Link to reports on Tripadvisor

http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/members-reviews/gipsona1

Bali - Sanur

The second part of my Bali experience was the relaxing bit, somewhere by a pool/beach where i could do nothing but read,listen to music and take in the weather.

Hotel was in the quiet resort of Sanur,which as well as having the normal Bali level of Aussies, had also a fair splattering of Dutch, given historic links. I had been warned that there was a bit of renovation going on but the noise from that was very limited (actually at the rate they were working it seemed like a long term project!). The only complaint about noise was when the frogs went loopy one night after the rains.

The hotel was ok,  smaller than i was expecting and limited facilities - but it provided a couple of good pools that worked for my plans. Right next to the beach which meant only a short walk to get a £3 beach massage and also find a number of restaurants. The locals on the beach were........persistent with their "come see my shop" routine but i generally managed to avoid. Outside the hotel, Sanur is really one long road (and it certainly feels long in the heat) with plenty of restaurants/bars to find for lunch or to watch the cricket (Aus v Ind).

Took another day trip, this time to hills which was a bit of a gamble in wet season, and it did rain a fair amount. Luckily not at the first and most interesting stop which was a large typical temple.  Rather than go into detail now, i will try and provide link to my tripadvisor reviews and photos in due couse.

Now off to Singapore for three nights over new year.  Overall Bali, did what i wanted it to do, provide a relaxing break with decent weather and some diversions. It seemed more touristy than other places in south east asia that i have travelled to, but i guess you blame that on the aussies.

Ubud, Bali

A short two and half hour flight from Singapore is the island of Bali. Visa on arrival system works easily ($35) and the first part of my stay is three nights in Ubud, which is around 90mins drive from airport.

Stopped off on way on suggestion of guide - to get a drink. This turned out to be my first shopping opportunity he was going to provide to me - demonstration of local teas and coffees followed by exit through sales room. The girl was not that pushy, the tea cheap, and so i decided to buy.

This obviously set my guides expectations rising, so the following days tour around cultural heart of Ubud started with.........two similar opportunites - to buy local art-work and then wood work. Now i have been used on day trips in asia to have these elements thrown in but this was a bit over the top. You never know whether the guide is simply looking to give local tradespeople a chance or whether they are on commission - my guess here is the later.

The rest of the trip was actually quite interesting. Local art museum, monkey forest,  palace (small) in the heart of Ubud, local temple plus Paddy field.

Overall couple of days in Ubud is a good start to trip in Bali. Hotel is a bit of a way out (15 mins drive) but really pleasant, with great views nd its own monkeys. Only problem is that its a bit noisy........those animals, birds, insects in the forest really dont appreciate that whilst they might be noctural some of us are tring to sleep.

Will post more details on Tripadvisor reviews - Hotel Alila

Xmas, New Year 2014

Flew via Dubai with Emirates and arrived in Singapore mid afternoon. Greeted by rain storm which had stopped by the time i reached my hotel. One nigt stay at Swissotel which i realised i had stayed in a few years ago, so must be a Trailfinders favourite for a short stop.

Just by Clarke Quay so plenty of restaurants to choose from, and a number of bars showing the early Premier League match - Palace v Man City - oh well the entertainment may improve as the trip goes on.