Newcomer's Report

by 

Betty

February 2001

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Bali itself - rainy season or not, we just returned from what can easily be called the best experience so far in travel (other than the jet lag - ugh!!). Bali is a wonderful and peaceful island but full of amazing contrast that attacks the senses at every turn. Peaceful countryside and crowded city side by side. Traditional dress worn much of the time, even when riding the crowd of motorbikes that stream down the narrow roads. Fruits that we have never seen (or smelt ļ) before!! Try the snake fruit - my personal favourite.

Club Bali Mirage - we had difficulty finding information on this resort before arrival. I know there are many who nay say all-inclusive resorts but I have to give this one two resounding thumbs up. It is small (only 98 rooms-a third of which are currently being renovated). The staff there is obviously happy in their jobs and many have been there for quite a few years. As one gentleman explained to me, he liked working in a smaller hotel as the guests became like family. That is exactly how we were treated - like family. The beach was good, the water warm and the people friendly - for many of us that is all we ask. To have topnotch food and service on top of all that was fantastic. The resort is just below the Grand Mirage and right next to a large Temple. It is not in the enclave area of Nusa Dua and I'm not sure I'd want to be down there. The staff there have a custom of giving you a flag waving send off when you leave that makes you want to turn around and come back again - as many people I'm sure do - and I can understand why! Bonus was the 'happy hour' at the Thalassio Spa at the Grand Mirage where our group experienced the aqua medic therapy for one hour at $15 US per person - only available at that rate on Mondays and Thursdays between 6:00 and 8:00 PM but well worth the money. Ask about it when you get a chance.

Scam artists - hanging around the beach area of the hotel was a 'gentleman' and his partner praying on new comers - giving the impression they were with the YoYo diving centre connected to the hotel. I'm all for free enterprise but these folks were just plain dishonest. Don't say maybe to anyone trying to sell you anything - they take it as a promise that you will. Remember the word no and say it firmly and politely - no, thank you and most people will leave you alone. I should add that the Diving Centre connected to the hotel was fully ensured and run very well by a group of friendly young men who were obviously at home on the water.

Shopping - Not too keen on street hawkers particularly in the Kuta area where we found them particularly pushy to the point of rudeness. In Lovina, when the beach hawkers realized I seriously did not want to buy anything accepted that and sat with me to talk. Business is slow this year they tell me - think some of that may be a result of the American Travel advisory that does not separate Lombok and Bali from the rest of Indonesia, as the Canadian Advisory does. Best shopping was actually across the street from the hotel - both in price and quality - just up the street about 2 blocks was what we referred to as the fixed price store - with great prices on just about everything and no haggling! Just above them was a little internet shop with four computers - I could use the internet for $250 rupiah per minute - less than $1.00 Canadian for 10 minutes.

Handmade leather goods - try Ramadan Tailor and leather shop across from the Club Bali - about 1/2 a block north towards the Grand Mirage. Really good prices and he custom made a pair of leather dress sandals for me about $21.50 Canadian. (I have very hard feet to fit!) Many of the Brits we met while there had ordered dress suits and shirts through him and were please with the quality of workmanship, the prices and the fit of the clothes.

Money - you can take Canadian or British Pound or whatever but many of the high end stores do price things in the US $ and when you ask what the price is in Rupiah you lose on the exchange - moral - don't shop in the high end stores - the qualtiy is just as good with the local made goods.

Would I go back to Bali? Yes - but the time it takes to get there can be a trial. Would I stay at the Club Bali again - definitely!!