Arrived back in Calgary a few hours ago and will post a longer JBR soon. Just wanted to say that even though it was 28 hours in travel time from when we departed Bali to arriving at the Calgary airport, Bali is still worth the effort.
Quickest trip through VOA...45 minutes and we arrived on a Sunday at 230PM. Thought about VIP VOA but not everyone feels comfortable handing over their passport to a stranger...especially when they have never been to Bali and they hardly know me.
15 girls in total this time and what a great time we had. 12 of them had never been to Bali and they are all planning their next trip. I organize and escort a ladies group annually to Bali from Canada and love to share the experiences of first timers to Bali.
We spent 7 nights in Ubud at the Kumara Sakti Hotel (11 rooms and usually just book small groups - like yoga, health and wellness etc.) I call my groups the Babes in Bali and although we like yoga and good health we also like Bintang so asked the hotel to stock up on Bintang and wine...and they did! Did a rice paddy walk, cooking class, full day at the spa, bike trip, trip to Bedugal, full day of jewellery shopping (SSS Silver and UC Silver in Celuk) and John Hardy and had 1 free day in Ubud. Did lots of group dinners and just love the restaurants in Ubud.
Then to the Padma in Legian for 6 nights. Went to Lembongan on a small boat for snorkelling, did Tanah Lot, Jenggala and Uluwatu to see the Kecak Dance.
Shopped till we dropped. The girls got the hang of bargaining pretty quickly but it took them a few days to sort out the money. I'm sure some gave out 100,000 rupiah instead of 10,000.
After 19 trips to Bali I found it hotter and more humid that any other visit. Not complaining though but did enjoy the A/C when we got it.
Overall, had the most amazing trip and met some beautiful local people. Not sure when I'll be back so bought quite a few books on Bali so I have new material to read...plus bought lots of incease to burn while I am dreaming of Bali!
Thanks to everyone who posts on this forum. Us Canadians love all your advise and suggestions.
Cheers,
Cathy