Just got back from two and a half amazing weeks in Bali.
First stop was K T H. Last year we stayed here with my sister and her family, and really enjoyed it so my husband and I thought we would go back and stay there again. Unfortunately we did not enjoy the stay this time and would not go back. The day we checked in the air conditioner stopped working. To cut a really long story short, after 2 nights and 5 requests later they finally told us that the motor will be replaced. Two very sleepless nights in a hot house!! Wasn't impressed that after the first night they didn't offer to change our room. Also not one apology. The impression of the place I can only describe as the red light district of Kuta. I understand people go to Bali to have a good time, which we like a drink and to have fun to, but to see 3 aussie girls 'entertain' 4 Balinese guys in there apartment at night with the lights on & curtains open for the rest of the resort to see them 'entertain' each other was just going to far. This went on every night we were there. At breakfast it was the topic of discussion on some of the families tables that were also staying there! I am so surprised Management didn't request for the curtains to be closed or ask them to tone it down. I personally wouldn't take children to stay here again.
After 7 nights at K T H we went to stay at Mara Lodge which is apart of The Bali Safari. OMG want a wonderful experience. The staff were amazing. So friendly and helpful. Nothing was to much trouble and they all knew your name!!. They really went out of their way to make your stay memorable. The food in the restaurant that overlooked the Lions enclosure was absolutely beautiful for both dinner & buffet breakfast. The pool was beautiful over looking the part of the park. We highly recommend the night safari.
From here we went to stay at a private apartment at Jayakarata. We booked through bali-flat ladies name was Zully. She booked us in room 6234 and then when I realised it was a twin room she confirmed the booking to a double room 6501. When we arrived to check it was advised that that room wasn't available! We have been moved to 6202. I asked to see the room first! Walked in and had a quick look around. It was dirty and really really old with an old couch and a bar table and bar stool and a king bed in the bed room. It was dirty and was no way sleeping in that, that's not what we agreed to. I understand these apartments are old and hence I look at the photos of the rooms before ever staying here. Have stayed here for the last 3 years in different rooms. Cut a long story short we stayed in room 6203 which was really clean and so much better than 6202. Zully said check out is 12pm. I said no we booked late check out, day of check out we were then asked to move rooms as other quests were needing this room!!! Moved to room 6300 which was OMG heaven. The owner had done soooo much work to this apartment. It looked amazing and felt like home away from home.
One day we went to visit our 2 sponsor children up near Lovina. It is such a wonderful day. Spending time with the children and also the family. Such a very professional organisation and highly recommend.
Spent a day at waterboom which was good. Another day was sent at Ubud and another at Tanah Lot.
Lots of shopping and meeting locals on the street and catching to them. They are not happy at all about the amount of development that is going on from the airport all the way along to Kuta. These 5 star resorts and pushing the Balinese people further and further out. Kuta is losing the feel that I love. Soon it will be another built up city! Still love Legian and you can still eat at the small Balinese homestays and warngs and talk to the local people. I understand people like 5 star resorts but this is how the locals feel and I agree. The Balinese people make Bali and personally I think it is sad that the true Balinese people will be pushed further and further out.