WHITNEY BUNGALOW, BALI

2009-04-17T01:20:00.001-07:00

Location: Bali, Indonesia, Penestanan Village, Ubud

Rental price: Contact Karen Story 503 245 2578
Capacity: 6, comfortably

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 lovely gardens with lotus/fish ponds in both the back and front of the bungalow.

Built 16 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. Naya, his wife, performs all of the daily blessings, prayers, and offerings at the bungalow. Made, their daughter, who is 32, 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 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:

Bring US$25.00 each for the visa-on-entry. The exit visa is rp150,000., or about US$15.

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.

Made’s brother, Murda is an accomplished painter. He hand-paints lovely orchids and plumeria on canvas as well as fabric. If you have a shirt (solid color) you would like him to paint a flower on, bring it with you. He charges around $10.-$15. He also has an assortment of shirts you may buy directly from him at a small charge, which he will hand-paint with your choice of motifs.

If electricity or hot water goes out, call for Made or one of her family members and they will fix it. We are trying to get stronger electricity into the bungalow, but there is a queue, and we are not yet at the front of it.

Prices: Contact Karen Story for nightly and weekly prices: 503 245 2578.

US $45.00/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 ?? (minimal) for soap and toilet paper….ask Made the cost.

Driving: Option 1: Jess(Made’s husband) may be hired for $25.00/half-day or for $35.00/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, 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, is a little family store(a warung)/ entrance/parking area, 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.

Because I have a very busy schedule, please try to refrain from calling with questions which might be answered in your guide book.
I am happy to answer questions specifically about the bungalow.

Selamat Jalan! Blessings on your journey.

Whitney Bungalow Bali

WHITNEY BUNGALOW, BALI