Jetstar Flight Price Change

Guys, Jetstar over the weekend have adjusted some of their prices for the Bali flight. Basically they have reduced their direct flights a little bit flying out late in the day and arriving in Bali at 10:40pm, while the flight home is the usual overnight you can't avoid. Price right now is $803.68 pp including 15kg checked luggage.

Another option to explore is staying with the same direct flight home but taking advantage of the stop over flight to get to Bali. The schedule right now is fly out of Melbourne at 1:40pm via Darwin, changing planes in Darwin and then flying the last hour and a half arriving in Bali at 8:40pm. Price right now for this option is $729.73pp including 15Kg checked luggage.

You travel however you like, but sometimes to save money we have to look outside the box! 8:)

Check out the flights page for other options on different airlines..

First timer tips - Money

The best way to deal with money in Bali?

Cash. Plain and simple.

Travellers cheques are not as widely accepted as they once were and will get a lower exchange rate. There have been issues with credit card fraud in recent years. (Although it's still safe to use cards in good shops and restaurants.) It is easy to access money via ATMs however the exchange rate is lower and you get stung with international fees from most banks. So cash is king in Bali!

Regulars to Bali will bring their money in good condition $50 notes; the Balinese don't accept ripped or torn notes.
In Seminyak there are several reputable places that will exchange your money. The only way to do this successfully on the streets is to find 'No Commission' exchange places, usually these will be found in kodak shops or bank style shops. There is one on 'eat street' or Laksmana next to Joy Jewellery. (This will make more sense when you're there!) There's also another great shop on Jalan Legian across from the Bintang supermarket.

Best tip for first timers is to go with a Bali regular for your first few trips and learn how it works. The person exchanging your money should always show you the amount of rupiah you will receive on a calculator. They will also count it out for you so that you are satisfied with what you've been given. 

Number one rule when exchanging money?
NEVER give over your cash until you are completely satisfied with the transaction.

Sunset

A great time to hang out at the beach is just before sunset, anytime from 5pm onwards.

All of the Balinese families come down to enjoy their time together, there's plenty of games and activities happening and just near our recommended hotels are a whole heap of beach warungs (local cafes) with comfy beanbags. If you lose people during the day, it's a sure bet that you'll find someone to chat to on a beanbag at sunset.

These pictures are of one of the larger warungs called La Plancha. This place has become pretty popular so you may need to make your way to the beach at 4:30pm to secure a good spot.

You can get beer,wine and soft drink here as well as some nibbles.

As you can see by the photos , it's a pretty difficult way to spend an afternoon.

See you there soon for a drink!

Accommodation #4 - Harmony Hotel

This is a budget option in terms of price but not in terms of value for money. Located in a quiet street just around the corner from Breezes, Puri Saron and Pelangi, the Harmony is a hotel rather than a resort. In that sense it has nice, clean rooms with air conditioning and a fantastic pool area. The rooms have a mini bar and safety deposit box and breakfast is included in your room rate. The main thing it lacks is a pool bar and if you can do without that, you can save yourself a lot!

The web rates are around $50 per night for a standard room however we've seen the local rates get down as low as $30 per night. Several of our friends and parents have stayed here before and have very positive things to say about it. Checking the website it also saysd that kids under 12 stay free!

If you're looking for a way to stay longer without breaking the bank, this is a great option! Regardless of where you stay, you can always have a play day in someone else's pool!!

Check out the website for more details and contact Yvonne for up to date room rates.

http://theharmonyseminyakbali.com/

Accommodation #3 - Puri Saron



The view from Puri Saron to the beach



The Puri Saron is another resort located right on the beach in Seminyak. Only a few hotels down from the Pelangi, this resort has a great family feel to it. It has a similar set up in that the rooms and villas are towards the road side of the hotel with the restaurant, pool and open areas located closest to the beach.



The gardens and rooms at Puri Saron



The costs as far as we can tell are fairly similar to the Pelangi. This is a better option for families with active kids as there are more open, grassy areas than concrete! The pool has a basketball ring and the restaurant where breakfast is served looks fantastic. While no one has stayed here we did walk through the resort and look in the rooms and they looked quite nice. Again, check out the website and chat to Yvonne about the best option for you.



Pool with Pool Bar at Puri Saron