BALI 2008.
[u]March 9th - March 30th.
PREAMBLE:
This trip was my 6th and my husband’s 5th trip to Bali. This report contains several pages for your information, I hope that the reader does not find it boring and that our recent experiences in Bali detailed here can be helpful in some way.
FLIGHTS:
Garuda Executive Class ex Sydney Sunday 9th March. Departure time 11am – left on time but waited about 15 mins for access to the runway.
Garuda Executive Class ex Denpasar 30 March. Departure time 12.10 am – left at 12.25 am. We utilised both the Qantas and Executive lounges at both airports.
I require medical assistance at the airport/s due to bad arthritis in my knees and leg strain and need a wheelchair to traverse the concourse and alleviate the need for prolonged standing in long lines. This was all prearranged in our booking with the travel agent.
I could not fault the assistance I received from both airports who responded both promptly and with courtesy. I would sincerely recommend that anyone who experiences pain from prolonged standing or can not walk long distances, to arrange for this type of service when travelling in the future. A letter from your Dr may be requested, however although I have one, it has never been asked for.
ACCOMMODATION:
Our hotel was the Legian Beach Hotel – Jl Melasti, Legian. We requested a superior room in the accommodation block, and were allocated one on the 3rd floor. We have found these rooms to be more private than the bungalows as there is a small room and balcony either side of your room that houses the air-conditioning unit, therefore you are not directly next to your neighbours. All the accommodation rooms have balconies and ours overlooked lovely palm trees and the garden.
The Legian Beach Hotel has become our home away from home. We know most of the staff and all the locals, businesses and services surrounding this hotel.
We have found it to be ideally located being adjacent to the beach and with markets and shops next door and Garlic Lane about 100 metres up the road.
FOOD:
This visit I was pleased to find two gastronomical delights. The first would not be new to some readers but I had not tried this before – Avocado Juice that is served with chocolate syrup, it is really yummy. The 2nd thing was a water iceblock called “Twister Cola” made by Streets. It has lemonade, cola and strawberry flavours all twirled together. A welcome relief in the hot weather in Bali.
We visited the following restaurants: Poppies; Uncle Norm’s; Sheppy’s; Indo-National; Ours; Murnie’s Warung; Haaris’ Cyber Café; Bali Safari and Marine Park; Seaside Restaurant; Puri Bali Indah; Ketumbar; Lotus Seaview Restaurant; The Flying Piano and the Hard Rock Café.
Unfortunately at “Ours” Restaurant Kerry’s meat patty on his hamburger was not cooked through. Our favourite restaurant is “Ketumbar” in Jl Melasti, Legian. The atmosphere is very pleasant and off the street a little. The food is exceptionally nice and their Crème Brulee is wonderful, they have lovely clean toilets as well. Our 2nd favourite restaurant would be Haaris’ Cyber Café in Kuta. The staff are great, there is internet access and the food is always delicious, and of course there is always the beautiful Haaris to say hello to.
Although we ate at one of our old favourites, “Uncle Norms” in Jl Melasti, Legian in the early stages of our trip, “Uncle Norms” became what seemed to be a favourite spot for a load of young aussies who by 6pm were drunk and disorderly and generally making a nuisance of themselves, this inappropriate behaviour appeared to be encouraged by Norm and his staff. On our last visit there, several family groups walked out without having ordered their meal, it was that bad. I managed to talk to one family who told me that they left because of the behaviour of these young people. Kerry discreetly told Norm that people were leaving and why, Norm’s reply was that these young people “were good to us”!!! Never mind the customers that he has lost because of this!!! Or the regular ones like us!!!!!!
I was really looking forward to visiting Poppies restaurant in Kuta, mainly to check out the garden. The restaurant is beautiful in a lush garden setting. We both ordered calamari, however it was so tough it was inedible. In speaking to other people we met in Bali, they also had a similar experience at Poppies, especially with the calamari. My suggestion would be to try something else on the menu and see how you go.
ACTIVITIES:
Bali Safari and Marine Park.
We were proud to take Dewa (our friend and driver) and his family to the Bali Safari & Marine Park (BSMP). I am aware that there have been numerous posts about BSMP, but I thought I would tell you about our day.
Payment is made at the gate when you arrive in your vehicle. The cost is $25US for foreigners and 75,000Rp for Indonesians. Dewa was free as he was a “guide” and driver. You are given a “ticket” that is a paper bracelet to put on your wrist and which is marked when you visit an attraction or ride the Safari bus.
After entering the park you line up to catch a bus to the top of the hill where the main part of the park is located. To parents with children in strollers, the bus doors and seats do not accommodate strollers, they have to be folded just prior to entering the bus.
On arrival at the top, you walk over a bridge and enter a huge bale and continue to walk around the area as you please. To get the Safari bus, follow the signs and again line up as before, although it seemed on this occasion that the locals and foreigners were segregated and two lines were made. The only seating in this area was two benches and the wait for a Safari bus can be up to 30 mins. The ride itself takes 30 mins and is great. You get very close to some animals and there is commentary on the way.
Several animals are available to pet and have photos with including a baby orangatan, a white tiger and a female lion cub. As many photos using your own or someone else’s camera can be taken. Being cat lovers, Kerry and I patted the sleeping white tiger who I understand is one year old. Unfortunately, Dewa and his wife where afraid to get too close to the tiger. We also found the lion cub in her handler’s arms leaving the area she is usually seen in. I was patting her and she was chewing on my hand, the handler explained that she was ready for a feed. She is three months old and extremely cute. This was certainly a memorable event for me.
You can walk around this area at your leisure. There are bird shows, elephants bathing at certain times, camel rides, Indonesian dancing demonstrations etc.
In general I think we all enjoyed ourselves and we all agreed that the park was laid out well with room to add more attractions over time. There are 2 restaurants on the premises and we had lunch at the one closest to the shops. The prices were very reasonable and there were several food types available.
My criticisms of the park include lack of seating in shaded areas which was particularly difficult as Dewa’s wife carried their baby all day and had to dodge in and out of the sun with her. This lack of seating also affects the elderly and disabled in a major way.
The seating area where the Bird Show and other shows are held is also not shaded at all.
My 2nd criticism is that baby strollers can not fit on the buses without being folded. This makes it difficult for families having to hold babies and belongings and fold the stroller before and after the bus rides.
My 3rd criticism is that people in wheelchairs can not access the buses at all. The entrance to each isle through separate doors on the bus make it prohibitive, therefore excluding wheelchair bound people from entering and enjoying the park. Notwithstanding, it may be that the park is able to make alternative arrangements in this situation, however it was not observed.
Lastly, there were no small vendors or shops selling drinks or snacks on the way around the park with the exception of the restaurants that I previously mentioned.
ARC Clinic.
A friend in Bali kindly arranged for me to have a consultation 2 days after our arrival in Bali with Dr Murino at the ARC Clinic. I have spider veins on my face that I hoped could be eradicated. I instantly liked Dr Murino and his pleasant and caring manner. He told me that the spider veins could be treated and I asked about the cost. He provided a costing that I was more than happy with, certainly cheaper than here in Australia. I am afraid that I can not mention the cost as it is determined by the Dr for each individual case.
I was happy to be able to commence treatment immediately. Firstly, I was to have a full facial IPL treatment that is quite painful but tolerable and then the Dr performed a treatment using a probe type radio laser called a Surgitron. The result being small sores/scabs from the Surgitron and some peeling from the IPL. This is normal and heals quickly with the use of “Lucas Paw Paw Ointment” imported from Australia.
I came back for a follow-up 2 weeks later and the above treatment was repeated as some of the spider veins remained. It has been just over a week now since that last treatment and my face is no longer red and the smallish scabs are healing. The following link to ARC provides information about these and other treatments.
http://www.arcclinics.com/arc_for_tourists.php
I would highly recommend this clinic for it’s professionalism, friendliness, cleanliness, use of up to date equipment and the skills of Dr Murino.
Spas.
As with each trip I promise myself I will try out a few spas. This trip I only went to Casey’s Hair and Beauty Salon which is in a lane off Jl Melasti in Legian and opposite the entry to our hotel, the Legian Beach Hotel.
At Casey’s I had over the course of our trip, 4 hair crème baths (which I adore) (70,000Rp ea), 1 aromatherapy massage (70,000Rp) and 2 pedicures (60,000Rp ea).
The girls at Casey’s are welcoming and very friendly. The salon is very clean and I would highly recommend it.
I also had a massage on the beach (50,000Rp).
During our travels we passed The Prana Spa with it’s Moroccan themed exterior and as I understand interior as well and it looked divine.
Shopping Places.
In the details below of our trips with our driver, Dewa Marco, I have detailed our purchases on those days.
We found this trip that many market stall holders were giving very good fixed prices and there was no need to bargain.
Additionally, we bought lots of personal health items including shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, body wash, body lotion and Bokashi due to the quality and price of these items. We also bought the following:
#Essentials-Makro-By Pass.
#Sheer overtops x3 - Ketut’s Fixed Price-Gang Sorga off Garlic Lane, Legian 40,000Rp ea.
#Iron, coloured fish x 2 + ceramic teapot-Sita Jl Legian, Legian-27,500Rp for the fish each; 59,000Rp for the teapot.
#Sunglasses-Legian Beach-25,000Rp ea
#Watches-Legian Beach-“Ketut- Bali Boy”-40,000Rp ea
#Necklaces x 2; earrings x 2 + pink pearl necklace + matching stud earrings-Dirty Harry’s Garlic Lane, Legian 180,000Rp.
#Crocheted cardigans x 2-Ketut Ayu-Legian bottom markets.
#Hats-Various-25-40,000Rp ea
#Thongs-20,000Rp
#Bags-Witri Bags-Garlic Lane, Legian-250,000RP for 2
#Bali Doll-House of Yanie Kuta Sq-190,000Rp
#Shoes-Opposite Hotel,Jl Melasti, Legian -35,000Rp
#Cushion covers & table runner- Legian middle markets 125,000Rp.
#Sarong Beach Legian Beach 30,000Rp
#Sarongs XL x2 Ketut Wati Legian bottom markets 40,000Rp ea
#Geneva Jl Raya Kerobokan-Cinnamon plate, shell shadow box, Christmas decorations, mosaic wind chime, placemats & other small items-177,000Rp
#Carrefour, Sunset Rd- more essentials
*Patrick Shop,Legian bottom markets-Tops x 2, Shirt x 1-95,000Rp.
OUR DRIVER:
This is the 2nd visit we have used our good friend and driver, Dewa Marco. He is everything anyone could wish for in a driver. His professionalism is of the highest standard and we believe he is Bali’s # 1 driver.
Dewa continues to impress us with his knowledge of all things Bali and his generosity and sense of humour always contribute to an excellent outing. He has a thirst for knowledge on many world events and we had many discussions on multiple topics, his desire for self improvement and to support is family is admirable. His written and spoken English continue to improve. We are honoured to know this man and would highly recommend him to anyone seeking a driver of his calibre.
Any time we were with Dewa, he was ever mindful of my disability and considered my access ability in consultation with me at all times. Our personal safety and that of our belongings were paramount and he always locked his vehicle and waited for us from a vantage point were he could keep an eye on us and the car.
We wanted to buy certain items and he went out of his way to locate specific shops that would sell what we required. This greatly reduced our anxiety. When taking us shopping he waited either in the vehicle or close by and at no time did he take us to premises where he would get a commission. We did ask for recommendations on where to buy goods and we were more than happy with our purchases and their price.
Dewa is more than just a driver. During our stay he:
• Recommended and bought “Diapet” for me when I had gastric
• Took us to get a SIM card for the mobile phone
• Offered to cancel his plans and transport Kerry to the Dr at Legian Clinic when he was ill with gastro
• Sent SMS’s to us enquiring about Kerry’s health
• Provided translation and intermediary services where required
• Purchased poleng cloth for us
• Was extremely flexible in our itineraries
• Always had cold water in his car for us
• He provided umbrellas for our use
__________________________________________________ _____________________
We organised for Dewa to take us on several day trips as well as to pick us up and drop us off at the airport.
We selected what we wanted to do in consultation with Dewa in case it was not practical. Our day trips were a mixture of shopping and sightseeing and each trip was very different.
Trip I –
Searching for a wall sconce to match our existing one. Located a wonderful light shop called “Multi Dewata” in Kerobokan next to the “Blue Fish Gallery” and ordered the light (70,000Rp). Then on to Denpasar for a SIM card at Rimo (25,000Rp + 100,000Rp extra credit) and I also bought ink for my printer there (black & colour 285,000Rp). On to Haaris’ “Cyber Café” in Kuta for lunch and then to “Supernova Department Store” for some Bokashi and Martha Tilaar products (35,000Rp ea for cleanser & 77,000Rp for Eye Gel).
Trip 2 –
We drove to Ubud and on the way went via Tegalalang. We bought 2 cushion covers (40,000Rp) and a magazine holder that I will use for storing craft items (35,000Rp). Jl Raya Tegalalang is a mecca of shops and prices are very reasonable.
On to Sukawati Markets in Sukawati and we had only walked in the covered area of the market about 50 metres when we bought all that we wanted there. A double bed quilt (100,000Rp) there are literally hundreds of them there, 2 men’s buttoned shirts (25,000Rp ea), a bamboo wind chime (25,000Rp), Foot scrub (20,000Rp ea).
On to Ubud and “Murnie’s Warung” for lunch and then up to Mt Kintimani to take in the views. Back to Denpasar and bought 2 pashmina’s at “Lima Jaya” (50,000Rp ea) and “Tiara Dewata Department Store” for the remainder of the Martha Tilaar (1 cleanser 35,000Rp & 3 toners @ 34,000Rp ea)
Trip 3 –
Safari Park as noted above.
Trip 4 –
We drove to Sanur to visit the Orchid Gardens (entrance fee 50,000Rp ea). The gardens were really lovely. At the end of our walk through we came across the Luwak, related to the mongoose and native to Sumatra. This cat like animal eats coffee beans from the trees and excretes the seeds. These beans are collected are harvested to make very expensive coffee - Coffee Luwat (Kopi Luwat) the link below provides more information.
http://www.baliorchidgardens.com/coffeeluwak.html
From Sanur we went to Klungkung Water Palace called Kertha Gosha which is the old Court of Justice (entrance fee 5,000Rp ea). On to Candi Dasa and a stop for lunch at the “Lotus Seaview Restaurant”. During lunch it started to rain heavily and continued to do so all the way back down to Legian
Trip 5 –
As we are interested in tropical gardens, Dewa took us to “Renon Nursery” on Jl Raya Renon. Like all the garden nurseries in this area, there are literally hundreds of plants many of which we grow here. It was interesting to hear the Balinese names for these tropical plants and see how they are cultivated and grown.
From there we went into Denpasar to buy “ider ider” cloth. This is a narrow coloured cloth usually with gold patterns painted on it. It is used to decorate a bale or temple and is hung usually on the inside edge of the surrounding support beam of the area to be covered. We went to several shops in Jl Sulawesi, however we were directed to Kumbasari market a few meters away. We were “assisted” in our quest by two women who bought the “ider ider” out to us and it was measured and cut in the street. We purchased 7 metres (20,000Rp per metre).
We moved on from Denpasar to Sukawati and the Tagenungan Waterfall (entrance fee 4,000Rp ea) lookout. It is a great spot to view this waterfall and have some respite from the heat. We were serenaded by some young girls selling fans who were very interested in the photos in my camera. This waterfall was a former site for bungy jumping and all the equipment is still there.
Lastly, on the way back to Legian via Jimbaran Bay we stopped at Guwang Market. It was very quiet there as all the trade usually happens in the morning. We did however by a painting. (35,000Rp)
That concludes all the full day trips we did with Dewa as our driver, obviously we could not have done all the above without his knowledge, skill, helpfulness and flexibility. We had a fantastic time and we thank him profusely.
Dewa can be contacted on Mobile #: +628123918718 or in Bali 08123918718;
Email:
dewamarco@hotmail.com Blog:
www.dewamarco-tour.blogspot.com
THANK YOU:
This JBR will be posted on several forums, so reader you may not know the people I wish to thank. Please indulge me.
• My friend Le, who kindly leant me her unlocked phone so I could keep in touch with family and friends. Her generosity, friendship and support is greatly appreciated.
• Laura (ellyeagle) for kindly being my delivery girl enroute to, and for, the wedding of David & Moira. Your consistent kindness and willingness to be helpful is also appreciated. Big thanks also to the Bali Chat Forum members for their knowledge and support.
• My friend who introduced me to Dr Murino at the ARC Clinic. Once again your kindness and helpfulness is appreciated.
• Haaris Chua from the Bali Cyber Café in Kuta, who is so special, kind and welcoming as well as being a wealth of knowledge.
• Dewa Marco our driver, his wife Jero and baby girl Chandra, our most heartfelt thanks for sharing your life with us.
• The staff at Garuda and the Legian Beach Hotel, our home in Bali.
• The many people we met along the way.
• All the members of Bali Chat Forum, Bali Travel Forum and TripAdvisor, thanks for the myriad of information to enhance our trip.
Thank you for reading this report.
Regards
HoneyBear13
3 April 2008
Thanks Guys
