Flew Jetstar from Melb to Darwin then on to Denpasar great service could not fault. So quick to clear customs our friend & driver Safari met us and took us to his home to see his family before heading off to Java for his holidays and then to our accomodation for the next 10 days SARI BUNGA (Double 6)This is our 1st time staying here normally stay at Kumala Pantai but after 8 trips we needed a change. Great BUDGET accomadation rooms are basic and clean, the beds comfortable bathrooms nice and fridge but no kettle, The staff were very friendly and warm and breakfast waqs basic choice of Indonesian or toast and fruit of eggs.Has balcony but not private as people walk past to get to thier rooms. Only swam 2 times in the pool while we were there as we must be getting a bit soft in our old age and felt the water was a bit cold. Most nights just slept with the ceiling fan on instead of the airconditioner.
Did not have 1 bad meal while we were there. Ate at WARUNG TROPICAL numerous times great food and fantastic entertainment especially ARIK STONER. Also LEGENDS great food and entertainment with CLICK and The Yellow Band and ELINE and her lovely voice. Also ate at Goodies, Zanzibar, Kumala Pantai, Seaside, Tommy's (Salad and Cornbeef roll, Corner Pub and several more around the area just to many to mention.
Hired a scooter (Yes we ride here at home) hired from Putu from Kodak shop, opposite Ramada also got all our money changed here as we have dealt with Putu for many years and know he is honest. Payed 30,000 Rupiah per day and we were more than happy with that price as it was good for him. Police out in full force at one stage just pulling westerners over. We got pulled over 3 times, twice in a couple of hours and once booked for going down 1 way street (our fault) and fined 60,000 as that was all we had in our wallet. Also went to Doctor Rudy for our annual Dental work. Spent a bit of time in Tuban loved the area just so quiet to compared to Legian.
Well to sum it all up we had a good time but we feel that we wont be going back to Bali for several years. The reason being Bali did not give us the same feeling as it has for the past 8 years. Legian was just so busy and with all the extra people that are there the roads and footpaths are just to busy and congested.The big buildings that are getting built are spoiling the beauty and all the extra bars on the beach are making the beach look so cramped. And when Double 6 gets knocked down and high rises get put in its place it is just going to make it more expensive for accomodation. We also feel Bali is outpricing itself as you can see the rise in accomodation and alcohol in recent years, Although compared to Australia it still is good value, but Bintang is the same price as beer here.
We flew to Phuket with Air Asia, no compaints good service spent 10 days here and it was 3rd time (1st time we hated it but went with a different view and didnt compare it to Bali)) to Patong. Absolutely loved it great value for money, being low season stayed in beautiful resort with pool access room for $65 aus per night great value. Flew home with Strategic Airlines also great service. We felt we got more bang for our buck in Phuket than Bali.
Thanks for reading and this is our opinion on our trip and the way we feel not everyone will agree but thats life and the way we saw it.