Firstly I would like to thank a great many of the contributors to this forum for the excellent and accurate information and recommendations supplied and viewed prior to me leaving for bali on the 19th. It saved me a great deal of time and most likely money by reading as much as I could on this site prior to flying out. I also would recommend to first time travellers, and those returning to Bali after an absence, to access the archives for good information.
I have already posted up info on the Jayakarta hotel and especially the apartments, renovations and general info about that particular hotel over the past few days.Please refer to that post, which may have now migrated into the March archives, for info on the Jayakarta.
Well the weather was hot and humid apart from our last two days, Wife and 2 children accompanying me, as we received some regular rain including a thunder storm on the Friday.
many sellers are still concerned by the lack of tourists in bali, though I did notice an increase in Westerners in bali, around the Kuta, tuban and Legian areas, in my last few days in Bali.Unfortunately, I have actually found that in general, prices have been on the increase and the rate of conversion on the decrease. The rate moved between 5200 to 4975 to the Aud and firmed to 5100 on my final day being yesterday.
I have also noticed for the first time, and this was my 11th trip to Bali, a increase in( for want of a better term)aggression by the lads on the streets trying to get you to look at there glasses, watches, hats etc with even cases that I experienced( and I am a pretty big,tough looking dude)of them putting their arm in front of you to direct you off the footpath into their stand inside a shop.
A couple of my personal recommendations.
French Leather in Garlic(?) lane off Melasti street Legian for your leather coat needs. My wife purchased a 3/4 length leather jacket made from Sheep's leather of AUD 135-00 ( we paid in Aussie dollars)and she is very happy with the finished garment. The two owners speak very good english and are extremely helpful. Only heard good reports from people about these guys.
Legian Snacks, rest. on the road behind the Padma hotel off jalan Padma. Choice of western and Indonesian food at very reasonable prices. The ambience and appearance are not that flash, but that is more than made up for by the service, and quality of food. The Nasi Goreng and Bakmie goreng are to die for.
Glories Rest. as usual, especially for their Wednesday night buffet. RP 34500 and 50% off for the kiddies. Contact them early in the evening and they will pick you up from your hotel and drop you back afterwards. Ak for the beach buggy to pick you up for a view of the streets of Tuban, Kuta and Legian.
For good quality street wear ( translation, imitation shirts, T's, shorts etc) go to the markets on Melatis street just up on the left hand side( from the beach) past the Legian Beach Hotel and go to Wayan Willy's stall. It is the last one facing Mlasti street in the first block of stalls.
Shorts 25 to 40K, T/Shirts 30K rp, Singlets 10 to 15K rps and he also does have access to some of the stuff that you are not supposed to find anymore ( B, RC, O,SMP etc).
He used to be at the back of the old markets there with a tailoring business. Nice dude with a permanent smile.
For a great Thai meal head to Kin Khao resturant across the road from the Bali Dynasty in Tuban. It is a higher cost than many other resturants in town but the food is divine ( if you like thai), the suroundings are fantastic, the service great and the toilets will rival what you have at home. If you do go, stop at the kodak express shop across the road as they have a complimentary 10% discount voucher sitting up on their counter for this resturant.
And for breakfast you cannot go past the Legian Gardens restuarant mid way up Melast St on the right hand side( from the beach). Great ala carte and Buffet breakfast with the friendiest and best trained staff in Bali. Breakfast there for 11 days of our trip and go therte every time. 12500Rps for all you can eat from 8am to 11/11.30 am.
Internet cafes. I used a few. The one in the Melast street next to the Legian Gardens is quite quick ( it is upstairs with a bar below)but very hot and sticky unless a breeze is blowing. 300rps per minute seems to be the going rate.
Another is a 24 hour internet cafe with 10 computer terminals on Rhum Jungle road in Legian just past the rhum lounge bar on the left handside( from the beach)upstairs above a restuarant. Great service and speed and the price drops to 200rps per minute between 8pm and 11 pm each night.
I would steer clear on Legian Cafeinternet set back off garlic lane( sp?) between Melast st and Padma Jln. Slow as a wet week, poor service and staff who do not have a clue.
For the surfers, the swell was certainly up on the last few days that I was there, especially yesterday outside the jayakarta on high tide. Watch out for the Japanese kamakazi surfers though as they have never heard of giving way on waves.
If any one has any particular questions i will be around for the next few days to answer them and will do so gladly if I can.