http://forum.balinicerate.com/ Bali Villas Forum: Last 35 Posts en Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:54:04 +0000 http://forum.balinicerate.com/topic.php?id=17&page#post-19 Fri, 13 Jul 2007 11:24:37 +0000 admin 19@http://forum.balinicerate.com/ <p>More than four thousands years ago, Bali was an emerald green, tropical rain forest covered the island. The first wave of human arrivals from across the seas brought with them techniques for rice cultivation, new languages and new customs. These early immigrants and others who followed over the years helped to create a haven, providing today's visitors with a wealth of sights and sounds, dances, music, arts and crafts.</p> <p><strong>The Paradise Island</strong><br /> Bali has been described by many different names - "The Hidden Paradise", "The Last Paradise on Earth", "Morning of The World", "Island of God", and "Island of Thousand Temples". This Island of Gods is situated approximately on latitude 8° South and longitude 115° East. Bali and the neighboring island of Lombok are the most westerly of the Little Sunda Islands and part of the 13,700 islands that make up Indonesia, the largest archipelago in the world.</p> <p>The island itself covers an area of 5,632,860 square kilometers, with a volcanic mountain range that stretches from the western tip to the eastern side of the island, with Mt. Agung being the highest peak.</p> <p>For many centuries, -until today-, Bali has attracted visitors from all over the world. It is so attractive for its colorful ceremonies, natural scenery, and the ever-smiling people. Their colorful religious festivals and ceremonies, the traditional music and dances have been a way of life, and have unwittingly contributed much to the success of tourism here. The Balinese people are predominantly Hindu and their traditional and religious beliefs are as strong today as they ever were.</p> <p><strong>Bali, The History</strong><br /> In 7th century, perhaps Bali was predominantly Buddhist. Yi Tsing, a Chinese scholar, on his trip to India in 670 AD reported that he visited a Buddhist country called Bali.</p> <p>The old Balinese kingdom got its glory at 11 century. There is a monument called Gunung Kawi (means The Poet's Mountain) which houses several royal tombs of noblemen and kings of the 11th century. At this period Bali was governed by king Dharmodayana Warmmadewa, also known as Udayana and his wife -a Javanese Queen- named Gunapriyadharmapatni, also known as Mahendradatta. They sent their son Airlangga to study in the Emperor of Java. He at last became the king in Java and rebuilt a new kingdom with two autonomous province Java and Bali. He then appointed his brother, Anak Wungsu, as ruler of Bali. This was the period when the old Javanese language, Kawi, became the language used by the aristocracy, as well as one of the many Javanese traits and customs adopted by the cause.</p> <p>In 1284, the East Javanese king Kertanegara conquered Bali and ruled over it from Java.</p> <p>In 1292, king Kertanegara was murdered. Bali got its freedom for about fifty years.</p> <p>In 1343, a brilliant General named Gadjah Mada from Majapahit - a powerful empire of east Java- with his strong armies came to invade this island. And the glorious period would come to an end. Though he conquered Bali but the General made Bali became an important part of this East Java Empire. This Hindu Majapahit Empire gave Bali the form and structures that stand to this day. The caste system which is still strong until today, the rules and rituals, the arts, the architecture of house and the temple were all passed on from this powerful empire.</p> <p>But when Islam successfully gained followers and then gained foothold throughout Sumatra and Java in the 15th century, this powerful Hindu Majapahit Kingdom at last collapsed in 1515 and went into gradual decline. But this new religion was not easily accepted by the people of the kingdom. At the time there were large numbers of Hindu priests, artists, noblemen and Hindu followers which left Majapahit and then escaped to Bali. Here they blended their belief with the traditions of the local people. This blend became the embryo of the Hindu now in Bali. This was the period when "gamelan" - Balinese music instrument, dances, the art of drama and opera (the Gambuh and Arja) and the shadow puppet (Wayang Kulit) would develop and flourish. But this period of the rise of Islam was also the time when the first westerners were beginning to appear which at last built their colonization in this part of the world.</p> <p>The first European came to visit Bali was the Dutch Admiral, Cornelis De Houtman. He and his troop arrived off the coast of Bali in 1598 and friendly welcomed by the king Watu Renggong who was the king of united Bali. Encouraged by this gesture the Dutchmen baptized this island "Jonck Hollandt" or the New Holland. Since this period the influence of the Dutch grew over the archipelago. But with the death of Watu Renggong, the other rulers would rule independently while still paying homage to the Dewa Agung, the king of Klungkung.</p> <p>In 1840 Dutch successfully began to control the northern part of Bali. Starting from this area then the Dutch took over and occupied the all island.</p> <p>The Dutch troop with their modern weaponary was too strong for the ill local forces. But they did not want to surrender. So the local kings led their followers in "puputan" - fight until dead. They faced the Dutch troop with their traditional weapon. Those were still standing killed by their own followers, or they killed themselves in order to assure their heavenly path to the glorious paradise to join their ancestors.</p> <p>This "Puputan" happened between 1906 and 1908 when the kings of Denpasar and Klungkung chose this path than surrender. After this "Puputan", Dutch could successfully control this island.</p> <p>During the World War II the Dutch were expelled by the Japanese, then occupied Indonesia from 1942 - 1945. On February 19, 1942, the Japanese landed about 500 troops on Sanur beach to occupy Bali.</p> <p>Though the Japanese occupation was only for three years, but it strongly inspired the people to get the freedom. Some days after Nagasaki and Hiroshima were completely destroyed by atomic bomb, a famous young leader named Soekarno who was part of Balinese declared the independence of Indonesia on 17 August 1945. Balinese people are proud to be the part of this new country. </p> http://forum.balinicerate.com/topic.php?id=16&page#post-18 Fri, 13 Jul 2007 11:06:28 +0000 admin 18@http://forum.balinicerate.com/ <li>Villa Orientation: please orientate yourself with the layout and facilities of the villa as soon as you arrive. Our staff will conduct a short tour to every section of the villa and introduce the staff to you. This becomes more important if there is small child on the party. You have to anticipate any areas which could be potentially dangerous for the children and any items belonging to the villa which could get damaged by the kids.</li> <li>Our representative will have a short meeting with the villa-staff to run your special request (if any). Many guests are happy for staff to come in late and go home early to keep their extra privacy.</li> <li>Security Standard: please deliver photocopies of every one's passport; villa staff has to register your arrival at the local police department. Please provide Rp 25,000.-/ person.</li> <li>Neither villa owner nor our company will be responsible with loss of personal possessions. The villa is your domain; so you have to manage it by yourself with care. Most villa has a safety box where you have to keep your valuables. Staff will advise you the way to operate it.</li> <li>To get a real Bali experience, please make contact with the staff as many as possible. You will know what a Balinese is. They will happily talk with you about their culture and religion with their limited ability in speaking English.</li> http://forum.balinicerate.com/topic.php?id=15&page#post-17 Fri, 13 Jul 2007 11:03:09 +0000 admin 17@http://forum.balinicerate.com/ <p>Bali contains numerous places where one can purchase a variety of food and beverages including local markets and western style supermarkets. During your stay, the staff will shop locally and prepare meals at your request. Most international food and drink products are available in Bali, however, for any special dietary needs, please ask before your arrival as to availability and cost. </p> http://forum.balinicerate.com/topic.php?id=14&page#post-16 Fri, 13 Jul 2007 11:01:03 +0000 admin 16@http://forum.balinicerate.com/ <p>Our price-standard always includes airport transfer service (1 time check-in and 1 time check-out). Our staff with driver will be welcoming you at the airport and escort you to your villa. If you need to purchase simple needs for your days in the villa, you may ask the staff to make a short visit to any supermarket. Then the staff will accompany you to have a short villa tour to explain every aspect of the villa; and the villa-manager will shortly explain the house rules.</p> <p>&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;If the price of the chosen and confirmed villa is more than US$ 750.-/night and or there is no bargaining with the rate on the web page, we will provide you a free stand-by car with driver for the whole period of staying. Our driver works for 8 hours per day following Indonesian labor law. If you do not get this stand-by car, we highly recommend you to hire our car with driver.</p> <p>&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Using this car with driver will ensure your safety since the traffic condition in Bali is totally different with you have in your country. Our drivers are yearly experienced in tourism. Their English many not be perfect, but their helpful and friendly attitude will make you feel safe. In the other hand, they may become your good assistants in exploring the island by visiting the most important place of interest. </p> http://forum.balinicerate.com/topic.php?id=13&page#post-15 Fri, 13 Jul 2007 10:58:37 +0000 admin 15@http://forum.balinicerate.com/ <p>Since our country is a new-developing country, telephone system in Bali is not as realiable as those in many modern countries. Many villas has a phone line with better connection, however there are many villas (in Canggu - Tanah Lot area, or Ubud) which only have a "CDMA wireless phone" (telephone with antena). Good connection using this phone is hopeless, therefore you have to try and try again; or please let the staff do their best to help you get the best connection. However if villas do not have landlines, a mobile phone will be normally provided. Mobile telephones in Indonesia are of the GSM standard (prevalent in Europe and Asia). Should you desire to have mobile phone service during your time in Bali, you are welcome to bring your own GSM phone that is roam-enabled for Indonesia, and/or purchase an Indonesian GSM new number and voucher.</p> <p>&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;On this modern age, we understand that we can not be away from network. All villa owners also understand this fact and therefore want to provide the internet access to their villa's guests. However they face a fact that sometimes there is no phone line. Some of them then install the broadband system. If your villa is situated in Canggu area, we are happy to invite you to come to our office to use our broadband internet connection with wi-fi connection. If you do not bring your laptop with you, you may use any of our computers for your best. Alternatively, you may visit any of cyber-cafes (they call it Warung Internet or Warnet) dotted around the major towns and villages. </p> http://forum.balinicerate.com/topic.php?id=12&page#post-14 Fri, 13 Jul 2007 10:57:16 +0000 admin 14@http://forum.balinicerate.com/ <p>Villa is the perfect answer for a family trip. Many guests come to Bali with small children even babies. Then if you are bringing small children, your information will be very helpful, as we will have to select a villa safe for small children. In the other hand we will also consider to provide a variety of equipment such as highchairs, baby cot, and or crib. If needed, we will also organize other services such as babysitting and nannies; cost is at guest's account. </p> http://forum.balinicerate.com/topic.php?id=11&page#post-13 Fri, 13 Jul 2007 10:56:20 +0000 admin 13@http://forum.balinicerate.com/ <p>Bali is a tropical island. Sun shines everyday. Balinese adjust themselves with the climate by living in the tropical way. A great number of villas are built to follow the Balinese way of life - they built 'tropical open-style' villas: a house where rooms do not have some walls and are open to the outside. This is to catch more breeze to minimize the temperature. From a security perspective there is nothing to be concerned about because this kind of homes are always located within compound with secured perimeters. However one thing that is more difficult to control is the surrounding tropical environment: mosquito and other insects. Though the staff do the daily cleaning and pest-control with care, insects will occasionally intrude upon the space you have rented. People who come to experience a real Bali holiday enjoy this style more than those problem created by the insects. However, if you feel you can not tolerate this tropical living style on your holiday, we are happy to select other villas which can totally protect your family. </p> http://forum.balinicerate.com/topic.php?id=10&page#post-12 Fri, 13 Jul 2007 10:55:17 +0000 admin 12@http://forum.balinicerate.com/ <p>All private villas offered are fully staffed. There are some clear jobs have to be done to keep the villa on its best such as house maids, garderners, pool attendants, and even security guards. These people come every day to provide all household services as well as maintaining the grounds and facilities of each property. Household duties will include daily cleaning, room tidying. Some villas provide free laundry, but many villas will do a surcharge. Any dry-cleaning is supplementary and will be sent to a local establishment with costs borne by the client. Grounds maintenance will include cleaning and balancing the pool, plus tending the garden. All villas also have cooks who can prepare both Western and local cuisine as requested. Normally security-guards come to work during the evening hours, though there are some villas with 24-hours security guarded. </p> http://forum.balinicerate.com/topic.php?id=9&page#post-11 Fri, 13 Jul 2007 10:53:45 +0000 admin 11@http://forum.balinicerate.com/ <p>All villas listed on this website are fully equipped with amenities and facilities needed by guests come for holiday. Every villa must have a private swimming pool; this is a value to ensure that the villa is really private one. Then it also has a fully equipped kitchen (refridgerator, cutlery, kitchen utensils, cookware, and variety of glasses, etc.). The villa also provide bed linens, towels, soap, toilet paper, or even anti-mosquito coils. Unless specially noted, every villa has air-conditioning system, audio system, DVD Player or television (mostly villas have a satellite TV). Some villas even have more amenities such as putting green, pool table, mini library, CD and DVD collections, gym facilities, tennis court or tennies table. </p> http://forum.balinicerate.com/topic.php?id=8&page#post-10 Fri, 13 Jul 2007 10:52:06 +0000 admin 10@http://forum.balinicerate.com/ <p>All hotels in Indonesia charge a standard 21% Government tax and service. If a hotel room is quoted at US$ 100.-/night, guest will actually pay US$ 121.-/night. Then, if we count meals, snacks by the pool and perhaps laundry services, guests will have to pay about US$ 170.- per day. This is still about room. They still have to share all non-room facility with all guests staying at the hotel. We can say that only very few people realize that it is more economical staying in a private villa than staying in a hotel. Its price may look higher, but they have to count the total rooms they get and the value of the privacy and freedom they can enjoy. Villa is the perfect answer for a family trip or reunion.</p> <p>In a villa, guests have a great chance to get direct contact with the genuine Balinese people. Speaking about price, there is an important rule needs to understand that in Bali everything is negotiable. Our company is a domestic Balinese and directed by Balinese; so our price is also negotiable. To provide the best price, we can assure that we will share our profit (commission) with you! If you wish to rent a villa for an extended time period (longer term of staying), or want a last minute booking, we will do our best to accommodate your needs. </p> http://forum.balinicerate.com/topic.php?id=7&page#post-9 Fri, 13 Jul 2007 10:50:31 +0000 admin 9@http://forum.balinicerate.com/ <p>As clearly mentioned on our Terms and Conditions, our company BNRV Int'l is an agent which works between villas (villa management or individual owner) and our cunstomers. Therefore our customers must understand and acknowledge that the contract is between them and the villa management or the owner. However we will never turn our face away from our responsibility to ensure our all customers are satisfied with their chosen villa and experience a peaceful and memorable holiday. In the other hand we will also act as a mediator if a relevant communication between both mentioned parts is difficult or even a problem occurs on the spot.</p> <p>We keep checking every aspect of the villas listed or offered meet the expecting standard. This is to ensure that all customers are happy with all services provided. We understand there must be a gap between guests' expectations about staying in a villa and the reality they will find. However everything will be fine if guests highly consider the certains aspects of tropical living, especially if they are first-time-visitors to Bali. </p> http://forum.balinicerate.com/topic.php?id=6&page#post-8 Fri, 13 Jul 2007 10:48:23 +0000 admin 8@http://forum.balinicerate.com/ <p>When you browse our villas, you may read all information regarding the villas including its price on the webpage. Then if you feel suitable with the villa and wish to stay there on your vacation, please fill the reservation form and submit it. Once we receive the form, we deem you already read our terms and conditions carefully. Then our staff will advise you status of its availability for the requested period. If it is available, we will directly provide you our nice rate including any special service we can offer. To enable us provide better rate than any other source in Bali, we will be pleased to share our profit with you. If it is not available, we will guide you to consider more option based on the quality of villa inquired. The price of each villa is clearly stated on the webpage (The Rates button). This is a very important information because the rate of villa inquired will guide us to understand your standard.</p> <p>Once we got your inquiry, we will personally provide you an exact information regarding the villa inquired. On the next correspondence, we will keep trying to create a relationship between you and us. A comfortable relationship must be created prior to the arrival date. So, when you arrive in Bali, you will not feel strange with us. Hopefully you will feel at home when you step your feet in Bali. </p> http://forum.balinicerate.com/topic.php?id=5&page#post-7 Thu, 12 Jul 2007 15:13:57 +0000 admin 7@http://forum.balinicerate.com/ <p>Welcome to Balinicerate.com's Bali Villas Discussion Forum </p>