Two of our clients, Patricia & Bruce Abbott, have just returned from Bali and wanted to share their experience.

Anantara Resort Seminyak and view from the restaurant at Karma Kandara, Uluwatu

Over the years we have visited Bali many times.  Whenever we mention to family and friends that we are off to Bali it is sometimes met with wrinkled noses and quizzical looks.  We have to explain there is Bali and Bali.  Sure there is the seedy side but if you stay at one of the many beautiful resorts or villas you are truly in paradise - The Island of the Gods.

Where to stay

Over the years we have stayed at Seminyak, Jimbaran and Nusa Dua.  Seminyak is definitely the trendiest and very hip with an abundance of villas and resorts.  Jimbaran enjoys slightly cooler temperatures, is quieter, has reasonably priced restaurants and enjoys close proximity to the airport.  Nusa Dua has some nice properties but is a little isolated.  Kuta is frenetic and best left for the young or surfers although it is the place to go for good shopping.

Side trips

Uluwatu is an hour's drive north and boasts some stunning properties - Karma Kandara's location is reminiscent of the Mediterranean coast with breathtaking views from its cliff top location.  Lunch or a drink at the restaurant is worth the bumpy ride!  Being isolated, this area offers no shopping or restaurants so you are totally dependent on the resort for dining/entertainment/retail therapy.  However, a perfect sanctuary!  Head to Ubud to experience Bali's centre for fine arts (2 hours from Seminyak).

This time we stayed at the compact 3 year old Anantara Resort, Seminyak.  Whilst rated a 5 star property it is probably closer to 4.5 and lacks the expansive gardens of the adjacent Royal Beach Resort and the nearby Oberoi.  All the suites are large and include an outside Jacuzzi and lounge bed.  Complimentary WiFi and a pod espresso machine were welcome extras.  The turn down service was the best we have ever experienced.  The staff are very friendly and responsive and greet you by name.  However, they constantly approach you regarding upcoming events and functions to the point of being somewhat intrusive.  The roof top bar 'SOS' provides an amazing view of the ocean but as it is very popular, it can be very noisy when there are private functions - something the resort is phasing out.

We had a wonderful 8 night stay.

Wining/Dining

The tariff at most resorts includes a cooked breakfast/buffet so, having fuelled up for the day ahead, lunch is usually a light affair.  Typically dining at high end properties can be quite expensive but in Seminyak there are plenty of excellent cheap to mid priced restaurants within easy walking distance. If not, taxis are very cheap (make sure you get one with a meter to avoid bartering).  This time we found a very good driver so got his card and called him whenever we needed a ride.

Recommended restaurants:  The Living Room, Grocer & Grind, La Luciola, Ku De Ta or the quirky Biku Bali Tea House, a restaurant & book shop owned and run by an Australian married to an Indonesian Prince!

Alcohol can be expensive but the locally made beer (Bintang) and wine (Hattens) is cheap and acceptable.  Tip:  buy a bottle of duty free liquor for your evening aperitif!

Currency exchange

Can be tricky especially if they start offering you currency in 20,000 Rupiah notes instead of 50,000 or 100,000 denominations as you run the risk of notes being flicked under the counter.  Best to go to glass fronted establishments rather than side alleys.

Climate

Year round temperatures average 31 degrees celsius.  High humidity can be expected during the wet season between the months of October and March.  The wet season brings daily rain and overcast days with the most rain recorded between December and February.  The dry season between the months of May and September has the lowest humidity.  In April we experienced cool temperatures and wonderful weather.   

Security

Security is sadly, but necessarily, in evidence at all major resorts and restaurants with security guards and, in some cases, sniffer dogs screening all vehicles.  However, we felt safe at all times.

Shopping

Shopping is fun in Bali with most hotels offering a free shuttle service to Kuta where supermarkets such as Matahari offer great and cheap gift ideas.  There is also a large shopping complex (Discovery Plaza) with predominantly European brands.

Beauty spas

The hotel spas are similarly priced to Australia so no bargains there.  However, there is an abundance of spas along the shopping strips.  Recommended: Spa Bali (air-conditioned) and Bodyworks (not air-conditioned) - both in Seminyak - very reasonable (eg Spa Bali $34 for a one hour facial and ½ hour manicure).  They are popular so wise to make a booking.

Overall

Having visited Bali for over 20 years, we still find it a wonderful destination as it ticks so many boxes:

• From the eastern seaboard you are there in 6 hours
• Warm, friendly people who are very appreciative of the tourism business given recent difficulties
• Caters for all ages
• Stunning sunsets
• Fabulous, reasonably priced food

We'd go back in a heart beat!

Pat & Bruce Abbott April 2011