I think it's probably safe to say I'm getting excited. Do want to thank everyone who has made direct suggestions, and all the other tips I've picked up reading through so many trip reports.

A few last questions -- if anyone has bought a watch in Singapore, where did you go? Has anyone bought a painting in Bali and gotten it back in one piece?

After all the thinking re hotels in Singapore, the 4S gave us rooms as part of my husband's yearly allowance so we will be there for our stopover on the way back, so it's a total 4S vacation. Before you all think we're spoiled to death, do know that as the wife of a chef, the holidays are all work days for my husband; about the only thing that gets us through Thanksgiving, Christmas and NYers is the thought that we'll be getting away come January.
That said, I am really looking forward to seeing what all the fuss is about at their hotel in Ubud.

Bob, we tried to book Putu, but he was not confirming very quickly, while sending emails that said until confirmed by him, we didn't have his services. So we are using Dean for four of our ten days, who comes very well recommended on tripadvisor and who has been delightful to correspond with. There's a 3 day festival in the Bali Aga village in Tenganan while we're there, so will check that out.

We have the first 3 nights in Jimbaran, then Ubud for 5 and 2 more in Jimbaran. Spa treatments booked for our first night. Thanks to all for the other spa recommendations -- may try one of those as well while we're there. Will take a look at the river and decide whether to do rafting. On the Mozaic front -- did see that most fodorites were underwhelmed. Given the chef's pedigree, we thought to check that out but they haven't responded to emails. The chef to chef world is usually a bit better than that so we'll see whether we bother once we're there. I have written to Iggy's for a reservation in Singapore.

Other things on the list: visit the craft villages between south Bali and Ubud, drive north towards Mengwi and see the countryside, check out some dances, visit the mother temple and a few other recommended sights in the east. I've researched Borobudur as a side trip and we're going to figure that out (whether to do it or not) once we're there and we see what the weather reports are like.

So, thank you all again, especially laurieco, marmot, KimJapan, Bob and Kathie -- I'll do a better restaurant report this time than last year in Thailand, I promise.

Have a wonderful time in Bali!

I've purchased paintings in bali a number of times and have always gotten them back in one piece! The paintings on canvas are very easy, as they roll up. If you are looking for something big, that's what you want. I've also purchased small paintings that fit easily into my suitcase. Resist the impulse to buy the gorgeous hand-carved frames... that's what won't fit in your luggage (unless it's a very small painting)!

Enjoy! I'll be curious to see your impression of the FS Singapore...we will probably stay there next August and I always like to hear what others think of a place beforehand.

You will love Bali I'm sure. It is visually stunning and the people we met there are so warm and friendly.

jenskar, How exciting! I've been to Bali dozens of times (I was just there last week) and still get excited about going back. There's just a LOT going on.

It's fairly easy to have purchases "packed to travel" in Bali. If the shop where you buy the painting doesn't seem to be able to pack it properly, then just ask the concierge at the 4S to help you.

I'm of the go to Mosaic school. For true foodies, Bali isn't worldclass, but the atmosphere compensates a lot. There are also new chefs at Uma in Ubud and Como Shambala (Begawan) that is in the area of the 4S. I haven't tried either yet, so can't give you a recommendation. On the beach I just keep going back to KuDeTa and La Lucciola. Again, the food is not the main attraction, but it's not bad either.

Singapore has more good restaurants than you can possibly cover in one visit, but one that I'd like to mention is Papillon in the Red Dot Building. It was really extraordinary.

Have a lovely time.

Kathie -- of course !! I must have been having a blonde moment. Great idea.

Kim will definitely let you know what we think.

marmot -- just researched the posts again and that was you who went to the John Hardy workshops -- how long did you stay when you did lunch? We have a driver for some of our days but not sure how that would work (in Chiang Mai our driver and guide got very embarrassed when we asked them to eat with us). As I'm the one good pair of earrings kind of gal, I think I could justify one more pair and they do have lovely things. Thank you for the restaurant suggestions too. I have Ku de Ta on the list. The ceviche dishes sound yummy. Did you write about your trip last week? I'll go look.

Re John Hardy: When we were there the schedule was tour (about 1/2 hour), then shopping (as long as it takes), then lunch. We had other plans and didn't stay for lunch, which caused all kinds of confusion, so make it clear one way or another when you make your reservation.

The merchandise is really beautiful, but it is very pricey by Bali standards, even at 40-50% off US retail. The person I was with spent excessively so I was off the hook, but I think they do expect you to buy when you're there.

My trip last week was just a family holiday, nothing out of the ordinary. We stayed at the Legian as always and had meals at KuDeTa and LaLucciola as always. We also tried Hu'u Bar again after a hiatus and although the atmosphere is fun and lively didn't find the food anything to rave about.

Jenskar:

I looked at watches while in Singapore this Fall and personally I didn't think the prices were attractive enough on premium quality watches to justify dealing with potential warranty issues. I do recommend you check prices here before leaving, for comparison, and inquire about any potential warranty differences on the brands you're considering. We did buy two somewhat less expensive watches for presents that were on "sale" but couldn't actually say whether or not they were a bargain.

We were also in Bali and bought a medium sized framed painting at the fine art gallery in the Museum Rudana in Ubud. They wrapped it well enough that we were able to carry it onto our remaining flights. The frames are optional. It was sad as although it was mid-day the gallery manager told us we were the first visitors and nearly pleaded with us to buy a painting, since we weren't planning on buying one. Putu was surprised that without our asking we were given a discount as he said the museum galleries don't usually discount their paintings. Just one of many indications we encountered in Indonesia that tourism is down and is affecting the lives of those who are dependent on tourist spending.

If you are in Ubud for the new moon or full moon, I would suggest attending the Kecak Fire Dance at the ARMA Open Stage.

We also visited John Hardy's and enjoyed the experience. Certainly worth a visit and lunch was a fantastic variety of delicious fresh food served family style, enjoyed along with the pleasant company some of the staff. John and his wife Cynthia had lunch with us and are very nice people IMHO. We weren't aware that drivers are not allowed into the JH compound and Putu had to wait outside for us to call him which was somewhat embarrassing for us as we took so long. I do suggest that if you think you may be interested in buying jewelry that you visit their website www.johnhardy.com before your visit. Not all items are on display and their method of storing their inventory is interesting. My wife knew most of what she was interested in looking at and we still spent almost two hours before her purchases were finalized and the charges completed. Yes not inexpensive as said but very nice pieces at a substantial discount to the jewelry store in our town that carries the JH line. A member of the staff and John's wife suggested LAMAK restaurant as their favorite for dinner in Ubud which we did enjoy very much.

Have a great trip. Enjoy.