Arrived home yesterday after 2weeks, again a great holiday and this time we took my sister, a first timer, and my elderly mum (82yo). My sister loved Bali and is talking about a return trip next year. My mum went 5 years ago and loved it then and had a wonderful time again. I will just briefly highlight and not go into day-by-day detail. Accommodation was our villa in central Bali, both were pleasantly surprised by its quality, furnishings, the beautiful views and our lovely staff. They loved the shopping, buying up big on silver jewellery, home wares and leather bags. I enjoyed watching them spend up big, but guided them on the best places which made their shopping trips so much quicker.
We market shopped for veggies, fruit and 2kg strawberries @ 40,000rp we made fresh mixed juice every day and our neighbours kept us in supply of red papaya and bananas. We dined at Bridges and Naughty Nuri's (Ubud), Bali Bakery, Bali Deli and La Lacciola all top quality. Wanted to try Biku, but we hadn't booked and it was full and buzzing. Suggest if you want to go, make a booking.
We flew Strategic out of Brisbane, our only gripe was having to pay $200-excess on way out. While we were over weight, I agree, there was no leeway. Had hand luggage weighed and had to remove items to the last gram and transfer to check-in so maximum excess fee was charged. Just our unlucky day, and even after I said we had donations for orphanages, which we did, we were shown no mercy and it only made the smart little upstart's resolve to charge as much as he could greater. Coming home was a different story, and while we were very careful with weight the Balinese check-in lady said we didn't need to worry, it didn't matter if we went over. She was so lovely by comparison.
Meals were good and flights were on time, but I'm unsure if I would travel with Strategic again as we really prefer to leave from Sydney, although their day flight times suited us this trip.
We had a few massages in villa, and reflexology in Ubud at Bugar Sehat Reflexology, a recommendation from this forum, thank you. Hair treatments, scalp massage and I had a hair cut at Johnny Andrean in Centro, very happy with cut and cost.
Went to Taro, mum at 82yo went on an elephant and said it was the best thing she had done in a long time. Managed to get on and off ok. Also the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, Tanah Lot, Sanur and my sister had a visit to Dr Gigi in Denpasar, for a crown, said she saved $900- on that alone, was very happy with price and service. I went on the flying fox at Restaurant Rekarasi opposite markets in Bedugal, I don't like heights and almost freaked out going up the obstacle climb to reach the launch deck, but I really enjoyed the challenge and though the 100,000rp charge good value for this activity, which is similar to Treetops but probably not as difficult.
It was rice planting time, and our guests loved watching the locals plough by old method, and watch the rice planting. They were amazed at the speed they can plant and would time them planting a paddy. It was great to hear the comments through a new persons experience.
We will probably be back for Christmas/New Year for another couple of weeks, again I will take giveaways, as I just love those smiles on those beautiful deserving and gracious faces.