RIKOLA Travel blog
The travel journals of a middle age couple
The BIG one to kick of retirement. We have booked another ‘holiday of a lifetime’ travelling for just over a month from Jakarta down to Bali. 22 days of touring, followed by week of relaxation.
We are using G-Adventures again as they did such a good job in our Central America trip. As always it’s fully packed.
onesia, a vast archipelago nation in Southeast Asia, is renowned for its incredible biodiversity and rich cultural tapestry. With over 17,000 islands, it boasts diverse landscapes, from volcanic mountains and lush rainforests to pristine beaches and coral reefs.This cultural melting pot is home to over 270 million people, representing a diverse array of ethnicities and religions.
Bali, famous for its vibrant culture and stunning scenery, is a major tourist destination. However, Indonesia also offers a wealth of other experiences, including ancient temples in Java, orangutan sanctuaries in Borneo, and the vibrant cities of Sumatra.
While facing challenges like poverty and deforestation, Indonesia possesses significant economic potential and continues to develop as a nation.
Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, is a dynamic metropolis. It serves as the country’s political, economic, and cultural hub, drawing millions of visitors annually. The city boasts a diverse population and a rich blend of history and modernity.Landmarks like the National Monument and the Istiqlal Mosque showcase Indonesia’s past. A thriving arts scene complements historical sites, with museums, galleries, and theaters showcasing local and international talent. Jakarta’s culinary scene is a melting pot of flavors, offering a wide range of Indonesian and international dishes.
However, rapid urbanization has brought challenges such as traffic congestion and pollution. The city government is actively working to address these issues through infrastructure development and sustainable initiatives. Despite these challenges, Jakarta remains a vibrant and exciting destination.
Deeply rooted in Balinese Hinduism, the island’s culture is vibrant and unique. Traditional dances, intricate temples, and daily rituals reflect this rich heritage.
Ubud, a cultural heartland, offers artistic workshops, galleries, and captivating dance performances.
For the adventurous, surfing, diving, and exploring hidden waterfalls provide endless excitement.
Bali offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and a unique cultural immersion, making it a truly unforgettable destination.
Erian Hotel – 4/5
Nice stay, loved the Roof Top Bar
We had a few days stay here before starting a G Adventures tour.
The room was a decent size and clean, good aircon. When we ran out of water it was replaced immediately once we called.
Really loved the roof top bar. Breakfast had a really good selection. Staff were all friendly and a credit to the hotel.
Arion Suites Hotel Bandung – 4/5
Vast breakfast choice
Really lovely hotel, staff very friendly and polite. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a wide choice for breakfast, everything was nice.
The room was large and spacious. The only thing that let it down was the bathroom which could do with some TLC.
Overall a really pleasant stay.
KJ Hotel Yogyakarta 4/5
Good Stay
Nice hotel, lots of shops and restaurants close by. The room was a good size and spotless. Breakfast was ok, enough choice. The staff are all polite and friendly.
Swastika Bungalows – 5/5
Absolutely loved this place
We had 2 nights here as part of a G Adventures Tour and we will be coming back for one night at the end.
Nothing has been too much trouble including putting the twin beds together to make a massive double bed. The room is really spacious, loved the outdoor balcony area.
The room was cleaned in the time we went for breakfast which was nothing short of amazing.
I used the spa and spent a very relaxing couple of hours. The hotel has multiple swimming pools and all the sun beds are comfy. There was no crowding round the pool, all very peaceful.
Good choice for breakfast, overall really good.
Meme Surung Homestay – 3/5
Very noisy!
Was a one night stay as part of a tour. The staff are really helpful and helped carry the cases up to the home stay itself and then to the room. There was some dog poo on one of the steps as you walked up which was still there in the morning so not ideal.
Room itself was spacious with separate balcony area to sit and watch the sun go down.
There is no air con and a lot of midges if it rains. There is a mosquito net around the bed. The one thing I’ll never forget is the noise from the traffic which is pretty much constant although ear buds are provided. If you are a light sleeper this one might not be for you.
Puri Rinjani Bungalows – 3/5
Ok for a night
The bungalow is fairly spacious but very, very tired in places. It could also do with a deep clean. There was a bit of noise from nearby traffic.
On the first morning we woke to a dead cockroach on the floor and a large drowsy spider. That put me on edge for sleeping on the second night.
The pool area was nice and so are the grounds. The staff are friendly and breakfast was good. We had lunch in the restaurant and that was good also.
There is a list of charges that will be made for damaging bedding, towels etc. however these were already stained and had holes in them.
Overall ok for a night or two.
Puri Saron Senggigi Beach Hotel – 4/5
Comfortable stay
Was a very quick overnight stay but the accommodation was clean and spacious. There is a lovely pool area and the property is right on a black sandy beach.
We had dinner in the hotel which was fine.
It has an outside style shower which only seems to run cold despite having the option to add hot water. I didn’t really fancy climbing into the bath tub to use the alternative shower head.
Hotel Vila Ombak – 5/5
Really nice hotel
This is my favourite hotel I’ve stayed in as part of a G Adventures tour.
The bedroom is large, light and airy with a huge bathroom. There is some nice outdoor seating too.
There are several pools which were all clean.
Check in is normally 2pm but on the day we arrived I wasn’t feeling well so didn’t do the snorkelling trip with the rest of the group. The hotel said they would try and get our room ready for 12. I was super impressed that a member of staff actually found me by the pool at 11 to say the room was ready. The hotel went over and beyond and I was really grateful.
Candi Beach Resort & Spa – 5/5
Beautiful hotel
Spent a very nice week at this hotel after a three week tour of Indonesia. We had a junior suite with partial sea view. The room was spacious and clean. The balcony was similarly large with a really comfortable settee.
We didn’t have a problem getting sun beds round the pool but we were there fairly early at 8am.
Breakfast was good with plenty of choice. One little niggle is that a lot of food was uncovered and the flies had a field day which was a bit off putting.
All in all a really enjoyable stay, the staff are all amazing and really friendly.
Great experience
Really loved this. I wasn’t sure when the puppet show started that it was going to be my thing if I’m honest. However I loved watching the children and it brought a tear to my eyes. There is dancing and music by the older children who are very talented. I loved the bit at the end where the children take you by the hand to dance with them. Also getting to play the angklung was great fun. Best of all knowing our money for the tickets supports the school
Amazing
Was an amazing experience. It’s incredible to believe that these were built such a long time ago, destroyed by an earthquake and so many rebuilt.
We visited in the afternoon and it was still very hot. There are a good few steep steps to climb so if you want to go inside you need to be able bodied.
Good Show
Food was help yourself buffet which was ok. Seating a little uncomfortable even with the sears that had a back. Fortunately we were given the plot in English otherwise it would have been difficult to follow.
Great staff
Only visited for a drink but the staff were really friendly. Unfortunately the heat had got to me and I started to faint. The staff very kindly got me a bag of ice which I was very grateful for