I have been to Bali many times but this is my first JBR - I am writing this because I so enjoyed reading JBRs whilst planning our trips. Please bear in mind that these are just my experiences - others may differ. We only had a week's break so just a short trip.
Flights - Garuda. I had booked our flights some time ago on special $500 pp return from Sydney - happy with that! I had no trouble with the website. Could not fault them, they were on time, the plane was roomy, entertainment units and visa/immigration done on board. We got off the plane and walked straight through to the baggage area. Added to that that our baggage allowance was 30kg with 7 kg of hand luggage.
Denpasar airport - bit of a shemozzle at the moment but I know they are working to make it better.
Hotel - The Magani. We chose this hotel because we were aware that it was Schoolies in Bali and wanted to stay somewhere a bit quieter. The hotel is new, the deluxe rooms are a nice size, clean and well-appointed for the price. The hotel staff (many of whom have been trained at the Niksoma - same hotel chain as The Magani) are delightful and cannot do enough for you. My only disappointment with the hotel was that like a lot of new hotels it did not have that 'Balinese feel'. In addition we found the Mozzarella restaurant in the hotel a bit 'hit and miss' some dishes were ok but others badly prepared and presented. We also found the menu a bit limited. We basically avoided eating at the hotel other than breakfast or for a quick snack with a drink. I will say though that whilst we were there they had 2 for 1 cocktails which were great. On the whole it was a very pleasant stay and I would recommend it at the price.
Restaurants worth a mention:
The Bistrot - Seminyak. This newish restaurant is a great addition to dining options in Seminyak. The décor has a vintage feel about it and unlike a lot of other restaurants in the area the tables are not crowded together. The scallop and watermelon salad entrée was delicious and my steak was cooked to perfection. The wine list was good. The complimentary bread and 'amuse bouche' of chilled carrot and ginger soup were a nice touch. I would definitely return.
Mamasan - Seminyak. This was definitely my husband's favourite restaurant of the trip. In fact we had to return a second time for their Lamb and Pumpkin Pot sticker Dumplings - Yum!! You need to make sure you have a booking because it is deservedly popular. The Thai Fish Cakes were tasty and spicy and we also enjoyed the Crispy Lamb Ribs with Corriander, Ginger and Pomegranate Sauce. My dessert was a cream brulee coupled with an afrogato - very nice. Their wine list was good if a little expensive and their cocktails were great. I tried the Thai Thai with citrus vodka, vanilla, Thai basil and home make ginger beer - it was good! This one is a must on our next trip.
Ultimo - Seminyak. This is a reliable favourite. I must admit that the tables are crowded together and but value for money this place is great. We always request a table out the back because we just find the front of the restaurant a little too frantic - depends on what you like. My pasta with lobster was yum and their house white at around 45,000 per glass was good quality and I thought good value considering the cost of wine at other restaurants. We will always have a least one meal here.
Café Jade Legian. I know this restaurant has the reputation of being very slow but we always find it worth the wait for the flavour of the food. This little restaurant is tucked away in the garden of the owner and cook Sri. Her Salt and Pepper Prawns are delicious and her Black Pepper Crab was the best. Sri's serves were so generous we struggled to get through all the crabs she gave us. Fantastic for the price - but make sure you are happy to sit, relax and have a drink whilst waiting for your food.
Gusto Caffe & Gelato - The Umalas. We got a taxi after shopping for a quick gelato and coffee here and were not disappointed - their reputation for their gelato is deserved. I had a dragonfruit gelato and even though it is out of the way it is worth the effort.
Coffee Corner - Melasti Street Legian. What can I say - great cup of coffee and I am a coffee lover! Across the road from the Magani hotel so I could get my daily fix. Great café food as well.
Shopping:
As I said we have been a few times before so we did not need much, we did the usual - Centro, Matahari, Beachwalk, Geneva etc. I picked up a lovely Fossil bag in the Fossil shop at the new Beachwalk shopping centre. I also bought Martha Tilaar skin care and makeup on the second floor of Beachwalk at their Spa - they had a great range at the same price as Centro. We also had a leather jacket and leather bag (backpack) made at Merry's Leather on Padma Utara - excellent quality and the backpack was copied exactly - my daughter is very happy with it.
Normally I visit Tommy's Leather in Padma Street and can always find a handbag that I want - this year I was disappointed with bags in stock. I thought that in years past the selection has been much better. This is just my personal observation - please don't shoot me down.
Anyway I have probably rambled on too long - all I can say is that whilst Bali has certainly gotten busier and the traffic was gridlocked a lot of the time (1.5 hours to the airport from Legian) we will return as we always do.
Thanks for reading.