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!