We are a couple in our late 60's and 70's and are frequent visitors to Bali.
Flight
Perth to Denpasar. Air Asia's 04.50 am flight meant a very short sleep before leaving for the airport. Plane wasn't full, and we had 3 seats to ourselves. Pre-ordered Nasi Lemak a bit too spicy at that time of the morning (what was I thinking), but pancakes with maple syrup very enjoyable. Quick airport exit, taxi, and at the Bali Pearl Hotel in Jl Arjuna by 9:30 am. Thankfully, our room was ready for us.
Bali Pearl Hotel (4 nights)
We love this hotel, having stayed there for 10 days in November. This time we had a downstairs room which was still very private because of the lush shrubs in front of our patio that faced the pool. The patio has a daybed , a small table and two chairs. The bed was very comfortable, the bathroom partly outdoors, and there was plenty of cupboard space. Breakfast in the beautiful surroundings of their restaurant was good as always. location is superb for shopping and eating, as it is only a short distance to Jl Legian and taxis to Seminyak and Kuta. Free wi-fi.
Sanur Beach Villas (10 nights)
After the hustle and bustle of Legian it is always a pleasure arriving at this tropical heaven. I have lost count of the number of times we have stayed here and enjoyed the company and hospitality of Ron and Irma. Since our last visit there have been major renovations to the pool and surroundings. The rooms are freshly painted, the fridge is large, and the orchids magnificent. Breakfast, included in the room price, is delicious, and nothing is too much for the staff. Even though you're in the southern part of Sanur, staff in reception will call you a taxi and within minutes you can be at Hardy's or wherever you want to go in and out of Sanur. Free wi-fi.
This is a short summary of places where we ate. I have added the Rp amount where I had kept the receipts.
Legian.
Warung Asia. Good, cheap food with many Thai and Indonesian dishes. Free wi-fi.
Mozzarella by the Sea. All day Happy Hour cocktails, loved the Tiramisu cocktails and the Duck Spring Rolls.
Zanzibar. A lunch time favourite. Enjoyed their Eggplant and Chickpea salad, and their Chicken Sate is great. Free wi-fi.
Bale Udang. Jl Nakula 88. Had a great evening with Tina, Trevor and friends at this unique and romantic restaurant, set around a lake. The Honey Grilled prawns were delicious. Food prices very reasonable.
Pearl Restaurant. Superb setting, food and service. Presentation is amazing. After having had a late lunch, we felt like having a light meal and instead of a main course, had a soup each. The Lobster Bisque did not look like a soup, being covered in thin dome shaped pastry casing, almost too nice to break up. Finally, cutting through it revealed a creamy soup and delicious lobster pieces. My husband had the mushroom soup, and instead of a main course, we shared the dessert platter. It is expensive, but at Rp90,000 for a soup, still a lot cheaper than Perth restaurants.
Sanur
Kesumas. Very cheap and delicious food. Their fish is very fresh, their Chicken Sate enjoyable.
Toro Toro (previously Donald's by the Sea). Same chef. Reasonably priced dishes. Lovely white outdoor furniture. We ate here several times.
Batu Jimbar. Found this at lunchtime after coming out of Hardy's on a rainy day. A bit more expensive than the beach cafes, but high standard of food. The Duck Spring Rolls (Rp45,000) and humus platter (Rp55,000) were delicious, service was quick and friendly. Nice coffees too. Large Bintang Rp32,000. Total bill, incl. serv+tax, 2x coffees, Tiramisu, Brownie, tropical twist drink, came to Rp277,200.
Cafe Luhtu. Another discovery. Situated on the beach front opposite the Inna Sindhu Hotel it is a cafe with its own bakery. Needless to say, great coffee and cakes. After visiting Tootsie's at the markets next door we walked north on the beach path past the Segara Village Hotel which appears to have been renovated. Its grounds are lovely and there is a small Japanese restaurant on one side.
Cafe Jepun. Pleasant venue with a small band. Reasonaby priced food and good service.
Caesars. Not impressed with their pizza, otherwise a nice atmosphere and reasonable prices. Would return and choose one of their other dishes.
Bali Galeria.
JCO cafe. We were drawn to the very popular donut and coffee outlet in what I think is the new section of the mall (main entrance). My Mochachino Frappe was fantastic and so was the donut that comes with the drinks. Baked on the premises, the donuts come in all shapes and colors. Total Rp48,000. Don't like donuts or want more sweet treats? pop into Breadtalk next door. Just follow those smells!
Kafe Betawi. Indonesian restaurant also in this section. In spite of its upmarket appearance, the food was very reasonably priced. The Chicken Sate and peanut sauce were the best I've ever had in Bali. Service was excellent and we'll definitely return. Total cost of white rice, 2xchicken satay, prawn crackers, small Bintang and iced juice was Rp141,900.
Shopping - Sanur
Had dresses and shorts copied and clothes altered at Made Romantik dressmaker, next to the Duck's Nuts, opposite the Gazebo hotel. Very happy with the results. A sample of the prices (our own material): tops Rp80,000 and Rp100,000, shorts Rp100,000, caftan dresses Rp120,000, slacks Rp120,000.
Bali Galeria. Stroberi. Great place to shop for granddaughters.
Hardy Supermarket. Bought Simpati Sim card on 3rd floor. Friendly service. Various supermarket items.
Tootsies. Sandals Rp50,000, ladies wallets Rp50,000.
Return flight Air Asia. After buying duty free, we went to the Prada Lounge. The food was fresh and we snacked on the mini crokettes, seafood parcels, breaded prawns. There were many families with small children in the lounge, kept amused by movies/cartoons on big screen. I always budget for this little luxury at the end of a trip.
Air Asia A320 seemed smaller than the previous plane, and there was very little space between the seats. The flight went quickly and, again, the pilot made a very smooth landing.
Another enjoyable trip. Thank you for reading.