Going to Bali for the first time last January 16th was fantastic. I kept the journey just under a month. I figure this canuck's extra long flight starting in Vancouver via HK was long enough. Prior to leaving on the journey, I loved reviewing this forum for the best travel tips and valued opinions. I started my visit in Sanur. Yes, slower paced area, but myself in my mid 40's and new to the country proved a blessing. I pre-booked a few nights at Griya Santrian, wonderful place and great place to start (my sister and now husband stayed there 7 years ago and loved it). I then looked for some budget type hotels in the area. I ended up staying at Swastika Guest House and cutting across the street each day over to Bonsai Cafe and the beach. I truely believe the coldest beer in town and wifi by the bar. I must say I loved this place and the people who frequent were friendly. The bartenders and staff all worked hard and would remember your name each day. I found most places along the beach served good food. Mona Lisa Cafe was another gem of a place located in what I call central Sanur. Again the staff were wonderful and food never a dissappointment. I always find when unsure of a place or country, try to talk to a fellow traveler. Well I met an interesting gentleman from Western Australia the staff at the hotel called "Papa John". I met him one morning, while having breakfast. If memory serves me right, he stated he'd been to bali 46 times and I think a fast paced 81 year old at that. He pointed me in the right direction for drivers and hotel options in various places and all the advice in the world.
After feeling confident on some choices, I booked a driver named Marty and headed to Lovina Beach. Once arriving in the Lovina Beach area, Marty took me to a place called Karina Beach Hotel. I ended up staying 5 nights in a well equipped bungalow facing the ocean and the areas black sand. Although garbage is present everywhere along the water and it appears the area almost filters the garbage that flows in from the rain filled rivers in land, I STILL loved this place. The locals all greeted with smiles. I don't thing I've smiled that much in my entire life so far!
Colin was the owner of Karina Beach Hotel. He was an expat from the U.K who greeted me while having breakfast. I enjoyed our daily conversations and he also mentioned of places to eat and places to go see. His family was wonderful and staff very eager to help and chat. The place is very quiet due to the season (Lovina Beach), but I enjoyed the walks and nightly live music entertainment along the narrow street by the beach. After an e-mail to Marty, he was picking me up the next day and taking me to Ubud. Again I trusted Marty's advice and he took me to Ala's Green Lagoon. Now I figure Marty gets a cut from each place he takes me to, and if so, I don't have a problem with it. A person needs to make a living, and he never steered me wrong yet. I was getting nervous while walking to this future place, wondering what it would be like. As if sitting right in the middle of the rice fields. The owner Nyoman Merthayasa was there to greet me and show me the room. They were in the process of adding an additional room, making a total of 8. My trip was going into the third week and I was amazed of all the wonderful places I stayed at, and this place was as good or better. No A/C or TV, but the veranda over looking the rice fields was outstanding. The room had marble tile, carved wood ceiling, raised bed and a stocked fridge with beer and such. I was in heaven, and each morning when waking up and venturing on the veranda, Nyoman's staff would see you and deliver breakfast to your room. Now I figure life is pretty good right about now. You can walk endlessly to the north of Ubud and explore the rice fields and outer communities. I spent days walking and exploring town. I spent 1 week in Ubud and needed one more to gain an appreciation of the place.
Well, my final week I went back to Sanur. I did a day trip to Nusa Lembogan, which was way too short, and on my final day I got Marty to take me to Kuta Beach for a few hours, lunch at Jimbaran Beach, and then to the airport.
Whether it's the "Island of the Gods" or "Island of Smiles", I have found a new place to go. I see why Papa John has been here 46 times! This canuck just booked his flight to Bali for trip number 2, January 15, 2012. Don't be surprised if you see me sitting at Bonsai Cafe sipping a cold one. Cheers and I'll be looking for new places on the island to explore this trip, any ideas? Thinking maybe Gili T also?