I've always used this forum for trip research, but never posted anything. I thought it was time to share some information- I just got back from a 7 day trip to Bali and just wanted to post some highlights of the trip, in case it'll be helpful for anyone planning a trip.
My fiance and I stayed at the Sofitel in Seminyak. Great hotel- room, pool, service and included breakfast were amazing. Not right in town where all the action is, but a cheap cab ride. As for restaurants, La Lucciola was absolutely amazing, I'd say 1 of the best restaurants I've ever been to, and not too expensive. Definitely a do-not-miss. We went to Gado Gado in Seminyak, but were not too impressed. Trattoria in Seminyak was good and very cheap. A day trip into Kuta was enough for us, I'm glad we chose not to stay there. We spent 4 nights in Seminyak and 2 nights in Ubud. Our hotel Tegal Sari in Ubud was absolutely amazing and cheap! about US$60 per night for a super deluxe wooden room. (Rooms 20 and 22 are newer and on the 2nd floor and have awesome views of paddy fields). The Zen Spa walking distance from the hotel was great and cheap. The hotel spa was also great. We enjoyed the 3 monkeys restaurant and Dirty Duck restaurant in Ubud. We also went diving in Tulamben- the ship wreck site was wonderful. We went with Atlantis International, a french dive company based in Sanur. Our dive master Emmanuel (local guy) was very caring and great. I'd highly recommend him. We also used a driver Nyoman a couple times (081 338 715751) in Seminyak, and would highly recommend him. Honest guy, very reasonable prices. Hope this helps. Happy travels!

thanks for this brief but comprehensive report...

Hi elaineg, We are contemplating a return to Bali this year after many years since the last visit.

Tegal Sari looks very nice. Was your "wooden" deluxe room one of numbers 20 or 22 or were they the new ones on the website please? There seems to be a variety on the website under the super deluxe variety. How long would you say it would take to walk into Ubud proper?

Thanks for the prompt report. Obviuosly, no penalty will be assessed.

Elaine -- glad you had a good time ! Have heard the diving around Bali is fantastic -- how deep was the wreck? Any underwater photos you can share?

Hi, first of all to MaryW- rooms 20 and 22 are the super deluxe wooden rooms on the 2nd floor of the newer buildings. ours was 20. there's one more as well, but I didn't see the room number. If you look at this webpage http://tegal-sari.com/gallery.htm, it's the first photograph. I'm pretty sure those were the newest buildings around.
The hotel is situated close to the Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Maybe a 15-20min walk to the main street in town where the Ubud Palace is, but the hotel provides free shuttle to and from.

And to answer jenskar: The wreck at Tulamben ranged from 9-30m, it's pretty close to shore. So it's good for all abilities. They said it's the easiest ship wreck dive. The 2 other sites close by are the Coral garden and Drop off. But we didn't get to go to the Drop off because visibility was poor. And sorry, no underwater pix.

Thank you - Tegal Sari does look very nice and gets very good reviews - seems to be pretty booked up though as one would expect.

Always good to read a report with facts and to hear that you had a lovely time. Pleased that La Luc. is still ok as I had heard varying reports and it described as a bit of a tourist trap these days .It really was the first to set up a " smart " look and menu .With your hotel in Ubud I am always curious about whether or not it was ' bug city ' because of the paddies etc surrounding it .Was it ok ?
For others reading this and planning there is a restaurant / bar in Kuta where we always eat in Jalan Legian and that is Maccaroni .Italian owned with lovely food -Indonesian and Italian - carpaccio of swordfish / really good pasta beautifully presented and carefully cooked .Good breakfast as well and nice lunch specials .Excellent coffee . Lovely cocktails and later in the night great music .In the heart of the street and its quality is not what is expected there .I try and steer friends and travellers to it as it was exceptional value and still good when we were last there having first eaten at it in 2002 .And it is nice to be recognised on your return or asked if we want the same table a few days after eating there .Also look at balieats.com which is a free newsletter about food on the island and openings / closings .

bookmarking

What does this mean? 'Bookmarking'?
Is this code for 'I'm gonna drag up all the really old posts I can find...?'

Can someone explain what this is all about? 'T.T.T' as well. Why drag old posts 'To The Top?' For who? For what?

"Bookmarking" is a way of paying homage to the original poster. It alerts him/her to the fact that you found the content interesting enough to "bookmark" for later consultation.

"TTT" is short for "To the Top". It's merely a way to put a thread back in circulation. Bob uses it quite often to dredge up his ancient drek.

Don't worry Dogster, we oldsters are not conversant with the current jargon. You happened upon two with which I am familiar. Most are beyond my ken.

Thanks for your report. We're still debating "where to?" this year. Indonesia is one of the leading contenders. It's been years since we were last in Bali.

Thanks gpanda: Well, obviously it works. Here's Kathie replying nicely to a post that's nearly two years old.

Dear elaineg might be dead by now. I hope not. She mentions her fiance. They could have triplets, quads, be starring in their own reality show...

Civilization, as we know it, has crumbled - but still elaine's post lives on in cyberspace. It's quite comforting, really.

TTT - Too too funny