This short trip was for my brothers 50th.
Left Perth on Sunday at 11.00am with AA. Flight 15 minutes late on departure and same on arrival - didn't make up any time. Cleared VOA and immigration within 10 minutes and met our driver outside. Stayed at the Bali Court Hotel and Apartments (again) in Legian. Love this small hotel for its convenience, staff and price. I always ask for a ground floor room which opens straight out onto the pool area which is lovely.
Myself and my husband had one room and my brother shared with my father. My father likes this hotel as well because there are few stairs he has to negotiate when he stays on the ground floor. The onsite restaurant, The Hot Mango, always has delicious food.
Meals:
dinner at the Tropical Warung, was okay
dinner at Tekor. Food was excellent. Husband and brother raved about the fish.
Birthday dinner at 69 (Old Lanai). Again all good.
dinner at Gateway to India, very average. Chicken was knobbly, however the fish curry was the best dish we have had there
dinner at Kumala Pantai, this was terrible. Not sure if it was what we ordered? Father had calamari and it was inedible. I had ribs, pretty bland. Brother and husband both had pizza which was also underwhelming.
I had lunch with my father at Sheppys and he said that there calamari was the best that he had ever eaten - and let me tell you he eats it at almost every meal.
Shopping
Did a little bit of shopping. Went down to Geneva. I noticed that their prices are sometimes higher than what you can get at the the other small shops. Got some running shorts and tops from Yanthi's. All around 50,000 rp.
Had a canvas seat cover made for the rear seat in our car - so the dog doesn't damage the seat. Also a canvas cover for our air-conditioning unit which sits on the roof. Total cost $120 aud.
Spas
Had the best ever pedicure at Pips. They really know their trade.
Also a massage at Mossane ( Jl Werkudara). Don't be deceived by the shop front which is not flash. The 2 sisters that give you the massages here are amazing. Not your standard rubbing but lots of poking, prodding and getting right into the muscles. Costs a little bit more at 150,000 rp but definitely worth it.
The exchange rate was generally around 10,250.
Weather was hot but with an occasional shower late afternoon. Nothing that kept us indoors. Some of the sunsets were clouded over, but still pleasant on the beach. Bintangs on the beach were 25k each.
Bintangs still available in the minimarts.
No heightened activity around the execution time.
Streets very quiet, but there still manages to be a traffic jam most nights.
Back to Perth Friday on the 9.00am AA flight. Arrived 15 minutes early.