Was going to do an HNR while at Candidasa but ran out of time, as you do on holiday.
Anyway arranged transport for SIL to airport and our transport for Sunday with a bigger bus to take us and all our bags fullof our new summer Bintang branded wardrobe with the same driver, it appears that drivers sit opposite all resorts in Candidasa so transport is never a problem.
Spent day sitting around pool at Bali Palms resort and lapping up the rays. Saw SIL off at 2pm and booked tea at Le Zat. Wifey continued to get through the cocktail list until our transport arrived to Le Zat. Tip to virgins to Candidasa book your table for tea and will get free transport to and from your meal.
Anyway Le Zat was by far the pick of our meals in Bali, setting is priceless. The whole time from pick up to drop off was magical and well priced, best squid we had on the whole trip. Tips for staff and driver was in order for a great evening, lovely beaming smiles at my generosity added by excess Bintangs.
Saturday we decided to use our driver to go to Ubud to the Monkey Forest, so the Grisswalds less one, went off on a day trip. Nice to see and only $3 each for entry. Driver took us to a warung, was not a good choice, can't remember the name but looks like many of choices in the area, shouted lunch for driver as well. Back to Candidasa after lunch to the respite of our pool and happy hours.
Booked dinner after advice from this forum at Watergarden and I had the steak as recommended, however we were not very impressed with our meals at all. Service was ok, the head lady seemed like she had a bad day but I did find the black rice pudding lovely. Maybe we got it on a bad night and there was potential.
Anyway back to resort and had a few drinks for our last night in Bali. Made sure the duty free bottles were emptied, partially packed and off to bed for another great nights sleep.
Next morning was a stunner, always the way when you are leaving but we had arranged for a 4pm pick up and booked one of our 3 rooms for a late check out, wifey getting good at morning price bartering and got room at a good price so 15yo and I went off to buy some nick nacks and souvenirs at fixed price store next to grumpy's bar. Of course I didn't think I had enough Bintang singlets so more of them as well. 15yo was getting hot and grumpy so one of the few times a man is yelling motorbike I said yes. After some swift negotiation 50 cents was the price and I shoved her on the back and off they tooted down the road. Not once did I think about travel insurance it was a pleasure to see my baby being whisked off by a strange man on the back of a yamaha and no more moaning about how far she had to potentially walk in the heat.
I walked back cause I ain't crazy enough to get on the back of a bike.
Back at Bali Palms we had a late lunch, final Bintangs and driver arrived on time for our transport to airport.
Passed a funeral procession, driver asked us to give him 50 cents which he gave to a member of the party walking with the body, he did say it would bring us good luck so can't wait for this Saturdays lotto draw. Driver took toll road and asked for the fee which was $1 so no problems with that. Dropped off at airport, driver did ask for a tip, but I had given him a pkt of smokes so I said that was it. I am really glad I didn't give him any more as I found out later he told SIL on the friday trip it was $10 for the toll road, so as far as I am concerned he got his tips on that trip. I won't name the guy but all I can say is just be really sure on what you are paying drivers for.
Check in at airport was great no hassle, nothing like arrival. A little negative for me was all the duty free shops were in Ozzy $'s, I thought I was still in Bali.
Food at airport was back to reality price of all other airports and quality was about the same.
Flight back to NZ was great (row 3 again) heaps of leg room so slept for most of the journey to Brisbane. 1 1/2 hour stopover in Brisbane then back in NZ by 1115am Monday morning.
Not a bad day considering although 14 degrees, was sad to be home but also pleased to be back in little old NZ, home of multiple rugby trophies.
Found my car and left carpark with a few Bali toots, got some sideways looks from fellow motorists but what the hell I was home.
Some tips highlights and lowlights:
Baleka in Legian great location, clean, good breakfast, good staff, handy to many restaurants etc. We had a 2 bdr apartment which was big and sat over the pool. It is a 3 star hotel but they are trying very hard and it is at 3 star prices so don't expect the hyatt. 8/10
Made Marlina has to be the best female driver in Bali, she is a gem and recommend her to anyone. 10/10
Bali Palms resort a location and pool to die for, staff are 1st class and if you never been to Candidasa you are missing a lovely part of Bali. Again Bali Palms is 3 star resort at 3 star prices, but for me they punch well above their rating and price 10/10.
Candidasa driver, he was a little shady, but did a good job, just careful on what you pay for 5/10.
We had $105 US (which we got in Oz) for VOA and was so easy.
Buy milk at circle k store or similar cause coffee creamer doesn't do it.
Best meal Le Zat by far
Worst moment none.
Best moment all the memories we have of Bali.
I hope some of our points and tips help other bali virgins like we were prior to this trip. This forum gives you so much information and tips, so use them and ask questions. Not all of them you will take on, but there are some very good ones.
PS We will be back (no longer Bali Virgins).