Things to Know and Do at Bali Mountain Villa

INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW (Please read all before booking)

Bali Mountain Villas is owned and managed by a wonderful and well traveled Australian couple who use it as their private home when they are in Bali.  There is one full time housekeeper, and one on call maintenance person. The housekeeper can arrange transport, restaurant reservations and massage service at your request.

Getting the best out of your Bali Mountain Villa Visit and the real Experience Bali

  • What to Bring to Bali

    • light cardigan for night
    • personal insect repellent
    • water proof spray jacket
    • a couple of power converters. I usually also bring a power board for charging my ipad, computer and phone all at once.  Look HERE for information about power and plug types in Indonesia. 
    • torch (flash light) in case of blackouts which happen infrequently. We have candles both upstairs and downstairs for your use. It's quite romantic really
    • food and necessities for the duration (if you are cooking yourself)
    • earplugs (the frogs are sometimes loud at night)
    • camera
    • umbrella
    • insurance details
    • walking shoes
    • hat

  • Balinese Culture

    • - You will be in a real 'local' village and the people are really beautiful, kind and friendly. They smile ALOT! A hello as you pass will make their day. If you are lucky and stumble across a village ceremony please be respectful and wear appropriate clothing if you wish to observe (long pants and tshirt for men and sarong or skirt or long pants and nice top for women). Please ask before taking photographs.  Look HERE to see the most common 1,000 Indonesian words that are easy to remember.

 

  • Emergency

    • in case of emergency the BMIC number is 0361761263 and SOS number 0217506001 and the Siloam Hospital number is 500911 

  • Local Balinese fruits 

  • Bali has many exotic and delicious fruits  that you may never have tried before.  Ask a local's or your driver's help in picking good ones and how to peel and eat.  You won't regret it. 

  • Local Balinese Foods

    • Like the fruits here the local cuisine is varied and possible very different where you are from.  Be adventurous!  Try some dishes that sound good but you've never had.  

  • Local Balinese Customs and traditions

    • Bali has many customs and traditions and even taboos that may be different from you home area.. For instance, Balinese believe that the gods live in the mountains and evil lives in the earth and the sea.  As a result it is unacceptable (and even insulting) to a Balinese if you touch their head, point with your feet or even show the bottom of your feet! Also, don't point with your index finger, it is considered rude.   HERE and HERE are more interesting things to know about this thousand year old culture

  • Rain

    • The rainy season may start as early as November, but usually starts in December.  It may last as long as April, but usually ends in February or March.  However, it is a beautiful experience and very cosy sitting on the balcony protected from the torrential downpours that are so common in this area.  Best to do your trekking or walking in the mornings as sometimes the rain sets in for the rest of the day in the afternoon..  Look HERE to see current weather nearby Bali Mountain Villas.

Summary Of Information about the Bali Mountain Villa(in alphabetical order)

  • Arrival time – please make an effort to arrive within working hours, not later than 4.30pm. This ensures that you see the views on the way and can be introduced to the villa, all conveniences, and be handed the keys by the housekeeper which must be returned on departure. Should you be delayed for any reason, we suggest you stay overnight on the coast and travel the following morning.
  • Animals – we have two very friendly and clean cats so unfortunately we cannot allow for visiting pets.
  • ATM – no ATM facilities, no banks and no money changers.
  • Infants - Baby cot and babysitting services can be arranged upon request in advance.
  • Bedrooms - 1 Master bedroom upstairs, 1 open bedroom area downstairs, each with en-suite bathroom.
    • Capacity 4 persons (two couples or one couple and two single), extra beds may be arranged on request.
  • Cleaning
    • villa serviced every day
    • bed linen is changed every 4 days.
    • towels are changed when you leave them on the floor. There is an electrical drying rack downstairs, please use this to dry your towels daily as they will not dry otherwise in the weather.
    • if you don't want our housekeeper hanging around, just give her the rest of the day off. She won't disturb you in Rumah Coklat at all apart from cleaning once in the morning. I have instructed her to knock before commencing cleaning. If it is not a convenient time, let her know when will be. 
  • Culture - You will be in a real 'local' village and the people are really beautiful, kind and friendly. They smile ALOT! A hello as you pass will make their day. If you are lucky and stumble across a village ceremony please be respectful and wear appropriate clothing if you wish to observe (long pants and tshirt for men and sarong or skirt or long pants and nice top for women). Please ask before taking photographs.  Look HERE to see the most common 1,000 Indonesian words that are easy to remember.
  • Distance in time - 90 – 120 minutes from the airport depending on traffic.
  • Emergency - in case of emergency the BMIC number is 0361761263 and SOS number 0217506001 and the Siloam Hospital number is 500911 and ask at the Bali Mountain Retreat (+62 828-3602-645) for a lift down to Hardy's in Tabanan and an ambulance can be organised to meet you there. If you have a heart condition or anything that is chronic, please refrain from excessive or brisk walking. We are in a beautiful but remote part of Bali, far away from medical care.
  • Fans/aircon – no air conditioning is needed as the weather is temperate, however fans are available on request.
  • Garden furniture - we have comfortable garden furniture for your use which we keep in our office. Please ask our housekeeper to put them outside if you wish.
  • In house entertainment - we have a small private library of books, movies, music – stereo and DVD player. You are welcome to borrow these. Our housekeeper will take note and if not returned you will be charged for them.  Or bring your own favorite DVDs.
  • Insects - There are lots of unusual AND beautiful insects up here. Some look like aliens from outer space and are completely fascinating and HUGE. Please do not kill them as they are beautiful and usually harmless; plus they tend to eat the bad insects. We also have some snakes but they are harmless also. We also have lots of frogs, please do not pick them up as they 'spray' urine which can sting. Do enjoy the butterflies.
  • If it rains - If you feel a big shower coming at night, please close all doors and put the mossie net around your bed as sometimes we get swarms of flying ants. They are harmless but very annoying. They are attracted to lights, so just turn off your lights.  Fortunately it doesn't happen often, but we are in the jungle. It will make your stay more comfortable if you do as advised.
  • 5pm - At around 5pm, close the upstairs doors or your whole bedroom will be inside a cloud and although this sounds romantic, it isn't much fun sleeping on wet sheets!
  • Iron and board - available from housekeeper.
  • Kid friendly – there are lots to do for children who enjoy nature - hiking, walking, playing in the garden, finding interesting insects and geckos.
  • Kitchen – fully equipped, medium sized fridge, 2 burner stove, bar.
  • Location – absolute privacy and tranquility, world-famous and fascinating Balinese village culture at your doorstep.  Wander around and you'll be surprised how friendly people are here.
  • Medical - - there is a local doctor, but you have to wait in a very long queue, and he doesn't speak English.  If you feel it is important, just ask the staff to accompany you, But, if you can wait, it's best to go to one of our western hospitals when you go back down to the coast. Perhaps an hour or two drive.  Very short waits there, English speaking doctors, and excellent facilities. Our staff can call or direct you in an emergency (see ''Emergency' above). There are two hospitals located near Kuta, BMIC and SOS so expect a two hour drive. The nearest chemist (druggist) is in Tabanan a 45 minute drive but a translator is recommended.
  • Outdoor area - Spacious private garden with two table settings and outdoor lounge chairs on request.
  • Parking - private off street parking area.
  • Power - We do occasionally have power failures in this area, please be patient and use the candles supplied.
  • Safety - when walking, try to stick to wide tracks and not brush against bushes or trees to prevent being bitten by something. If you plan to go to bushy areas please wear long sleeves, long pants and good repellent.
  • Self catering
    • we suggest that you ask your driver to take you to a supermarket (eg Carrefour, Sunset Road, 3rd floor buildingBanjar Glogor CarikDesa Pemogan DenpasarBali  (62 361) 847.72.22 ) to stock up on your needs for the duration of your visit. Prepare a list prior. A menu plan helps. Your nearest supermarket is in Tabanan and you can hire a driver to go down for shopping, but they do not have western food like you might find at home.  However, they have lots of fruit and vegetables, and everything else you could need including alcohol.
    • You may also use herbs from our garden (in season) and order fresh fruit and vegetables from our housekeeper which will be delivered the following morning. This is an extra cost.
    • If you do not wish to self-cater or have in house meals, see below under ''restaurants'' in Extras.
  • Staff - 1 full time housekeeper, 1 maintenance person
  • Shopping – only one boutique is available in the local area at Bali Mountain Retreat offering clothing, shoes, jewelry and décor items. The local warung across the road has cigarettes, lighters, some local vegetables, sweats and drinks but don't rely on them as they are often out of stock.
  • Smoking – no smoking inside the villa please, however, ashtrays are provided if you wish to smoke outside.
  • Special Requests – our housekeeper will be more than happy to help you in any way she can.
  • Sunrise - aim to wake at least once around 6am to see the sun rise, magical. If it's a clear morning you will see Mt Agung in the distance.
  • Supplied
    • we supply liquid hand soap, tissues and toilet paper for personal needs. If you happen to forget something, we have a basket of products collected from hotels over the years which you are welcome to choose from eg soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, shower cap etc. Also, if you run out of bug spray our housekeeper may have some in store for you to buy. We also supply salt and pepper and Bali coffee, tea and sugar for your first day. You will need to bring your own milk.
    • We have some dry food in storage for our personal needs, so if you have forgotten to buy something eg flour, please ask our housekeeper to give you some of ours if we have it in store. If you use an entire bottle, tin or jar of something please pay her to replace as she is accountable for everything in store.
  • Surrounds - built on 2000 sq. ft. of tropical lush grounds and gardens, surrounded by tropical rain forests and mountains.
  • Telephone
    • mobile phones are unreliable up here. Sometimes they work, sometimes not, however, if you text, and press send it will send when you get some bars.
    • for emergency we have a phone. If you wish to make a lot of calls, please give our housekeeper money to top up the phone with 'pulsa' (credit). She will know how to work out how much you use.
  • Tips/ gratuities – Our staff do not expect tips, however, if you find that they have been of good service to you gratuities would be most appreciated.
  • Visitors (unexpected) - if the Police or any official comes, please tell them that you are 'guests' of the owners as this is our private home which we let. They may ask for a tax for staying there, and to register you with the Australian Embassy in case of emergency. Don't be alarmed, this is usual. Ask our housekeeper to handle this. If she is out, just pay them what they want (minimal) and ask for a reimbursement from her when she returns.
    • WARNING: on the rare occasion people visit asking for donations to local charities eg football team etc. PLEASE DO NOT GIVE THEM MONEY - please direct them to the housekeeper. If she is out, and they are genuine, they will come back, but recently we have had some rascals claiming to be collecting donations (for their own pocket)! It is Bali....
  • Walking - try walk in the mornings as it often rains in the afternoon. When walking always bring water, small torch (flashlight) and umbrella. There is a beautiful walk along a little road to a huge temple which takes you through the forest, past a small waterfall and river. It takes about 2 hours return. Bring water and good walking shoes as it's quite hilly. Bring your camera of course.
  • Drinking Water - the water is pretty safe up here as it comes straight off the mountain, so we usually brush our teeth in it, but for safety sake our housekeeper will supply you with 2 bottles of boiled water a day per person.  You are welcome to ask her for more from the local shop, it is cheap!  Just ask her.
  • Weather – temperate most of the year, cool from June to September. It rains frequently and we suggest borrowing one of our umbrellas if you go out if you didn't bring your own, even it if looks sunny. Just ask for one.
  • Wi-Fi – we do not have an internet connection, however, you can use Wi-Fi at Bali Mountain Retreat Internet café and restaurant free of charge.  It is approximately 50 meters away.

Extras

  • Day Shopping - a driver can be arranged from Bali Mountain Retreat to take you for a day trip at an extra charge – the villa is approximately 90 minutes from Bali’s best shopping and restaurant district.
  • Excursions - if you get bored with the peace up here, excursions to some lovely places around the area are also available from Bali Mountain Retreat, eg Bedugal (strawberry area) on the other side of the mountain with lakes; Ubud - cultural centre; Lovina (northern beach); Tanah Lot, a magnificent temple in the sea, with surrounding cliffs, big waves and magnificent walks.
  • Food -  enjoy lunch, sunset drink or romantic evening meal at three restaurants close by, OR our housekeeper can cook meals for you at an extra charge (see below 'Restaurants' or 'Meals').
  • Laundry - Our staff will care for your laundry needs at an extra charge- 30,000 (approx AU$3.00) for a load.
  • Local art – local artist ‘Jumedy’ may be available to paint at your request or buy from his collection. Ask our housekeeper to contact him.
  • Local fruit and vegetables - order fresh fruit and vegetables from our housekeeper which will be delivered the following morning. This is an extra cost and 'pot luck'. She can even suggest the best in season ones and show you to to peel and eat them.  Some really delicious fruits you may never have tried before.
  • Massage - services can be arranged upon request at reasonable price 50,000rp (approx AU$5). Pay masseuse directly.
  • Meals in house  Please advise our housekeeper if you wish her to cook something the following day. Meals are at her discretion depending on what we have in stock. eg : Chicken Curry, Fish Satays or in banana leaves (yum yum), Beef Meatballs or Rendang (tender spicy beef) all with rice and vegetables. The cost for this is 70,000rph per meal per person (approx AU$7.00). If you do not wish to self-cater or have in house meals, see below under ''restaurants''.
  • Restaurants - there are three nearby restaurants
    • Bali Mountain Retreat - please order in the morning. We have a menu and you can call from our land phone. Their telephone number is: 08283602645.
    • Echo Lodge is just next door. They too have a restaurant, but we don't have their menu. Please feel free to go down and ask. It is an interesting place
    • Bali Eco Stay has a wonderful restaurant but it is about 10 minutes drive away. Ask our housekeeper to call Jonny to organise a pick up and to deliver you back. Their number is 081338042326.
  • Traditional costume – ‘kebayas’ traditional lace jackets for women can be made to measure at a reasonable price. An array of fine lace is available for purchase in Tabanan, 45 minute drive from the villa.
  • Trekking- you can also hire a guide to take you trekking - organise this through Bali Mountain Retreat two doors down.
  • Transport - Bali Mountain Retreat can offer a driver to meet you at the airport – be prepared for an exciting and photogenic ride.
  • Things to do – walking, hiking, mountain trekking, tours, cooking lessons, temple visits.