Due to a poor wifi signal we are unable to post any photos today. Gede has contacted the service provider who's explained that some of the routers on the tower between the house aren't working. They've promised to make a service call from Java within 24 hours to make the repairs. However, as always, "island time" takes presence over all else. We'll see how this rolls out. We were able to acquire a signal strong enough to post the text only. We'll keep trying throughout the day attempting to upload the photos. Thanks for your patience and we'll be back with an update tomorrow.
"Sightings on the Beach in Bali"
With only 20 days until our departure from this wonderful property in
Sumbersari in west Bali, we've had an ample opportunity for a comprehensive take
on the cost of living here in a vacation home.
Keeping in mind, living in a vacation home is a whole lot different and less
expensive than staying on a resort or hotel. Also, flying to this island can be
costly and time consuming for those living long distances away such as Europe
and the US.
A round trip, for example, from Minneapolis to Denpasar would cost approximately IDR
$26,676,000, US $2,000, or more for the shortest economy class flights taking no
less than 17 hours with some cheaper flights over 30 hours. Most working
travelers don't have (or want) two or three extra days spent traveling.
For us, it's worked well since we were already in the South Pacific getting as
close as Singapore by a much desired and enjoyed cruise.
For travelers in Australia and New Zealand, Bali can be a good choice for an
extended holiday when it doesn't take long to fly here and the cost is
reasonable under US $350, AU $475.
Then the costs include accommodations, transportation, meals,
entertainment, recreation and tips. Many travelers enjoy shopping in the
capital city of Denpasar where prices for clothing and trinkets are low compared
to other destinations. We heard several cruise passengers mention they bring an
empty piece of luggage to contain the items they'll purchase when they come to Bali.
We realize our perspective in definitely unrealistic and impractical for many
tourists that want an all encompassing travel experience including all of the
above expenditures and amenities.
In today's world of the fast growing retiree population, others
travelers are like us in many ways...desiring to spend less and, get the most out
of the experience not necessarily staying in a busy, more populated and
subsequently more expensive areas where "all the action is."
Those days for us passed a long time ago, long before we began this journey.
We don't need discos and noisy dining establishments to entertain us at night
nor are we interested in shop after shop of similar looking items. These facts alone
changes everything.
A wonderful aspect to Bali is the affordable household help, including cooks, also included in the rental cost of many vacation properties. We couldn't get better meals at a restaurant than we're experiencing here, served hot and
fresh daily at a cost that is unbelievable.
Again, we're different than the average traveler, dining only once a day when
most would enjoy three meals a day and perhaps a beautiful fruit plate as an
afternoon snack.
Even so, in this villa two people could dine three times a day keeping the cost
under US $25, IDR $334,000, a far cry from what they'd spend dining in
restaurants plus transportation. For our one meal per day, we're spending less than we've ever
spent for food anywhere in our travels. At the upcoming end of our stay, 20
days from today, we'll post our total expenses, as we always do.
We haven't dined out once since our arrival on April 30th.
There aren't any suitable restaurants within a two hour drive of this area. For
the average traveler, the comprehensive menu for the villa could easily satisfy
one's desire for great food for even an extended stay.
Sure, its fun to get out, have a few drinks and enjoy an evening out. We
always find great pleasure in doing so. Although my restrictive way of eating makes it difficult
in some parts of the world especially when a lot of starch and sugar is used in
traditional spices used in local and regional food prep.
Also, for us, using the services of the villa's drivers has made a lot of
sense. Never once, have we wished we had a rental car, especially
considering "google maps" wouldn't be much help in this part of the world. Of
course, one could use a "paper" map if they so choose.
The cost of most drivers for a full day in Bali is under IDR $1,000,000, US $75. One
could easily spend at least half that much per day for a rental car sitting in
the driveway when its not in use.
Another factor we highly considered when we booked this location is the quality of this fabulous vacation home, at a
reasonable price for which we would have paid three or four times as much in a
busier and considered "more convenient" location. Check out the link for the excellent prices for this property.
It all boils down to what's important to you as travelers. Here they can snorkel,
scuba dive, fish, visit rainforests, temples and much more. Mainly, its
a lively nightlife lacking for those desiring action in the evenings.
Overall, our time in Bali may prove to be one of our less expensive vacation
homes to date offering an abundance of features we've thoroughly enjoyed. The
wifi? Not so much. The rest? Heavenly.
Please mark your calendars to check back on June 27th (the 26th for those on
the opposite side of the International Dateline) when we'll share the total
expenses for our almost two months in Bali. You may be pleasantly surprised
as we make the final tally!
May your day provide YOU with a pleasant surprise or two!
_____________________________________
Photo from one year ago today, June 7, 2015:
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