The Ulin Villas

Excellently situated in the heart of Bali’s fashionable and stylish Seminyak, The Ulin Villas and Spa is within walking distance to restaurants, club, shopping areas, the nightlife venues and only few minutes away from white sand beaches for which the island of Bali is famed. The Ulin Villas and Spa is a tropical retreat from a morning breeze, a noonday sun and a romantic evening rendezvous.

Provide the ultimate privacy and totally unique lifestyle experience, The Ulin Villas and Spa offers14 private boutique villas each featuring private swimming pool with environmentally friendly water treatment, dining and living area, designer kitchen, en-suite bathroom with soaking tub and separate shower, wireless internet connection and entertainment system. All villas are set in manicured tropical garden, each within their own walled courtyard. The Ulin Villas and Spa is a harmonious balance between traditional Balinese design and simple yet contemporary elegant interior.

SPA
Situated at The Ulin Villas & Spa, the 10 spa therapy suites are set in tropical landscaped garden, creates the ideal refuge for relaxation, offers a heaven of serenity and harmony.

Exquisite array of spa treatments and Balinese best kept rejuvenation secrets can be discovered through the healing hands of superbly trained therapists, provide the ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation. In our mission to present only the most nourishing of products, we have blend and sourced only the purest natural selected oils, herbs and spices to deliver a true indulgence and bring a sense of complete well being.

Rejuvenate, relax and revitalize with blend of ancient therapeutic remedies and modern day spa rituals that include the exemplary necessities to be healthy, rejuvenate and well being.

VILLAS

One Bedroom Villa
Each villa is 300 square meters and designed for an ultimate boutique villa experience. All feature private swimming pool with environmentally friendly water treatment, air-conditioned bedroom, private kitchen and dining area, en-suite bathroom, air conditioned living area and manicured tropical garden. One Bedroom Villa distinguished by its own private Spa gazebo.

One Bedroom Villa Features:
- Private swimming pool of 3m x 7m with environmentally friendly water treatment
- Private Balinese gate (Angkul - Angkul)
- Manicured tropical garden
- Fully equipped designer kitchen
- Complimentary mini bar
- Air conditioned bedroom with a king size bed
- Air conditioned living room
- Open plan dining area
- Spacious en-suite bathroom with tropical garden, soaking bathtub and separate shower
- Superb quality personal care amenities and toiletries
- Hair dryer
- State of the art entertainment system (DVD/CD player, Multi channel television)
- International direct dial phone
- Personal safe
- Complimentary wireless internet access

Total number of One Bedroom Villa available: 9 Villas

Two Bedroom Villa
Set in a manicured tropical garden, our 400 square meters Two Bedroom Villa provide maximum comfort and privacy. All Two Bedroom Villa appointed with open plan living/dining area. Enjoy the sun on your private pool deck and luxuriate in your private swimming pool. All feature air-conditioned bedroom, private kitchen and en-suite bathroom.

Two Bedroom Villa Features:
- Private swimming pool of 4m x 8m with environmentally friendly water treatment
- Private Balinese gate (Angkul - Angkul)
- Manicured tropical garden
- Fully equipped designer kitchen
- Complimentary mini bar
- Air conditioned bedrooms with king size bed in the 1st bedroom and twin bed in the 2nd bedroom
- Open plan living/dining area
- Spacious en-suite bathroom with tropical garden, soaking bathtub and separate shower
- Superb quality personal care amenities and toiletries
- Hair dryer
- State of the art entertainment system (DVD/CD player, Multi channel television)
- International direct dial phone
- Personal safe
- Complimentary wireless internet access

Total number of Two Bedroom Villa available: 3 villas

Three Bedroom Villa
Our Three Bedroom Villa offer 600 square meters of luxury living space, created to indulge your family or to share the tropical bliss with your friends. Featuring large private swimming pool, manicured garden, air-conditioned bedroom, spacious open plan living and dining area, private kitchen and en-suite bathroom.

Three Bedroom Villa Features:
- Private swimming pool of 6m x 10m with environmentally friendly water treatment
- Private Balinese gate (Angkul - Angkul)
- Manicured tropical garden
- Fully equipped designer kitchen
- Complimentary mini bar
- Air conditioned bedrooms with king size bed in the 1st bedroom, twin bed in the 2nd & 3rd bedroom
- Open plan living/dining area
- Spacious en-suite bathroom with tropical garden, soaking bathtub and separate shower
- Superb quality personal care amenities and toiletries
- Hair dryer
- State of the art entertainment system (DVD/CD player, Multi channel television)
- International direct dial phone
- Personal safe
- Complimentary wireless internet access

Total number of Three Bedroom Villa available: 2 Villas

LOCATION
The Ulin Villas and Spa enjoys prime location in the heart of Seminyak area, the trendiest destination on the island to dine, shop and party.

Drive or by our complimentary transfer services:
- Bali International Airport - 30 minutes
- Kuta (shopping areas, restaurant and white sand beach) - 15 minutes
- Legian (shopping areas, restaurant, club and white sand beach) - 10 minutes
- Nusa Dua (golf course, convention, beach, restaurants, shopping areas) - 40 minutes
- Finest restaurant in Seminyak (Ku De Ta, Laluciola, The Living Room and HU’U Bar) - 5 minutes
- Petitenget Beach - 5 minutes

Within walking distance:
- The beach – 15 minutes
- Restaurants and Shopping areas – 5 minutes

Major Tourist Destination in Bali:
- Uluwatu Temple – Cliff-top temple with spectacular ocean views (24 km away)
- The coastal temple of Tanah Lot, perched on a rock at the edge of the shore line (23 km away)
- Denpasar – Bali’s capital and main business & government offices area (15 km away)
- Ubud – Beautiful landscape of rice fields, art galleries, monkey forest, craft and jewelries (35 km)
- Kuta – Busy tourist area, great shopping and night life (6 km away)
- Nusa Dua – Famous for its white sandy beach, golf course, and convention center (23 km away)
- Besakih Temple – The “mother temple”, located on the slopes of Mount Agung (85 km away)
- Rice Paddies at Jatiluwih (55 km away)
- Sacred Spring and Palace at Tampaksiring (40 km away)
- Padang Padang Beach – famous surfing spot for professional surfer (25 km away)

The Ulin Villas - Villa Rates
Validity: Year-round

1. Rates
   All rates are net, quoted in USD, and inclusive of applicable government tax, service charge with the following benefits:
   - Chilled welcome drinks on arrival
   - Welcome foot Spa ritual
   - Daily seasonal fruit basket
   - Daily American breakfast for 2 persons per room.
   - Daily afternoon refreshment
   - Complimentary minibar items
   - Complimenatry drop-off transportation within Kuta and Seminyak area
   - Unlimited access to Gym at The Ulin
2. High & Peak Season Periods
   High season period: July 20 - August 31; peak season period: December 20 - January 5.

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Balinese Life

The strong cultural identity of Bali is based on a combination of closely related elements such as the unique religion, the language, the castes, the community life, the land cultivation and the expression of its art. Of the four castes, Brahmana, Satria and Wesia represent 10% of the population whereas the Sudras (the farmers and craftsmen) represent the great majority. The caste system, still very much alive today, regulates, apart from their religious power, the different levels of the Balinese language.

Although the official language is Bahasa Indonesia, Balinese remains the everyday dialect of the people of the island. Each Balinese belongs to his or her caste, but foremost to their community, which from birth to death regulates life in its social and religious aspects. Numerous ceremonies mark the progression of life, starting with the first birthday, 210 days after birth, which is the length of a Balinese year.

Childhood is treated with respect and gentleness until teen years, celebrated with the tooth filing ceremony. Marriage is the definite and official entry into the community of which every Balinese becomes an active member. Participation at the meetings of the "Banjar", (virtual local government which manages village life, from wedding ceremonies, cremations, village security and land transactions), is everyone's given duty. The whole irrigation system, unique in the world, is managed by this

association whichensures the fair distribution of water, and carries out the ceremonial rites to the spirits of agriculture. This perfect organization makes the Balinese the best rice farmers of Indonesia. In this compact cultural unity, on ethnic group stands out: the Bali Aga. They are the descendants of the first inhabitants before the arrival of the Majapahit. Their customs, far from all Hindu influence, are believed to be of prehistorically origin. Arts, music, dance and their wove textiles are subject to specific rituals. The two best known Bali Aga villages are Tenganan, above Candi Dasa and Trunyan on Lake Batur.

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Which part of java? Banyumas

People

Like others area which become economic growing central, Banyumas is not only inhabited by native people of Javanese Banyumasan ethnic group. Concentrations in urban area are ethnic group of Tionghoa, Batak (Sumatera) and amount of others ethnic group in Indonesia also have been staying. Openness basic attitude makes cultural wealth from outside of Banyumas is easy to be received and become part of local uniqueness.

Religion

Banyumas population is only 1, 6 milion people which every 100 female and exist 99 male. 95 % is Javanese ethnic group; either native people (Banyumasan Javanese) or Javanese mixture with majority religion is Moslem. But minority adherent likes Christian, Hindu, Budha, and Kong Hu Cu to live in harmonious life. Some people still follow native religion Javanese, Kejawen which divided into various branches spiritualism

Population density in Banyumas is about 1.169/km in 2006 with household approximately are 4 members every family.

Language

Variety of people in Banyumas still uses Banyumasan Language. Cultural observer and historian deem that Banyumas language is purest relic old Javanese language or Kawi Javanese. Banyumasan Language does not happen stratification process like Kraton Javanese which nowadays becomes most dominant Javanese. Banyumasan Language was born and develops as posses of grass root society who’s expressive, free, frankly (blakasuta) and equal (egaliter) as reflection of people daily life.

Banyumasan language has many various pronunciation and vocabulary in local environment. It contains spelling variation and vocabulary from one district to others. Some experts give opinion that much variation are happened because there is not dominant power to arrange; which one is ‘formal or non formal words’. Nowadays those varieties exactly become a wealth.

Banyumas society commonly uses Indonesian as formal communication. There is something unique that adult people who still live in rural, they cannot speak fluently a language which comes from Melayu language family and has become formal language in Indonesia.

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Which part of java?

Natural enchantment

The name of Baturraden comes from two words of Java they are Batur (slave) and Raden (queen). There was a story, a slave who took care a horse at the palace area of old Java. The love grew between slave and the princess, a regent’s daughter.

But their love didn’t get permission because of class social gap. Both of them left the palace and build up happy family on the feet of Slamet Mountain. Their place then grew be a village called Baturraden means the united of slave and queen.

Now Baturraden became favorite tourist place because of the beautiful nature and combining with culture and the tradition of the people. From the workers house of PLTA (water electricity technology) that was build up by Dutch colony now became resting place up to 640 meter of the sea.

Baturraden surrounded by naturally jungle that untouchable by human being. The jungle which is rich by flora and fauna keep on saved the eternality. Slamet mountain the biggest and the second higher at Java has 3.428 tall up to the sea.

Everyday, the temperature be overage between 18 degrees until 25 degrees. The place that becomes a background, the most popular love legendary is just 14 kilometers from the town center of Purwokerto. All kinds of vehicles can take the tourist up to enjoy the beautifulness by nature of Baturraden.

Modern History

Story of developing natural tourist resource in Baturraden begins from called by scientist as physics reaction between subatom and neutrons or called electricity. In 1928 the Dutch colony built up PLTA (water electricity technology) at the Ketenger one of the area in Baturraden.

The fourth pioneers’ men from Dutch that built up Baturraden became tourism area. J C Balgooy built animal husbandry for milk cow supply, meat and the egg for the worker at PLTA. Smoulders made a hotel which had 17 rooms, and now becomes Wisma Wijayakusuma. Tenteatte built hot water bath at Pancuran Telu (three spouts) and Pancura Pitu (seven spouts), in order can be visited by tourist. While Van Depperen at that time known as a leader sugar industry in Tegal supporting several business men and workers to visit Baturraden. The house of Van Depperen now becomes Villa Rahayu.

The role of the fourth men of Dutch besides make Baturraden knowing as electric supply, also famous with the beautiful scenery. in the freedom war era, 1947-1949 all facilities that became symbol Dutch Colony destroyed by Indonesian Army (TNI) except animal husbandry which had function to give milk cow and meat supply.

But beautifulness of Baturraden is not disappearing even all Dutch facilities were destroyed. Many students still visit Baturraden, just to see what the animal husbandry is looking like. Of course you can never imagine the road to Baurraden as good as now. Under Sukarno’s power in 1950 the animal husbandry was nationalized. But that year the place also closed because it indicated on diseases. There are no more visitors or tourists after that.

After the freedom of Indonesia from Dutch colony, the Banyumas prominent figure looks the potential of Baturraden to build as tourism industry for growing up Banyumas. In 1952 appeared developing plan of Baturraden. But at the time could not be realized because of Darul Islam battle (Molsem Army ). Baturraden developing could be realized in 1970.

Attraction

You can relax yourself together with your beloved people to enjoy many facilities and nature attraction, or other attractions made by people. While race, follow natural jungle between damar trees and pine. You can take rest at hot source water Pancuran Telu and Pancuran Pitu.

Feel the sensation by taking bath with hot water from the source of the earth. The water temperature containing sulfur is about 60 degrees. That region also became treatment for rheumatic and skin diseases.

You can ask the guide to invite professional message, and you will enjoy having experience special message that only served in Baturraden. Message your body with yellow gold sulfur mud, and you will refresh your body.

If you want to take the sulfur mud home, villager has prepared in liquid or powder. You can use at home for your message.

Beside dammar jungle and pine, enjoy natural quietness by visiting Telaga Sunyi (quite lake). Put your entire problem and your mind; just try to take attention the bird sing, wind blows shaking the peak of the tries, and feels the cold water from the mountain. Let your mind and your body sinks at the holding of nature.

Baturraden also provided many playing facilities, just like mini cart, gliding action pool, swimming pool, hot bath, and water bike. There is also Kalola Widya Manggala zoo to introduce your children about variety of Indonesia animals.

Besides hotel you can also order spa or spent the night at the café and restaurants that have special traditional taste and natural.

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Ambarawa Steamed Train Tour; Back to 19th

Traveling by an old-wooden-wagon train is a rare experience in this modern era when we are used to traveling by modern car, train or airplane. This gives a remarkable memory of the beginning of 19^th century.

To enjoy this trip is not difficult also to arrange but then you should be in a group because the wagons can consist of around 90 passengers. By paying more or less 250 E, you will make a trip in the colonial-era train for an hour. Anyhow, for those who come individually, you can also make a lorry trip from Ambarawa through beautiful landscape till a village near by Rawa Pening. which takes more or less an hour go and back just by paying around 1 E per person with minimal collective passenger 10 persons.

It was the idea Van der Wijk in 1840, that making the railway would give advantages for the colonial military because it could connect some strategic places to control Java. In 1864 the process of building railway was begun. With its development the train was used for colonial military, economy, and public transportation for the have.

After the independence period of Indonesia, those railways were also still used. But because of some reasons, few destinations of the train were stopped. And just in 1975, this was open for tourism.

The tour starts from Ambarawa station. This station is nowadays also used for train museum with huge collections of 21 locomotives from varied from the year of 1891 till 1928 that you can easily see from the first sight you come to that museum since they are on the open air. Those trains give idea of developing technology from one period to another.

The passengers have a chance to enjoy the wooden-wagon train with old locomotive, made in Germany and first operated in 1907.

This steamed-locomotive will be ready to carry the passengers after three hours preparation for its steam heat by teak-wood fire. The sound of its whistle signing that the train is moving and slowly running. Of course the smoke of the steam come over the wagon and the passengers but it is just fun.

Along the way, natural sight and villager activities can be seen. Children and people are waving to us to say “Have a nice trip”. The beautiful rice landscape, mountain, the green plantation support the atmosphere that we were in the beginning of 19^th century.

Why this trip becomes special? Because with the old locomotive we can travel from Ambarawa (474 m above sea level) to Bedono which has 711 m above sea level. Amazing.

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Baturraden mountain resort, a jewel in Indonesia eco-tourism

As Indonesians breathe a sigh of relief after a barrage of warnings of eruptions from the country's most active volcanoes, Baturraden resort at the foot of Mount Slamet in central Java remains calm and shines as an eco-tourism jewel.

Mount Slamet or Gunung Slamet in Indonesian, is an active volcano and the second-highest peak on Java island, reaching 3,428 metres above sea level.

The resort itself was established in 1979, and is surrounded by beautiful green gardens, hot springs, ponds and bungalow-style hotels 650 metres up the slopes. As we indulge ourselves with the harmonic surroundings of a vast pine forest and green valley, we can also dip our feet in the cold spring water running through the middle of the resort.

'It's such a great place to breathe fresh, clean air for me and my family,' said Widyanarti, 32, a mother who came all the way from Jakarta and who goes by a single name.

'You don't get this kind of weather in the polluted cities such as Jakarta,' she said, adding that the resort is also a perfect place for children to learn about nature and the importance of preserving it.

The cool mountain breezes are a special draw for domestic and international visitors, and the resort caters to all. Admission is only 3,000 Rupiah or 0.30 cents. It opens daily from 5:30 am and closes around midnight.

Baturraden is also a well-known spot to spend a day trekking through its splendid natural forest and villages. Always green, blanketed with a light misty air, the area is blessed with an abundance of natural water resources spouting in numerous waterfalls and rivers, which flow between the huge boulders of hardened lava.

'Baturraden has been a great example of how a mountainous area can be managed as a potential asset for eco-tourism,' Indriyani, a programme manager at Indecon, a non-governmental organization specializing in the expansion of eco-tourism in Indonesia, said.

Destination: Baturraden mountain resort located near Purwokerto city in central Java, Indonesia.

Climate and best time to travel: Tropical country, best time is in the dry season between March to October.

How to get there: Seven to nine hours drive from Jakarta by car, bus or train. Bus ticket costs around 40,000 Rupiah with AC (about 5 dollars) or by executive train with AC is 190,000 Rupiah (about 20 dollars).

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The Ubud Village Resort & Spa

Location
Well-settled on the lush hillside of Ubud, Ubud Village Resort & Spa is a perfect for romantic couples, honeymooners and family holiday. Surrounded by picturesque rice paddy terraces and set within luxuriant landscaped tropical gardens - with coconut palms, manicured lawns, lotus ponds and our own rice paddies - Ubud Village Resort & Spa is a retreat style boutique resort designed for relaxation, refreshment and peaceful place.

Accommodation
All villas have swimming pools set in a private garden, satellite TV, DVD players, air conditioning, IDD telephones, sunken bathtubs, ceiling fans, indoor and outdoor showers, kitchenette facilities, personal safes and 24 hours private butler services. Our complimentary wireless internet hotspot is available at the restaurant.

Garden View Pool Villa. The comfortable and spacious villa with lush tropical gardens , are furnished with; a private pool, marble floors, king-size bed, mini-bar, IDD telephone, satellite television, in-room safe , bathrobe and slippers, indoor and outdoor showers, hand-carved volcanic stone sunken bathtub, private verandah, DVD player, bathroom amenities, air conditioning, a choice of double and twin beds, gazebos , private pavilion, day beds and Private butler service (on request).

Rice Field View Pool Villa. The spacious and luxurious villas with spectacular views over neighboring rice terraces are furnished with; marble floors, king-size bed, mini-bar, IDD telephone, satellite television, in-room safe, bathrobe and slippers, indoor and outdoor showers, hand-carved volcanic stone sunken bathtub, private verandah, CD & DVD player, bathroom amenities, air conditioning, a choice of double and twin beds, gazebos, private pavilion, day beds and Private butler service (on request).

Rice Field View Pantry Pool Villa. The spacious and private villas with spectacular views over neighboring rice terraces are furnished with; fully equipped kitchen, marble floors , king-size bed, mini-bar, IDD telephone, satellite television, in-room safe, bathrobe and slippers, indoor and outdoor showers, hand-carved volcanic stone sunken bathtub, private verandah, CD & DVD player, bathroom amenities, air conditioning, a choice of double and twin beds, gazebos, private pavilion, day beds and Private butler service (on request).

Facilities

Main pool

• 24 Hour Room Service
• Angkul Angkul Restaurant
• Paddy Coffee Shop
• Banjar Lobby Bar
• The Natural Village Balinese Spa .
• A Beauty salon
• A Fitness centre
• A fully equipped business centre with high speed broadband internet access
• Wi-Fi internet hotspots at the garden, main pool and restaurant.
• Concierge desk
• Doctor on call 24 hours
• Meeting facilities for up to 50 people
• Wedding concierge
• Complimentary shuttle service to Ubud market, monkey forest and Ubud town centre

Restaurant
Angkul-Angkul restaurant is a sumptuous Balinese style two storey open pavilion surrounded by lush tropical landscaped gardens, terraced rice paddies and water features.

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