mohan

$45

MichaelBKK

As I recently posted, the 7-day visa is no longer available. You must buy a 30 day visa for $25, period. I have heard of people waiting up to two hours to get through immigration. Like most places, it depends on when you arrive. If a couple of 747's land before you, you're gonna wait.

JohnFitz

The trick is to not arrive along with several other flights and all disembark at the same time .And that of course is impossible to predict .

Anyone infirm and need a wheelchair ? Injured ? Sprained ankle ?

If the answer is " yes " to any of the above then you will likely be assisted through immigration , as we were last time, as a result of a travelling companion badly twisting her ankle when arriving at the airport in Melbourne .

The airline arranged , prior to our departure , for us to be met at the plane on arrival , our friend placed in the wheelchair and thereafter we were all fast-tracked through the VIP lane with our attendant taking our $ to pay for the visa .

The queues of hundreds of people from several flights faded behind us.Bliss.

I am thinking of injuring myself before my arrival in June .

filmwill

Since our flight arrives early afternoon and it seems most of the heavies get in late at night, I'm hoping we'll be okay.

But luckily, either way, our hotel offers the concierge/immigration service free-of-charge, so hopefully it'll be a quick trip through.

marmot

When flights arrive on time and it's not a holiday the process is fairly painless. However, if a flight's delayed there's no concept of adding on extra staff so it's very slow. Religious holidays in Bali are an accepted part of the culture; someone is always taking a day off for some reason or other. Again, there's not much anticipation or backup.

I'm actually in Bali right now and it's wonderful. The good news is that it's quiet. The bad news is that all the hotels are doing renovations. Brillant blue skies and magnificent sunsets. I'm off to Sarong for dinner.

barefootbeach

Marmot, I'm so jealous....we'll be there in 1 1/2 months..can't wait. Is the Legian doing renovations?

marmot

barefoot, yes, the Legian is renovating its lobby bar which has always been fairly wasted space. It's not too distracting but I'm annoyed that they didn't advise me when I made the reservation. There's also construction next door so you want to be on the north side of the building.

Otherwise the beach looks as good as it ever has. The W Resort is going up about a mile up the beach which I think will help upgrade that area.

Also some new restaurants -- notably Metis.

MichaelBKK

Have you checked out the new Banyan Tree yet? I think it soft-opened last month.

barefootbeach

Marmot,
I asked for room 432...I believe that it was you who said it was their favorite studio suite. Is that on the north side of the building? We're not arriving until April 26...maybe the worst of it will be over.
We only have 2 nights at the Legian...which 2 restaurants would you recommend for dinner?
Thanks again for all your helpful information.
Enjoy Bali!

marmot

I'm actually IN 432 right now! That's the side you want.

I'm sure the Legian construction will be finished by Easter but the resort next door is moving slowly.

For two nights? I'd definitely choose LaLucciola for one. The other would be either Metis or Sarong. They're both beautiful restaurants with good food. Metis is continental. Sarong pan-Asian. KuDeTa for drinks before or after.

I didn't make it to Banyan Tree or Alila Ulu Watu, though I did have an appointment in the Jimbaran Bukit. That area isn't growing on me.

barefootbeach

Thanks Marmot for the restaurant recommendations. And I hope I get room 432....I'll look for your "secret" message!

Anyone, is there a way to find out what flights are arriving on a specific date?

MichaelBKK

On specific dates, I don't think so, but you can look at current flight status here:

http://asia-airports.com/indonesia/d...ght-status.php

And it will show you what flights are scheduled to arrive on the current day. Checking back for a few days will give you a feel for what arrives at the same time you do, and the closer you get to your travel date, the more accurate it will be.

tengohambre

Another vote for Sarong. Great place. Indian and Thai. While the two cuisines are a bit at odds (I would try to focus on one), the samosas there were excellent, as was the snapper green curry. And, they have a tuna starter, small pieces of tuna served in bettel (sp?) leaves that is just great. Have fun.

barefootbeach

Thanks Michael BKK....I'll check that out to see if we should spring for the visa service or not. And tengohambre, thanks for the specific food recommendations....think we'll try that one out since it's more Asian.

marmot

We usually have Indian at Sarong as we don't like to mix up the cuisines but in addition to Thai and Indian they also have talented Chinese and Indonesian chefs. The concept is truly all-Asian, which sometimes works and sometimes is too confusing.

We like to sit in the garden area -- or near the garden when it rains.

Bokhara2

Marmot, could you tell me if the Kumala Pantai renovations are finished, please?
Many thanks

marmot

Sorry, no information on the Kumala Pantai. Their neighbor, the Padma, is also undergoing a complete makeover. I hope they don't price themselves out of the family/moderate range.

Bokhara2

OK thanks Marmot. If you're looking for a decent coffee, the "Coffee Shop" (LHS heading towards Kuta) is pretty good.

JohnFitz

I am not sure about the Kumala but when last there 2 years ago we decided not to go back unless we could be in the old wing. The two new wings facing each other meant lack of privacy and noise as there is a pool bar with music all day between the two new wings .

Unpleasant to say the least when you want an afternoon nap .Luckily we were only booked in for 3 nights .

I understood that the Padma renovations to the chalets are finished as my agent is recommending I stay there for part of my time in June at a cost of A$140 per night and a stay 7 pay for 5 deal .

I will double check with her that new / further renos are not starting there or at the Kumala .

Bokhara2

Thanks JohnFitz; I like the room on the top LHS side of the block facing the beach at the reception end of the beach. The trees give some seclusion & it was nice & quiet. Not sure I'm too keen if it becomes another big place like the Jayakarta. We'll see, I guess.