TAKE 2!

OK, I'm going to get straight to the point this time - Bali. Amazing (still not as good as Thailand though I dont think!)

I was pretty clueless heading over there so here's a few things I discovered that might help you if you're jetting off soon!

1. Trying to decide where to stay - the main tourist suburbs of Bali.

SEMINYAK: up and coming area with lots of nice restaurants, private villas and boutique shopping (great for relaxing with a partner). About 10 mins from Legian (only a $3 cab fare) and my favourite place.

LEGIAN: great beach, relaxing, quieter than Kuta but not a lot to do (only $2 to get to Kuta).

KUTA: busy and a little bit hectic - not the best if you want to relax! Lots of pubs, clubs, bars and restaurants.

2. Try and book accommodation through Wotif.

I booked an amazing villa in Seminyak for $160 a night (it was listed as being $450 on the hotel website). Go here --> WOTIF
Check out my snaps below:

 

3. Taxis

Ridiculously cheap but don’t get in without making sure the meter’s on!

                

4. DO NOT ORDER DRINKS INSIDE YOUR HOTEL.

Step out 2m onto the gorgeous beach and grab yourself a cold Bintang for 12,000 rupiah ($1.40) instead of 70000 ($8).

5. Nightlife
Be warned, Bali nightlife doesn't get going properly until after 11. If you're a Grandma like me, you'll need an afternoon siesta! Check out the Bounty, Skygarden & Paddy's Bar (on Poppies Lane).

6. Shopping here is heaven
Not only do they have great markets but they’ve also got boutiques. Check out Bamboo Blonde in Kuta and the shopping strip on Jalan Oberoi in Seminyak (hello half-price Shakuhachi).

7. Culinary delights
Most restaurants in Bali are pretty good (both Western & Indo food).

My two faves are:

SEASIDE (next to the Jayakarta in Legian)
Great location right on the beach, great value and food as good as in Australia (or anywhere else for that matter).

Seaside in Legian

Check out their website: http://www.seasidebali.com/

ULTIMO

The cheapest and best Italian going round!

You've got to have their imported Australian tenderloin with mushroom sauce. It was only $6!! The salmon carpacchio with mascarpone, rocket and a balsamic glaze is also a winner! YUM!

8. Feel like a kid again and go to Waterbom Park - around $30AUD a day.
Just a couple of pointers:

a. You CAN’T have metal clasps or plastic tags hanging off your bathers or board shorts if you want to go on the loop - I found that out the hard way.

b. You CAN get passouts so avoid the ridiculous food and drink prices and pop out to one of the many restaurants nearby.

Check out pics of the loop the loop ride (Climax) and from the lazy river lagoon (I love waterproof cameras!)

9. Catch up on reading!

There's nothing better than lying by the pool or on the beach with a cold beer and a good book. If you haven't already, give Stieg Larsson's 'Millenium Trilogy' a whirl.

If you're not a book reader pick up the DVD's in Bali. Here's the action-packed trailer for Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (the movie is subtitled by the way- it's Swedish).

I also hear that Carey Mulligan & Daniel Craig are in pole position for the American remake! I don't know if I'll be able to believe Carey as Lisbeth...hmmm.

10. At the airport

They love to rip you off! We knew about the $25AUD you have to pay for a Visa on arrival. However, be prepared to pay 150000 rupiah (around $17) per person when exiting the country (a passenger service tax).

And finally, the sun is HOT.
Make sure you use sunscreen - you'll still get a tan!

OUCHHH

After applying sunscreen every 2 hours - still bright red!

Where are you jetting off to next?


Much love xo