We've just recently returned to Bali (kid-free!) after a 10 year absence holidaying in other parts of Asia - Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam.
Our journey commenced poorly with our friends at Jet* canceling our direct flight out of Sydney - after a prolonged wait in the queue we were finally allocated a seat on an alternate flight via Darwin(we had booked *Class as a treat but alas we were allocated the last 2 seats on the flight and separated to different areas of the aircraft)...at least we were on a flight unlike many other people that were left stranded in Sydney.
This episode was quickly forgotten when we arrived in paradise (the arrival tax was a surprising new initiative since our last visit!)and whisked away to our accommodation at the Padma in Legian.
We had stayed at this hotel 10 years ago with our kids, but there has been a huge transformation since our last visit. We had a lagoon access room in the refurbished wing... our room and the facilities around the lagoon are outstanding...nothing like stepping out of your room and into this beautiful pool surrounded by tropical gardens and waterfalls before breakfast or for a late night dip! We loved everything about the Padma...cleanliness, service, breakfasts, staff and wonderful location.
Prior to our arrival we had planned a number of activities including a cycle tour, cooking class and a visit to Lembongan Island, but guess what....our days comprised, lazing around the lagoon pool, dining at the local cafes/bars for lunch, an afternoon pampering session at the nearby massage establishments, late afternoon drinks at the Padma's Sunset Bar or down on the beach for a couple of Bintang's before heading out to a restaurant for dinner...12 days of "same same" and we never tired of it!
Places of interest...restaurants, massage, shopping etc:
Restaurants
- Mozzarella (both restaurants - JL Padma and there is also a sister restaurant on the beach....just walk out the back entrance of the Padma onto the road (no vehicles) turn right @ 150M)
- Lemongrass (JL Melasti - excellent Thai)
- Drops (JL Padma - excellent nasi goreng, mee goreng)
- Wayan & Friends (JL Padma....good place for lunch....calamari and Indo meals were fantastic & cheap!)
- Sandpit (on the beach opposite the Bungy Tower @ 10 mins walk from the Padma toward Double Six - excellent grilled seafood and amazing cocktails....watch the sunset with your feet in the sand)
- Wali Warung (JL Padma Utara - good Indo food)
- Warung Asia (JL Double Six & JL Taruna....little bit awkward to find but worth a visit....best pad thai ever and incredibly cheap!)...there is also an Italian style restaurant (can't recall the name...but we dined here on a Sunday evening when Warung Asia was closed) on the corner that serve fantastic pasta and wood fired pizza
- Rumours in Seminyak (outstanding value and service in a contemporary setting...the desserts are to die for)
- Sarong @ Seminyak (this was our splurge night out...outstanding ambience with excellent cocktails, food was over-rated and expensive)
Massage
Rumah Santai (JL Padma Utara) around the corner from the Padma opposite the Legends Bar. Wonderful massages (ask for Made for a really firm massage or an excellent reflexology session)....the hot rocks were also amazing...very relaxing, clean and affordable but it pays to book.
Shopping
- the many markets around Legian (Ketut located on Garlic Lane for fixed price goods....no hassle/bartering)
- Seminyak for a diverse range of fashion and household items
- Prescription Specs...Mata Optometry (Padma St)...50m down from the entrance of the Padma...whilst he provides prescription glasses we only needed reading glasses...we picked up several pairs including magnified sun glasses in designer frames (@ $40/pair)
Beach Bar
Whilst we have previously visited S&S on the beach we were implored by some friends to visit Ketut's Bar which is next to S&S (please don't criticise us, there were plenty of punters at S&S each night). Ketut is a terrific and hospitable host with a number of regulars partaking in the beautiful sunsets with an icy Bintang and beer nuts
Our 12 days in Paradise has reminded us of just how much fun Bali is....we love the people, the food, the amazing atmosphere on the streets, the weather (even when it's raining!)....it's such a great value for money holiday
We'll be back and won't be waiting another 10 years!