Your Kiwi News Hound
My name is Keith and I am an 84 year old bugger just about ready for the knackers yard. My wife is Hesti and she's a go getting, young Indonesian who props me up most of the time.Hesti also owns AROHA VILLA and runs it as a classy holiday home. And its not a bad chunk of real estate even if I say it myself. And as you see from the picture at the top of the Page I have bloody good reason to love Bali.
Being stuck around home most of the time, whilst Hesti is running 6 Holiday Apartments I get into social media a bit and I am appalled at the number of illiterate bastards who post a whole heap of self opinionated shit about Bali then try to pass it off as fact.
So on this page I will try to rectify at least some of it.
North Bali
90% of the posts on the internet totally ignore north Bali and their Authors don't seem to know that North Bali exists. The few that do think that the tourist centre of the north, Lovina, is populated by Dolphins.Sure, the daily arrival of Dolphins is a unique feature of Lovina but so is bioluminessence, lack of traffic, quiet Balinese culture, temples, rice terraces, coffee plantations, old Dutch architecture, markets, etc. etc. Least of all is the genuine Balinese hospitality.
You won't find too many Bintang piss heads, surfboarding party goers, half naked influencers showing off their tits, but everything else is available including great food, cultural shows, cooking lessons, massage, etc.
Come up and see for yourself.
Menjangan
Menjangan is one of Bali’s most beautiful and unspoiled destinations of North Bali. The island is famous for its crystal-clear waters, spectacular coral reefs and abundant marine life, making it a favourite for both snorkelling and diving The underwater scenery is exceptional, with colourful coral gardens, tropical fish and dramatic underwater walls dropping into deep blue water. Visibility is often excellent, making Menjangan particularly rewarding for divers and snorkellers alike. On the island itself, you can visit the peaceful Segara Gili Dharma Kencana Temple, known for its striking statue of Ganesha overlooking the sea. The island is also home to wild deer, which gave Menjangan its name – menjangan means deer in Indonesian. For those who prefer to stay on land, there are pleasant walks through the dry forest and along the coastline, where you can enjoy the natural surroundings and look for birds and wildlife. A visit to Menjangan is a wonderful day trip from Aroha Villa, combining beautiful scenery, fascinating wildlife, Balinese culture and some of Bali’s finest underwater experiences.
A Bali Must Have
Unless you are one of the many muscle vested, pot bellied, trouble making, loud mouthed, Bintang swilling louts that only get as far as the nearest cheap bar to the cheap hotel in Kuta you will need a car and driver.The roads, particularly around South Bali are extremely busy and traffic rules apparently don't exist. Even if they did no one is there to police them. It is possible to rent a scooter, but if you are travelling any distance its a dumb idea. So hire a car and driver on a daily basis. Imagine doing that in Europe, Britain, America or Oceania. You would need to be a millionaire at least. In Bali it will cost approximately IDR800,000 or USD45.00.
Social Media is full of cheapscates looking for drivers for USD20 a day and some times finding them. But sometimes those drivers get a better offer and just don't turn up, (can't blame them).
Please remember private drivers need to make a living and, as we know, less than IDR800,000 is not very much.
PLUS TIP YOUR DRIVER FOR A GOOD JOB.
Brahma Vihara Arama
Just a short drive from Aroha Villa, high in the hills above Banjar, lies Brahma Vihara Arama, Bali’s largest Buddhist monastery and one of North Bali’s most peaceful and beautiful places to visit. Often simply called the Banjar Buddhist Temple, the monastery is set among tropical gardens with sweeping views towards the Bali Sea. Its architecture blends traditional Balinese design with Buddhist influences, creating a fascinating contrast of temples, statues, meditation spaces and ornate gateways.The monastery is an active place of worship and meditation, rather than simply a tourist attraction. Visitors are welcome to explore the grounds, but should dress respectfully and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. One of the highlights is the impressive hilltop complex, with its golden Buddha statue and colourful decorations. There are also quiet courtyards and meditation areas where you can pause and take in the peaceful surroundings. The drive through the villages and countryside around Banjar is part of the experience, passing rice fields, plantations and traditional Balinese homes.
For guests staying at Aroha Villa, Brahma Vihara Arama makes an excellent half-day outing and can easily be combined with a visit to the famous Banjar Hot Springs, nearby.
Aling Aling Waterfall
Aling-Aling Waterfall, in the lush hills of northern Bali, is one of the island’s most spectacular natural attractions. Located around an hour’s drive from Aroha Villa, it offers a wonderful combination of jungle scenery, clear mountain water and adventure.The main waterfall plunges dramatically about 35 metres into a deep pool, surrounded by steep, moss-covered cliffs and dense tropical vegetation. Swimming in the main pool is not permitted because of the powerful currents, but the surrounding waterfalls provide plenty of opportunities for adventure. The area is particularly famous for its natural water slides and cliff jumps. At nearby Kroya, Kembar and Pucuk waterfalls, visitors can slide down smooth rock channels or jump from platforms of different heights into deep pools below. Local guides supervise these activities, making the experience considerably safer. For those who prefer something quieter, the walk through the tropical forest is an attraction in itself. The path passes streams, smaller cascades and spectacular viewpoints before reaching the waterfalls. Aling-Aling is best visited with a local guide, particularly if you want to experience the slides or cliff jumps. Comfortable footwear is recommended, as the paths and rocks can be slippery. It makes an excellent day trip from Aroha Villa. Just talk to Adhi, Manager/Driver and he will organise everything for you.