In Reply to: driver and guide posted by kmm2411k on Saturday, 13. September 2008 at 13:48 Bali Time:
Hi kmm2411k
I have posted several times about our great driver, Dewa Marco - I will copy and paste the relevant information from my JBR's 2007 & 2008. I have left my email address open so that you or anyone can contact me if further information is required (don't forget to delete the "no spam"). Dewa also has other experienced drivers as part of his team as I understand you may require a 2nd vehicle and driver.
Please do not hesitate to contact me.
Rather than get this post deleted, email me for Dewa's mobile, email and blog contacts please.
Part of JBR 2008
OUR DRIVER:
This is the 2nd visit we have used our good friend and driver, Dewa Marco. He is everything anyone could wish for in a driver. His professionalism is of the highest standard and we believe he is Bali's # 1 driver.
Dewa continues to impress us with his knowledge of all things Bali and his generosity and sense of humour always contribute to an excellent outing. He has a thirst for knowledge on many world events and we had many discussions on multiple topics, his desire for self improvement and to support is family is admirable. His written and spoken English continue to improve. We are honoured to know this man and would highly recommend him to anyone seeking a driver of his calibre.
Any time we were with Dewa, he was ever mindful of my disability and considered my access ability in consultation with me at all times. Our personal safety and that of our belongings were paramount and he always locked his vehicle and waited for us from a vantage point were he could keep an eye on us and the car.
We wanted to buy certain items and he went out of his way to locate specific shops that would sell what we required. This greatly reduced our anxiety. When taking us shopping he waited either in the vehicle or close by and at no time did he take us to premises where he would get a commission. We did ask for recommendations on where to buy goods and we were more than happy with our purchases and their price.
Dewa is more than just a driver. During our stay he:
• Recommended and bought 'Diapet' for me when I had gastric
• Took us to get a SIM card for the mobile phone
• Offered to cancel his plans and transport Kerry to the Dr at Legian Clinic when he was ill with gastro
• Sent SMS's to us enquiring about Kerry's health
• Provided translation and intermediary services where required
• Purchased poleng cloth for us
• Was extremely flexible in our itineraries
• Always had cold water in his car for us
• He provided umbrellas for our use
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We organised for Dewa to take us on several day trips as well as to pick us up and drop us off at the airport.
We selected what we wanted to do in consultation with Dewa in case it was not practical. Our day trips were a mixture of shopping and sightseeing and each trip was very different.
Trip I -
Searching for a wall sconce to match our existing one. Located a wonderful light shop called 'Multi Dewata' in Kerobokan next to the 'Blue Fish Gallery' and ordered the light (70,000Rp). Then on to Denpasar for a SIM card at Rimo (25,000Rp + 100,000Rp extra credit) and I also bought ink for my printer there (black & colour 285,000Rp). On to Haaris' 'Cyber Café' in Kuta for lunch and then to 'Supernova Department Store' for some Bokashi and Martha Tilaar products (35,000Rp ea for cleanser & 77,000Rp for Eye Gel).
Trip 2 -
We drove to Ubud and on the way went via Tegalalang. We bought 2 cushion covers (40,000Rp) and a magazine holder that I will use for storing craft items (35,000Rp). Jl Raya Tegalalang is a mecca of shops and prices are very reasonable. On to Sukawati Markets in Sukawati and we had only walked in the covered area of the market about 50 metres when we bought all that we wanted there. A double bed quilt (100,000Rp) there are literally hundreds of them there, 2 men's buttoned shirts (25,000Rp ea), a bamboo wind chime (25,000Rp), Foot scrub (20,000Rp ea).
On to Ubud and 'Murnie's Warung' for lunch and then up to Mt Kintimani to take in the views. Back to Denpasar and bought 2 pashmina's at 'Lima Jaya' (50,000Rp ea) and 'Tiara Dewata Department Store' for the remainder of the Martha Tilaar (1 cleanser 35,000Rp & 3 toners @ 34,000Rp ea)
Trip 3 -
Safari Park as noted above.
Trip 4 -
We drove to Sanur to visit the Orchid Gardens (entrance fee 50,000Rp ea). The gardens were really lovely. At the end of our walk through we came across the Luwak, related to the mongoose and native to Sumatra. This cat like animal eats coffee beans from the trees and excretes the seeds that grow into coffee seedlings trees where the beans are harvested to make Coffee Luwat (Kopi Luwat) the link below provides more information.
http://www.baliorchidgardens.com/coffeeluwak.html
From Sanur we went to Klungkung Water Palace called Kertha Gosha which is the old Court of Justice (entrance fee 5,000Rp ea). On to Candi Dasa and a stop for lunch at the 'Lotus Seaview Restaurant'. During lunch it started to rain heavily and continued to do so all the way back down to Legian.
Trip 5 -
As we are interested in tropical gardens, Dewa took us to 'Renon Nursery' on Jl Raya Renon. Like all the garden nurseries in this area, there are literally hundreds of plants many of which we grow here. It was interesting to hear the Balinese names for these tropical plants and see how they are cultivated and grown.
From there we went into Denpasar to buy 'ider ider' cloth. This is a narrow coloured cloth usually with gold patterns painted on it. It is used to decorate a bale or temple and is hung usually on the inside edge of the surrounding support beam of the area to be covered. We went to several shops in Jl Sulawesi, however we were directed to Kumbasari market a few meters away. We were 'assisted' in our quest by two women who bought the 'ider ider' out to us and it was measured and cut in the street. We purchased 7 metres (20,000Rp per metre).
We moved on from Denpasar to Sukawati and the Tagenungan Waterfall (entrance fee 4,000Rp ea) lookout. It is a great spot to view this waterfall and have some respite from the heat. We were serenaded by some young girls selling fans who were very interested in the photos in my camera. This waterfall was a former site for bungy jumping and all the equipment is still there.
Lastly, on the way back to Legian via Jimbaran Bay we stopped at Guwang Market. It was very quiet there as all the trade usually happens in the morning. We did however buy a painting. (35,000Rp)
That concludes all the full day trips we did with Dewa as our driver, obviously we could not have done all the above without his knowledge, skill, helpfulness and flexibility. We had a fantastic time and we thank him profusely.
Part of JBR 2007
DRIVER.
Our driver was recommended to us by Haaris from the Bali Cyber Café in Kuta. His name is Dewa Marco and we were more than happy with his service. He was punctual and very courteous and I was able to practice my Bahasa with him. His has an excellent command of English and has been driving tourists for several years. We shared many funny experiences with him and he in turn opened our eyes further to the culture and lifestyle of Balinese families.
We became very fond of Dewa and would highly recommend him to anyone who values his experience and knowledge of the island. He can be contacted from Australia on +628123918718.