Location: Bali, Indonesia, Penestanan Village, Ubud
Rental price: Contact Karen Story 503 245 2578
Capacity: 6, comfortably
Rates differ for number of guests: 6 guests: $129./night
2-3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, living room, dining room, pool area, gazebo, 2 garden areas, 2 verandahs
Contact: Karen Story karenstory25@gmail.com 1(503)245-2578 3142 SW Nevada Ct. Portland, OR 97219 USA
Whitney Bungalow is nestled among the rice fields of the village of Penestanan, just outside of Ubud, the arts and crafts center of Bali. An exotic 1700 sq. ft. Balinese structure, the bungalow is open and comfortable, and has a large private swimming pool just steps from the entrance. There are two lovely gardens areas in both the back and front of the bungalow.
Built 20 years ago, Whitney Bungalow is a collaborative effort between West and East. The land on which it is built is owned by the Balinese family, which takes care of visitors. Peraka, the elderly father of the family, watches over the bungalow at night from a near by hut. the women in the family perform all of the daily blessings, prayers, and offerings at the bungalow. Made, their daughter, who is 38, cooks, cleans, shops and runs errands for visitors (charges listed below). She is known by many to be the best cook on the island. Her husband, Jess, is the driver for guests, if they choose to use his services.
Rental price: Contact Karen Story 503 245 2578
Capacity: 6, comfortably
Rates differ for number of guests: 6 guests: $129./night
2-3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, living room, dining room, pool area, gazebo, 2 garden areas, 2 verandahs
Contact: Karen Story karenstory25@gmail.com 1(503)245-2578 3142 SW Nevada Ct. Portland, OR 97219 USA
Whitney Bungalow is nestled among the rice fields of the village of Penestanan, just outside of Ubud, the arts and crafts center of Bali. An exotic 1700 sq. ft. Balinese structure, the bungalow is open and comfortable, and has a large private swimming pool just steps from the entrance. There are two lovely gardens areas in both the back and front of the bungalow.
Built 20 years ago, Whitney Bungalow is a collaborative effort between West and East. The land on which it is built is owned by the Balinese family, which takes care of visitors. Peraka, the elderly father of the family, watches over the bungalow at night from a near by hut. the women in the family perform all of the daily blessings, prayers, and offerings at the bungalow. Made, their daughter, who is 38, cooks, cleans, shops and runs errands for visitors (charges listed below). She is known by many to be the best cook on the island. Her husband, Jess, is the driver for guests, if they choose to use his services.
Outside on a covered patio is the eating/gathering area. There is a large wooden table, which comfortably seats six. 
The large, open room upstairs has two queen-sized beds. There are verandahs on either end of the upper floor, one being large enough for lounging and eating breakfast while watching the village residents begin their daily work in the fields. There is a bathroom at the end of this verandah, with a pedestal onyx sink outside the bathroom.
Downstairs is the second bedroom, with one queen bed. Another bathroom is on the first floor, with beautifully crafted terrazzo floor and walls, hand carved stone decoration on the walls, and a sun room which houses a beautiful Buddha statue and windows which are carved of stone with a bamboo motif.
There is a family room off the pool, which may be used for gatherings, games, relaxing, or watching dvds ($1.50 each in Ubud).
A magical gazebo sits by the pool for reading and relaxing.
The kitchen is around the corner from the dining room, and is usually only accessed by Made (pronounced Mah-day).
The bungalow is approximately 35 minutes from the nearest beach. The weather is cooler in the foothills and more comfortable than at sea level. If you decide to rent the bungalow, there are a few things it may be helpful to know:
Currently, there is no visa-on-entry to Bali, but check with your travel agent, as this changes periodically.
It is always warm on Bali. Leave jackets and heavy clothes at home. You will probably be happy with just sandals or flip-flops on your feet.
Bring an expando-bag in your luggage for treasures you find. Shopping is fantastic on Bali. The Balinese are all crafts people and artists. You will find beautiful fabrics, clothing, carvings, paintings, beadwork, silver jewelry, inlay, musical instruments, exotic spices, and much, much more.
Learn a few words in Indonesian. The Balinese appreciate your efforts, and will be happy to help you learn more.
Always wear a sarong and a sash when you visit a temple. You will not be admitted without these pieces of clothing, which can be bought very inexpensively once on Bali.
Buy a guidebook. The Bali Handbook (Dalton) or Lonely Planet are both good. There are a few travel books at the bungalow. Please leave them there when you leave so others can benefit.
Bring a towel from home to use if you plan to take trips to the beach.
Bring a supply of Cipro (just 2 should take care of any bug you may encounter). If you get "Bali belly" (rare), take one at the first sign of severe cramping, and the 2nd eight hours later. Your doctor may recommend a different antibiotic, but Cipro seems to be the best.
Don’t smoke inside the bungalow. It is constructed of bamboo, wood, and has a grass roof. It is quite flammable.
Don’t bring food inside the bungalow. It will encourage ants.
Some nights you may want a mosquito repellant when sitting outside. Find one which is not toxic. (REI carries one)The beds all have reading lights and mosquito nets.
You may want to bring ear plugs if you have trouble sleeping to the sounds of crickets, frogs, roosters, barking dogs, and other nature calls.
If electricity or hot water goes out, call for Made or one of her family members and they will fix it.
Prices: Contact Karen Story for nightly and weekly prices: 503 245 2578.
US $50.00/week: for Made’s services (cooking 3 meals/day, cleaning, shopping, errands)US $8./day each: for food (Made buys) Not including alcohol or soft drinks.
US $4.50 (may fluctuate) per 5-gallon drinking water supply.US ??
Driving: Option 1: Jess(Made’s husband) may be hired for $35/half-day or for $50.00/full-day if you hire him at the beginning as your full-time driver. Option 3: Use a driver you find in town or elsewhere.Option 4: Rent a car to drive yourself. I have never rented a car and can offer no information about rates or contracts. Driving on Bali is a bit stressful.
Upon arrival at the airport (DPS), you will be met by Jess, or one of his sons, who will be holding a sign with your name on it.
Selamat Jalan! Blessings on your journey.
The large, open room upstairs has two queen-sized beds. There are verandahs on either end of the upper floor, one being large enough for lounging and eating breakfast while watching the village residents begin their daily work in the fields. There is a bathroom at the end of this verandah, with a pedestal onyx sink outside the bathroom.
Downstairs is the second bedroom, with one queen bed. Another bathroom is on the first floor, with beautifully crafted terrazzo floor and walls, hand carved stone decoration on the walls, and a sun room which houses a beautiful Buddha statue and windows which are carved of stone with a bamboo motif.
There is a family room off the pool, which may be used for gatherings, games, relaxing, or watching dvds ($1.50 each in Ubud).
A magical gazebo sits by the pool for reading and relaxing.The kitchen is around the corner from the dining room, and is usually only accessed by Made (pronounced Mah-day).
The bungalow is approximately 35 minutes from the nearest beach. The weather is cooler in the foothills and more comfortable than at sea level. If you decide to rent the bungalow, there are a few things it may be helpful to know:
Currently, there is no visa-on-entry to Bali, but check with your travel agent, as this changes periodically.
Bring strong sunscreen. Bali is very close to the equator and you will sunburn within 20 minutes of full sun.
It is always warm on Bali. Leave jackets and heavy clothes at home. You will probably be happy with just sandals or flip-flops on your feet.
Bring an expando-bag in your luggage for treasures you find. Shopping is fantastic on Bali. The Balinese are all crafts people and artists. You will find beautiful fabrics, clothing, carvings, paintings, beadwork, silver jewelry, inlay, musical instruments, exotic spices, and much, much more.
Learn a few words in Indonesian. The Balinese appreciate your efforts, and will be happy to help you learn more.
Always wear a sarong and a sash when you visit a temple. You will not be admitted without these pieces of clothing, which can be bought very inexpensively once on Bali.
Buy a guidebook. The Bali Handbook (Dalton) or Lonely Planet are both good. There are a few travel books at the bungalow. Please leave them there when you leave so others can benefit.
Bring a towel from home to use if you plan to take trips to the beach.
Bring a supply of Cipro (just 2 should take care of any bug you may encounter). If you get "Bali belly" (rare), take one at the first sign of severe cramping, and the 2nd eight hours later. Your doctor may recommend a different antibiotic, but Cipro seems to be the best.
Don’t smoke inside the bungalow. It is constructed of bamboo, wood, and has a grass roof. It is quite flammable.
Don’t bring food inside the bungalow. It will encourage ants.
Some nights you may want a mosquito repellant when sitting outside. Find one which is not toxic. (REI carries one)The beds all have reading lights and mosquito nets.
You may want to bring ear plugs if you have trouble sleeping to the sounds of crickets, frogs, roosters, barking dogs, and other nature calls.
If electricity or hot water goes out, call for Made or one of her family members and they will fix it.
Prices: Contact Karen Story for nightly and weekly prices: 503 245 2578.
US $50.00/week: for Made’s services (cooking 3 meals/day, cleaning, shopping, errands)US $8./day each: for food (Made buys) Not including alcohol or soft drinks.
US $4.50 (may fluctuate) per 5-gallon drinking water supply.US ??
Driving: Option 1: Jess(Made’s husband) may be hired for $35/half-day or for $50.00/full-day if you hire him at the beginning as your full-time driver. Option 3: Use a driver you find in town or elsewhere.Option 4: Rent a car to drive yourself. I have never rented a car and can offer no information about rates or contracts. Driving on Bali is a bit stressful.
Upon arrival at the airport (DPS), you will be met by Jess, or one of his sons, who will be holding a sign with your name on it.
If something happens with your flight and you arrive at a different time than scheduled, you may go to the Taxi counter at the airport and buy a ticket for a ride to Penestanan Village. They will assign you a driver. Give him the following instructions: Go to Ubud. Go through the village on the main road (Jalan Raya) and then down the steep hill toward Champuan. Take the hairpin turn just after the bridge at the bottom of the hill, after Murni’s reataurant. There is a sign indicating Penestanan, but it is easily missed. Go up the hairpin turn toward Penestanan, and travel about 1/3 mile. There, just around a small bend, find a path, just before the tiny stream, and you will see the sign for Whitney Bungalow also. Walk down the wide cement path 300 meters, and you will reach Whitney Bungalow on your right at the end of the path.
I am happy to answer questions specifically about the bungalow, but I am not an expert on Bali in general, and your questions might be better answered in a guidebook.
Selamat Jalan! Blessings on your journey.
Whitney Bungalow is a little piece of heaven on earth and Made is an Angel.
ReplyDeleteWe stayed for 2 weeks and did not want to leave. As Karen said Made is a wonderful cook and delighted us each evening with something new and exciting. We really felt like part of the family by the time we left and there were tears all round on our departure.
We would definately reccomend taking on Jess as your permanent driver and bringing along your mobile/cell phone. Simm cards for the local system are available as cheap pre-paids and made drop offs- pich ups a breeze.
Tony and Carolyn
Adelaide Australia.
Must second everything Tony and Carolyn say, above. We were made to feel very welcome; Made is, indeed, an incredible cook; Jess is a very safe, knowledgeable and personable driver/tour guide; and both were delightful to spend time with. Looking back, were it not for them and their including us in aspects of Bali life not normally experienced by tourists, our stay would not have been half as enjoyable, informative and fulfilling.....Would we go back? In a heartbeat!
ReplyDeleteWow... the above comments mimic our thoughts and experiences pretty precisely. Staying in that lovely bungalow, in its precious location, with the loving -yet professional- care from that extended family, made for such a full, rich, cultural and relaxing vacation. We stayed in the home for 2 weeks; the first of which there were 3 of us, and the second, 6. The home was well-able to comfortably accomdate all of us. Made is an exceptional chef. Each night she served us an array of delicacies, as well as amazing, healthful breakfasts with luscious fruits, etc. The bright spirit with which she delivers the food adds to the joy of the meal. Jess was our driver and was so patient, kind and knowledgeable, as well as exceptionally talented in swimming through the Balinese streets with ease. (The flow of traffic did feel like swimming!) We felt fortunate to have him as our guide. We hope to return to Bali one day and most definitely will stay in Karen's home again.
ReplyDeleteHi!
ReplyDeleteMy name is Emily, programmer for the Bali Spirit Festival and yoga teacher in Ubud.
I'm holding a yoga retreat Sept 26-Oct 2 and need 6-7 rooms as well as a space to teach yoga. My budget is 1600 US—do you have rooms available at this time and are you able to meet the above budget? Thank you!
Whitney Bungalow is superb; luxurious and comfortable and beautiful. Made is a fabulous cook and even made a feast one night when I brought a friend home for dinner. I was there for a month in 1995 and her father walked me home each night with a flash light on the path when I came home after dark and her lovely mother put blessings and offerings around the house every day. An unforgettable experience. SInce the day I left I have wanted to go back!
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ReplyDeleteMy family and i still talk about our idyllic 2 weeks in Bali at Whitney Bungalow. The house is beautifully located off the main road (so quiet and peaceful!), the neighbors and family were very friendly and welcoming. Made was incredibly accommodating, we have gluten issues as a family and Made made no issue whatsoever about ensuring she cooked meals that were safe for us. In fact, her food was so good we stopped going to restaurants at all after the first 4 days! The family was generous with their time and would frequently stop by to chat, and anything we even expressed an interest in was immediately arranged for our convenience. One of our best holidays ever.
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