Won't bore you with ALL the details just a quick rundown of what we did.
Flights: Party of 3 on Jet* early flight from Perth, was ok and comfortable enough. The excitement of going on holidays always seems to make one be more tolerant of any unforseen dramas.
VOA and Immigration was fast, no long queues and baggage collection was just as quick. Flight home was uneventful, I read some and napped but the 20 min exit from plane to taxi rank outside was a huge bonus!! I love it when you have nothing to declare!!!
Accommodation: Champlung Mas Hotel, requested rooms in the old section and offered upgrade to 2nd floor of the new hotel. No thanks.
Turned out to be a good decision as there were a lot of complaints made about excessive noise from guests at breakfast. Some say they heard yelling and screaming at 4am and furniture being moved all thru the night. Didn't affect us, we were tucked up in bed with the gorgeous gardens around.
Eats: Had some great meals and had some shockers! The usual good fare at Sheppy's, Uncle Norm's, Garlic Lane, Poco Loco's, Blue Sky, Echo Beach Cafe and my favourite, Mozzarella at the Magani.
Found a local Warung which had the best baked whole fish ever, Warung Kartini, behind the 4 Seasons Hotel. So cheap as well.
High tea at Biku is always pleasurable, best to book ahead.
The shockers may surprise some, we had previously eaten at the Thai place in Melasti before and couldn't fault it but this particular time is was God-awful. The service was haphazard, 3 main meals came out with entrees and the other 3 meals didn't arrive. It took 1 hour and 5 mins before they came out and that was after the bill had been delivered to the table. What the???? Nothing seemed to go right that night and it had to happen when we recommended it highly to our friends who were dining with us. A big IF? we go again.
The other was the little place called Under the Mango Tree in the laneway between Legian St and Lebek Bene. Table of 7, some meals were unedible and one just didn't arrive at all. Such a shame too as it looks so pretty all lit up at night. Also the staff still tried to charge for the missing meal. Go figure.
Trips: Overnight trip to Lovina staying at Villa Agung, a comfortable stay and food was good. On the way, picked strawberries, stopped at Monduk Falls and Banjar Hot Springs, both gorgeous spots. Looked around Sinaraja with driver, Mr Dolpin. Saw the local cold springs swimming hole and met his parents in their home. Ate lunch at the Aditya Hotel restaurant, very nice Indonesian buffet for 100,000Rp p/p.
Exchange rate: Between 10,400 - 10,600Rp
Weather: Absolutely beautiful - mild temps, not too hot or uncomfortable. Light rain on the last day.
Highlights and Finds: Meeting the lovely charliebalibear and husband when they came to hotel to collect some donated clothing.
The cooking class at Legian Paradiso Hotel. Cost is 180,000 + tax p/p for an hour in their working kitchen. Donned with hat, apron and jacket we made vegetable spring rolls and choice of chicken noodles or fried rice. Great fun.
We celebrated 2 birthdays, a wedding anniversary and good times with other friends who flew in at different times. Met up with others from previous years as well. I shopped only a little and spent most of the time swimming and relaxing by the pool and just watching life go by. Went to the beach several times to see Sammy & Suzy at sunset. All in all a great relaxing much deserved holiday.
Hope you enjoy reading my JBR. Cheers.