Bali eco-resorts

We try to meet up with my daughter Anna and her family a few times a year. They live in Melbourne, and with Aelie turning five, Anna expressed a wish that we try an overseas holiday to introduce Aelie to people from a different culture.

Plan A was to go to Vanuatu, but transport was difficult to go there. Plan B has been to go to Bali. George and I decided to come a week before the others and check out some eco-resorts.

We landed in Denpasar, and spent the first night in Poppies hotel in Kuta. In 1982, Liz and I had stayed in Bali for a month with our kids Toby (7) and Anna (5) as the first stage of a trip across Asia between New Zealand and London. Poppies had been the place then for a special meal. It hasn't changed much, and was quite an oasis from the hurly-burly of Kuta streets.

Ganesh

Thousands of motor-bikes

After a day in Kuta sorting out money and Sim cards, we got a driver to take us north to the first of the eco resorts, Sarinbuana. It is located on the slopes of Mount Batukaru in central Bali. 

On the way we visited the Taman Ayun Temple.

 

Statue of Rama and Sinda

Ketut, our trusty driver

Workers in a paddy field

Sarinbuana Eco-Lodge

It was a challenge to reach, but a stunning place, and highly recommended. We stayed in 'The Tree-House'. The lodge was created by an Australian couple, and is quite an inspiration. 

High in the rain-forest canopy

Time to relax

Read

Yoga

Restaurant

We spent two nights at Sarinbuana, then a driver took us further north to Puri Lumbung, another eco-resort near a village called Munduk.

Compulsory tourist photo-stop on the way

Once again we lucked out with the room; Cottage 32, with the best view.

Sunset from our verandah

Cottage next door

Balinese dance class

Drying cloves

Nyoman, the bush guide

Then a drive, again with Ketut, from Puri Lumbung down to a resort on the south-west coast at Balian Beach.

Plenty of paddy fields on the way.

Gajah Mina Beach Resort

Our 'Honeymoon Suite' and spa building on the cliff

Balian Beach

Secret Bay

Secret Bay, with our cottage on the right

Surf-board rental shack

Fishing boats

Happy shop-keepers

Rosy-faced lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis) in a cage

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