Ok, this is probably just suitable for people who are first timers like myself.
Jetstar flight, no problems, through arrivals - phew, who are all these chicks waving & smiling?
Ah, money changers...thought I had just entered Amsterdam!
Passed them all and was met almost straightaway by our pick up guy.
What a scam that was from the Aussie travel agent, 28 bucks one way to Tuban!
We were advised being first timers we wouldn't want the hassle of the taxi drivers.
Off we go, almost immediately on leaving the airport - What a dump!
Certainly makes Phuket look upmarket.
It didn't improve much and 10 minutes later we were at our Hotel, the Ramada Bintang.
Had a few plans this being the first time:
Didnt want to get Bali Belly, Dengie fever, or getting ripped off.
BTW Tropical Rid didn't work!
We also didn't want to travel around on tours etc, so first 24 hours we just stayed in the hotel.
Next day we did a 2 mile walk looking for all those pubs that the bogans hangout - hey couldn't find a one, until we had completed the 2 miles!
I now realise that Bali is not full of pubs as expected.
Eventually, claimed the W Sportsbar as our base during some of the days.
Spent most of the nights at our hotel where food and entertainment was laid on every night.
Went down the main strip just one night and must admit, it livens up and then there does seem a few more drinking holes.
Only ate out twice, once at Bubba Gump, which was good, and some pizza place on the front at Legian.
Also did a taxi - hey they are bloody cheap - to Potato Head. All very nice but pricey.
Staying at a decent hotel though, I cant really see any reason for going to such a place, unless it is a great spot at night? We were there at lunchtime.
One tip, don't go with friendly guys on the street who want you to see their shop. They seem to become demonic once you get there.
Also their shops are usually sh@te and down a dodgy backstreet.
On one occasion I followed this dude down a street lined by loads of bums sat on the road doing nothing. The guy insisted I came right into the back of his shop.
I wasn't budging from my fair price and he kept asking me to move down further and further - I was expecting a trap door or something to open!
Eventually I walked out...this is where the shouting started and some of the bums in the street were then joining in with the verbals.
By the time I got to the end of the street, I was expecting to get jumped by them all, but instead this dude caught up and shoved the articles in my hand and demanded what I offered, which I gave him.
Passed there a few times since and it always seems to be the same that street with a load of bums just hanging around.
Apart from that, we now realise what a paradise holiday you can have in Bali as long as you go to the good spots and use the taxis to avoid the hasslers!