Country Article / Postcards
Waka Experience: "We Felt Like Kings"
Date: 03/25/2007
Monday, March 26, 2007
Ubud, Indonesia
An Indonesian family runs a tiny network of six resorts on Bali. Not noisy, ill-fated spots, but peaceful, aesthetically pleasing small resorts of no more than 10 or 12 bungalows in the most pristine settings. No television, no Internet, no radio, no newspapers--just horse riding, sailing, and nature walks.
"Waka Experience" is in the hands of two brothers: one a Swiss-trained chef; and the other an architect. Together they’ve created a vacation where all cares are provided for from the moment you arrive at Denpasar International Airport on the island of Bali.
We traveled as a family of six--four adults and two kids. We had two weeks, so we decided on three resorts--the first, Waka Gangga, to literally switch off. Set in rice fields on a rise bordering the Indian Ocean, the setting, staff, food, and amenities made us feel like kings.
Several days later a mini-bus transferred us to the Waka Catamaran at Benoa Harbour. The smiling, freshly-uniformed crew proffered a huge basket of croissants, tea, and coffee when we embarked for a two-hour sail across the Andaman Sea to the Waka Nusa resort on Lembongan Island.
Experienced divers will be enchanted with the marine life here, like an encounter with the famous mola mola or ocean sun fish. A number of restaurants nearby offer a great variety of prices and menus for lunch and dinner every day.
Reluctant as we were to leave, it was time to savor yet another Waka resort and we set off again in the catamaran to be transferred to the highlands of Bali and the bustling town of Ubud. Although on the edge of the town (a 20-minute walk to the center), Waka Namya was an oasis of peace, quiet, and comfort. Ubud, home to artists and artisans, offers shopping galore...plus shows you'll not want to miss. Look for the shadow puppet show and the elaborate Balinese dance spectacle that goes with a meal at Café Lotus. Wherever you wish to go in Ubud, the obliging Waka staff will ferry you to-and-fro.
All Waka resorts offer massage services which vary considerably in price--Lembongan (Waka Nusa) is the most rustic and least expensive.
For more information on all three resorts, see: http://www.wakaexperience.com.
Hilary Roots
For International Living
Rate this Postcard:
Rating: 3/5 (67 votes cast)