This is my first ever JBR so hope I dont bore you. I have been to Bali quite a few times with my daughters but hubby hasnt been since 1993 (enjoyed it but never wanted to go back) so we decided that his 70th birthday present was a family trip to Bali. Picked up at home to find friends sitting in the car (thought they were coming to see us off) but their suitcases there too. Surprise No 1 they are coming as well We stayed at the Kumala Pantai for 6 nights and enjoyed it, although the old rooms (and towels) need a bit of TLC . The drawcard is the friendly staff (Desu, Eric, Wayan Sri and Budi) and the old pool as it is so shaded, and it is fairly quiet and still central. Jillie, Wayan Sri is not pregnant and looking forward to seeing you in Sept. Hubby saw such a difference but wasnt too keen on the hustle and bustle of the streets. We were disappointed that some of the taxi drivers tried to cheat us. Dont mind giving a tip but one wouldnt put on the meter until I told him to stop the car and let us out. He said fixed price I said some Indonesian words to him that the son-in-laws had told me meant no money and didnt he let me have it. Apparently I had said rude words although I still have to find out whether that is true. He put on the meter then and fare was under 6000 rupiah as not very far. We got out of the car and laughed and laughed but I will never say those words again until I find out what they mean. My son-in-laws might get a clip around the ear yet!!! Our daughter organised dinner on the Sat night at Nirvana. We all had such a good time and cant speak highly enough of Nirvana Just great. They sent two cars for us, no problems. Surprise No 2 Friends from Esperance and cousin from Scotland at Nirvana when we got there. We knew the cousin was in Bali but no idea about the Esperance friends as he always said he would never go. He loved it so now a bali convert along with our other friends as none of them had ever been before. Nirvana's meals were excellent, reasonably priced and a complimentary birthday cake was given and when the cake was finished, underneath was a beautiful decorated plate with Happy 70th Birthday Charlie, a lovely souvenir. There were about 22 of us and all given separate bills, just no trouble at all, At the end of a great night, the owners drove us home so we can definitely recommend Nirvana. Hubby had a wonderful night he wont forget in a hurry. We also went up to Alam Shanti at Ubud for a couple of nights and had the Shindu Room. We had a lovely time there and hubby tells me we are going back and staying longer as was just lovely. He enjoyed it so much Very quiet, restful and loved afternoon tea on the patio.We ate at Cafe Wayan which we enjoyed and for some reason we were given complimentary dessert. Also had a meal at Leke Leke. We had a trip up to Bedugal which was great, the scenery is just magnificent and had a really nice buffet meal enroute. As for meals elsewhere we just ate at different little restaurants and all food good. Used Janoko Tailors, not that impressed and also used little tailor next to Kodak shop near KP and he did a very good job making pants and a blouse and also did alternations on some gear we had brought over (I'm not much of a sower.) Very quick. I think it a hit and a miss with the tailors. Had shoes repaired at Budi Tailor opposite Kodak shop and all done well and quick. The cousin from Scotland was on his honeymoon and was staying at the Banyan Tree Resort at Ungasan so we had a trip out to see them. Absolutely beautiful place (beautiful price too) but as he said a once in a lifetime for them. The apartment was just like a showhouse, own pool and spa and overlooked the ocean. The place is so big need a golf buggy to take us round to the restaurant. Lovely food, very high class but hubby says the Alam Shanti will do us. Also it was very isolated and need to take taxis everywhere but was lovely just to say we have been there and had dinner. Had the usual massage and treated hubby to his first massage which he said he would never have but enjoyed it so I see next time i come to Bali will have to take him too. We just used the KP for massages as convenient and were pleased with them All in all the family had a great time even tho the two littlies (4 and 7) both fell in the pond at the KP and came out covered in mud on their last day. They used our room as we were staying an extra day so the staff must have been wondering what we were doing with all the muddy towels we left. The rest of the family all did different things so maybe they will post a JBR too. Thanks forumites for all your information I hope I havent bored you too much
Val