300 meters. It is the 1st gang you come to and is called Puspa Ayu No 5. The laundry is on the left side of the gang about 100 metres + in.
Money Changer: They are everywhere, but we used a changer with a tour booking service just before you reach the gang where the laundry is located.
2. Tegal Sari Hotel - Ubud (3 nights)
Jl Hanoman Padang Tegal, Ubud.
From Tuban we travelled to Ubud and the Tegal Sari Hotel. All we could say was wow! No wonder it is so popular. Our room was #11 (super deluxe) overlooking the rice fields with the Monkey Forest in the distance. It was really so peaceful watching the morning rituals of the rice farmers and the antics of the ducks.
Our room was spacious, very clean and with a great walk in shower. All the staff are wonderful and you have the choice of having your breakfast in the restaurant or on your terrace/balcony.
The hotel offers free transport into Ubud proper and will collect you when you are ready to return.
NB. Two very minor things...Tegal Sari do not supply free water for teeth cleaning/drinking. There is water in the fridge to purchase. Additionally, hairdryers are not in the rooms.
Last comment - have booked rooms again for this coming Christmas. We fell in love with this place.
Laundry: There is a short cut to Jl Hanoman alongside Reception and we found a great laundry called Super Laundry Service. Walk along the shortcut until you get to Jl Hanoman. Turn left and it is about 100 metres along. You pass a great photographic shop on the way if you need any photos printed.
Money Changer: We used several in Ubud. Opposite the above short cut to Jl Hanoman but turn to the right and cross the road. About 150 metres down.
Great Bakery: Just thought I would mention a great bakery we found on Jl Hanoman, on the left, across the road from the exit of the shortcut
3. Candi Beach Cottages - Candi Dasa (3 nights)
Jl Raya Candi Dasa.
Again, this is a beautiful hotel and right on the ocean. Stunning grounds and our room #122 (superior) was on the small side but very adequate. We had a small verandah but no view only a tiny garden with a trellis.
There are two primary swimming pools and a small children's pool. There is access to the ocean, but it appeared to be quite rough, although one afternoon we saw many local children swimming there.
This hotel is situated about 1km off Jl Raya Candi Dasa. Immediately outside the entrance to the left is a few small warungs that sell drinks, icecreams and other grocery items.
It is a long walk into Candi Dasa centre. The hotel offers taxis or drivers. We found that all the restaurants are happy to provide free transport to and from your hotel. The cost of food and drink in this hotel was excessive and we did not have any meals here.
Each day the hotel has an activity you can watch or do with the staff. I learnt to make some decorations from young coconut palm leaves.
Again we found the staff to be pleasant and welcoming. The housekeeping staff were tremendously helpful.
Last comment - beautiful location and quiet. We would stay there again but only overnight.
Laundry - Did not use one.
Money Changer - Did not need one.
4. Pondok Sara Villa - Seminyak (6 nights)
Jl Arjuna (Double 6) Gang Raja, Seminyak
Staying in a self contained villa was a new experience for us. We decided to stay in one over the Nyepi period.
Our villa was #24, and while adequate it was difficult to cope with the heat and humidity. The villa had a thatched roof and all the main areas of the kitchen, dining, sitting and bathroom were open aired. Only the bedroom was air-conditioned. There was one pedestal fan.
The bed consisted of a mattress on what appeared to be a huge concrete block, making getting comfortable and sleeping very difficult for us. Additionally, the lounge seating area was also on this same type of concrete block.
We bought food and drink from Bali Deli and Bintang for our breakfast and meals over Nyepi. The villa was maintained each day by housekeeping staff.
There are two pools, the larger of the two I was unable to access due the steepness of the first entry step (this was to be a problem throughout all the places we stayed at). The water was warm and the pool surrounds in dire need of repair.
There are comfortable seats in a bale situated near the larger pool where we spent time chatting with friends and watching the geckos.
We loved all the staff there and their warmth and friendliness made up for the physical discomfort we were experiencing. Special mention should go to Komang and Wayan at reception and Made, whose job was a bit of everything it seems, all were just delightful and helpful. Thank you guys.
Last comment - would we stay there again? Probably not.
Laundry: The villa staff took care of our laundry.
Money Changer: None specified.
5. The Lokha Hotel - Legian ( 3 ½ nights)
Jl Yudistira (ex Jl Padma), Legian.
The Lokha was our last stop. It's a small hotel of 49 rooms. Our room was fantastic, with a walk in shower, room #101(super deluxe). There was also a shower in a corner bath that would prove far too difficult to access for me. There are two steps leading to this bath, then a huge step in and the shower head is on the furthest side.
Housekeeping maintained the room well and were helpful with all our requests. Breakfast was buffet type with an egg and pancake station, all being more than adequate.
The hotel is in a 'u' shape with the rooms surrounding the main pool and pool bar. There is no elevator to the upper floors.
As with most of the pools located in the hotels we stayed in, access to the pool was not that easy. The 1st step was rather deep for me. I saw other people having difficulties as well. I would also say that the pool water, like the others again was warm, it contained oil slicks from massage and suntan oils.
The Lokha is well situated towards the Jl Legian end of Jl Padma (now known as Jl Yudistira) almost opposite the Indo-National Restaurant.
As with all our hotels, we could not fault the staff, they were friendly and obliging.
Last comment - we would stay there again most definitely.
Laundry: Directly opposite the entrance to the hotel, down a small lane and at the back.
Money Changer: Kodak, Jl Padma, near the junction of Garlic Lane (Jl Sahadewa and Jl Padma (Jl Yudistira).
FOOD:
I can honestly say we did not have a bad meal anywhere, I would recommend any of these restaurants. Over the Nyepi period we were at the Pondok Sara Villa. I bought supplies for our meals during that time from the Bali Deli (Jl Kunti 117 X Seminyak) & Bintang Supermarket.
We ate at -
'Bali Cyber Café' Jl Patih Jelantik Kuta
'The Board Walk Restaurant', Bali Garden Hotel, Jl Dewi Sartika Tuban.
'Bali Beach Shack', Garlic Lane (Jl Sahadewa) Legian.
'Uncle Norms', Jl Melasti Legian
'Ours' Garlic Lane (Jl Sahadewa) Legian.
'Bali Bagus' Jl Padma Utara Legian.
'Zanzibar' beach end of Jl Arjuna (Jl 66) Legian.
'Indo-National Restaurant' Jl Yudistira (Jl Padma) Legian.
'Three Monkeys' Jl Monkey Forest Ubud.
'Café Wayan' Jl Monkey Forest Ubud
'The Lotus Seaview Restaurant' Jl Raya Candi Dasa.
'Balissa' Jl Raya Candi Dasa.
Two places stand out for us for very different reasons -
# The Bali Beach Shack - Robby & Jeff the owners are fantastic friendly people, the staff are great, the food is lovely and the 3 piece band and the Hulu drag show are great - an impressive combination that made for some fun nights there.
# Balissa - this restaurant overlooks the huge lotus pond on Jl Raya Candi Dasa. It is such a beautiful spot, especially as the sun sets. The food and staff are wonderful.
DRIVER:
This is the 3rd trip to Bali where we have used our good friend and driver, DM (sorry unable to post his full name and details due to forum rules - I will leave my email open if you want details). He is everything anyone could wish for in a driver. His professionalism is of the highest standard and we believe he is Bali's # 1 driver.
Each year our love for this man and his family deepens. While we do have this familial relationship, I was also ever mindful that driving is his business. There were days when I had not booked him, or I needed a driver on the spur of the moment, Dewa always came through, if he was unable to personally drive and guide us, he promptly arranged for a more than able member of his team to be there for us.
Any time we were with Dewa or one of his team, they were ever mindful of my disability. Our personal safety and that of our belongings were paramount and they always locked the vehicle and waited for us from a vantage point were he could keep an eye on us and the car.
Each driver bought to these outings their individuality, experience and knowledge in different ways. We learnt so much from each of these wonderful men.
In addition to the transfers to/from all our accommodation as well as airport transfers, some of the longer trips we took were to Jati Luwith Rice Terraces, Tirtagangga Water Palace, Sukawati Markets and Jimbaran.
Dewa's Team:
• Dewa Pablo
• Komang Yarbawa
• Wayan Kariarta
• Ketut Pedro
ACTIVITIES:
Bali Chat Forum Get Together 14.3.09
This was the first time I had organised such an event. It was held at the Bali Beach Shack (address above in the FOOD section). It was a great turn out and I think everyone enjoyed themselves and it was really good to meet everyone and put faces to names. Thank you to everyone who attended.
St Patrick's Day 17.3.09
The fantastic ellyeagle from Bali Chat Forum organised this fun event. My husband and I didn't arrive until about 7pm, by then the party had been in full swing for hours. Again this was held at the Bali Beach Shack and we had a wonderful time. Well done ellyeagle.
ARC CLINIC:
Each visit to Bali I have a consultation with Dr Murino from the ARC Clinic. I suffer from facial rosacea and spider veins on my face. He has successfully treated me for these conditions. My treatment consists of IPL and Surgitron Laser treatments. I have the utmost faith in Dr Murino and his wonderful staff. They are now friends. I would highly recommend a visit to the ARC if you have a cosmetic issue that you would like to discuss with Dr Murino.
Address : Jl Bypass Ngurah Rai No 1, Kuta
Email: bali@arcclinics.com.
Phone: (in Bali)0361 767543
Web: www.arcclinics.com
Treatment prices are on their website.
PAMPERING:
Unfortunately, not too much pampering!!!
• Had two 'pedicures' on Legian Beach from my friend Karen.
• Finger and toenails painted and two massages from Wayan on the beach at the rear of the Bali Garden Hotel, Tuban. My husband also had a massage from Wayan. We have both had many massages on the beach over the years we have been going to Bali and Wayan has so far been the best.
• A hair creme bath 60,000Rp, foot scrub 30,000, toenail painting 30,000 and facial 60,000Rp at Wida Linda Hair & Beauty Salon, Jl Padma Legian.
• A hair creme bath 100,000Rp at Mirah Spa & Beauty Salon - Jl Padma Legian.
SHOPPING:
• Watches and sunglasses from Legian Beach.
• Geneva - Jl Raya Kerobokan (www.genevahandicraft.com)
Timber hanger, enclosed box with 8 shells, cinnamon & bamboo salt and pepper shakers.
• Honey Man Staf Optic - Mr Honey Man stands outside Bintang Supermarket, Jl Raya Seminyak.
(email - honeymanstaf_optic@yahoo.com)
Reading glasses x 3 pairs. New lenses in each only for a total of 1,200,000Rp approx $150 AUS. Great buy, prompt service.
• Ubud Markets - Jl Monkey Forest Ubud.
Beaded bowel and small hanging fish.
• Supernova - Jl Raya Kuta.
Bit's & pieces like hand sanitiser as well as Martha Tillar Biokos 40's Cleansers 29,600Rp each and Toners 28,800Rp each.
• Satya - Jl Raya No 125 Sukawati.
Umbul umbuls (large & small), ider-ider, a hanging ornament and 8 metres of poleng cloth.
• Kampung Bali (also known as R2U) - Jl Merta Nadi No 77X. Kuta
Various body scrubs, shell plate with hibiscus detail, 2 bamboo wind chimes, set of 3 carved timber butterflies.
• Ketut's - Gang ii off Jl Sahadewa (Garlic Lane) Legian.
T-shirts, cotton bags with dragonfly silk print and a head band.
• Sita Fashions - Jl Legian, Legian.
Butterfly painting, small tin gecko, large school of tin fish and tin butterfly.
THANKS:
There are so many people who contributed to our wonderful holiday, without doubt, we had the best time.
• A very special thanks to our friends Laura and her lovely husband Mickey for all their support and friendship. We love you both from the bottom of our hearts and may we all continue to be great friends across this vast country of ours.
• To my love, Craig, who is such a darling and who showed me the beauty in being free and how to like myself. This was a wonderful gift.
• To our new friends...Di & Graeme and Barb & Jan and Luke & Amanda, may our friendship continue to grow and be blessed.
• To the staff of all the hotels we stayed in. You truly made our holiday memorable with your patience, kindness and willingness to be helpful. Thank you so much.
• To the remarkable Dr Murino and Nci from the ARC Clinic - thank you for your gentleness and expertise in helping me with my afflictions.
• To Robby and Jeff from The Bali Beach Shack. Thanks for all your support and for providing such a great venue for the Bali Chat Forum Get Together. We love your place.
• Last but not least, a warm thank you to DM for sharing your family and Bali with us. We love you, Jero and Chandra very much.
HoneyBear
April 2009