Driver (Adi) that was recommended picked us up to go to tree tops adventure park at 10am he suggested earlier but there was no way of getting two teenage girls out of bed dressed, hair and makeup done befor this time, quite a long drive but always something to look at, country side beautiful, towns all the way up there, stopped on the roadside in the hills to hold a bat and a massive lizard(not very good with flora or fauna so cant give you a more specific name) offered to hold a very large snake as well but we all declined graciously - didnt want to put anybody to too much touble! Adi had guessed about 2.5hrs to Park but it was only just over 1.5hrs, cost $60 for the three of us. Started on the easy course, Well I am unfit and size 18 so easy was challenging, 13yr old did great 15yr old afraid of heights (and messing hair and makeup) refused to get on after this one. Myself and 13 did the medium and was not as scary as the easy but it was more challenging, I did threaten just to hang on the wire cable and not come down because my arms were killing me by the end but I did make it. We did not make it to the medium/hard maybe next time. Adi took heaps of photos for us and kept older one company. Despite my whining at the end it was well worth the effort and we would go again, we all got many bruises, probably because we kept flying into the nets rather than putting a hand out to grab them as you flew into them on the flying fox but we could not decide which hand to let go with to grab (by the last one we got the hang of it) Had a quick look around the botanic garden, but teens not terribly interested, yeah yeah nice plants can we get something to eat now!
Lunch at Labhagga Pacung was a buffet and ok but we were starving and the setting was beautiful high on a hill overlooking rice fields.
Then to Tanah Lot nice and worth the visit, Adi showed us how to barter first bargain of the trip at the markets pretty pink cloth bag for 25 000. Happy I had finally got something cheap, bought daughter a top she liked paid 50 000 Adi was polite but obviously thought we got had!
Back to hotel, changed walked along beach to find Dinner ate at Ristorante Italia at the front of Kumala Panti, great food lovely spot and even a little show. Went shopping home about 10.30, quick swim and off to bed quite exhausted.
Adi picked us (Myself and 13) as 15 decided to sunbake and shop at D&G shops for the rest of the holiday. We went to Denpasar, stopping on the way at a fabulous bag shop, sorry will need to use the same driver again as I did not notice name or location got 5 bags, purse, Ben 10 backpack for 6yr old at home and 4 pairs of shoes 620 000.
Went to Denpasar markets this is huge and slightly overwhelming so pleased to have a guide! after a couple of hours here and a perfume lady, hat man, silver bangle guy, wooden box with smokes dude, and sunnies bloke following us and not giving up we needed a break and headed for a shopping centre, bought some make up and couple of tops My fav for the 15yr old and only 19 000 "Are you trying to piss me off" which she often screams at me! But she didnt get it but it amused me no end.
Now we needed some R&R and went to Biku Bali Tea House and bookshop in Seminyak for a High Tea - very un Bali but so lovely well worth a visit.
Swim and out for Dinner, I so loved the no cooking cleaning etc that a Bali Holiday can afford you! Used the Laundry on the road opp the hotel, 55 000 first load, 71 000 just before we came home (even put knickers in the last time as we would not see them again, could not do this the first time).
9.30am Wed Pick up for Safari Park and elephant ride,(again just the two of us) Adi spent the day with us made it so easy as he knew all the times took photos, and generally made the day very easy, the elephant ride was an absolute highlight for both myself and 13, also patting a lion a cub and holding an orangutan. We are going back to stay a night next time. The last elephant show for the day my daughter was picked out of audience and as she was 3rd (last in line) the elephant not only put the lay (I know that is the wrong spelling) but then gave her a kiss on the cheek, it was beautiful. An absolutely amazing day and worth every cent, even though I had to go on a spinning rollercoaster with her. Dinner, Shopping and a swim the pool at the Breezes was beautiful.
10am Thursday pickup,(again myself and 13, still too much sunbaking required by 15) Went up to Monkey Forrest in Ubud, bought bananas on the way in and the monkey mafia at the gate releive you of them very quickly, one pulled my daughters strapless dress down as she was not getting the hint that she did not go past this point with bananas. Nice walk through forrest monkeys werent aggressive.
Went to silver place Sari Dewi we got 3 rings and a necklace absolutely beautiful could not buy any more as had not bought cards or extra cash as had not planned jewellery shopping again will go back next time! Had lunch at Rapuan Cili Restoran and Swimming Pool, lovely, good price, beautiful setting out of the way and in the middle of rice paddies. Also bought a great hand made kite (frog) for 6yr old we liked the butterfly but thought he may not think it was so great.
Again dinner and shopping.
12o'clock check out Adi picked us up and took us to the Puri Bumbu in Jimbaran Bay as much cheaper and only needed until 10pm for a 12.30am AA flight home, last minute shopping, fake tan for 15 as all the tanning had amounted to very little we had more colour just being out and about! Dinner at Blue Ocean Seafood at sunset and there was a wedding as well so absolutely beautiful for our last dinner in this magical place. Some very last minute shopping in Tuban, very sad to say goodbye to our amazing driver Adi.
Arrived at the airport at 10.10pm had kept money to use one of the lounges, did not need to all the lines were long and by the time we had been through all the checks we waited about 15min before boarding.
We pre ordered DVD's, what a fantastic service when you have a busy fun filled week planned!
And yes I have already booked my next trip for March but for 10 days this time and will stay in different places, but only me and miss 13 the 15 only wants gifts not the experience!
Thankyou so much to so many for great tips, hints and advice this made our time so much easier and I dont think we would have done half as much without this, ever grateful and will continue to scour forum for future trips!