I hope you enjoy my JBR...I sat down thinking this would be short and sweet, but I guess I am long windede. This is part one...I am happy to answer any and all questions. If you like this, I will post more :
Since 2003, this was our 5th trip to Bali. Not too big of a deal for most of you, but please keep in mind that the total transit time from when we got on the airplane in Los Angeles to meeting our driver outside of baggage claim was exactly 24 hours! (And that doesn't include our trip from San Diego to LAX)
Traveling was me (age 37), wife (a bit older(...)) and daughter (9).
We usually get to spend at least 2 weeks there, but this time was limited to 8 short days due to last minute work schedules. We stayed 5 days in Nusa Dua at the Westin and 3 in Kuta at the Hard Rock Hotel.
We flew China Air from LAX to Taipei (about 14.5 hour flight) 3 hours there, then to DPS (5 hours). Flights were okay...nothing special.
Arrived around 4:30p on the 13th went thru VOA and Customs no problems like last year when I tried to bring in 6 liters of wine(...).
Arranged for a pick up thru the hotel, but when we arrived, we couldn't find our driver to the Westin in Nusa Dua. Went to get a taxi (which would have been cheaper), who found the driver who has run to the restroom.
Spent 5 nights at the Westin...It was a beautiful hotel...wonderful service...great food...but at a cost. I remember ND's pricing being a bit more expensive, but was still shocked at the cost of some of the things at the hotel....Rp150,000 for Nasi Goreing and Rp50,000 for a small Bintang, YIKES! Thanks to the quick responses of many of you on the forum, we found some wonderful eateries just outside the gates of ND. Saving our wallets!
The Westin - I am a platinum member with Sheraton. Not sure if this was because of our status, but check in was a treat...We were not allowed to stand at the check in desk, we were whisked away to a couch area where our check in documents were brought to us. We also were give cool towel and a welcome drink. The General Manager came over and introduced himself and our picture was taken so the staff could greet us by name. Also we were given a room upgrade and access to the Royal Beach Club lounge. What a treat that was.
My status gave us free brekkie at the restaurant, but in the lounge you are treated to brekkie (you have to try the steak and eggs....one of the best steaks I have had), high speed internet, snacks at lunch and dinner...but the best was the beverages. Not only did they have happy hour from 5p - 7p...all beverages from Bintangs to Lattes were included.
Plus the staff there is INCREDIBLE! We went there every day! In the morning for brekkie or a coffee, lunch for a snack and beer and at night for at least 2 beers each and snacks.
Please forgive me, but it is in our blood being Yanks...but each night after our drinks at the club we would give a little gratuity to the RBC staff (at least Rp50,000). A small amount for us (for 5 or 6 beers, plus what my daughter had), but they really seemed to appreciate it and we never had to ask for another beer....it was always waiting for us.
There were 3 shining moments for me with the service at the Westin and all involved food (hmmm, maybe, I have an issue). First was when we arrived...we were tired and hungry, wanted to try and stay up as late as possible to acclimate ourselves to the time change (16 hours difference). We didn't want to leave the hotel, so we went to the restaurant that serves as the brekkie buffet in the morning (Capsicums). We were disappointed to see that it only served a Western type menu. Pizza, burgers, etc. We wanted some Sate and Nasi Goreing. We causally mentioned this to the waiter who stated they could make both of those up for us, no worries. Awesome Start!!!
The 2nd and 3rd were at the buffet breakfast. The first day, they had a big Muslim contingency staying at the hotel so there wasn't any pork bacon (just beef bacon???) So I asked a server if they would only be having beef all week. The next thing I know, she had a huge plate of fresh pork bacon at my table. A few days later, it was a question about a mango. I asked if there was going to be mango again at the buffet...was told they didn't have it, but a plate was delivered to my table moments later. The next day the gentleman who brought me the mango came up to me and asked if he could get me some again.
Great service!!!
Nusa Dua is a wonderful, quiet and beautiful place, but not really what we were looking for in our holiday. Traveling with our 9 year old, we thought the Westin's Kids Club looked awesome. Which it was! It is something she loves to go and do. Many times (on cruises or at the Dynasty, we don't see her all day...she doesn't want to spend time with us) But she was usually the only one there. Not too much fun for her. So she spent just a few hours there total.
Also, ND is really catering towards the Russian crowds. Not a bad thing...but was very interesting to us.
Some other things we did while in ND -
- The Bali Collection - It is a fairly big sized shopping mall very close to the hotel that offers free transport. Although it is only about a 15 minute walk. There is a Coco's market for everything you need (sodas, gifts, fruit, alcohol), a Starbucks, a Soco department store and a ton of eateries!
- We ate at the Bali Bistro and Cheers (recommendations from the forum).
- Hung out at the pool.
On Sunday, the 15th, we went on a bike tour...through Wayan and Bali Baik. I was so disappointed by the way it started off. We were picked up at 6:45am from the Westin. We then had to go to Kuta ,Seminyak and Ubud to pick up others and then up to the start of the tour. The driver spoke little English so communication was not so good. The trip took 2 hours. The a/c on the van wasn't great. If I were to do it again, I would take a cab or try and go from Kuta. We paid an additional Rp100,000 each for this.
However, it all changed when we arrived at the Coffee Plantation...I really thought it would be lame, but I was mistaken. It was really neat to see the native plants, spices and fruits. The coffee and teas were really good.
Next came the bike ride...if you read on the forum it is all downhill, they are liars :)...it is mostly downhill. But there are a few hills that can kick your butt. The scenery is incredible, the towns and people you seen are wonderful and the stuff you learn is really interesting. The best part was the food afterwards and visiting the owners house!!!
I highly recommend this tour. It is a work out and the drive to and from are long...but worth it.
More later....