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- Kintamani
A MUST DO tour, the Kintamani area is a volcanic moonscape on top of the island located only 20 minutes from Villa Montana. Kintamani volcano is still classified as active with the last eruption having occurred in 1966. Located at 1,200 meters above sea level, Kintamani has a refreshingly cool climate and offers a unique volcanically barren topography on an otherwise lushly verdant tropical island. Visiting Kintamani for a sunrise tour is spectacular. The hiking is excellent; numerous ½ to full day itineraries are on offer from our knowledgeable tour guides varying from challenging hikes to leisurely strolls around the volcanic lake at the base of the crater.
Kintamani is on the Balinese “tourist circuit” but our expert guides will steer you away from the tourist traps and into the magnificent isolation and geographic splendor of the volcanic lake and crater. Allow 4 to 12 hours for the Kintamani tour depending on your hiking plans. Picnic breakfasts and lunches are available for this tour as dining facilities in Kintamani are exclusively for the tourist bus crowd and are predictably overpriced and offer poor quality fare.
- Taro Elephant Safari Park
Bali’s “Elephant Park” is approximately a 30 minute scenic drive from Villa Montana. The Elephant park is most definitely on the “tourist circuit”. It’s expensive, not culturally Balinese, and the elephants are from Sulawesi, Indonesia. Regardless, it’s a wonderful experience for children and all those inclined to enjoy an elephant ride. The elephants are well tended to, the park is impeccably maintained being operated by an Australian expatriate with many years in Bali. Highly recommended for families with children young enough to enjoy this experience. A 30 minute elephant ride for up to three persons costs approximately $100 USD. Park entry fee varies; many coupons and package deals are available from the park operator, Bali Adventure Tours. The village of Taro, hosting the elephant park, is the only place in Bali home to the sacred white cows. Being Hindus, the Balinese hold the white cows as holy sacred beings. The white cows make for an interesting stop on the way to the Elephant Safari Park.
- Ubud
the cultural and artistic heart of Bali, Ubud is located 25 to 30 minutes from Villa Montana. Ubud is widely regarded by many expatriates and frequent visitors as being “the place” to experience Bali. Offering some of the best shopping, dining, spas and cultural attractions on the island, Ubud is a delight. Upon checking into Villa Montana you will find a comprehensive guide to Ubud shopping, dining, spas and nightlife in the villa’s living room. Villa Montana’s Ubud guide is constantly updated. In addition, Villa Montana’s drivers are up to date on the “in” spots allowing you to experience only the finest of the Ubud lifestyle.
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