This is my first JBR.
I have enjoyed reading them so thought i would add my own.
We went to Bali this time for my 40th Birthday. There was 10 of us initially, catching up with 2 others over the 11 nights we were there.
First impression after being away for exactly 2 years was the amount of road works and construction going on. The airport carpark is being expanded, so it takes a little longer to get to the hotel.
We stayed at the Ramada Bintang. Previously we stayed at the Bali Dynasty and we just loved the Dynasty, but due to the number of people coming we with us couldnt get in there. The ramada was a little tired... we had the family room with a king bed and 2 singles, not much room for privacy! our room had a view of a little grass and beyond that, some more construction - our original room which was supposed to be next door to the other family we were travelling with wouldnt be ready for another 4 hours, so we just took this one. Their upsell was it was closer to the pool. we were still a fair way from the pool and my other friends were up 3 floors and on the other side of the complex. there was only 1 telly in the room and it was tiny! yes i know we didnt go for the telly, but the kids flick it on as soon as you come back to the room and it was a box.
OK - so we all went to dinner...The Green Garden Hotel was a hit last time and still was this time - we ended up eating there about 3 times.
Sat 24th - my actual birthday... we went and swam with the dolphins in Sanur - this was the highlight of everyone's trip. This was my 6th time to Bali and i had never heard of it before. Thanks to trip advisor and BTF, we booked months ahead. there is a good 3-4 weeks wait if you try to book there. Our dolphin and trainer was awesome and the kids just wont stop talking about the experience.
For dinner that night we ate at the Boardwalk restaurant - food was OK, the position was very good on the beach.
Sun 25th - Waterbom park...another excellent day out with the families. We bought our tickets on the street and saved a few rupiah. the place was clean and tidy and well run.
Mon 26th - Bali Safari Park. We also booked this online with our Driver Sanny from Sanny Tours - he picked us up and organised our Rhino package - Cost $99 USD adults $89 kids - definately worth it. we went 2 years ago and didnt pay as much, but it was so much better this time as Sanny and his brother stayed with us the whole time, guiding us through all the different shows and photos and even carrying our stuff when necessary. Just another Awesome day.
Tues 27th - Day off.... so we did the usual stuff, plait your hair, paint your nails, massage, shopping etc.
Wed 28th - Halo tours bike ride - another awesome day. we were picked up from our hotel at 7am, taken to see how the coffee beans grow, with coffee and chocolate tasting. Then up to Kintamani for breakfast. after breakie, we started the bike ride... as promised it was 90% down hill. we had a bit of rain along the way, but the kids in the villages and the informative guides, made it just so magical. The ride was about 22km, but with 4 kids and 5 adults (not fit ones) we all made it very easily. After the bike ride we went back to the guides house for lunch - it was so nice to see how they live in the compound - just beautifully renovated after being in the family forever.
Thus 29th - day off again. Just hung around the pool drinking cocktails. we had our complimentary theme dinner - Roast night. not sure if this was the source, but my husband and my girlfriends husband had some stomach cramps that lasted a few days, needless to say they both lost weight! Me, the girls and the kids were fine. My husband has been to bali 5 times and never got sick, both the boys ate a bit of everything, so maybe that was the problem.
Friday 30th - more of the same... pool, beach, shopping. dinner at Garis Garis - another favourite of ours. we also dropped 3 big bags 68 pieces of laundry at a local place call Tude Laundry - what a bargain at 125,000 rupiah.
Sat 1st Oct - grand final day. We were supposed to meet everyone at the Stadium Bar Kuta, but it was just way too busy for us, and they wanted an entry fee - no thanks! We ended up at Sun Island hotel, were we had front row seats and the kids were free to move around. Too bad the pies lost, but at least it was a great day. The last of our friends left back home to Melbourne.
Sunday 2nd Oct and the boys were still not feeling the best - as they say on the singlets "suck it up princess" LOL. i was eating and drinking enough for everyone! More shopping and walking... we really enjoyed Poppies lane 1 and 2.
Monday 3rd Oct - the kids got another tattoo and some more hats, sunnies, tshirts, movies. more pool, cocktails and reading.
Tues 4th Oct - last day. we got our laundry done and packed our bags. we used the VIP room at the ramada after our 6pm check out. we were the only ones in there, so not so bad. we had transfers pick us up at 9:30 and headed to the airport for our 11:55 flight.
Good bye bali... we always enjoy our time there, but i think we will be trying Malaysia or Vietnam next time.