In Reply to: For your first visit, though, posted by Fiona on Sunday, 26. February 2012 at 12:19 Bali Time:
As it is a bit overwhelming when you first get there, I find it would be so much better to go with someone that could show you the ropes. If that can't be done staying at the "Bali Garden Hotel" ( the dynasty is more for family's as they have a kids club and much more expensive than Bali Garden)is a ideal spot as we went with teenagers last time and they loved the hotel with Centro next door( big shopping center), lots of shopping in aircon. Water Bomb across the road, and turn left out of the hotel and just a short walk to markets and Kuta Squire where you will find the Matahari (a other big store with fixed prices.), so you can work out how much things cost before you attack the Markets.
My favorite time in Bali is May and June as there is a sea breeze around which I need with the heat so much better and it is still low season so still cheap Flights.
Hope this helps.
Have a great holiday.
Cheers Tina M.