After visiting Bali a couple of times I still had a strong yearning to get in touch with the wonderful rice paddies and river and jungle area. Unfortunately the two cycling tours that we had been on previous trips did not satisfy this need. I found the cycling too distracting and swift to be able to get in touch with the real Bali so I booked a walking tour with Wayan called 'Bali Off Course' which takes you to even better countryside through the jungle as well as amazing rice paddies and allows you the time to soak up all of the gorgeous sights.
I was most impressed when we met Wayan who reminded us that this was our tour and that we could take it easy and stop and take photos at any time. It was fabulous that we were the only couple there that day so we didn't feel as though we had to keep up or wait for anyone. Wayan is someone with that elusive X factor. His bright energy and wide smile is really inspiring. He was true to his word as our guide Nyoman proved to be very generous with his time and even his photographic skills. It is a pity that they could not both be there.
Now this is what we should have done on our first trip. I really enjoyed getting kinda down right dirty (ok not that dirty) as we stepped, climbed and jumped through the jungle area which opened up to the stunning rice paddies. This was a fun adventure without being too extreme. Our guide Nyoman was great company. Arriving at the river towards the end was especially brilliant. The cool soothing water on my blisters from my new shoes was not only healing but also quite energising. I'm usually not interested in swimming but that river looked so inviting. I should have brought my togs.
We were given the option of going to the coffee plantation. I missed out on previous trips as I perceived this to be a penny pinching experience since it is associated with so many organised tours. Shame on me! We were taken to the through a delightful garden with all of the names of common plants labelled on the actual plant itself eg vanilla, cinnamon, turmeric, etc. which proved to be quite interesting. We also met the sweet lawak who help produce some of the nicest coffee in Bali. Were shown how the beans were roasted and ground. The coffee and tea tasting over the beautiful view was such a lovely experience and of course we had to try the famous lawak coffee and we were glad that we did. Thumbs up!
** Check out some of our photos at
http://smedley.id.au/bali2011/offcourse/#
Nyoman then took us to a great restaurant with yet another brilliant view. Nyoman and Wayan kindly invited us to the festival at the temple to celebrate the new moon however, we needed to move on as the Royal Pita Maha awaited our arrival!
Just when I thought that I had seen it all we arrived at the Royal Pita Maha. Whoa this place is BEYOND divine and certainly fit for the most ROYAL of royals. As you enter the lobby it becomes clear that this hotel was created to reach orgasmic heights on all levels for the body mind and soul. Let me assure you that without any doubt it certainly achieves this objective.
We were lead through this expansive resort to our own private villa with its own private large pool and view of the sensational valley. Soaking up the mind blowing private view while multiple elegant and petite birds put on a flying display over the pool before me was a totally out of body experience for me. I could tell that they loved this place as much as I did! I could not wait for my bag to arrive so that I could jump into that pool. I am not terribly fond of pools but this one was a definite exception. Not only was that pool sparkly but impressively warm for Ubud. Ah bliss.
After a quirky yet fun garden out door shower we headed out for dinner to the nearby Kupu Kupu Barong Hotel for an infinity pool dinner. The table was set up beautifully with frangipani and flower petal petals overlooking a fabulous sunset and of course that amazing valley. Be assured that the platform was surprisingly quite stable. Most of the food was absolutely delicious. However it was also the people who kindly tended to our needs that also make this experience very special. I was especially impressed with how well they spoke english. Again the weather was absolutely perfect. It was definitely a fond night to remember and it surely has to be the BEST way to see the sunset in the Ubud area.
** They say a photo tells a thousand words so check some of our photos at
http://smedley.id.au/bali2011/kupu/#
Just remember that they also say that photos do not do a place any justice.
And so another day begins at the Royal Pita Maha. I especially loved the royal traditional (yet modern) feel to this hotel. Even the outdoor garden shower was an adventure in itself.
We endeavoured to check out all of various areas of this sensational royal play ground and in particular the organic restaurant by the magnificent river. Service of this restaurant was fantastic and added to the charm of the setting. Near by was also a temple and the royal lagoons which were decorated beautifully with their signature red hibiscus. Checking out the river grounds below was also a great exciting pleasure. I never expected this river to have such a strong presence. No wonder they say that the spring here has healing qualities. We waved to the white water rafters as they screamed from the top of their lungs. A couple of the rafting guys cheekily offered us transport as they whooshed by. :D
We felt as though we were on top of the world (well at high as we possibly could be in the nape of a valley.) Of course the irony here is that Bali also has its darker side. I am also reminded of the contrasting villages that we walked through and I sit here in total awe of the view in front of me.
Pinch me I'm at the ROYAL PITA MAHA!!!
Our only disappointment came as we had to carry our bags up what seemed like thousands of steep stairs at the end of our stay. We did call for help but no one came until it was too late. We arrived in the lobby drenched in sweat with our thighs throbbing.
I confess that this hotel is not cheap but I do believe that if you are fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to stay at this hotel like this even for one night (without the stairs :P) do not hesitate for another second. Surely life does not get any better than this. The insanely beautiful Royal Pita Maha villas needs to be seen to be believed.
I had no idea that these places existed on Earth let alone in Bali. It confirms to me that nowhere in the world achieves the high standard of beauty on every level that Bali can.
** They say a photo tells a thousand words so check some of our photos at
http://smedley.id.au/bali2011/royalpita/#
Nitty Gritty - The ROYAL Pita Maha
(Not to be confused with the Pita Maha)
Atmosphere - Simply stunning
Service - Great but needs improving in some areas
Room - Un-believ-able villa.
Bed - Huge and romantic
Shower - Different but brilliant - surprisingly great hot water
Will we return? - the jury is still out on this one. Probably when our calves have recovered from all of the stairs.
HINTS for newbies or those on their L plates:
They say at the end of your life you will have more regrets about what you did not do rather than the things that you did do. Enjoy life to the fullest and make the most out of the opportunities that come your way.
On the walking tour wear non slip shoes and test them out in mud before you pack. We came with a she'll be right attitude. It was ok but it would have been way much more fun bounding around without the fear of slipping in my stupid shoes.
Wear shorts (without being too short) I found my capris a bit too restricting as I took huge steps.
Consider asking the Bali Off Course walking guide to drive you through the village part in the middle. We personally found that this part was a little too long for us. Maybe it is because we have seen the villages quite a few times before?
Wear your bathers in case as that gorgeous river is mighty tempting after a big walk.
When ever you book a tour guide or driver make sure that you directly ask if that person is available for that day. It is not uncommon for them send a replacement from their 'team' without any prior warning who may not speak English as quite as well which does influence your experience.
Have breakfast by the river at the organic restaurant at the Royal Pita Maha.
Treat yourself to a SLR camera. Most of our photos were taken with a Nikon D80.
Saya harap kamu ada hari yang bagus!
Have a good day!