Flew with Strategic Airlines Brisbane - Denpasar, a brief stop over in Darwin for refuel on the way there, and direct one the way back.
The arrivals hall was the busiest I have ever seen it.
This is my second time to Bali this year, earlier in February we were in and out of the airport within half an hour, this time it took more like one hour, of course we changed lines at one stage and then ended up being like the last ones out of the airport.
Our first stop was Ubud Bungalows. The traffic from the airport to Ubud was crazy, again worst I have ever seen it in my 12 or so trips to Bali.
We did arrange transport, however they were not there as we were delayed so we just jumped into a taxi.
Check in went very smoothly, our rooms were lovely and such value for money.
I felt it was not as hot in Bali this time either.
Went for dinner at Coco Bistro, highly recommend. Greeted with a cold towel, great service and food and reasonably priced. Just up from the markets.
Whilst in Ubud we did the markets, hired a driver for the morning from our accomodation, enjoyed spa treatments (highly recommend Royal Bali) and dined out heaps.
One of my fav places is The Kaf, great little cafe and very popular, so pick your timing well to ensure you are lucky enough to get a seat.
On the Saturday night I had prebooked a table and transport to Laka Leke. I highly recommend this place.
The transport arrived early, which suited us fine. We were greeted at the entrance with flowers for us all, and given the best table in my opinion at the front of the stage in our own little hut.
This was a special dinner for us to celebrate dad's 60th birthday and he really enjoyed the Frog Dance.
This is the second time I have stayed at Ubud, and I found this accomodation so relaxing and peaceful. You would not know you are on one of the main roads in Ubud. I feel so safe there, and within Ubud itself. The locals are so friendly, I hoped on the back of a few bikes feeling completely safe at all times.
At breakfast it was so relaxing just watching the scenery and the squirrels playing in the trees. Also most of the times I had the pool to myself.
From Ubud we headed to Kuta, stayed at Green Garden Hotel. This is a great little hotel which I highly recommend, however I do hope in recommending it that I can still secure a room when I need it as it is becoming so popular now, it was fully booked when we were there.
In Kuta did the normal things, shop heaps, eat heaps, massages but did not get to enjoy many sunsets due to the afternoon showers.
We did see sunset at Tanah Lot one night.
We experienced a mini earthquake on our first night in Ubud, and a huge downpoor which flooded the streets of Kuta that made for a long journey home one night from Gloria Jeans to GGH.
It was an experience and have the photos to prove it too.
Restaurants - Un's in Poppies Lane 1, this was my second trip here and will make an effort to return each time. Free welcome drink and starter, great service and atmosphere. Reasonably priced.
The Boardwalk at BGH - always great food here and a lovely view of the beach.
Enjoyed many others but these were the Stand Outs.
I always visit Bread Talk daily, my favs are the bread and butter pudding and the chocolate coated wafer sticks - gosh I could go one now.
Hope I haven't bored you all too much.
Thanks to you all for the advice and recommendations which definately helped make my trip more enjoyable.
Can't wait to return to my fav place in the world.
If you have any questions at all, please feel free to ask.