Indonesia - Bali - Bike tour - 2008

There are a number of downhill cycle tours through the Balinese countryside. They all seem to offer similar activities but the route taken by bike is different.

We went on the Bali eco tour. The tour agent recommended this as she said this group was better with children.

We were picked up by air con van and driven to a number of locations in Ubud picking up other riders. There were three family groups in all.

The first stop was by some steep and beautiful rice field terraces. They made excellent backdrops for photos.

The next stop was Kintamani, where we sat in a restaurant and had breakfast. The views over Gunung Batur and Danau Batur were excellent.

The next stop was to pick up the bicycles. All bikes were adjusted for each person and safety instructions were given. We were given time to cycle around to get use to the bikes.

The guides lead us to a number of venues at a leisurely pace along quiet rural roads. A van and truck followed in the rear in case there were any problems.

The main guide was very informative and very alert for any dangers or problems.

We stopped at a:

1. Temple. We were explained Hinduism and the function of the temple in Balinese society
2. Primary/elementary school. The kids were on a break when we arrived. We caused a certain amount of mayhem as we walked through the classrooms and chatted with the teachers and the students.
3. Home. We walked through the family compound and were explained the functions of all the buildings. Some members of the family compound were present.
4. Rice field. Once again the informative guide explained the importance of rice and the stages of rice growth. Ducks were wandering through the fields eating insects.

While all this was happening, we were greeted as we cycled by small children yelling ‘hello, hello’. I was in Bali in the early 80’s and this reminded so much of a time that I thought was long gone.

We finished with lunch at the company owner’s family restaurant. The food was a selection of various dishes and it was excellent. Finally, a bit tired we were driven back in air con comfort to our hotels

Best points: exercise, sights, guides, hellos

Worse points: started to get uncomfortably hot just as we were finishing, it ended

Costs

275 000 adult 200 000 child (April 08)

Here are some sites to check:

www.baliecocycling.com
www.jegegbalicycling.com.
www.balibintangtour.com
www.balisobek.com

Indonesia - Bali - Medewi - where to stay - 2009

There are a number of places to stay in Medewi and the surrounding area. They range in price from budget to evrything included packages.

Medewi Beach Cottages 2009
036540029
62 365 40029 - 40030
Garden room air con
504 000 rups breakfast included
Ocean View rooms air con
Fan rooms, which are across the road
120 000 rups no breakfast
40 000 rups non guest use of the pool includes pool towel and shower
restaurant

www.medewibeachcottages.com
(note tele on site is different to hotel)

Mai Malu
036543897
90 000 rups (2009)
good chaep food

Warung & Homestay Gede 08123976668
Situated by walking a short distance along the beach towards the north.
cheap food. good for snacks but too much coconut oil for my liking

Medewi Bay Retreat - expensive - can't seem to find exact location
www.medewibayretreat.com

Puri Dajuma Cottages
www.dajuma.com
Located on headland south of Medewi
Rooms start at 1 500 000 rups

There are lots of budget accommodations along the road leading to the beach.

If you get stuck for a place to stay, just ask one of the local surf guys at the end of the road. They will find something for you.