Final Checklist

Your bags are nearly packed, the excitement has hit fever pitch! Not long now until you'll have parked yourself in a scenic location with an impressive looking cocktail.
Before we all head off, here's a list of the most common questions we've received before departure;

1. Money - We take cash as it's easy, gets a great exchange rate and you don't get charged commission. If you're comfortable with this, take good condition $50 notes. It may be a good idea to change up to $50 here so you have some local currency in case of emergency but you'll get a better rate exchanging the bulk of your cash in Bali. Use the safety deposit boxes to store cash and change a few hundred at a time.
2. Visa money. $25US per person to purchase your visa on arrival. This is non-negotiable and must be paid by every person including babies and children. You cannot purchase your visa prior to arriving in Bali. 
3. If you've pre-organised a VIP Visa then it's a good idea to have exact money to cover this, $30 Aus per person if you've contacting Murti.
4. Beach towels aren't really required. You can collect them fresh anytime from the pool at your resort. Or if you find you need one they're less than $2 to purchase, save the room in your suitcase!
5. Wedding attire is smart summer casual so be comfortable! You may find something in the shops over there but bring a back up in case you don't make it past the pool!
6. Cheapest way to handle mobiles is to bring an unlocked, old phone and purchase a local SIM card. The rates are good for texting others on the island and you won't be charged the roaming load that local carriers here will.

We head off Anzac Day morning but will be checking Facebook in case you have last minute questions in the days leading up to your departure. Have a great flight and we'll see you on the beach!

Day Trip Option - Bali Safari Park

Hello again. We have another guest blogger today, my lovely aunty Lisa Cammaroto. Enjoy!

LIONS and TIGERS and BEARS Oh My!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I got the drama gene too….

The Bali Safari and Marine Park is a terrific day out for young and old. Beautiful gardens and lots of friendly faces with some really CLOSE animal experiences. 

Like most zoos there is a variety of old and new enclosures and it is a big area, in fact it’s a big day. With your entrance fee you get to choose a close up experience with either an orang-utan or a tiger. Both amazing and quite surreal. I can’t wait to watch my son see the piranha feeding  (10.30am each day).

Other close up experiences include handlers walking around with amazingly colourful birds, a 'birds of prey' show in an amphitheatre and for a few dollars you can buy food to feed the elephants. Elephant rides are available for a separate fee and can be arranged at the entrance. But it was the safari drive in a little camouflaged bus that was a fun photo opportunity and proved really entertaining.

There is also a water park for children so don’t forget the towels and maybe a change of clothes. There is the obligatory souvenir shop and over priced café and most importantly CLEAN toilets!!

It can be a very busy place so we went early last time and plan to go early again. The trip is approximately 40 minutes from Seminyak.

Let me know if you enjoyed it as much I did. See you soon on the Island of the Gods

Flight Time Changes

As we hit the final stretch before our holiday, we've been advised by our travel agent that many of the flight times are changing. This affects Virgin mainly but it's a good idea to check your flights with all carriers as they may not alert you to any changes.

Also, heard a great story on the weekend about a Bridesmaid who very nearly didn't make it to an international wedding. She didn't realise that when travelling overseas, your passport needs to have at least 6 months left before the expiry date. While there's still time for you to be issued with an emergency passport - please double check!!

Remember to hit Smart Traveller for all the latest information on local security and health issues. While you're there it's a great idea to register your trip.

And of course, ensure you have all the contact details for your travel insurance tucked into your bag. You never know when you're going to need to use it!

That's it for now. Hope your packing is going well and your countdowns are getting smaller. And if you are having a bad day just think, next weekend you'll be in Bali!

Cosa Nostra - Restaurant Review

A fantastic restaurant within walking distance of both Breezes and Pelangi is Cosa Nostra.
Specialising in yummy Italian food, this restaurant is family friendly, cheap and delicious!

Food: Delicious Italian food, Pizza, pasta, salads and plenty of it! For a full menu click here.

Price: Cheerfully cheap! Average meal price is $6-$8. That's a main size pizza or pasta for $8 maximum! Sweet! Bintang's are also well priced.

Location: Couldn't get much better, a short stroll up Dyhana Pura, just up the road from Breezes.

Ambiance: Easy, casual dining. Great for families, couples or groups. Sit at the bar at their unique bar stools or pick a table out the front and watch the world go by.

Tips: No tips needed for this place. It's great for lunch or dinner so the main tip is just make sure you get there!

Not long to go now...

Until you wake up to this every morning...

And watch this go down every night...

Meet you at the bean bags in less than 30 sleeps!

Potato Head Beach Club - Review



PHBC From outside looking in.

 A little further afield than the old favourites, the Potato Head Beach Club has one of the best names we've come across in a while, as well as an amazing atmosphere.
Location - Located closer to the trendy new suburbs of Petitenget and Canggu this unique club is hidden down a long lane off the main road.

Ambience - Part Beach club, part restaurant, part nightclub, it's hard to really define what the club is. You can go there for a fabulous meal with amazing cocktails and some of the best non-alcoholic options around. You can take your beach bag and laze the day away on the double day beds right next to the pool. Or you can get your party on here pretty much all night long.


View of the pool and day beds

It's a cool place without being pretentious, a pleasant change from some of the more well known establishments. On some days it can be crazy busy and yet on others there are plenty of beds to go around. Your best bet is to head there from 11am onwards if you're thinking about spending quality time. If you're after a change of scenery from your hotel pool then this has to be stop number one!

Price - This is again on the higher side of Bali, however the facilities and quality of the food and beverages is worthwhile. See you there soon.



La Lucciola - Restaurant Review

Walking distance along the beach from both the Pelangi and Breezes, La Lucciola is a Bali institution that has served some of the best food on the island for years. Perfect location for breakfast, lunch or dinner, this is one of the more special places to spend your time. 

• Location - right on Seminyak beach, walk in the opposite direction to Kuta and you can't miss it! 
• Ambience - Amazing! Green gass, perfect palm trees and by night lanterns and soft lighting. The Frangipani bar is a great place to sit and wait for your table. The entrance from the carpark is worth a mention.  
• Food - Beautiful. So many options, very filling, great sides. Modern, mediterranean cuisine. The weekend breakfast is different from during the week and well worth a try.
• Drinks - Try the passionfruit caprihini! Aussie wines (although you'll pay for it) and anything else you'd want.
• Price - Definitely in the higher price bracket for Bali. But having said that, you will eat and drink like a King, be waited on patiently and have an unfortgettable night for $50 to $100 per couple.
• Tips - If arriving by car you'll need to pay a small amount of money ($2) to get into the carpark as the restaurant shares its land with a local temple. Also, there are no fans so still, hot nights can be a little uncomfortable.

A beautiful restaurant that you must try while you're on the island. Also a very special place for us, this is where we got engaged!

Spa Days - Guest Blogger

Hi all, we have another guest blogger this week. Please welcome Bernie (AKA Mother of the Bride) with her helpful spa review - enjoy!!

We thought it was about time to get down to the serious side of the wedding trip, discussing Spa visits!

Bali is a fantastic spa destination with not only your upmarket salons but also small salons on every corner. There are gorgeous  Indonesian girls asking if you want Massage, Pedicure or Manicure as you stroll on by. These smaller salons are pretty basic but do a fair job for a very reasonable price. Obviously you get what you pay for but after a few hours shopping in the heat - a pedicure and leg massage can be just what the doctor ordered!

We have a few favourite Salons from past trips and we will endeavour to give you just a sample of what sort of services they have on offer.  The salons listed below are all within a short distance of the hotels where you will be staying.

COOL SALON AND SPA

This is probably our favourite salon for massages at a very reasonable price – a 1hr aromatherapy massage (with your choice of oil) for only about $15.00.  Prior to your massage you are given a foot wash and scrub then taken to a very quiet, dark, peaceful room for your massage.  Cool also offers lots of other services including facials, body scrubs, manicures, pedicures etc. 

Example of prices;

90min Body & Foot Massage - 185,000 (or $20)

105min Body massage with Facial - 200,000 (or $22) 

2hr 45min Body scrub and massage + facial 400,00 (or $44)

BODYWORKS

One of the original spas to have started in the Seminyak area.  This salon is a little more upmarket compared to Cool and some of the prices reflect this.  We have had many treatments at this spa, probably the most enjoyable was an exfoliation massage (Mandi Lulur) or as we affectionately call it “Curry in a Hurry”!  “The treatment begins with a 75 minute Balinese massage, and then the entire body is painted in a brown, granular paste containing turmeric, sandalwood, cinnamon, ground nuts and rice.  The paste is then gently rubbed to exfoliate the skin.  After a quick shower the body is covered in fresh yoghurt.  The enzymes stimulate cell activity and restore the pH balance of the skin, which feels soft as silk after the yoghurt is washed away.  The final step involves luxuriating in a warm, fragrant, flower filled bath”.  Absolute Heaven! 

Another firm favourite is having a manicure, pedicure and hair cream bath (this involves having your hair washed and a conditioning cream massaged into your hair).  While the cream is nourishing your hair, you are given a 1/2hr shoulder, neck and arm massage, all the while having your pedicure and manicure at the same time.  It doesn’t get much better than that!!

Example of prices;

90min Full Body Massage with warm bath to finish - 282,000 (or $31)

2 hrs Exfoliation Massage (Mandi Lulur) - 378,000 (or $42) 

60min Facial 175,000 (or $19)

AMO BEAUTY SPA

This is a relatively new spa salon in the increasingly popular Pettinget area but still not too far from our Hotels.  They do all the usual manicures, pedicures and massages but they also perform fantastic facials as well.  Other services include waxing, hairdressing,  etc.

Example of prices;

90min Relax or Rejuventate Massage - 260,000 (or $28)

30min Oxygen Facial 250,000 (or $27)
3 hours Spa'licious - Body scrub, massage, hair wash and blw dry 550,000 ($61)

Enjoy!

VIP Visa

Since our Airport post we've had quite a few people contact us in regards to the VIP Visas that are available. Here's what you need to know;

• The cost of the VIP Visa is $30 per person in Australian currency.
• You still need to pay the Indonesian Government Visa of $25 US. (You can pay in other currencies however this is easiest)
• You will be met in the arrival hall of Denpasar Airport where you'll need to hand over your $25US, passport and visa form to your guide.
• Your guide will walk you through immigration and take you to collect your bag. They will then go back and complete all paperwork on your behalf.
• Once you have your bag, your guide will walk with you through customs and out to the arrivals area.
• Here you'll be met by Murti, the company owner and you will pay your $30Aus for the VIP service.

If you would like to take advantage of this service please email Murti at murti@iprimus.com.au stating your full names, flight number and arrival day and time. Please also mention you are with the Barry Wedding and you may receive a discount.

If you'd like, Murti can also arrange your transfers to the hotel. Once you've paid your $30Aus to Murti, you can be escorted directly to your car and whizzed away to your hotel!
To get to the Pelangi or Breezes will cost around 110,000Rp (around $12) for up to 6 people. If you have more people headed in the same direction we can look at getting a larger transport where required.

"Taxi!"

There are several ways to get around in Bali. One of the easiest and most comfortable to new travellers are taxis (or Taksi!). Plenty of Taxi companies exist however there's only 1 reputable one - Blue Bird.

Blue bird taxis are distinguishable by their light blue colour car and the large blue bird symbol on top of the cab.



 Blue Bird taxis always put their metres on unlike some of the others and have a much better reputation. You can try your luck with some of the other random taxis that get around however you may be ripped off on arrival because 'the metre is broken' or 'I forgot' etc etc. Unless you know how much a trip should cost always insist on the driver using the metre.

You can also pay drivers in regular cars and vans to take you where you'd like to go. One depot is located on the road that connects the Pelangi and Breezes. It is customary to let the driver know where you're headed and then negotiate a price. Speak to some of the Bali regulars to get an idea on how much it should cost to get to your destination. If you have more than 4 people or you can't locate a Blue Bird, private transport is a good option at times.

Some people will also rent scooters while in Bali, these are available for rent quite cheaply and petrol costs next to nothing. You should have an international motorbike license to ride these however many tourists take the risk.

Travel laws in Bali are fairly simple - keep moving! Stay left an go slow and you can't get in too much trouble. If you're wise you'll avoid JL Legian after 11am...

Happy travels!

Wedding FAQ's

We've been getting a few questions that keep popping up so here's the answers to the frequently asked questions we've received so far;

What do we do with the kids?

We love that so many of you are making this a family holiday. It's entirely up to each of you but children can certainly attend the ceremony. Please be aware that the area is an open space that leads directly to the beach so you'll need to keep an eye on little ones!

We have arranged transport from each hotel to the ceremony location, this transport is then available after the ceremony and will be available through to the end of the reception.
The reception is an adults only event. The hotels we've recommended can organise babysitters. There will be ample time in between the ceremony and reception to return children to the hotel and settle them for the evening.

On special request, babysitters may be arranged on location at the reception. Children will be inside with babysitters however entertainment and sleeping arrangements will need to be sorted out in advance by parents. With children on site, parents are certainly able to check in during the course of the evening but we respectfully request that children not attend the reception. 

What's 'Smart Summer Casual' AKA the dress code for the wedding?
Bali has a tropical climate and in early May is on the cusp of Dry and Wet season. This means that during the day the humidity is fairly high and it's very hot in the sun.

Boys - We ask that you not wear singlets, board shorts or bintang t-shirts! A nice t-shirt or short sleeved collared shirt will work, as well as a pair of dress shorts and thongs/sandals. The bridal party will NOT be in full suit so you won't be out of style!

Girls - A summer dress would be perfect! Early in the day a longer dress may be too hot but from experience it's quite comfortable to wear a maxi style dress (if this is your preference) or light fabric dress early afternoon through to evening. Heels definitely won't be needed as we'll be on grass or sand most of the night!

Will we need to arrange transport or in-between drinks on the wedding day?

No. All of the wedding day, from pick up for the ceremony to drop off at the end of the night, has been taken care of. So unless you're planning on visiting the Bounty Disco at the end of the night, you shouldn't require any money or alternate plans.

Please let us know if you have any other questions that we can answer. Hope this clarifies things a little further!

Negotiating the Airport

Now that the wedding/holiday/damn-good-reason-to-travel is 'this year', we thought it may be a good chance to give you some information on hanging out in Bali. Part one of this is actually getting through the airport!!
In days gone by it wouldn't have been unheard of to stand in line for up to 3 hours waiting to purchase your visa and then be processed by immigration. Thankfully this has been a lot quicker in recent times, although you may still get 4 planes all landing at once!!

Most planes now land out in the airport and require you to jump on a bus to the terminal. Once your bus pulls up at the terminal, the seasoned Bali travellers will be pushing past you to sprint to the Visa Counter. This counter is now on your left as you enter the arrivals hall. You will need to line up aong with everyone else and pay $25USD per person to enter the country. They do accept Aus or Rupiah however I'll leave the calculations to you!

A Balinese Visa

Once you've received your visa, you'll need to take it, your passport and your customs declaration form (which you'll receive and fill in on the flight) to one of the open immigration queues. The queues are fairly straight forward and once through you'll need to find your bags.

Beware! From here on out, assume that anyone offering to assist you will want to be paid! There are porters in the baggage area that will pull your bags off the conveyor belt. This is fine and no payment is required. There are also additional porters who will try and start wheeling or carrying your bag to 'assist' you. Politely but strongly say 'No thanks' several tmes if they're persistent or just grab your bag and keep walking!

The final hurdle is getting through customs. Standard rules apply here so declare if you have something (food etc) or hit the other line if you have nothing. All bags are scanned though so be prepared. Once through here it's a hairpin turn to the left and you'll come out into the loudest, most crowded arrival area you've possibly ever seen! Head to the right, there's a gate to get out and a reputable taxi queue. It's a set fare to each of the suburbs so you'll just need to tell the guy at the window which suburb and your hotel and you'll be billeted out to a driver to get you on your way!

Finally, if all of this sounds too difficult there is such a thing as a VIP Visa. A nice man will meet you in the arrivals hall where you'll hand over your passport and US dollars. They then bypass the line and get your visa, escort you through immigration skipping those queues and getting you to the baggage carousel before the bags have even come out! They'll then assist you through customs and deposit you safely and quickly outside the arrival area! While handing over your passport to a complete stranger in a foreign land is not normally recommended, we and many other have used this service several times and it can be very worthwhile. We make it out in around 15 minutes. Cost is around $30Aus and we can coordinate this for anyone who would like it. This company can also have a car ready and waiting to drive you for a pre-arranged fee, it usually costs less than $15 to get to your hotel.

100 Days to go!

Feels like the 200 days milestone was only a few weeks ago doesn't it! It's 100 days today until the wedding so you're all into double digits for your arrival date in Bali. With Australia Day, Labour Day, Easter and Anzac Day holidays between now and then, the end of the wait is well and truly in sight!

The posts between now and your departure date will all be about Bali life; where to eat, where to drink, where to go for your next massage and where to spend time on day trips. Feel free to send through any questions or suggestions, we have many Bali veterans in the ranks so we will be sure to get an answer back!

Enjoy the anticipation of the next 100 days, won't be long until we're spying familiar faces at the airport and enjoying a Bintang together!