We flew out of Perth, my DH and I, on Air Asia, had a good flight over and through voa and immigration quite quickly. Seems to be less busy in Bali at the moment. Not a big queue for a taxi, 65,000rp to the KP.
We packed light this time, only 15kg between us,6kg of hand luggage and a small backpack with medication and books. We are off to Cambodia and Vietnam shortly so thought this would be a good trial run, and yes, surprise srprise, we managed really well. Also packed our gear in plastic storage bags and found it to be a good tip especially when not staying in one place very long.
We stayed three nights at the Kumala Pantai. First time in the new block and had a good room SG11 which was on the second floor and right at the end (or the beginning) of the block which meant we had no noise from the building going on. Great to catch up with Eric, Desu and Wayan Sri at the KP Restaurant. Had a pizza there for the first time and thoroughly enjoyed it. Had a meal at the Blue Ocean next door which was pretty ordinary and at small places within walking distance. Caught up with Nyoman at Nirvana in Seminyak (opposite Ultimo) He is such a lovely person and always have a really nice meal there. Neil, the boss, was in hospital with dengue fever, so yes, it is prevalent.
Didn't do much shopping - DVD's,shampoos, deodorants, Krispray (makes ironing so much easier and nice smell) loads of Autan and Soffitel mozzie repellant, a little sundress and top as was so hot and humid. DH got a new belt, that was all he wanted. We had lunch opposite the Discovery Mall at Bamboos, and decided I did really need the little bag I saw at half price so had to dash across the road and get it. Otherwise we sat on the beach and watched the young ones learn to surf. Very windy one day and we got quite burnt. Got the obligatory watch from Harry on the beach and a massage at the KP and then it was off to Ubud.
Stayed at the Nefatari Villas (15 minutes by car from Ubud) for five days. We were a bit taken aback by the big grey walls surrounding the villa and the corridor to get there. Our daughter had stayed there previously and loved it but said there was plenty greenery on her walls. They are in the process of renovating.If you want total isolation exceept for the staff, this is the place. We enjoyed having a large pool to ourselves and made full use of it. We spent a full day "at home" swimming and just lazing, reading books. DH read three books while he was there, most he has read in a long time. Just total relaxation. Afternoon tea is served at whatever time you want and was delicious. They also have a small restaurant at which we ate on the first night, no one there but us. A small menu of Indonesian food which was very tasty.
We spent an afternoon at friends in Singapadu. First stop at Wayan Sri's place to see her new little boy, then to her sister's place and then on to Mum's and sister-in-law Nyoman. Jill and Tony, Wayan Sri said to say hello. Nyoman has just built a new house and the craftsmanship that has gone into it is amazing. Cost a lot in Bali but even more in Oz even if you could find the craftsmen. The Balinese people are so friendly and welcoming and we so enjoyed our visit.
Had a day out with a driver took us to an art gallery and I succumbed to buying a painting, first customer, special price but DH really liked it so that was ok. Then to the waterfall, holy springs, on to Kintamani where we had lunch and then to Green Land where we did the coffee tasting including the Luwak coffee (courtesy of the Mongoose). Ugh, not our cup of coffee and we paid 50,000rp for the privilege of tasting it. Bought some lemon and honey tea which was lovely and had no trouble with customs. We have been to most of these places before but still enjoyed our day out. We had intended to go to Margarana but the locals seem to think not much to see there except a large statue so we abandoned that idea.
Cafe Wayan is our favourite eating place in Ubud and didnt disappoint. The staff are so friendly and seeing it was our last night, we were given a complimentary dessert. Also ate at Clear on Hanoman Street and Taman Curry Warung on Main Road
Last day, the heavens really opened. Havent seen so much rain in a long time. Decided to have a massage at the villa and then it was off to the airport to catch the 3.50pm flight. Nefatari include pick up and return in their tariff. We had an hour and a half in the Prada Lounge so made use of it. Smooth flight home, baggage came through very quickly and quick through immigration and customs. Customs told us this is the flight to come home from Bali on as another two flights due in half an hour. Hope I havent bored you but we wanted a really relaxing trip before we have a busy one in a few weeks.