For my 60th birthday year I had grand plans of flying to Las Vegas and living the high life as a homage to “getting past it”. For various reasons it didn’t pan out that way. After kicking a few ideas around we decided to spend some quality time in our old favourite – Bali (hey – I can hear you rolling your eyes!). This time we’re doing it a little different. We booked private villas in Ubud and Canggu. Jane and I are joined by Bianca and her friend Zoey. My son Anthony will be joining us for the Canggu leg.

Since Bianca and Zoey had different flight we decided to spend the first night in Legian. We chose the familiar Sun Island Hotel and Spa (Legian) hotel. It cheap and central and good place to launch the real trip. We’d stayed there a few times before and has always been cheap and clean with friendly staff. Jane I had dinner – of course the customary “Nasi Goreng and Bintang on arrival”. The location is great for bogan-bali and we enjoyed the walk around the familiar busy Legian streets.

The next morning, Made’s brother Ketut picked the four of us up from the Sun Island for the 1.5 hour trip to Ubud. We were late because Bianca and Zoey decided to do their nails and picked the slowest manicurists in all of South East Asia. Ketut (and the hotel staff) were understanding (of course) and we were on our way.

We arrived in Ubud and found our way though little alley-ways to Gora House. We booked the two bedroom villa with private pool. It was a little old but nice and great value. The bedrooms were spacious with a patio area, wet kitchen and a nice little garden. The pool was big enough to cool off. The location is perfect, on Jalan Bisma, a ten minute walk to the main Ubud Strip. Secluded and bordered by rice fields. Jalan Bisma has lots of restaurants and bars.

The girls did some googling and we made our way to Warung Gauri for dinner. It took some finding – it seems like every place in Ubud down little alley-ways. It was worth it. A traditional Balinese warung. Food was delicious. Jane had the Nasi Goreng of course.

The next morning Jane and I were up early (yes you heard it right). I wanted to do the Campuhan Ridge walk. It was close to Gora House and they claimed it was an easy walk even for the unfit (Jane and I). They recommended to start early the morning to beat the crowds. We set off at 7.20. We found the place easily and soon discovered its uphill all the way. We found out quickly how unfit we really were. It was an enjoyable experience and well worth it. Especially being a free activity.

We we got to the end we were exhausted and it seemed like the only way back into town was back they way we came. After asking a few people (thanks Jane) we found out there was a taxi stand 800 metres down the road. We got a lift back into town my a nice young man, Putu. We secured his services for Cretya the next day. We were back at Gora House in no time. As we entered the villa, Bianca and Zoey were on their way out for breakfast. Exhausted, but hungry we followed then to Milk & Madu cafe. A little bit wanky, but the food and coffee was nice. Bianca and Zoey went off shopping and Jane and I went back to the villa for a well deserved nap. We stayed in the villa- had a swim waiting the girls to get back. Jane suggested going for a massage at the River View Spa. I went to find a place to have a beer and read my book. I found the Tropical Restaurant, Jane and girls found me after their massage and ordered lunch,

On the way back to the villa Jane and I bought tickets to the Kecak Dance for that night. At 100,000 IDR (approx. $10 AUD) it was was good value and the chance to get some local culture. The grand finale was the fire dance. It was spectacular and we were all amazed at the dancers courage.

We grabbed dinner on the way home at Ikigai Japanese. The food was terrific. Bianca and Zoey compared the menu and service to Sushi Wawa at home, where they both work.

We all retired early after a full day.

Saturday was reserved for Cretya. A hip beach club style resort with multiple pools and restaurants. This was Bianca’s choice. Putu picked us up at 10 after a light breakfast at SemuJaen.

Jane and I felt somewhat out of place when we walked in. All the people there were young and fashionable. It was only later we saw some people more our age.

We booked a table for lunch before we went, which was both good and bad. Good because it was a much easier entry into the place. We thought we’d have lunch and then go and sit by the pool for the rest of the afternoon. The “bad” part was it didn’t quite work that way. Jane to the rescue. She talked to the pool attendant and got then to exchange our lunch reservation for a day bed near the pool. The minimum spent was 2.5M IDR (approx $250 AUD). We all agreed we could eat and drink that much.

The place is quite big and has activities such as big swings, flying fox and bike on a tightrope. Before we left Jane said she wanted to go on one of those big swings, but she chickened our when she got up close. Jane and I followed the nice trail though the rice terraces with lots photo opportunities along the way. We got back to the beautiful people by the pool and ordered lunch. The food and drinks were pretty good and the service was quick. We sat and ate lunch watching the Instagrammers showing the world what a perfect life they have. I couldn’t help think what the local staff thought of them. They remained cheerful and attentive as all Balinese are.

We left around 3pm and got a 30 minute taxi ride back to Bisma. I checked my watch and it reported that I’d climbed the equivalent of 31 flights of stairs – my knees were feeling it. time for a rest.

We had dinner at Cafe Lotus. Probably the worst meal of the trip so far. I ordered Babi Kecap and the pork was very dry. The beer came at the same time as the food, which is not great for me. Jane was happy with her chicken dish however. Back to the villa. We’re off to Canggu tomorrow!