Have been to Bali many times, and this time was the first when I could not fight off the airport porters. Was paying for Taxi to Ubud at the taxi payment window and momentarily took my hand off my suitcase and guess what? Porter took it and in agreement with my designated taxi driver proceeded to load it into the taxi. I protested loudly but to no avail and then was asked for 20,000 rph. Porters are definitely getting quicker and smarter
Flew with Garuda from Melbourne and plane was about 25% full, so great trip. Return trip today and plane about half full, so again lots of space and journey only took 5 hours.
Stayed at Tjamphuan in Ubud and rooms are currently undergoing renovations. We were given River and Rsi rooms, which were very large and recently renovated. So, very happy with accommodation there.
In Sanur stayed at Griya Santrian, which had 100% occupancy. Their renovations/rebuilding are complete and we were in garden rooms. Although these are the cheapest in the hotel, they were very, very good - looking out onto the new third pool. The hotel's grounds are being immaculately maintained by many gardners, and it is good to see the standard of the hotel is now much improved. Only complaint we had at Griya, was not enough pool or beach chairs. On some days we could not get a chair. Climate was very hot, about 35 degrees each day and 90% humidity. The Balinese were saying it is one of the hottest Novembers they can remember.
Bought pearls from Sahara, who happily visited the hotel and took our orders. Purchased silver Pandora bracelet from beach stall at Sanur and silver bead necklace from Solomon silver in Legian. Beads sold by weight. Nearly every silver jewellery seller has Pandoras. Charms were about 28,000 to 32,000 rph each.
Liquor prices are now expensive in Bali. Bottle of Two Islands wine sells for 168,000 rph in supermarkets and about 300,000 in mid-level restaurants. Lindemans wines were about 348,000 rph in supermarket. We found restaurant prices had increased about 10% since our last visit 18 months ago.
Shopping was good, although the same stock is to be seen everywhere. Tommy had a nice selection of leather handbags, average price 650,000 rph. Bagus Watches in Kuta Square was frantically busy, whilst the copy watch sellers at the street stalls did not seem to have many customers.