Won't bore you with all the details just latest info and highlights.
Flight over with AA was good. Sitting in row 1 definitely has it's advantages (more legroom and one of the 1st off!)Bussed from tarmac to terminal and Wow, what a transformation. A huge open building somewhat lacking in light. VOA was quick enough (we used USD-no fuss)then the line up for immigration about 10 mins. Once thru, to the baggage carousel and waited around for that to load about 20 mins, then the long line up for xray of baggage. Out to meet our driver in just over 40 mins, hot walk to the car and then (what seems a shorter drive now) to our favourite haunt, CPM for 2 nights.
Reason for this trip was mainly for much needed R & R in West Bali for 3 nights at the Taman Wana Villa And Spa outside Negara. Our friends, S & T stayed here last September and loved it so much, we said we'd give it a go too. What a fantastic place for peace and quiet, it's hidden off a long road and the place oozes tranquillity. The accommodation was lovely and fresh with an open air bathroom with separate shower and bath. The pool was beautiful overlooking the mountains and dam on one side and the other side of the complex overlooks the rice paddies and National Park. The staff from the GM, Putri to the young trainees were great.
We brought along our driver with us and he was given quarters to stay in, we just paid for his meals (no biggie). Having a driver allows one to explore at our own pace and explore we did!
The Negara area itself is very interesting, we saw the town and visited Hardy's (a 1st for me) and went up to Gilimanuk to the harbour, visited Buddhist temple went snorkelling at Menjangan Island. This I can highly recommend, it is just simply so beautiful and our guide was fantastic. Funny how they just happen to have a waterproof camera handy for taking pictures if we buy the DVD. OK mate, let's have one! Visited the Catholic Church and Maria Goretti Orphanage in Palasari with bulk rice and other bits purchased from Hardy's. Even though we didn't make an appointment, the Sisters were still very accommodating for a late Saturday arvo visit.
Outside Negara is a place called Perancak where there is a Man named Komang who runs a turtle conservation place, it is worth a visit and the kids would love seeing the small turtles and release them into the ocean. Unfortunately, it was not the right season for that. I believe September is a good time. With all this behind us, It was time to head back to Legian for another 2 nights before flying back to Perth. I immediately noticed the high noise levels and heavy traffic congestion once we were back.
Some retail therapy at Matahari's and lunch at Little Italy soon fixed that and it wasn't too long before I was back on track but I did miss the quiet. The next 2 days we spent lying around the pool and relaxing, eating way too much and generally having a good time.
AA flight home was a nightmare. Leaving at 0125am is the pits, airport was crowded and the Duty Free maze you walk through to get to departure gates is quite unnecessary. Lack of seating in the departure lounges is a big issue and only 3 working toilets in the Ladies but my biggest gripe would have to be the fact that there are no seats at all when you go to the boarding gate and you're left waiting so you have no option but to sit on the floor. Hopefully, this will be rectified by next trip in September.
Hope you enjoyed reading my JBR!