Back into the land of living. We flew Air Asia from the Gold Coast to Kuala Lumpur, went to Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan before we travelled to Bali. Stayed at the Jayakarta Apartments owned by Max and Suzanne
Taylor and could not fault them. Cleaned everyday - Ketut even took our laundry from the Saba jungle which did not smell too good but came back smelling sweet. Stayed there for 5 nights. As we went last year we had in mind what we wanted to buy, metal animals from Sita Fashions, Pandora from Silver Instinct, finding Miss Debbies, doing bike ride. We were only in Legian for 5 nights (which everyone knows is not long enough). (We were away in total of 24 days however the rest was spent in Malaysia.
Firstly the bike ride. Booked through Wayan of Bali Baik. Thoroughly enjoyable day and would recommend it to anyone. 98% downhill, staff were great and the food - well what can I say - fantastic. I have not been on any of the other bike rides so cannot compare however would recommend doing the bike ride through Bali Baik.
Only did a bit of shopping in Bali as we thought we would get things cheaper in Kuala Lumpur. Anyone travelling on Air Asia and doing the circuit - don't think things are cheaper in KL. Eating I can say is - DVDs I can say no - get them in Bali. Handbags appear to be slighty better quality in KL and about the same price or a little bit cheaper.
Can get good Billabong/Adidas Hoodies in Chinatown in KL but that is about all. Do your shopping in Bali.
Spent one night at the Tegal Sari - stayed there last year and loved the place that much just had to go back, if only for one night. We love UBUD and their markets. This time we did not hit the silver shops (got silver shopped out last year) however did hit the Sukawati markets - not much clothes however wood etc. much cheaper.
Spent a night at the Safari Park (we spent a night there last year and had to return). Same service as we received last year (fantastic). Partner was bitten on the calf last year by tiger cub so was a bit hesitant to meet the same tiger 12 months later. We cracked up laughing.
Partner also would not hold any orangatuns last year. Great achievement this year - he touched one.
All in all we had a great time in Bali as usual - felt homesick when we hit KL (homesick from Bali). As it was a short trip we crammed in a bit so did not get much time for relaxing.
Air Asia flights - you hear so many complaints about the delays - well our first flight out of the Gold Coast was delayed by over 2 hours - panic stations hit as we had a connecting flight to Kota Kinabalu. Air Asia changed our connecting flight to an hour later - held open the check in counter - so there were no problems. Seats are a bit crammed but hey what does a person want for cheap flights. Would I fly with them again - yes.
Can't say much more about the trip as it was in Malaysia however will post on trip advisor later.