With three energetic boys in Bali, we had to throw in a few adventures beyond the arts and temples. Here are some of the highlights: White water rafting — We wrangled our way down the rapids of the Ayung River surrounded by dense rainforest. Halfway down we stopped to see a hand-carved stone wall. Very cool. Coffee plantation — We visited a plantation that grows and processes coffee, tea, hot chocolate and spices. We were able to sample most of their products, but passed on the Lewak coffee. This very special coffee is made from digested coffee beans after a civet eats them. Yes, the animal eats the coffee beans, poops them out, and they are then cleaned and roasted for coffee. It is supposed to be quite the exotic delicacy! Bamboo factory and village — We went to a bamboo factory where we learned how they process different kinds of bamboo and use it for furniture and building homes. We also toured one of the bamboo homes in Green Village. It's incredible what they can do with bamboo! Surfing in Kuta — Our boys had a taste of surfing in the Philippines, so we signed them up for some lessons in Kuta. They are now hooked on surfing. Great waves, dude! Bali Bird Park — This gorgeous park houses a huge collection of Indonesian birds, as well as species from South America and Africa. We even saw a Komodo dragon!
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.