JBR - April 3 - April 22nd
HOTELS
Green Garden Hotel
This is the first time we stayed here and it was more than ok for $50 p/n. The rooms were large and very clean and the hotel is in a great spot. It was a great stay for a few days in Kuta on the way in and out.
Tegal Sari - Ubud
Wow! What a hidden gem this place was. We just loved the rooms and the staff were amazing. It is unique staying somewhere that overlooks the rice paddies but is a 10 min walk from the hustle of Ubud. They were also happy to drive us into town as well if we wanted. We booked a superior room and it was more than sufficient. The pool area is lovely and service was beyond reproach.
The restaurant next door, Pundi Pundi was very reasonably priced and the food was great (we ate here most nights). We also used the Zen Spa and they were fabulous also. Massage 100,000 rp We went to a meditation class at The Yoga Barn and really enjoyed it, there is so much to do in Ubud.
We would stay at this hotel again any day!
Pondok Ayu - Sanur
Staying at Pondok Ayu was the absolute highlight of our trip! The owners have truly created a little slice of heaven with this hotel. Set in a quieter part of Bali - Sanur, we had nothing but good things to say about this place. The hotel is small and quaint but the rooms are huge and modern with lovely ensuite marble bathrooms. All amenities are included and the staff at Pondok Ayu is just wonderful. The pool is newly renovated and perfect for children. Breakfast was freshly cooked daily and just superb!
The hotel is located an easy 10 mins walk from Sanur beach but free local transport is included in your room price. The manager, Gede, was happy to drive us anywhere we wanted to go. They even had bicycles for daily hire (which we took advantage of) so we could ride around sanur and along the beachfront path. This was a great way to spend the day and very safe. We had never stayed in Sanur before and loved it compared to the hustle and bustle of Kuta.
While we were there we had the pleasure of meeting the Australian owners of this Hidden Gem, Barbara and Steven Bennett and they were the most gracious hosts we have met on our many travels.
We sincerely missed this place when we left! Do not hesitate to book your stay in Sanur with Pondok Ayu!
Hotel Uyah / Amed Dive Centre - Amed (Walked out of this hotel and didn't stay)
Let me start by saying, we are not fussy. We have stayed in various levels of accom including Inns / backpackers at times but this place was just awful.
We booked a week here with a scuba diving package and the moment we arrived we knew we had made a very big mistake. Although the room was ok, the resort was VERY rundown and quite dirty. "The Amed Dive Centre" ('shack') was very mediocre and unprofessional and we just did not feel comfortable putting our safety in their hands. The equipment was old and tatty. The staff were unwelcoming and looked at us like we were intruding on their social time. We have travelled to Bali many times and it was like we were on another planet at this hotel!
We promptly left the hotel (after they charged us one nights cancellation) and went to Tulamben Wreck Divers in Tulamben, a decision we did not regret as we think it would have been a huge mistake to stay at Hotel Uyah, let alone dive with them.
Their website is very professional and also very deceiving .. don't bother, go somewhere else.
Tulamben Wreck Divers
This hotel was just fantastic! After a near disaster booking at another resort in Amed which we promptly walked out of, we turned up on this hotels doorstep with nowhere else to stay and they welcomed us with open arms. The Manager, Wayan was great with us and accommodated us immediately.
The rooms are great and the diving is spectacular. Breakfast was lovely each day and the resort extremely clean.
The dive operation is first class as is the equipment and diving setup area. This would have to be the best setup in Tulamben and we would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone.
TOURS
Bintang Bike Tour Ubud
Wonderful day and great tour, only comment I would make here is the bikes are a bit old and rickety. If they replaced the bikes it would be 10x better. We really enjoyed the tour though.
Padang Bai - Diving (Blue Lagoon) Absolute Scuba
Great tour and professional diving operation. Would dive again with these guys any day. The diving was spectacular and our guide 'budi' was fantastic.
Blue Point Villas - Day pass 150,000rp
Had a great afternoon at Blue point villas and was very impressed with the lunch that was included with this fee. Nice relaxing afternoon.
Bali Safari Park
Had photos taken with orangutan and a tiger! Loved the orangutan Ronnie. He was just divine and a real highlight to experience holding him.
The park is great and a really lovely day out.
HIGHLIGHTS
Climbing down the cliff stairs at Uluwatu to the cave where surfers go to enter the water and seeing a famous surfer!
Meditation Class in Ubud!
Hiring bicycles in Sanur and riding down the Main Street & beachfront path- safely!
Diving the Tulamben Wreck!
Buying beautiful leather shoes at a tailor in Sanur!
Cheap haircut & blow dry at Johnny Adreinnes - Discovery Mall!