Returned home to South Africa on 16 April 2010 after vising Bali for the first time. Will definitely be one of many, many more visits to Bali!
VOA was quick and easy - one of my worries before we left for our holiday. It took less than 10 minutes to get through.
Stayed at the Grand Istana Rama Hotel in Kuta. Staff were super friendly and we had a great stay. Right on the beach and the afternoons/evenings spent in the pool and pool bar were unforgettable. Met some really nice Aussies during "Happy Hour" - which is an absolute bargain as it starts at 15h00 and only ends at 18h00. Made a mental note to never drink another Long Island Iced Tea as long as I live! Thanks Jasmini - you mix a mean one :)
Spent a lot of time in the markets - Poppies I and II are fantastic. Got some real nice bags (Jimmy Choo), Oakleys and some clothes at good prices.
Had more than one great meal at The Balcony restaurant - Jl Bene Sari, Legian. Be sure to stop there for anything from a Cheese Burger to proper Indonesian Cuisine. A definite must visit restaurant where all the surfers seem to be hanging out too.
Another great restaurant we stopped at, in the same road as The Balcony was Chasers. Proper wood fired pizza with the most original toppings ever! Was another favourite for me!
Took a tour to Tanah Lot, which is just breathtakingly amazing. Visit rice fields in Ubud and the sacred monkey forest too.
Had fantastic weather. It only rained one afternoon. Rest of the time we just had evening showers.
Visited the Bali bombing memorial to take a moment and remember what happened there. Then off for more shopping at Discovery Mall and Kuta Square.
Spent a day or two just lazing on the beach. Was driven absolutely mad by the locals trying to offer massages, fruit, manicures and pedicures. Made some friends with some of them and bought a few bangles and bracelets to support them as well.
Bought some DVD's at a shop in Poppies. Buy 10, get 4 fee! Left with more than 30 DVD's. Even though they promised they were good copies, it seems a few aren't that good. But still, works out so cheap that it was worth the purchase in the end!
Aaah, how I miss Bali already! Was a fantastic time and cannot wait to return again. The nightlife is absolutely amazing and bustling all the time.