Boeing to Bali for a Birthday Beach Break.

[Flyfrequently]

I have had a pretty good run celebrating my "Here's Cheers to 70 Years" birthday, so thought it only reasonable to spoil Mr Flyfrequently for his 71st.
Tossed up between Fiji and Bali and having been to both many times, Bali it is.
I first went to Bali in 1975 in my (impoverished) student days and started going with the Flyfrequently family in 1986. Much has changed over the decades, but still find it a good place to "flop, drop, rinse and repeat".
Not sure how interesting this TR will be, as we plan to just relax, enjoy the food, the weather and each other's company.

 

[Flyfrequently]

With Newcastle, Vanuatu, Vietnam and a Melbourne staycation sorted for my celebrations this year, in May it was time to book Bali for his birthday.
I had kept an eye on the fares and was hoping to use points as J was ridiculously expensive - for Bali.
Even as WP I had no luck in having seats released,. "What The Heck", I just bit the bullet and paid $$ (you can't take it with you they say !)
Settled on the late Sunday afternoon direct flight from Melbourne on the 737.
Not keen to be "upright" on the way back, I booked via Sydney on the way home.

Can't believe it is now  that Sunday and we head off this afternoon

 

[Flyfrequently]

Having been to Bali many times with the most recent in June 2024, I didn't really have to put too much thought into this.
Followed my usual practice of booking Qantas Hotels to meet spend criteria to trigger TI and then pay the $45 admin fee each for our pre-existing medical conditions.
Though, I forgot my other usual practice of booking the first night separately at a less expensive hotel/room category in case flight is delayed or cancelled..... QF45 is on time!
We prefer the area of Nusa Dua away from the chaos, crowds and traffic of the other parts of the island.
As Accor Plus, this time I booked Nusa Dua Beach Hotel and Spa having read @bPeteb TR from last year.

And deviating from our usual practice of lining up at the "old persons" queue at Ngurah Rai Airport to do Visa on Arrival ( VOA) we've done e-VOA.
This week Indonesia commenced a trial of a combined Health and Customs declaration form online, which we have also completed.
Passports AUD cash IDR from last trip credit cards Travel Money Card and my trusty blue folder with hard copy print outs

 

[VPS]

I can’t believe you’re off again. Have fun.

 

[Flyfrequently]

I can’t believe you’re off again. Have fun.

Thanks @VPS that's the plan.
But in saying that, always nice to come home!

 

[Flyfrequently]

The art of compromise is something we have nutted out over the decades, particularly in relation to travel.
I like the journey - him, the destination. Me - lounging - him, not so and the list goes on.

The compromises for this trip :
1. We would go over on 737 direct and return on A330 via Sydney
2. Not bother with Palace Club Lounge - found that a hard one to concede but it is his birthday trip after all!
3. Stay at his choice - Nusa Dua Beach Hotel and Spa, whereas I had my eye on Sofitel.
So, 9 nights all booked but have hedged my bets and the last 3 nights are on a separate booking - just in case

 

[bPeteb]

I hope you enjoy the hotel like we did.

 

[Flyfrequently]

I hope you enjoy the hotel like we did.

Day 1 and finding our feet @bPeteb

Can't complain!

 

[Flyfrequently]

Another compromise I achieved was "let's take the big suitcase" and I then said "you are being very compliant in your mature years!"

All set to head off, having chosen a Sunday to depart as it is a leisurely Sunday drive to Tulla 85-90 minutes
Did hear a traffic report the day before saying allow extra time to get to the airport ok this catastrophiser listened.
The cause for delays was multi-factorial with CBD protests, local freeway roadworks, road closures due to our not wanted suburban rail link and Melbourne's other elephant, the North West tunnel.
Took just shy of 120 minutes to be greeted at our off site parking by Missy, her Mum and our teen grandson a delightful surprise!

Arrive at First Class checkin - closed for maintenance head to Counter 2

Staff apologised profusely and even they were frustrated by it, but very cheerful as always.
Quick stop at Lotte and up to F Lounge. With no spa appointments available, enjoyed a leisurely lunch

And the pleasure of meeting @DejaBrew in the throes of his 72 hour 14 flight SR - and I did get a photo of the slow cooked lamb!

Inbound bird was a tad late

Onboard and departed pretty much on time.
We are just about on our way

to our Boeing Bali Birthday Beach Break