Bali - here we go again - IgoUgo Bali Journal

Breadtalk

Restaurant

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Into bread, pastries, cheesecakes and/or cakes and want something really tasty to eat you can’t go past –"Breadtalk"Yep the place is still there and still going strong...Located at the front of the Discovery Shopping Mall you’ll smell the bakery/shop before you see it. Upon reaching the shop you’ll be greeted by shelves of delicious looking pastries, cakes, cheesecakes, pizza breads and bread rolls of all types and flavours from Chocolate Gateau’s to baked cheesecakes, cheese topped bread sticks to fruit and custard tarts etc. Yum, Yummm.Everything you buy is all nicely packaged for easy carrying – there is no seating in the shop but plenty of steps and ...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on September 27, 2005

Breadtalk
Discovery Shopping Mall, JI. Kartika Plaza
Bali, Indonesia
(0361) 769796

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Sea Side

Restaurant

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This restaurant was great 5 years ago and it hasn't lost any of it's flavour.The SEA SIDE located on the water front on JI. Pantai Arjuna 14, Double Six, at Legian is a beautiful setting to sit down and enjoy a very nice meal. It’s also a nice location to hold a small wedding reception, as our friends’ did.They have a decent sized, raised, lounge area where you can sit and sip a few well earned cocktails while you wait to be seated at you table.The dress code is tidy casual and the atmosphere is pleasant and subdued, great for the romantics amongst us.The meals are of a regular size--nothing too large, except if you ask for extra, like a 500g tenderloin ...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on September 27, 2005

Sea Side
JI. Pantai Arjuna 14
Bali, Indonesia

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Corner Bar

Restaurant | "The Corner Bar"

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Yeah this place is still good. Cheap, yummy food, drinks to wash it down and friendly staff - who could ask for more.Located just of the street JI. Padma Utara, Legian Kaja, Kuta, this small corner bar/restaurant was yet another great find for a cheap, non-expensive treat, and hey, it was within walking/stumbling distance from the Puri Raja, where we were staying.The place is very popular with a large number of tourists, and you do have to be there early for a seat, as seating is very limited. The restaurant has no external walls just a roof, a low bar, and the kitchen tucked away out the back through a door, so there is ample opportunity to people-watch and amuse yourself....Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on September 27, 2005

Corner Bar
JI. Padma Utara
Bali, Indonesia

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Waterbom Park & Spa

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Attraction | "Waterbom Park"

Waterbom Park Photo - Waterbom Park & Spa, Bali, Indonesia

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Waterbom Park is an entertainment park full with water slides, water rides, swimming areas, cabanas, bars, cafes, and shopping kiosks. Something for everyone. You pay one price (95,000 Rupah each for us, because we had discounts through our travel agency), and you can spend the entire day there going on as many rides/slides as you like. There is a new thing now - you are given a electronic wristband when you get there and you can have a certain amount of money placed on the wristband for payment of any food, towel hire and locker hire - obviously there have been a few problems with thefts.If you wish to hire a shaded cabana for the day, it will cost you extra; there are a numbe...Read More

Waterbom Park is an entertainment park full with water slides, water rides, swimming areas, cabanas, bars, cafes, and shopping kiosks. Something for everyone. You pay one price (95,000 Rupah each for us, because we had discounts through our travel agency), and you can spend the entire day there going on as many rides/slides as you like.

There is a new thing now - you are given a electronic wristband when you get there and you can have a certain amount of money placed on the wristband for payment of any food, towel hire and locker hire - obviously there have been a few problems with thefts.

If you wish to hire a shaded cabana for the day, it will cost you extra; there are a number to choose from–some smaller than others–so it's probably a good idea if you have kids in tow. Unfortunately, I can’t provide the cost, as I didn’t pay for the one we hired, but I’m sure it wasn’t much. The cabanas have padded cushions where you can lie about, relaxing and watching the activities going on around you. There are also plenty of deck chairs scattered around the park for people to use.

The water slides and rides vary from a slow-speed river ride, where you sit in an inflatable tube and drift around the park at your own leisure, to faster, steeper slides, where you plunge down a variety of different slides, through half or fully enclosed tubes, around bends, down steep inclines, etc., ending up in the river/pools below.

There are three (3) new water slides that attract a lot of people - there's the toilet flush - sort of like a big toilet bowl, some other ride that sends you hurtling down a steep slide and almost of the other end and then there's the one where you are dropped from a big height, through a trapdoor to a 360 deg loop (you have to be 45kg or more for this one or you won't make it around the loop.

My personal favorite was the River Ride, which connected with the river below, where you went at a fast speed down the slide on an inflatable tube, either by yourself or with a friend, and then could continue at a slower pace around the river. The slide has a fully enclosed section that has an unexpected steep drop in the middle of it – all for added fun.

There is a good area for the kids, with different small water slides, waterfalls, water games, and other activities relating to water, and there were plenty of kids running around with happy smiles on the faces.

The main pool area is near the main entry to the park. There is a large pool with a water polo net in one area, a bar in another, and plenty of room for swimming. There is seating provided around the edges of the pool and the bar. The bar provides a large assortment of drinks, from alcoholic to sodas, and not far from the pool are the café and restaurant areas. We ordered pizzas, which were delivered to us, and we ate them while we were sitting in the pool enjoying a light refreshment. Who could wish for anything better?

Suggestion – Secure yourself a deckchair as soon as you get into the park by placing a towel, book or item of clothing on it – they get taken quickly.

All and all, it was a great day, and anyone single or with kids would enjoy it. Read Less

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on November 23, 2005

Waterbom Park & Spa
Jalan Kartika Plaza
Bali, Indonesia 80361
+62 361 755 676

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4 Days on Nusa Lembongan

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Cave - Nusa Lembongen Photo - Bali, Indonesia

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We spent 4 great nights on the quiet, tranquil island of Nusa Lembongen – well with the exception of the dogs barking, the geckos grunting and the cocks crowing at different times during the night – during which time we did the following: -We went for a stroll along the path that links the beaches together – the path follows the shoreline and runs all the way from Mushroom Bay through Song Lambung Beach – where we were staying - and Coconuts Beach to the main beach at Jungutbatu. In one of the resorts at Song Lambung Beach we discovered a spiral staircase that took us down to a cave in the rocks – the resort was closed and the bar in the cave hadn’t had any activity for some time....Read More

We spent 4 great nights on the quiet, tranquil island of Nusa Lembongen – well with the exception of the dogs barking, the geckos grunting and the cocks crowing at different times during the night – during which time we did the following: -

We went for a stroll along the path that links the beaches together – the path follows the shoreline and runs all the way from Mushroom Bay through Song Lambung Beach – where we were staying - and Coconuts Beach to the main beach at Jungutbatu. In one of the resorts at Song Lambung Beach we discovered a spiral staircase that took us down to a cave in the rocks – the resort was closed and the bar in the cave hadn’t had any activity for some time.

That night we had dinner down the hill at Villa Wayan - the satay chicken with potatoes is good, the fresh fish dishes are good and the fried chips.

We spent one day walking to fishing spots on rock outcrops – a group of rocky ledges called the ‘Devil Tears’ and beaches and discovered Mushroom Beach, just around the corner from Song Lambung Beach where we were staying at.

That night we had the homecooked special birthday dinner for one of the kids that were with us - Komang made us a traditional Balinese dinner - rice, satay, veges - with all the works, including fried bananas with a beautiful sweet smoothing of some delicious sauce - great meal.

Another day we spent the day touring the island on scooters – with Komang, one of the staff at the villa, showing us around so we got to see every corner of the island – we went across the narrow suspension bridge to the neighbouring island of Ceningan where Michelle decided to go cross country on her scooter – not too much damage, a few scratches on both her and the bike -, we visited the Komang’s aunties shop in Lembongan Village, we rode the bikes through a small seaweed harvesters village near Mangrove Forest – it was great to have a look at this area, all small bamboo and thatched shacks located on the shore line - and visited the mangroves where some of us went snorkeling while others had lunch and visited all the beaches - Dream Beach had a great resort overlooking the white sandy, beach - Mushroom Beach where we went for a swim and back home to Song Lambung Beach.

That night we went for dinner in Jungutbatu Village – I can’t remember the name of the restaurant but the owner was called "Skipper" so we’ve been calling it "Skippers Place" ever since. The restaurant was located on the beachside and gave us a fantastic view of the boats, the Balinese harvesting their seaweed and the food was very nice – although after the consumption of a number of cocktails during ½ price drinks (2 hours) it’s hard to remember. On the trip back all three of the younger kids got a ride home on the guides scooter at the same time – 4 people on a scooter Bali Style – they had a ball.

We got a couple of masseurs to come over to the villa for one of the mornings to give us massages - great - even the kids lined up for one. We also spent some quiet time relaxing around the pool, having a few bintangs and a chin wag.

The final night we spent a Villa Wayan again - great way to end. Read Less

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Jimbaran Bay

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Attraction | "Jimbaran Bay Fish Markets"

Jimbaran Bay Fish Markets Photo - Jimbaran Bay, Bali, Indonesia

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One day Dale, Greg and I got up early and visited the Jimbaran Bay fish and food markets. We went out to the street and hailed a taxi – since there was only 3 of us we could – we climbed in and told the driver where we wanted to go.A note about the Bali taxis – make sure you ask the taxi driver to put the meter on – if you don’t you could be charged more than what the trip is worth as they will just make up their own price. The taxi ride to the Jimbaran bay fish markets was about 75,000Rph so the driver made us a deal that he would turn the meter of and wait for us and take us back for 150,000Rph which we agreed with – we had to get home somehow.It ended up the taxi...Read More

One day Dale, Greg and I got up early and visited the Jimbaran Bay fish and food markets. We went out to the street and hailed a taxi – since there was only 3 of us we could – we climbed in and told the driver where we wanted to go.

A note about the Bali taxis – make sure you ask the taxi driver to put the meter on – if you don’t you could be charged more than what the trip is worth as they will just make up their own price.

The taxi ride to the Jimbaran bay fish markets was about 75,000Rph so the driver made us a deal that he would turn the meter of and wait for us and take us back for 150,000Rph which we agreed with – we had to get home somehow.

It ended up the taxi driver hadn’t been here either so he joined us for the stroll around. It was interesting to see the different varieties of seafood and fish they get there – ranging from large tuna to crabs, squid and prawns. There were tables laden with fish and seafood and there were small vendors outside with their fish laid out neatly on the sand, sellers and buyers were negotiating prices for different fish, sellers were weighing the fish that were getting sold per weigh, the prospective buyers for the tuna were getting samples of the flesh before buying to ensure it was the best – lots of noise and it didn’t smell as bad as I thought it would.

The traditional fishing boats were all lined up on the shore or anchored just of it – really interesting and such a great photo shot.

What was great was we had finally found somewhere where we were to only foreigners.

Some food markets are next door to the fish markets so we had a quick look around there too. There were men processing coconuts – cracking them open, etc, buckets full of bananas, tomatoes, oranges and the like, benches covered with vegetables – boy choy, etc, herbs hanging in bunches from the ceiling and small packets of herbs, etc on tables and there were plucked, headless chocks laying in trays with their feet pointing to the roof.
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Member Rating 4 out of 5 on September 2, 2010

Jimbaran Bay
Jimbaran Bay
Bali, Indonesia

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Nusa Dua, Ulluwatu and Dreamlands

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Then it was on a day trip to Nusa Dua, Ulluwatu Temple and Dreamlands.Burhan was supposed to pick us up at our Hotel at 9.00am but because something come up over night he sent another vehicle instead – that was good of him – he could have just phoned up and cancelled the whole day. The new driver wasn’t as good at understanding or speaking English as Burhan but we managed OK and everything went ahead as planned – in fact we made sure we spoke to him a lot so maybe he could improve.First stop was Nusa Dua so the other people with us, the Wall’s, could have a look and see what was in the area as they had never been to Bali before. Nusa Dua is popular for water sports – anything f...Read More

Then it was on a day trip to Nusa Dua, Ulluwatu Temple and Dreamlands.

Burhan was supposed to pick us up at our Hotel at 9.00am but because something come up over night he sent another vehicle instead – that was good of him – he could have just phoned up and cancelled the whole day. The new driver wasn’t as good at understanding or speaking English as Burhan but we managed OK and everything went ahead as planned – in fact we made sure we spoke to him a lot so maybe he could improve.

First stop was Nusa Dua so the other people with us, the Wall’s, could have a look and see what was in the area as they had never been to Bali before. Nusa Dua is popular for water sports – anything from parasailing, banana boat rides, snorkeling, glass bottom boat rides, etc. While we were passing through the Balinese were preparing large golden bull sculptures/vessels to carry bodies/remains getting ready for a cremation ceremony – wish we had stopped to take photos.

A bit about cremations - The Hindu Balinese bury their dead in land graves until a time when they can afford to pay for their cremation. At the time of the cremations – usually there are a number of bodies/peoples remains that are cremated at the same time and the ceremonies can be very elaborate – the living relatives remove the deceases bones/remains from the graves and clean them before preparing them for the cremation – this includes creating vessels to place them in and high altars. Once the cremations have been completed the ashes of the deceased are put in the ocean. We tried to see if we could be present at a cremation ceremony, for the cultural experience, but there were none scheduled to go ahead.

From Nusa Dua we travelled to Ulluwatu Temple where we fed the monkeys and went for a tour of the temple. The people who were travelling with us paid extra for a guided tour of the place but since we had visited before we chose not to do this. Ulluwatu is located on the top of towering cliffs and is very picturesque. Great photo opportunities. Watch out for the monkeys though – they are quick to grab anything they can get their little hands on – while we were there a girl had her hook earrings removed and she finally got them back in about ten bits and another guy had his sun glasses removed. While we were roaming around the temple we met an interesting old Balinese lady selling peanuts to feed the monkeys – we had our photos taken with her – the toothless grin is always a crowd pleaser - and gave her a small donation for the privilege – she wasn’t shy asking for it if you didn’t – god love her.

Our final destination for the day was to a beach called Dreamlands. The beach had changed greatly from the first time we went there 5 years ago. A large concrete building with a bar, restaurant, surf board hire and storage, deck chair storage – all designed for the growing number of European tourists. The beach is still as beautiful as it was though and this is where the surfers amongst us got the boards of the roof of the transport and had a ball. The rest of us hired a couple of deck chairs under umbrellas - 80,000Rph for 2 seats for as long as we wanted, went swimming, for walks along the beach – the last time we were here it was high tide and you didn’t have much beach to walk on – and the small girl that was with us got her legs massaged for 10,000Rph.
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Mountain Bike Riding on Mt Ayung

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Visit to a traditional Balinese home Photo - Bali, Indonesia

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Then there was the day we ventured to the top of Mount Ayung Kintamani to ride down again on mountain bikes – what a great day for everyone of all ages – except the couple of hills they neglected to warn us about, but hey we all survived.The day started at 7.30am when we were picked up at the Jayakarta Hotel by a representive Bali Bike Baik Tours and whisked away to the Balinese countryside. Before proceeding up Mount Ayung we stopped at a small plantation that had been planted out with all the native food bearing plants from the region. It was here that we were provided with samples of different coffee and cocoa blends that are made on the site – Dale even tried Mongoose Poo coffee – they...Read More

Then there was the day we ventured to the top of Mount Ayung Kintamani to ride down again on mountain bikes – what a great day for everyone of all ages – except the couple of hills they neglected to warn us about, but hey we all survived.

The day started at 7.30am when we were picked up at the Jayakarta Hotel by a representive Bali Bike Baik Tours and whisked away to the Balinese countryside. Before proceeding up Mount Ayung we stopped at a small plantation that had been planted out with all the native food bearing plants from the region. It was here that we were provided with samples of different coffee and cocoa blends that are made on the site – Dale even tried Mongoose Poo coffee – they feed the coffee beans to the mongoose (a catlike animal) and they pass through and they make coffee from it – Dale said it tasted a bit like dirt – hard to believe that Europeans will pay heaps for a cup of it.

From here we got back into the mini-van and continued to the top of Mount Ayung for breakfast in a restaurant in Kintamani with a dining room that overlooks the crater lake below – breakfast/morning tea consisted of cakes and drinks. It is here that we choose our bikes and safety head gear, adjust the seat heights to suit – not that any height will provide more cushioning. And we’re off – some faster than others – I was usually at the back as I would stop to take photos.

The first stop was not an expected or scheduled stop it was to pick Julie and Kasey up of the road after they came off and took some skin off in the process – nice lump Julie – it didn’t stop Julie or Kasey but Julie thought Kasey would be better off in the van - Kasey is only 6, Julie is her mother and mothers always know best.

The first scheduled stop was at some rice paddies along the way. Here they stopped and gathered us around and told us all about the importance of rice and how it is planted. After the show and tell a couple of us, including me, ventured along the paddy walkways to take photos.

The second scheduled stop was at a traditional Balinese house where we were shown around the buildings – sleeping quarters, kitchen, etc – around the gardens, sheds and family animals – cows, pigs, dogs, etc and the temple/shrine. All the time we are getting a running commentary of how they live, what happens where and why – they’d probably give you their names if you want them to. The family living there were very friendly and approachable – plenty of photo opportunities here.

And finally about 4 hours after we started we coast (well some of us coast while the rest of us drag our sorry butts across the finish line) – or should I say, in my case, walk the bikes up the slight incline to the small family owned restaurant for a traditional Balinese lunch - yummy. The meal was delicious – water all round, fresh fruits, satay chicken, rice and veges. Yip well worth it. Other food, drinks, fruit juice, beer, etc was available but you had to pay for these.

Then we were delivered safety back to our Hotel and we still had time for a swim in the pool before thinking about dinner.

All for the price of 400,000 per person – great value – like the sound of it contact Bali Bike Baik Tours
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Bali Safari & Marine Park

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Attraction | "Bali Safari and Marine Park + Ubud Monkey Forest"

Who me - Bali Safari & Marine Park Photo - Bali Safari & Marine Park, Bali, Indonesia

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Burhan our driver was at the Jayakarta to pick us up at 8.30am, as arranged by phone the previous day, we were all going to the Bali Safari and Marine Park and beyond. First stop of the day was at a silver shop – a different one from the day we went to Klungkung – different driver, different shop – Dale and I bought a ornate silver fish in a frame to hang on the wall – it looks great. Someone else got an anklet.Then it was the bumpy ride to the Bali Safari and Marine Park. Everyone was busting to get here, we’d heard good things about the joint and wanted to see for ourselves. We paid the entry price of 320,000Rph for two adults – Burhan got us a better price than t...Read More

Burhan our driver was at the Jayakarta to pick us up at 8.30am, as arranged by phone the previous day, we were all going to the Bali Safari and Marine Park and beyond.

First stop of the day was at a silver shop – a different one from the day we went to Klungkung – different driver, different shop – Dale and I bought a ornate silver fish in a frame to hang on the wall – it looks great. Someone else got an anklet.

Then it was the bumpy ride to the Bali Safari and Marine Park. Everyone was busting to get here, we’d heard good things about the joint and wanted to see for ourselves.

We paid the entry price of 320,000Rph for two adults – Burhan got us a better price than that advertised – we got the transport down to the park, went around the aquarium/marine area with all it’s different species of fish – there were even piranhas – and then we went through to the safari park where the first thing we got to do is play with a baby orangutan (you can either have your photo taken with the orangutan or a tiger cub – it is included as part of your park entry fee). There were no tiger clubs available on the day we went so a little orangutan was an excellent alternative – besides Dale and I already have photos with tiger and lion cubs.

Further around the park the kids all got to hand fed elephants – they paid an extra fee for a bucket of bananas – they loved every minute of it. We made it in time to see the elephant show which includes a story about the plight of the Asian elephant and how they differ from the African elephant. From the show we ventured onto the safari bus which took us on a tour of all the rest of the animals in the park – to is a type of an open plain zoo and then, lastly, the kids were busting their butts to get to the water park and have a go on the water slides and rides (Everyone is allowed one ride on one water ride as part of the park entry fee – the rest you have to pay for).

Following the Safari Park we made our way to the Ubud Monkey Forest where we fed the monkeys bananas (pay 30,000 on top of the entry price for a few of bunches bananas) – the kids had a ball although some of the new people to Bali were surprised when the monkeys jumped up on them – and had a walk around the temples – lucky for us it was an important celebration for the people of the Ubud Temple – a celebration that they only have occasionally and the last time it occurred was 25 years ago. The temple was closed off to tourists but Balinese people in traditional Hindu dress were coming and going all the time. Traditional Balinese music was being played in the Pavilion and every statue outside the temple building was decorated. There were plenty of great photo opportunities here.

We were supposed to stop of at rice terraces on the way home but because we took so long at the safari park and the traffic in Ubud was so bad – bumper to bumper for about ¾ hour, never been this bad on previous trips, mind you I did notice that there are more mini-vans and larger touring buses now - we ran out of time.
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Member Rating 3 out of 5 on September 2, 2010

Bali Safari & Marine Park
Jl. Bypass Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra Km. 19,8
Bali, Indonesia 80551
+628176596566

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Legian to Seminyak - by foot

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Legian Temple decoration Photo - Bali, Indonesia

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On another day Dale and I went for a walk along the streets of Legian to Seminyak – via Jalan Raya Seminyak and Jalan Kayu Aya - on the map it didn’t look that far but when you’re walking it’s a different story - it’s not a bad walk actually but I do advise you to take water and to wear good walking shoes and one’s you won’t get blisters in. On the way we stopped to look at some of the multitude of shops that line the road – the prices in the shops and restaurants in this area is a bit dearer than Legian and Kuta as a lot of Europeans stay here and things are priced to suit.It’s amazing how the Balinese will use every spare block of land – in the middle of a suburban street you...Read More

On another day Dale and I went for a walk along the streets of Legian to Seminyak – via Jalan Raya Seminyak and Jalan Kayu Aya - on the map it didn’t look that far but when you’re walking it’s a different story - it’s not a bad walk actually but I do advise you to take water and to wear good walking shoes and one’s you won’t get blisters in.

On the way we stopped to look at some of the multitude of shops that line the road – the prices in the shops and restaurants in this area is a bit dearer than Legian and Kuta as a lot of Europeans stay here and things are priced to suit.

It’s amazing how the Balinese will use every spare block of land – in the middle of a suburban street you might discover a couple of vacant blocks and it has been turned into several rice paddies – that is what we found on this trek, right in the middle of a busy suburban street.

The distance back via the roads and streets was a little daunting considering how long it took us to get this far so we decided to find the beach and made our way back to Legian along the beach – wise move the beach route was a lot shorter. The soft beach sand was a pleasant change from trudging long the hard concrete footpaths that had the occasional holes that you had to dodge.

Right on the beach at Jalan Sari Dewi, Seminyak, we discovered a great restaurant/nightclub on the beach called Ku De Ta, it was great. They have huge dance parties, activities for the kids or live bands – depending on the schedule – they decorate the whole place up with different themes every week or so – when we went there it was "Alice in Wonderland" with a huge white rabbit, a huge artificial tree and large red hearts hanging from the trees outside. It is a bit expensive to go to for a special event night out - about $100US per person, but that usually includes a meal and entertainment - but free of charge during the day or any other time but you have to buy everything.
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Klungkung Water Palace and Goa Lawah Day Trip

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Goa Lawah - hand woven mask Photo - Bali, Indonesia

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Next day trip Dale and I decided we would like to venture somewhere different. We hadn’t been out to East Bali so we chose to go to to Klungkung to visit the Water Palace and Goa Lawah to visit a temple by the sea and bat cave. The Jayakarta hotel has transport vehicles at the main gates and we negotiated with one of the drivers take us on our adventure – 400,000Rph ($50AU for the whole day) not bad.And so we were off – the driver suggested we stop of at a silver shop first as we were passing through Celuk where all the silver shops are. We didn’t have a definite schedule in mind so we said ‘yes’. Dale managed to find a bracelet he liked and I found some lovely earrings. Then it was back i...Read More

Next day trip Dale and I decided we would like to venture somewhere different. We hadn’t been out to East Bali so we chose to go to to Klungkung to visit the Water Palace and Goa Lawah to visit a temple by the sea and bat cave. The Jayakarta hotel has transport vehicles at the main gates and we negotiated with one of the drivers take us on our adventure – 400,000Rph ($50AU for the whole day) not bad.

And so we were off – the driver suggested we stop of at a silver shop first as we were passing through Celuk where all the silver shops are. We didn’t have a definite schedule in mind so we said ‘yes’. Dale managed to find a bracelet he liked and I found some lovely earrings. Then it was back in the car and on to the next port of call – a batik shop not far up the road – some of the batiks were amazing and the pricing wasn’t too bad – there was a demo outside on how the batik work was done. Dale and I bought a couple of beautiful sarongs as we were going to need them to visit any temples and the palace. Note – every driver will have their preferred silver shops, batik shops, etc that they stop at – most drivers will gain some sort of benefit from the amount of money spent in the particular shops by their passengers – this is the Bali way – it’s still cheap compared to western/European country pricing and why shouldn’t they?

First stop was the Water Palace at Klungkung. This palace used to be the residence of the Balinese Royal family before colonial rule. Most of the palace no longer exists but there is a temple and two official buildings that remain on the site – one of the official buildings was used as a type of courthouse and has images of the different punishments for the different crimes painted on its ceiling panels, the other official building was used for special ceremonies and has images of some of those ceremonies painted on its ceiling panels - weddings and the like. You can pay extra for a guide to show you around and tell you about the murals, buildings, etc. Also on the site is a museum which houses some of the important artifacts from the area.

Then it was on to the temple of Goa Lawah and the sacred bat cave. Not too many tourists make it out this way and it’s great – we got to wander around to temple at our leisure. The temple had a couple of interesting items – there was a display of a handwoven/handmade Balinese ceremonial dragon – often seen in the barong dance, ornate gates and structures and the main altar is the entrance to the sacred bat cave. The ceiling at the entrance to the cave, as with the inside of the cave, is jammed packed full of bats squeaking and scraping with each other for space – not a sight you find too often – we didn’t go into the cave and you can't anyway.

The temple/cave is one of the six great temples of Bali and the Balinese believe the cave is home to a dragon which looks after the earths equilibrium.

You can arrange to pay an extra cost, on top of the entry fee, to organize a guide to show you around and tell you all about the place. While we were there they were having a ceremony at a temple on the beach – they had recently had a cremation and the ceremony was to place the ashes in the ocean and for the mourners.

On the way back from our outing Dale discovered a couple of fishing tackle shops so we had to stop for a look – he went in and I sat on the curb watching the locals, etc. Dale ended up with a new fishing reel for a lot cheaper than what he could have bought it for in Australia and I got a couple of good photos.
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Surfshops and so much more

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The Bali Terrorist Bombing Memorial - Kuta Photo - Bali, Indonesia

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First trip was a short mini tour of the surfwear shops and discount places. We walked outside the gates of the Jayakarta Bali Hotel and we found a bemo (people mover, mini-van, whatever you want to call them) that was willing to squeeze 10 of us into his vehicle. We negotiated, with the driver, a price for a trip out to a couple of the surfwear shops with a drop-off at the Dynasty Plaza at the end. We all crammed into the vehicle and we were off. The first couple of stops were at Surf Shops – not quite the bargains we were looking for but we all got out and had a look anyway, then it was back in the transport and off to the next shop – it was a little surf shop somewhere in Denpasar – this...Read More

First trip was a short mini tour of the surfwear shops and discount places. We walked outside the gates of the Jayakarta Bali Hotel and we found a bemo (people mover, mini-van, whatever you want to call them) that was willing to squeeze 10 of us into his vehicle. We negotiated, with the driver, a price for a trip out to a couple of the surfwear shops with a drop-off at the Dynasty Plaza at the end. We all crammed into the vehicle and we were off.

The first couple of stops were at Surf Shops – not quite the bargains we were looking for but we all got out and had a look anyway, then it was back in the transport and off to the next shop – it was a little surf shop somewhere in Denpasar – this is more the type of discount shop we were looking for – the driver had discount coupons for the store and the store was having a sale anyway so several items were bought and we were on our way again.

This time it was in the direction of the Dynasty Plaza – a huge western/European style, white, shopping mall in South Kuta – it’s not hard to miss from the beach. We were dropped off just outside and made our way up the stairs – Balinese stairs are not your usual stairs, the risers of the stairs often vary in height so if your knees are a bit dodgy they could be difficult to negotiate – we spent a couple of hours browsing the shops with a couple of items being purchased. Once we had a bit to eat from Breadtalk and proceeded to make our way back to our hotel in Legian via the streets.

On the way we passed heaps of shops – there is a shopping precinct in Kuta which centers around the Large Mata Hare Store and the shops are all western/European style shops but the prices are a little less -, we passed market stalls all with vendors offering great bargains and then we passed the Bali Bombing Memorial where we stopped for photos. By this time we had been walking for quite a while so Dale and I decided to stop at a bar for liquid refreshments while the others with kids went back to the hotel. After stopping at one bar we decided that it would be good to stop at every second bar until we made it back – glad we didn’t decide on every bar – might not have made it back.
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Club Bali Suites at Jayakarta Bali Hotel

Hotel | "We enjoyed staying at the Hotel Jayakarta"

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The Jatakarta Hotel is located on the beach front in Legian and is a pretty large hotel compared to what we have stayed in previously. They have a variety of rooms – we stayed in a deluxe double - $85US per night for 2, one lot of friends with kids stayed in 2 adjoining deluxe rooms - $170 per night for 5 – these rooms were in a separate building wing that was closer to the beach and by one of the pools - whilst the other family stayed in a 2 room apartment - $95US per night for 4 – the apartments are located closer to the road.The deluxe rooms have ensuites, a bar fridge, TV – complete with some English channels and the HBO movie channel and the usual bed, etc. The apartments also have a ...Read More

The Jatakarta Hotel is located on the beach front in Legian and is a pretty large hotel compared to what we have stayed in previously. They have a variety of rooms – we stayed in a deluxe double - $85US per night for 2, one lot of friends with kids stayed in 2 adjoining deluxe rooms - $170 per night for 5 – these rooms were in a separate building wing that was closer to the beach and by one of the pools - whilst the other family stayed in a 2 room apartment - $95US per night for 4 – the apartments are located closer to the road.

The deluxe rooms have ensuites, a bar fridge, TV – complete with some English channels and the HBO movie channel and the usual bed, etc. The apartments also have a simple kitchen that can be used for basic meals. They all come with balconies or verandahs depending on the level you are on. While the cleaners were cleaning the superior rooms near the pools I asked if I could take a quick look around to see what I was missing out on – these are beautiful rooms – the bed is a 4 poster with nicer linen, there lounges to lull around on, the ensuite is much large with nicer tapwear – but for about $200AU per night you would expect the extra luxury.

The hotel has 3 pools – 2 in the main area, near the main restaurant and 1 near the pizza restaurant (this one usually has the older crowd or the people who want some peace a quiet around it). There is a sunbathing deck and a bar area that overlooks the beach. There is a gym, a day spa and a massage kiosk by the pool. There are 2 restaurant areas – the main restaurant which is by the pool and the smaller beachside restaurant – this is where we went for breakfast every day – quieter than the main restaurant.

Breakfast was provided as part of the price and was buffet style – sausages, bacon, potatoes, eggs (any style – freshly cooked while you wait), waffles (freshly cooked while you wait), pancakes, sweets, toast, cereal, fresh fruits, juices and tea and coffee. All other meals were extra.

Every Tuesday the hotel has a small market. This is located there the main pool, near the exit to the beach. The market consists of about 5 or 6 vendors selling anything from clothes, hand bags, shoes, wallets, caps, etc. You can haggle the price with them just like you can on the street – I guess it’s for people that can’t handle or don’t want to handle, the consist ‘you buy’, ‘you buy’ as you walk along. There is a small shop by the pool, near reception that also sells small items – you can’t haggle here but you can ask what their best price is and they will usually give you a pretty good discount.

If you want your nails painted or hair plaited there are ladies sitting by the pool who are happy to assist you.

The staff are all nice and friendly. Enjoyed staying here.
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Member Rating 4 out of 5 on September 2, 2010

Club Bali Suites at Jayakarta Bali Hotel
Legian Beach
Bali, Indonesia

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Villa Rumah Kami

Hotel | "Villa Rumah Kami - thanks so much guys"

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Villa Ramuh Kami at Selagimpak/Song Lambung Beach on Nusa Lembongen was the best place to stay. We actually booked out the entire villa which came complete with its own staff – to great Balinese guys (Komang and Gede) who were very helpful – if we wanted anything organized, like multiple scooters for a tour around the island or massages by the pool, they would organize it for us - and even better cooks – that traditional Balinese birthday feast that they cooked for us was fantastic. The guys organize breakfast every day – at no extra cost. Any extras – like a special dinner, alcohol, drinks, massages, scooter usage is extra and all prepared in a bill and paid for at the end of your stay - ...Read More

Villa Ramuh Kami at Selagimpak/Song Lambung Beach on Nusa Lembongen was the best place to stay. We actually booked out the entire villa which came complete with its own staff – to great Balinese guys (Komang and Gede) who were very helpful – if we wanted anything organized, like multiple scooters for a tour around the island or massages by the pool, they would organize it for us - and even better cooks – that traditional Balinese birthday feast that they cooked for us was fantastic.

The guys organize breakfast every day – at no extra cost. Any extras – like a special dinner, alcohol, drinks, massages, scooter usage is extra and all prepared in a bill and paid for at the end of your stay - but usually at cheaper rates, depending on what the guys can organize, and the guys may even lend you their scooters if you only want it for 1 person.

Breakfast was different every day but usually consisted of bacon, sausages, tomato and eggs (a different style every day) with toast and juice.

The main villa consists of 2 X double bedrooms with their own ensuites, 1 X twin bedroom with ensuite, kitchen and large open air lounge area upstairs with a TV, DVD player, bar and fridge and a view of the water and, if you are lucky, sunsets – half of this area can double as a extra sleeping area if you have a couple of extras – we had 3 kids sleeping up here.

There is also a little bungalow available to stay in away from the main villa, perfect for couples or a single person – it has a TV, DVD player, fridge, mossie net and its own ensuite - and for a bloody good price - $120 for the 4 nights – this is because we were part of a group booking and we had booked out the entire villa. All these rooms are available to be booked out as a complete group or by individuals who just want one room for a couple of nights – sort of like a bed-n-breakfast when this happens.

The place had its own pool and we spent many hours in it when we weren’t roaming around the rest of the island.

The villa is located just up from Selagimpak/Song Lambung Beach – a quiet bay with a handful of small resorts and villas and restaurants. The Villa Wayan – a small beachside restaurant and bar - is advertised as being part of the Villa Ramah Kami complex and is nominated as the villas restaurant on the web site. The food and restaurant wasn’t flash but was very tasty – we went back there twice, so it must have been good.

The staff are excellent and we enjoyed staying here the most – thanks so much guys.
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Member Rating 5 out of 5 on September 2, 2010

Villa Rumah Kami
Nusa Lembongan Island In the Badung Strait
Bali, Indonesia
(0) 36 172 5864

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Bali - here we go again

Breadtalk

Sea Side

Corner Bar

Waterbom Park & Spa

4 Days on Nusa Lembongan

Jimbaran Bay

Nusa Dua, Ulluwatu and Dreamlands

Mountain Bike Riding on Mt Ayung

Bali Safari & Marine Park

Legian to Seminyak - by foot

Klungkung Water Palace and Goa Lawah Day Trip

Surfshops and so much more

Club Bali Suites at Jayakarta Bali Hotel

Villa Rumah Kami

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