jenskar2

I think I've checked enough airline schedules and room avails to say that I think we will:

Fly into Singapore and use the stopover for one night -- acclimate, then fly on to Bali
4 nights 4Seasons Jimbaran
3 nights Sayan
then -- we can do 2 more at Jimbaran but I think we should head over to Borobudur for 3 nights, then fly home.
Originally I had us starting in Java, then to Bali, but the more I thought about it, the new part for us will be Borobudur and the Aman is such a treat (no employee discount - feb), I think I want it to be last. Checking out other temple sites, Prabanan etc., it all looks like I could easily spend more than 3 nights
I could always leave a day or so earlier and get to Bali before Jimbaran is avail to us, stay somewhere else -- but I'd rather save me shekels for the Aman and some killer massage treatments.

We've done the standard things, tho we missed the Kecak dance last time so will try to see that this go -- also never ate dinner over in Legian/Seminyak -- figure we should do that. But what else? I don't think there's time to head out east for more than a day trip. Lombok feels like 3 days minimum. Thoughts anyone?

StanKase

Having visited Bali 3 times and just returned last month I might suggest unless you are looking to be on the beach (why travel all that way to be on a beach more than a day or two) you might want to switch and do 4 days at FS-Sayan and 3 at FS-Jembaran Bay starting with Sayan since you will be a little rested so the trip from the Bali airport of 75 -90 minutes to Ubud will not be too tiring.Sayan is one of the most beautiful hotels in Asia.
On this past trip and in March 2010 we used the services of an excellent guide/driver who is an expert on Bobodurur and Prabanan. In fact he consults for Unesco in relation to Bobodurur and teaches classes in tourism in Yogja. You can fly to Yogja from Bali in 75 minutes and stay at the Hyatt Regency (Club Floor) that we like a lot. Our guide gets us a great rate (about$175) or the Phoenix which is very nice but a bit more downtown and busy and not quite as nice IMO and a little less expensive. You can do the 2 temples and even a third plus the Sultans Palace in 1 day and even get to scene a few littly villages making tofu, flour out of palm using 1920 impliments-just amazing that most tourists do not get to see. If you want to take a second day and if you are not going in the rainy season you should not miss a day trip to Dieng Plateau. It is a bit long of a trip but once you are within 30 minutes of the plateau it is magical in the agricultural beauty. We think it is nicer than much of what we saw in Bali. You can ask to take one route going and another returning so the 4.5-5 hrs.RT is not boring and request to stop at an interested large open market in either direction.
Our guide because of his knowledge charges a bit more than your run of the mill guide but you should expect 10 hours each day ofinformation. When you are spending so much money on a trip an extra $20/day is a drop in the bucket. He charges us $80 for a 10 hour day and stops periodically to get us cold water when needed. If you want to contact him
bobodururtourandtravel.com or his home [email protected]

AskOksena

>>>...but I'd rather save me shekels for the Aman and some killer massage treatments.<<<


(You're sounding more and more like mrs. m with each passing post...)

Now, warm greetings again Jen, and congrats again on forthcoming holiday. Can personally vouch for the Four Seasons Sayan and Jimbaran; highly partial to the Sayan property. (No personal experience with the Aman you're about to encounter, but if it's anything like 'our' Amanpuri in Thailand, you're in for a treat.)

Should Singapore Airlines be your carrier ex-JFK on or after 16 January 2012, a just announced promo might entice you: special fares to commemorate the launching of A380 service. If intrigued, best move quickly; more info on the singaporeair site.

Have fun, and should your travels change a bit to include our fine home of Singapore, more joys await.

macintosh (robert)


... Singapore Airlines, You're a Great Way to Fly ...

jenskar2

Robert you just saved me a very nice set of massages -- I had already booked my flight but (and hats off to Singapore Air for doing this on a non-changeable, non refundable ticket booked 18 hours ago) they've agreed to give me most of the promotional difference back as a refund. I'm flying open jaw and the promotional rate doesn't do that. Only took 40 minutes on hold with the call center, and rep willing to go to his supervisor on my behalf, but definitely worth it.

So -- we are Bali first, then Java. Completely naive question. Is IDR 772.300/PERSON roughly $90 US? I think I've got that right -- comma substitute for the . yes?

jenskar2

But back to those delightful long strokes:

Sodashi Water Valley Ritual
120 min
Sgl US$ 175/ Cpl US$ 335
Lulur Jimbaran
120 min
Sgl US$ 145/ Cpl US$ 275
Balinese Massage
60 / 90 min – US$85 / US$115
Synchronized Massage
60 / 90 min – US$150 / US$205
Lightness of Being
60 min – US$175
Sodashi Crystal Facial Rejuvenation
90 min - US$140
Traditional Oil Treatment
60 min – US$75
Specialties of the Spa
Let the warm shells tickle the sole of your feet as they are soaked in mineral rich sea water, then drift away as your therapist massages your scalp with aromatic pandanus infused coconut hair oil to stimulate blood circulation. Blue Sea Salt body scrub follows to exfoliate and soften the skin. The lapping waves are music to your ears as you surrender to the unique and soothing sea shell body massage. The shell are gathered and carefully picked from surrounding beaches with precise shape to enhance the experience. Completely pampered, feast your eyes to the magnificent view of the Indian Ocean while you enjoying the fresh young coconut beverage. ��
This aromatic bath brings Bali’s ubiquitous tropical treat into The Spa and all over the body, again and again. Coco De Mer body wash smells as good as it works to cleanse the skin for the gentle but effective crushed Mother of Pearl body scrub. Stay horizontal for the ultimate cleaning of a Balinese rain shower but without the inconvenience of getting caught in the downpour. Kukui nut muru muru butter is massaged into fresh skin before a blue reef and algae body wrap to nourish with the healing elements of Bali’s own shores. Linger over tea and sweets in the Coco De Mer milk bath before a final all over protective coating of moisturizer enhanced with nourishments straight from the sea. ��������
Retreat to a secret spot nestled among the rocky shores of Jimbaran Bay. Four Seasons own private waterfall and the lapping waves of the Java Sea provide natural acoustics as this outdoor treatment that begins with gentle dry brushing followed by a simple but uniquely pleasurable flower rub to soften the fresh skin. Therapists knead according to preference with spicy citrus massage oil infused with warming cardamom and healing macadamia oil, working in steamed herbal compresses to balance the smooth long strokes with focused attention on sore muscles, aches and pains. When the body is at peace, a facial follows, incorporating healing essentials like chamomile eye and lip cleanser, white Argiletz neck and face cleanser with sandalwood to calm and reduce skin redness and a calendula oil and neroli moisturizer to lighten the visible signs of ageing. ��������Souds pretty much like a no brainer to me.

AskOksena

>>>Robert you just saved me a very nice set of massages -- I had already booked my flight but (and hats off to Singapore Air for doing this on a non-changeable, non refundable ticket booked 18 hours ago) they've agreed to give me most of the promotional difference back as a refund. I'm flying open jaw and the promotional rate doesn't do that. Only took 40 minutes on hold with the call center, and rep willing to go to his supervisor on my behalf, but definitely worth it.<<<


Greetings Jen and glad you had good luck with SIA call centre - savings for more massages, indeed!

You should be in for some sweet flights with SQ's A380s. I love flying those magnificent machines (and that in-flight service even other airlines talk about). If available on your particular A380 aircrafts, do consider booking your seats on the upper deck. Upstairs, the Y-class configuration is 2-4-2. And, special meals and preferred seating (for fee) available in Y.

Have a lovely holiday and have fun flying SIA!

robert

marmot

Jen the rate is now about 9000 Rupiah (IDR) to the USD. Yes, the commas and periods are used interchangeably. Sometimes they drop the zeros altogether.

jenskar2

Ack, sorry about posting that long massage description -- I thought I was pasting into a text doc that night -- it was late!

They put us in the lower deck but closer to the front which I always prefer, and in the middle so no one tripping out over us during the too many hours long part of the flight. Am looking forward to seeing what the new seats are like. I've never flown anything but SIA to Asia -- they were my first in 2000, and I've never strayed.

I might have to start a new thread for this but ... has anyone done a low key renewal of vows ceremony in Bali? Or should I ask Amanjiwo to set something up for us in Java, which given our Buddhist leanings might be more meaningful? I truly just want something simple, like a blessing. Where would be a good place to research this do you think?

StanKase

I am not sure what you mean by Mr. & Mrs. m? As for the Aman we have not stayed at the one in Bali because we stayed at the FS-Sayab on one of our earlier trips but did have lunch there. It was very much like the one we stayed in in Phuket which we found too sterile. I left 2 bathing suits out to dry on a chair outside our room and received a call requesting we move it because it detracted from the resorts appearance. We checked out and went to the Banyan Tree for 70% the cost in a suite. I had an unrelated but disappointing experience at the Aman in Jackson Hole, Wy and found that one sterile as well. At $1000+/day with tax/service we think the Aman's are over rated especially if youi are going to tour from 9-4 most days of a stay.