Don't arrange for airport pickup through the hotel. usually more expensive. once you exit the airport go to a taxi counter and book a cab there. its cheaper. they charge based on which area your hotel is. for Hard Rock Hotel or Hotel Ramayan in Kuta, its Rp30,000 ard SGD5.

1. Temple Visit, numerous temple to visit (i've been to the one in Kintamani, but was told the best time to go was during a festival that happens once every ten years at the biggest temple in Besakih) - a unique experience cos most Balinese practice a distinct Hindu belief, quite different form the Hindu belief practiced here. requires appropriate dressing.

2. Bedugul - an area not unlike Genting for its climate (colder but without the casino and theme park). Things to do, take a fast boat ride around the lake and iirc, there is parasailing there too.

3. Git Git Waterfall - a very loooong walk from where your vehicle is park to the waterfall. not recommended with kids in tow. clear, clean water but too cold to jump in.

4. Tanah Lot - for its view when the sun sets. there is a temple off the beach, accessible by foot during low tides.

5. Monkey Forest - all i can remember that there were a lot of monkeys. and be prepared for a monkey to just grab something off you.

actually there are more things that i can't recall doing, but saved the best for last:

6. Horse Back Riding - was apprehensive at first but my friend talk me into it and it was da bomb. a two hour ride along volcanic sand beaches, stopping at a bat cave, riding around a village nearby. would love to try it again, but with someone special. the downer was that i've damaged the roll of film with photos of me horse back riding

One of life's small pleasures is to shop & have plenty of time to do it in. I visited Discovery Plaza in August, in the department store place they had cutlery for 50% off, I bought 6 of everything & it only cost me about $A30. I looked up the stamp on the back of the cutley when I got home & it is a very stylish German brand. I was so happy, next trip I'll check out other things. I have since seen on the forum that on the top floor in the electrical area you can buy a portable DVD for $35, bargain, great kid's presents.

1. McD, KFC, Pizza Hut and A&W sprouts everywhere in Kuta.

2. Ketupat Restaurant (Kuta) - a nice place for a quiet dinner for two. excellent food, serving Indonesian Cuisine.

3. Casa Luna (Ubud) - serving mostly continental cuisine, had breakfast and dinner there. forgot what i had, but would rate it highly.

4. Hard Rock Cafe (Kuta) - the most expensive meal during the trip or could it have been because of the beers and vodkas. loved the calamari though.

5.tried the smaller restaurants and warungs, and came away fine. did not suffer the dreaded bali belly either for me or my friend.

I loved my stay at Tegal Sari last month. The pool is more than adequate for the number of rooms they have but I am not a pool dweller so my advice may be a bit sus, I like to get out and about when in Ubud. The grounds are not parklands but are neat and tidy. The rooms are surrounded by rice padis, and that is the view.

Another property worth looking at because of the view etc. is Amandari Hotel, but it is several hundred per night. Princess Di chose that as her place to stay!Almost next door with the same view is Villa Indah, but it closed in July for full renovations, so it may be open depending on when you are travelling. It used to be well priced but I have no idea post renovations.

Our family returned from Bali a few weeks ago having spent 4 lovely nights in the Saren Indah Hotel. The Hotel was really quiet (except the noise of the forest in the evenings) with a fairly small number of rooms. It was about 15 minutes walk into Ubud through the monkey forest. The staff were lovely and the breakfast excellent. I would certainly recommend it to anyone and would go back.

With kids in tow, Hard Rock Hotel has activities to keep them busy. But kinda pricey, so not sure if its gonna be reasonable for you. Its situated in Kuta, lots of young aussies who's in Bali to party.

stayed twice in Hotel Ramayana, last visit in August. The rooms are nicely done up, fairly new. But there were ongoing renovation work while i was there. plus point is its location, its abt 5 min walk to the beach and if you feel like taking your kids to a water theme park, there is the WaterBom Park nearby. abt 10 mins walk.

if you prefer someplace more secluded and quiet to spent your holiday, check out hotels in Nusa Dua / Tanjong Benoa area. planning to stay there for my next trip.