We really wanted the fullest possible Balinese experience, and our ship overnighted there. So instead of four two-hour bus trips back and forth from the port to the areas of interest we rented a Balinese villa in a resort for the night. Then we organized a guide to take us to the villa with guiding along the way, and back to the ship with more guiding the next day. That also gave us the opportunity to have the conversations we shared in our other Bali postcard.
Our Royal Villa was located in a resort carved into the jungle in Ubud, very authentic, and quite a find. Four expansive rooms totaling 1800 square feet, all carved wood, totally private and with its own swimming pool. As we lounged by the pool upon arrival monkeys were moving around in the trees 40 feet away. They never bothered us.
We were offered a four course romantic dinner for two when we booked. Always game for romance we said yes, not really knowing what to expect. Wow! They led us through the dining room and past tables for two on a balcony with amazing views out over the jungle. We were already thinking “good move” when we saw those tables. Then they led us up another stairway to a private patio where we found this — just for us.
The floor and table decorations are fresh flower petals in red, pink and white – thousands of them. We asked how long it took to set up? After buying the flower petals already individually “plucked” it took two people 4 1/2 hours to arrange this. Probably obvious that this was a very special dinner.
At this point you might be thinking that we were being pretty extravagant. It seems like it when dealing with the local currency. The Royal Villa, including all fees and an expansive breakfast, was over 6 million IDR (local currency). That translates to only $340 USD. The romantic dinner for two, including all of the flowers plus cocktails and wine was $146 USD. The memories — priceless!
This is the fifth time we have “booked a room” when we already had a cruise ship cabin. Each time the experience became a cherished memory. The place we booked, the dinner and then watching things around us peacefully go to sleep — and slowly wake up the next morning all became an extra dimension and connection.
By the way, Patrick and Terry did something similar on their visit to Bali last year. We had fun comparing notes, and his suggestions were very helpful.
