Arrived home Tuesday night after a great week in Bali with my 17yo son.
HOTEL: We stayed at The Santika Premiere in Tuban. I had heard good things about this hotel and it lived up to expectations. The staff, the service, the room and especially the breakfasts were amazing, I would definitely stay there again.
RESTAURANTS: We ate every night at restaurants in the Tuban area. Febris, Green Garden(2), il Cielo(2), Daddys Cafe and Boardwalk. All served good food and the value for money was excellent. We ate twice at Green Garden to saviour the delicious sate sticks again and twice at il Cielo because my favourite cuisine is Italian and they do it very well at this restaurant.
ACTIVITIES:
Paddy Quad Bike Adventure - This was a great morning spent laughing and crapping myself in equal measure. A thing I would definitely do again. Although the 2 hour trek to get there was a bit tedious it was worth it.
Monkey Forrest Ubud - I wasn't that keen on going here but my son talked me into it and I'm glad he did. These little guys were fascinating, the way they interacted, fought and played. The performance in the water hole was brilliant and hillarious, it was like watching kids play but I think the monkeys were better at it. Wood Carvers - Very interesting and great selection of quality wood carvings.
Ubud Markets - Worth experiencing but very crowded (stalls). Some nice stuff on offer but you have to wade though the usual Bintang singlet merchandise to find it.
Barong Dance - Our driver explained the fascinating story behind the dance before we got there which made the performance more meaningful and enjoyable.
Sukawati Markets - Just another market, lots of paintings along with the usual fare.
Sanur Beach - Sunday family day (locals) at Sanur Beach.
SHOPPING:
On our first full day in Bali we walked from Seminyak to Tuban via Melasti,Legian, Kuta Square and Art Market and found the street vendors were very persistent and annoying. I can understand they are in a competitive environment but they just made us walk on when they came the hard sell. We bought most of our "Bali" stuff (T Shirts, singlets, sunnies etc) at Dianne Shop opposite Green Garden restaurant. My family and I have dealt with Dianne many times over the years and cannot recomend her highly enough, she always gives you 'best price' without the bartering. The bartering is fun but it gets to you after a while. Matiharis has improved heaps both in merchandise and service handy for extra underwear etc.
Went out to The Galleria Shopping Centre and bought a couple of pairs of shoes at the Bata Shop there is also a Music/Book Shop that had some good stuff. Great place to shop away from the hussle and bussle of the tourist areas.
We flew both ways from Perth with Virgin, both flights were very comfortable. I paid for flexi fares and would do that again because it gives you the option of selecting your seats prior to checking in, it also gives you priority check in at both ends, in flight entertainment and food and drinks.
Already planning my next trip.