After our superb AHI “Essence of Southeast Asia” tour ended in Siem Reap, Cambodia Marla, daughter Lisa and husband Ray, and I flew to Bali for the last leg of our trip. We’ve stayed at many Bali hotels over the years and wanted something new this time. We chose the Kayon Jungle Resort. Our trip dovetailed perfectly with Nyepi, the Balinese New Year, a favorite of ours!

Let me begin by saying the resort is a simply fabulous property with a truly great staff. It is a place to luxuriate, escape and relax. It is extremely popular for honeymooners, especially from Japan! I would not recommend it if this your first trip to Bali and you want to explore the wonders of the island. Heavy traffic and tiny roads mean getting any where will take a very long time. They do have a shuttle service to Ubud going 4 times a day.

The reception desk in the lobby. Marla and I imported many tables like this when we had our Denver business.

The resort lobby.

The Kayon hotel properties are known for artistic architectural elements.

The undulating pools are very dramatic. Accomodations are in the main building or in stand alone pool villas.

The resort clings to the side of a river gorge.

Such a unique and beautiful property.

The path is extremely steep to the lobby and restaurants, but a buggy comes to your villa in minutes. Each villa has a person who acts as a quasi butler and is very responsive to your needs. We loved ours!

An exotic Heliconia by our villa door.

Our villa featured this statue of Rama, a central figure in the Hindu epic, the Ramayana.

A vibrant red ginger.

We chose the Valley Pool Villa.

Perfect place to just chill.

The water was warm, but still refreshing!!

Marla relaxes after a dip in the pool.

We wait for our buggy to take us up for breakfast.

Yours truly.

Our villa attendant was such a great guy!

The restaurant has lots of options of wonderful food!

The architectural design for this restaurant is really interesting.

The Kayon offers a guided walk to the nearby village so we all signed up.

Our group with our wonderful guide.

We explored village life in the nearby town.

We decided to have dinner in the hotel.

Dinner is served in a different area than breakfast.

Lisa and I of course had to sing along with the musician!

There was also an interesting dance performance at dinner.

The large sculptures are dramatically lit up at night.

The pools at night.

Learning to make a traditional Balinese offering.

With a little expert assistance Marla made a Canang Sari. Every morning in Bali, you’ll find these small, colorful offerings placed at entries of doorsteps, shrines, and sidewalks. Primarily, it’s a thank you extended to Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa, the Almighty God in Balinese Hinduism, for the gifts of life, peace, prosperity, and the harmony of the universe. The offering acknowledges the divine presence woven into everyday life.

“Beautiful creation Mar!”

We’re waiting in the lobby for transport into Ubud for a traditional dance performance.

So inviting!

Our villa package included fabulous Balinese massages.

My next post will take us to amazing temples, an elephant cave, giant bats, and an ancient traditional village of hand weavers.

Photos: Dick Gentry. Not to be used without permission.