We have just returned from 5 days / 4 nights. Mum, Dad & 15yr Daughter. Way to short but better than nothing! Only fitted in 1x hair creambath and 2 massages! Did our share of trying to boost the ecomony with Bintang drinking.
Exchange rate was around 8700. The banks, and a lot of the 'shops / market stalls' were closed for holidays. Some stalls had notices saying that they would reopen 5/9.
Weather was quite cool in the morning and evenings and pleasant / not too hot during the day. We live in Darwin and the weather was similar. There was a few people complaining it was hot however the pool was hardly getting used!
Walk along Kuta beach, one way to Discovery and another time to Legian was pleasant with hardly a humbug. Kuta beach was packed with people and I have to say it was so clean! No rubbish in the water or on the beach! Even the pile of burning rubbish that has been there for ages was gone.
Stayed at a often mentioned about place between poppies. Cheapest place we can find for 2 bed / 2 bath apartment with brekkie and WiFi included so we keep going back. Dissapointed we missed seeing the 'show' as described in an earlier JBR. hehe!
Ate at the usual places: Lannai, Blue Skyz, Breeze, TreeHouse, Swells, Baroque and Boardwalk. Found that many of the places have changed thier menus since our last visit back in May.
Went to Bali Orchids for a look. Cost 100,000Rp per adult and 50,000Rp per child entry which included a guided tour. We bought 3x orchid flasks, (glass containers with around 20 baby plants in them) to bring back to Aus and paid extra for a certificate to show customs. We were asked to show the certificate at the airport when leaving Bali but Customs in Darwin said they were fine and they were not interested in seeing the certificate.
Went walking down to Discovery to have dinner at the food court and it was closed for renovations.
On the way, while walking past Oceans 27 pool, we saw a lady calling out to her child in the pool. Just as we realised she was getting quite upset at no response from the child a guy lept straight into the water and lifted her out to her waiting mother. After much coughing and spluttering and spewing up water the child was ok. Thank goodness!
We have a Simpati sim card to give away. We did think about keeping it for use next time but without it being topped up it won't last till our next trip in November. I am happy to post it if anyone wants it. No credit on it but you will be able to top it up when you get there. First in first to get it. Email open.