Left for Bali on 1st September with Garuda from Perth at 8.00am with
husband, 2 sons aged 10 and 6 and my older sister. (Fourth trip for hubby,
sister and me, but first time for the boys.) Flight left on time and arrived
ahead of time due to tail wind. Waited in line for about half an hour, found
luggage then booked two taxis to Dynasty in Tuban.
Had Premier room 842, which is on the 3rd floor and would recommend to
anyone who ends up with this room to move. It is on top floor with hotels
aircon unit right above it. Boy does it make some noise (rattles and squeaks
and shakes and groans). We complained the next morning after very little
sleep and were told they were fully booked and nothing could be done.
After the next sleepless night we awoke in the morning to find the
manager had got us another Premier room on the 2nd floor. I tell you it was
so peaceful in this room. Finally a full night's
sleep (bliss).
The weather was strange, very grey skies but only rained on one day for
the morning only. During the whole 8 days only 2 days were clear blue sky,
so my tan is a big flop.
We ate breakfast over the road at Daddy’s Café, which we found to be
cheap and nice. One morning we felt like trying something different so went
to Copa Café next door but was not happy with the undercooked bacon so it
was back to Daddy’s for the remainder of the holiday.
We also ate at:
Taman Legian Garden. That was nice and quite cheap.
Pizza Hut. Only for the kids sake (I think it ‘s better tasting than back
home).
Jimbaran Bay. Went to Sharkies after seeing it recommended on the forum
and did not think that much of it. Was a busy night there with all tables
full, but fish and prawns came out burnt.
Went to Poppies and had Garlic Prawns which are to die for, and the
toilets there are a must see (very clean with a little garden).
Kin Khao is a nice Thai Restaurant with average prices.
On our last night went to La Lucciola as recommended by a girlfriend.
Quite expensive but a lovely setting and food was very nice. The Lime
Granitas were fantastic but only if you like things a little sour.
Highlight of my holiday was the look on my boys’ faces. I could almost
read what was going through their minds. Another was the day we went to the
Bird and Reptile Park in Ubud. What a beautiful place with the most awesome
walk-through aviaries. There were some great photo opportunities with birds
placed on your head and arms. At the Reptile Park, the most amazing snakes
in size and colour and the walk-through lizard section, was also good for
photos while holding a couple of Iguanas .You can sit down next to the
Monitor lizards and huge Komodo Dragon.
We also went to Waterbom Park and got discounted tickets through Daddy’s
Café of 20%, so we ended up paying approx $100 Aud for 3 Adults and 2 kids.
Was a great day and the BBQ corn was excellent.
Hit Ramayanas Dept store in Denpasar, which I think is better than
Mataharis and was driven there in a light blue taxi by a guy call Ketut
Bagiastra. He is married to an Aussie gal and speaks great English and has a
fantastic sense of humour. He was desperately trying to get my hubby to go
fishing with him because he had no one to fish with. This was at no cost but
unfortunately we had already made plans for that day.
With advice from this forum we also went to Tootsies in Sanur. It was
lovely to stock up and know how much to pay for any other items at other
markets. I did however, find a lady at the Kuta Art Markets who must have
liked me because everything I asked prices on, was the same as Tootsies
prices (and this was not a fixed price shop). So, I went back to her for
everything. Even on my last day she was trying to give me a free t-shirt.
Had my fingernails and toenails painted for 20 000 and you can buy nice
soft fabric shorts (kind of feel like suede). We paid 25 000 for kids, 30
000 for ladies and 35 000 for men’s. I think they are great value and are
really comfortable. Wish I had bought more now, so will have to book next
holiday to go get some.
Hope my Just back has not put you to sleep…Happy Travelling
Sandy and John
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