Arrived in Bali on Christmas Eve from our home in Darwin. Our group this time for a 9 night stay included my partners ( the Pom ) two teenagers 14 & 16 son & daughter respectively.
They are seasoned Bali kids having travelled since young. We also took a 17 year old newbie lad on his first overseas trip.
Our driver and long time friend Putu Sanjaya was there to greet us at the Airport - esky with cold Bintangs on ice and soft drinks for the kids which was wonderful.
Legian would also be a new adventure for kids. They are more familiar with Tuban/Kuta & most recently Sanur. Once they got their radars into gear everyone seem to be happy to do their own thing. Luckily because ahead was doom.
Unfortunately two days into the trip the two boys came down with D & V. The daughter followed 2 days after and I then followed the medical route as well. We were all very ill & all needed medical attention.
The Pom became the last man standing. We did not hear the end of it - 'I survived Kuta with Bali Belly' he claimed. Bla Bla until one morning his tummy & bits were a bit unsettled.
Like a trooper he stuffed his undies with loo paper in a target spot ( only 35 years in Aussie could have equipped him with such an idea )... stole my backpack & added a spare toilet roll ( the Pom side) & off he went to KUTA with the now recovered kids. He doesn't even like Kuta !!!. Newbie after the trek agreed.
Here is a report on what new and old found re visited places and services we found this trip.
Feel free to ask questions.
Accommodation
24 - 28 Dec : We had two side by side deluxe rooms at the Kusnadi. Both with 'very large' outdoor bathrooms.
The kids shared 1 room with an extra bed ( mattress) on the floor. It was a good quality and no complaints. It was about $15 AUS per night for the extra mattress and inc breakfast & I thought that was very reasonable for ultra peak season.
The boys spent a considerable time in the swimming pool or playing pool across the road at Captain Cooks with their Dad.
There was free internet & the breakfasts were very reasonable. Most services in the hotel drinks, food, massages did not have the ++ tax & were all reasonably priced.
28 - 2 Jan
Hidden Garden Villa. No. 4. HGV has been my second home for a number of years now. Having to book 1-2 years in advance is representative of how good the accom is & everything that goes with it.
We had to book late and accept what Villa was avail at the time.
This was the least enjoyable of 'my' stays - mainly because the 'open lounge dining area' was small for 5 of us. I guess we are equal to five adults. We had to have the blinds down so the balls from our ' teenmaniacs' in our pool didn't come thru !! It was very hot and stuffy if you wanted to watch TV or just relax on the couch. . The air con bedrooms are very nice though. Very spacious. The top balcony from the 3rd bedroom was perfect to watch the fireworks on NYE.
I also had a look at the more budget new Island hotel past HGV & Yuli Bungalows on the left hand side in Gang Abdi. Didnt get to see any rooms - apparently full up. Everything seemed tidy and clean - so could be a good budget option in this area.
Driver
If your staying in the Legian area Puri Raja, Melasti, Jayakarta, Kumali Pantai etc then look no further than Putu Sanjaya. He is on standby at the Jl Padma Utara & Three Brothers lane corner. However, I strongly recommend you make a prior booking.
Mobile from Australia +62 81338 642482 or if in Bali dial 081 338 642482
Email : putu.sanjaya30 @yahoo.co.id allow a couple of days for a reply.
I have recommended him to many BTF & friends for the past 5 years and all agree he is 'not an in your face' person. You can relax with him & not worry about what is 'up his sleeve' as with many drivers. He has a AUS Std Child Seat, Seat belts, ultra clean Toyota Kijang & a great esky that if you ask he can fill with water, soft drinks & Bintang for your journey.
He knows all the local shopping haunts and takes good care of your bags. He supports a young family & is an owner/operator so he drives with care and treats his vehicle like a diamond.
I enjoy having him do airport pick ups. Whilst a few Aussie dollars more for this service it is better than a Taxi Queue. Just email me for a small brochure I did up for him a couple of years back - happy to send. He goes beyond the brochure 'tourist trail'.
Spa/Beauty Treatments
I must thank Hillary for the recommendation of a little gem in Werkudara ( Three Brothers Lane).
Perfect location if you don't want to spend a fortune & your staying at Puri Raja, Melasti, Jayakarta or Kumali Pantai
Its A new Salon MUTIARA Beauty Salon & Spa.
Contact is : Putu Gunawati 081 353 167900 or 0361 2753237
Its only a few metres past the Kusnadi Hotel on Left Hand Side but before you hit the Courtyard Hotel which is on your right. Its not 'right' on the road. Once you pass the Kusnadi Hotel & a few stalls keep an eye out for a drive way. A motor bike shop with Vespa Scooters adjoins.
The salon is very clean and has a western toilet. They do everything here and a very reasonable price.
More to come