just wanted to give an update (for those who had some similar questions to mine prior to a Bali trip).

we just got back last week from a wonderful 11 days in Bali/Java. Cathay F was amazing from SFO and we even scored the F seats on the 747 from HKG to DPS. Great suites, makes flying that far a blast!

As far as hotels go, we were really impressed with the FS Sayan. Beautiful layout and scenery and wonderful people and service. Amankila was nice, but I really expected more from all the hype it has received. definitely a great experience ... but Amanjiwo was the true highlight of our trip!! everything (and I mean everything) was perfect at Amanjiwo. great excursions, wonderful food, caring personnel and seamless customer service -- a perfect stay!

we flew Garuda from DPS -- JOG and then JOG -- Jakarta. I thought the Garuda experience was very nice. planes on time and service good. I'm all for having them in Skyteam next year -- would be a great use of Delta miles in the future!