This trip was 4 of us, my daughter and the Bali (and overseas) virgin boyfriend who went for 2 weeks and myself and partner who went for the 2nd week they were there.
And thanks in part to help and advice from the forum it was another wonderfully funny, yet relaxing, family holiday.
As others have said, travelling with a first timer to Bali is such huge fun. You go back to places you haven't been in ages and get to see that person become as infatuated with Bali as you are!
Flights all with Air Asia and generally no problems, though 45 minutes late on the return flight.
Rate on average rp10,000 to the dollar. Weather was great and only a little rain.
Hired a scooter for $4 a day to zip around and explore on in the mornings.
Bali seemed very quiet to us, everyone was complaining. Even the more popular restaurants had tables available.
Accommodation at Kusnadi hotel again, which has become our favourite. We love the staff, the pool area, the gardens and the poolside meals. There is also an excellent poolside massage hut. For the location it is very good value.
The kids (even though early 30's I still call them the kids!) did lots of tours the first week before we got there - White water rafting which was the highlight due to the scenery, buggying, and the Safari Park.
During our week there we did 2 day trips with a driver - the usual day trip to Ubud to see the Monkey Forest, the markets and on the way home a visit to Tanah Lot for sunset. Made a visit to BAWA to give some donations my daughter had brought with her. They are doing some wonderful work with the animals in Bali. Had a fabulous lunch at Murni's Warung, with drinks and 2 courses about $20 p/p.
The 2nd trip was to Munduk and the waterfall, with a stop at Bedugal for lunch and the Candi Kuning Markets. Lunch was at the buffet place across the road from the lake - $8.50 p/p, Good value and a constant turnover of fresh food. The waterfall is very beautiful, the only problem being the slippery and steep climb back out in the humidity and heat.
We also hired a driver to take us to the Rock Bar at Ayana one evening for sunset. Word of warning - the drive took an hour and a half from Legian because of the traffic problems being created by the road works. Still, the Rock Bar is amazing and worth at least one visit in your travels. The view, the cocktails and the hotel are beautiful. Prices are reasonable considering it has been voted one of the best bars in the world, and still cheaper than Perth by a mile. And on the way out we were able to watch some of the Kecak Dance being performed for buffet guests. It was entertaining but much prefer to see the performance at Uluwatu.
We are not much for shopping, but did manage to get some great repairs done! Took the partners motorbike seat from home as it desperately needed reupholstering. Quote at home was $185. The motorbike hire fellow near our hotel took it in to Denpasar for us and brought it back within a day looking better than new for $35. Well worth the money as we didn't even have to drive around and organise it! Also got a new strong zipper in our blower vac bag for a few dollars! Partner had a great new leather belt made across from the hotel but not sure how much he paid.
Our favourite past time is dining out which we managed to accomplish very well! Had some wonderful meals at the following restaurants:
Mamasan - still my absolute favourite! Just love the style of cooking and the amazing flavours. And at $60 per person for 2 courses each (we all shared entrees) plus a cocktail and 2 glasses of wine each I think it is the best value anywhere. The snapper dumplings are incredible! You can now purchase Will Merrick's new cookbook there. I was fortunate enough to purchase a signed copy as a gift for a friend.
Echo Beach - went on the Sunday night for the BBQ dinner and to watch Crazy Horse band. Took a driver with us and got there early in time for sunset. The place became absolutely packed. About $20 each for 2 courses and drinks. The highlight of the evening though was when what we thought was some silly older Aussie getting up to jam with the band (and groaned!). But, he slicked his hair back, put on the dark sunnies and announced the first time he sang this song was 40 odd years ago and launched into ' Eagle Rock'! Yes, it was the Boss, Ross Wilson himself! Lots of happy customers, including my partner who I am convinced is his biggest fan! Ross graciously posed for photos with the punters and the band, making for one very memorable evening.
Ku De Ta - Had Sunday brunch here. Such outstanding value for money - could not fault any dish. 2 of us had the full breakfast, I had the crab omelette which was delicious, and one had the eggs Florentine. Again, about $20 per person including juices and bottomless coffees.
De Ja Vu Kitchen - Beachfront near Zanzibar. Very good tapas menu and open late, with reasonable prices
Ultimos - Consistently great food and unbelievable prices. 2 course dinner, mainly seafood, with cocktails and a bottle of wine for around $50 a head. The duck ravioli is still one of my all-time favourites dishes.
Warung Ocha - still a great cheap lunch option on Jl Legian - around $5 a head for good fresh food
Tekor - back operating again and looking really good. It is a lot more open now and less cluttered. Same good food and service. The Ayam Betutu was amazing, and a huge serve. 2 courses with drinks about $25 per person
Potato Head - Had a really good lunch here. Service is a bit hit and miss but the food is very good and the view is wonderful. The fish and chips with a prawn cracker coating are delicious! And my partner had the wagu beef burger which he swears is the best he has ever eaten. Nearly made a rookie mistake and ordered myself a punch cocktail, until my daughter pointed out that it was a bowl full and cost nearly $70!
Sardines - first visit here and was recommended by a friend for my daughter's birthday dinner. Set in what seems a rice paddy it is absolutely beautiful. All the meals were excellent apart from my entrée of soft shell crab with papaya salad. The salad was inedible due to saltiness. Tried to return it but had not a lot of luck with the waitress understanding me. The comfit of duck and the Babi Guling was sensational. 3 courses including wine and cocktails, and complimentary amuse bouche was about $65 a head.
Biku - had a lovely lunch here. The warm curried fish salad was divine! With a couple of drinks each it was less than $15 a head. This was probably one of the busiest places we went to. Such an interesting place to eat with some wonderful characters around if you enjoy people watching.
La Lucciola - popped in for a cold drink on one of our bike rides. The fresh fruit granitas are so good! Couldn't resist sharing a bruschetta of sour dough bread with avocado, feta, cherry tomatoes, shaved parmesan and rocket, and it was delicious.
Cocoon Beach Club - had our last night dinner here. View is quite good depending where you sit. The service is five star and impeccable. We shared a seafood platter for 2 which was excellent though it lacked the wow factor for us compared to some of the other places we dined at. About $60 a head including drinks.
We caught some great bands too, including Crazy Horse, and Saharadja at Sante Fe. The Vida La Loca (think that is the spelling) next to Tekor has a really good samba style band too.
Daughter's boyfriend got an amazing tattoo done at Bali Shadow for a very good price. Their freehand artwork is quite amazing.
Didn't go to any spas but had an alarming experience at the hair salon next to Kusnadi. Been going there for a few years with no problems. But went in there on the Friday for a wash and blow dry and it was like the faulty towers of salons. The hairdresser gave me the most brutal of washes ever - cold water and kept pinching my scalp. Another lady in there was getting blow dried when the power board blew up and smoke and sparks started billowing out! She ran out the door and scurried back to her hotel with dripping hair. The next lady came in for a blow dry and straightening and the 'hair dresser' caught her hair in the motor of the dryer. The poor lady screamed out in pain and shock, yelled out and demanded that her hair not be cut to loosen the dryer. As she said this the hairdresser was quietly cutting away the hair behind her back. At this point my daughter and I made a hasty exit before blood was spilled!
Hope I haven't waffled on too much. More than happy to answer any questions. Until next time.......