Preparing for our Aman Indonesia trip
Jan 5, 2014, 6:21 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Baltimore MD
Posts: 3,457
Preparing for our Aman Indonesia trip
Just got some house keeping type questions that I need to address before our trip in February..... We will be visiting Amanjiwo, Amankila, and Amandari
1) Mattress toppers- we sleep on a Westin Heavenly bed at home, with a feather bed on top- do we need to request a mattress topper at every stop, or are some beds different?
2) Excursions- what are the can't miss, highlight of the trip things we should be looking for? do we need to book in advance?
3)Spa treatments- does any particular one of these Amans do a better job with spa treatments and etc? Is there a certain speciality treatment we need to book?
4) Laundry- will I be able to have things laundered by the kilo? or will I get charge 60,000 Rupiah per pair of underwear?
5) Sunscreen- I keep seeing references to sunscreen being readily available.. does that mean I can leave mine at home?
6) Coffe machine- I am a bit of a coffee addict... will a machine be available in room or should I request it in advance...
Thanks! Just the start I'm sure, but any other tips would be greatly appreciated!
FDW
1) Mattress toppers- we sleep on a Westin Heavenly bed at home, with a feather bed on top- do we need to request a mattress topper at every stop, or are some beds different?
2) Excursions- what are the can't miss, highlight of the trip things we should be looking for? do we need to book in advance?
3)Spa treatments- does any particular one of these Amans do a better job with spa treatments and etc? Is there a certain speciality treatment we need to book?
4) Laundry- will I be able to have things laundered by the kilo? or will I get charge 60,000 Rupiah per pair of underwear?
5) Sunscreen- I keep seeing references to sunscreen being readily available.. does that mean I can leave mine at home?
6) Coffe machine- I am a bit of a coffee addict... will a machine be available in room or should I request it in advance...
Thanks! Just the start I'm sure, but any other tips would be greatly appreciated!
FDW
Last edited by FlyingDoctorwu; Jan 5, 2014 at 6:29 pm
Jan 5, 2014, 7:58 pm
#2
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Enroute to ? & likely flying in ' A ':)
Programs: TPPS, UA, EK ...; Marriott BONVOY , HH, GP, GC..
Posts: 4,217
Well , best email the GMs or Chrissie L.
Been so often that we take for granted that " all ' s in order " . Usually is
Coffee machines in room these days , here too at Amano'i
For activities , depends on what you like & prioritize from there.
But all things considered , better book Pak Bilal ' s for Jiwo as often fully booked , only one dining party per night.
If you are picky with brands , bring your own sunscreen . Amans have their own - Aman Spa products are organic too.
Hope this helps
Have a fabulous time
Been so often that we take for granted that " all ' s in order " . Usually is
Coffee machines in room these days , here too at Amano'i
For activities , depends on what you like & prioritize from there.
But all things considered , better book Pak Bilal ' s for Jiwo as often fully booked , only one dining party per night.
If you are picky with brands , bring your own sunscreen . Amans have their own - Aman Spa products are organic too.
Hope this helps
Have a fabulous time
Jan 6, 2014, 2:51 am
#3
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: OSL
Posts: 2,145
There was a coffee machine at kila when we were there, but no machine at jiwo and dari. Coffee was brought right away though, either call when you wake up or order it to be put outside for a certain time - or request a machine.
I would ask for mattress toppers everywhere. Even the newer beds are too hard for my liking. If the topper makes the bed too soft, just ask for it to be removed.
There is sunscreen available, but I always bring my own favourite.
For excursions and activities, I would recommend dinner at the beach or satay evening at kila - or both. If you want to go on the east Bali trip, have lunch at the restaurant Bali Asli (or something - they know). I also loved the morning hike with breakfast in the bale. At dari, we really enjoyed the marked visit and cooking class plus easy rice field hike and breakfast in bale. At jiwo, you should of course see Borobodour.
Laundry is normally either free or very expensive. I think the latter in Indonesia.
I would ask for mattress toppers everywhere. Even the newer beds are too hard for my liking. If the topper makes the bed too soft, just ask for it to be removed.
There is sunscreen available, but I always bring my own favourite.
For excursions and activities, I would recommend dinner at the beach or satay evening at kila - or both. If you want to go on the east Bali trip, have lunch at the restaurant Bali Asli (or something - they know). I also loved the morning hike with breakfast in the bale. At dari, we really enjoyed the marked visit and cooking class plus easy rice field hike and breakfast in bale. At jiwo, you should of course see Borobodour.
Laundry is normally either free or very expensive. I think the latter in Indonesia.
Jan 6, 2014, 5:06 am
#5
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: ATL
Programs: DL SkyMiles PM/2MM, AA Plat, IC Diam. Amb., Peninsula regular, amanjunkie
Posts: 5,848
At amanjiwo, the very light trek to Solo Griyo (sp?) leads to an unremarkable temple but has spectacular views of terraced rice fields. Definitely worth it.
Jan 6, 2014, 5:56 am
#6
Join Date: Feb 2003
Programs: UA1K, *G & Wife of UA1K MM
Posts: 3,431
There are some truly wonderful activities at all these properties. I like the suggestions made here so far....obviously you need to do the sunrise tour of Borobudur. And if romance is what you are after, the beach barbeque dinner at Kila. And Amandari has some nice cultural and hiking excursions as well.
All of this is very personal, though. And there isn't one "wrong" thing to do when it comes to Indonesian Amans. With that in mind, make sure you have a) gotten the comprehensive activities menu emailed to you from each of the resorts and b) read all of the available trip reports on this forum. That way, you can determine what most suits you.
Have a great trip! And yes, do book ahead when possible. I always feel like I am giving the property a better chance at selecting a good guide, etc. by doing so.
All of this is very personal, though. And there isn't one "wrong" thing to do when it comes to Indonesian Amans. With that in mind, make sure you have a) gotten the comprehensive activities menu emailed to you from each of the resorts and b) read all of the available trip reports on this forum. That way, you can determine what most suits you.
Have a great trip! And yes, do book ahead when possible. I always feel like I am giving the property a better chance at selecting a good guide, etc. by doing so.
Jan 6, 2014, 7:42 am
#7
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 570
Amanjiwo
If you like Modern art then Dr. Oei Hong private collection is wonderful. Also www.affandi.org Affandi Art Museum is another great place to see art.
Ambarawa Railway Museum where you rent the entire steam train and ride through the country side. invite the locals to ride in the second car if you want to be a sport. Combine this with lunch at Losari Coffee Plantation which is now known as Mesa Stila Resort
If you like Modern art then Dr. Oei Hong private collection is wonderful. Also www.affandi.org Affandi Art Museum is another great place to see art.
Ambarawa Railway Museum where you rent the entire steam train and ride through the country side. invite the locals to ride in the second car if you want to be a sport. Combine this with lunch at Losari Coffee Plantation which is now known as Mesa Stila Resort
Last edited by zigzag; Jan 6, 2014 at 7:43 am Reason: additional info
Jan 6, 2014, 8:05 am
#8
Join Date: Aug 2007
Programs: AA Gold, SPG Gold, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 142
I stayed at Amanjiwo in December 2013.
1) Mattress: If you like a mattress topper just go ahead and request.
2) Excursions: Honestly, the excursions at Amanjiwo were a huge disappointment. I booked the "Cultural Trails" 3 night package which came with 3 activities of my choice. I booked all after I arrived. I'd read Musken's trip report and was VERY excited.
Borodhur: At this time of year (winter) it's usually rainy in the morning, and the GM recommended NOT to do sunrise as "not worth it, no views with clouds". So on 8 AM tour, the guide escorted me in, explained a few walls, and then said "I'll meet you at the exit, my stomach hurts" 50 minutes after leaving Amanjiwo, 20 minutes into tour. (I looked at my watch). I wandered around for another hour, then met him at the exit for the ride back.
Menorah Hills Hike - hike to the hill above the resort. My guide said "Sorry, I don't speak much English". We hiked in near silence to the top of the hill, where there's a small lookout. He got out cold towels, and took my picture. We hiked back down.
Prambaran Temple - driver paid my admittance to the temple, then said "I'll meet you at the exit" (he didn't go in). I roamed around by myself, then met him at the exit (a bit confusing due to the vendor stalls). Honestly, in retrospect, a ... moment. I got transport to/from the temple, but 0 cultural explanation / "Aman-ness".
Amanjiwo has free bikes - I actually enjoyed riding around the neighboring rice paddies the best, once I got used to riding on the left side of the road.
At the time, I wondered if I was so disappointed because I was expecting too much from Musken, EricKa's wonderful trip reports - after thinking about it, my excursions were just barely perfunctory.
4) Laundry was expensive - ~$5 for a shirt, etc, as I recall.
5) Amanjiwo had sunscreen in a bottle.
1) Mattress: If you like a mattress topper just go ahead and request.
2) Excursions: Honestly, the excursions at Amanjiwo were a huge disappointment. I booked the "Cultural Trails" 3 night package which came with 3 activities of my choice. I booked all after I arrived. I'd read Musken's trip report and was VERY excited.
Borodhur: At this time of year (winter) it's usually rainy in the morning, and the GM recommended NOT to do sunrise as "not worth it, no views with clouds". So on 8 AM tour, the guide escorted me in, explained a few walls, and then said "I'll meet you at the exit, my stomach hurts" 50 minutes after leaving Amanjiwo, 20 minutes into tour. (I looked at my watch). I wandered around for another hour, then met him at the exit for the ride back.
Menorah Hills Hike - hike to the hill above the resort. My guide said "Sorry, I don't speak much English". We hiked in near silence to the top of the hill, where there's a small lookout. He got out cold towels, and took my picture. We hiked back down.
Prambaran Temple - driver paid my admittance to the temple, then said "I'll meet you at the exit" (he didn't go in). I roamed around by myself, then met him at the exit (a bit confusing due to the vendor stalls). Honestly, in retrospect, a ... moment. I got transport to/from the temple, but 0 cultural explanation / "Aman-ness".
Amanjiwo has free bikes - I actually enjoyed riding around the neighboring rice paddies the best, once I got used to riding on the left side of the road.
At the time, I wondered if I was so disappointed because I was expecting too much from Musken, EricKa's wonderful trip reports - after thinking about it, my excursions were just barely perfunctory.
4) Laundry was expensive - ~$5 for a shirt, etc, as I recall.
5) Amanjiwo had sunscreen in a bottle.
Just got some house keeping type questions that I need to address before our trip in February..... We will be visiting Amanjiwo, Amankila, and Amandari
1) Mattress toppers- we sleep on a Westin Heavenly bed at home, with a feather bed on top- do we need to request a mattress topper at every stop, or are some beds different?
2) Excursions- what are the can't miss, highlight of the trip things we should be looking for? do we need to book in advance?
3)Spa treatments- does any particular one of these Amans do a better job with spa treatments and etc? Is there a certain speciality treatment we need to book?
4) Laundry- will I be able to have things laundered by the kilo? or will I get charge 60,000 Rupiah per pair of underwear?
5) Sunscreen- I keep seeing references to sunscreen being readily available.. does that mean I can leave mine at home?
6) Coffe machine- I am a bit of a coffee addict... will a machine be available in room or should I request it in advance...
Thanks! Just the start I'm sure, but any other tips would be greatly appreciated!
FDW
1) Mattress toppers- we sleep on a Westin Heavenly bed at home, with a feather bed on top- do we need to request a mattress topper at every stop, or are some beds different?
2) Excursions- what are the can't miss, highlight of the trip things we should be looking for? do we need to book in advance?
3)Spa treatments- does any particular one of these Amans do a better job with spa treatments and etc? Is there a certain speciality treatment we need to book?
4) Laundry- will I be able to have things laundered by the kilo? or will I get charge 60,000 Rupiah per pair of underwear?
5) Sunscreen- I keep seeing references to sunscreen being readily available.. does that mean I can leave mine at home?
6) Coffe machine- I am a bit of a coffee addict... will a machine be available in room or should I request it in advance...
Thanks! Just the start I'm sure, but any other tips would be greatly appreciated!
FDW
Last edited by tmft; Jan 6, 2014 at 8:00 pm Reason: clarified tour timing, and towel on hike was cold, not hot
Jan 6, 2014, 9:02 am
#9
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: OSL
Posts: 2,145
2) Excursions: Honestly, the excursions at Amanjiwo were a huge disappointment. I booked the "Cultural Trails" 3 night package which came with 3 activities of my choice. I booked all after I arrived. I'd read Musken's trip report and was VERY excited.
Borodhur: At this time of year (winter) it's usually rainy in the morning, and the GM recommended NOT to do sunrise as "not worth it, no views with clouds". So on 8 AM tour, the guide escorted me in, explained a few walls, and then said "I'll meet you at the exit, my stomach hurts" after 50 minutes (I looked at my watch). I wandered around for another hour, then met him at the exit for the ride back.
Menorah Hills Hike - hike to the hill above the resort. My guide said "Sorry, I don't speak much English". We hiked in near silence to the top of the hill, where there's a small lookout. He got out hot towels, and took my picture. We hiked back down.
Prambaran Temple - driver paid my admittance to the temple, then said "I'll meet you at the exit" (he didn't go in). I roamed around by myself, then met him at the exit (a bit confusing due to the vendor stalls). Honestly, in retrospect, a ... moment. I got transport to/from the temple, but 0 cultural explanation / "Aman-ness".
Amanjiwo has free bikes - I actually enjoyed riding around the neighboring rice paddies the best, once I got used to riding on the left side of the road.
At the time, I wondered if I was so disappointed because I was expecting too much from Musken, EricKa's wonderful trip reports - after thinking about it, my excursions were just barely perfunctory.
Borodhur: At this time of year (winter) it's usually rainy in the morning, and the GM recommended NOT to do sunrise as "not worth it, no views with clouds". So on 8 AM tour, the guide escorted me in, explained a few walls, and then said "I'll meet you at the exit, my stomach hurts" after 50 minutes (I looked at my watch). I wandered around for another hour, then met him at the exit for the ride back.
Menorah Hills Hike - hike to the hill above the resort. My guide said "Sorry, I don't speak much English". We hiked in near silence to the top of the hill, where there's a small lookout. He got out hot towels, and took my picture. We hiked back down.
Prambaran Temple - driver paid my admittance to the temple, then said "I'll meet you at the exit" (he didn't go in). I roamed around by myself, then met him at the exit (a bit confusing due to the vendor stalls). Honestly, in retrospect, a ... moment. I got transport to/from the temple, but 0 cultural explanation / "Aman-ness".
Amanjiwo has free bikes - I actually enjoyed riding around the neighboring rice paddies the best, once I got used to riding on the left side of the road.
At the time, I wondered if I was so disappointed because I was expecting too much from Musken, EricKa's wonderful trip reports - after thinking about it, my excursions were just barely perfunctory.
Cannot have been my TR you read for Amanjiwo, since I was there 12 years ago and did not write TRs back then.
Jan 6, 2014, 9:31 am
#10
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Here there and everywhere
Posts: 6,303
As all the other questions have been answered, I will address Spas.
Only Amandari has a custom spa with just 2 rooms. The others have makeshift spa suites. However, since Ron Mutak took over the AmanSpas in Indonesia, standards have risen and, even when you have a treatment at Kila, it is very good.
The Aman products are chemical-free, custom made for Aman by Sodashi. They do excellent facials, great massages and really good sole-to-soul foot massage, which is great for jetlag.
Try to get the couple's Amandari treatment room that looks onto water - it is really special.
Only Amandari has a custom spa with just 2 rooms. The others have makeshift spa suites. However, since Ron Mutak took over the AmanSpas in Indonesia, standards have risen and, even when you have a treatment at Kila, it is very good.
The Aman products are chemical-free, custom made for Aman by Sodashi. They do excellent facials, great massages and really good sole-to-soul foot massage, which is great for jetlag.
Try to get the couple's Amandari treatment room that looks onto water - it is really special.
Jan 6, 2014, 9:40 am
#11
Join Date: Aug 2007
Programs: AA Gold, SPG Gold, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 142
I didn't really know what to complain about - yes, I did the activities, but there was nothing "can't miss" about them, and I didn't know how to complain about "nothing special".
When I did the jeep elephant excursion at Amanwella I had a super time seeing the elephants, then they set up a full breakfast in the park so I could eat watching the animals. For the Amanbagh Fort tour a full lecture and then a picnic lunch meal high in the fort ruins. At Amanjiwo should I have said "But I thought this was supposed to be SPECIAL".
Amanjiwo was my 12th Aman & such a letdown.
Jan 6, 2014, 9:42 am
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...ctivities.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...endations.html
they did not deliver aman service.. GM should care about that.
im becoming confused as to how one gets good guide(s) at aman. interact with GM more? how often do amanjunkies here receive service recovery for service failures?
tmft just mentioned at amanjiwo. amanjiwo has been the most consistent aman here. Groombridge was there when GM was away and suggested there were issues, and saw difference after "Amandari sent one of their assistant managers"
previously >
lerasp - guide(s) + language etc at kila http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...l#post21821012
damaxer91 - language at kila http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...l#post19925681
Groombridge - guide(s) at sara http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...l#post21165020
reply to tmft >
replies to lerasp >
(GMs are central to aman model)
(speaking of "repeated occurrence" even when not service failure, incl amanzoe > http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...l#post21001545)
back to tmft's original post >
what were crowds like? thats the other reason to go before sunrise, as it opens to public at sunrise.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...endations.html
Musken, you posted recently about relishing a glass of champagne at your first trip to Amanjiwo & I confused you & Ericka
I didn't really know what to complain about - yes, I did the activities, but there was nothing "can't miss" about them, and I didn't know how to complain about "nothing special".
When I did the jeep elephant excursion at Amanwella I had a super time seeing the elephants, then they set up a full breakfast in the park so I could eat watching the animals. For the Amanbagh Fort tour a full lecture and then a picnic lunch meal high in the fort ruins. At Amanjiwo should I have said "But I thought this was supposed to be SPECIAL".
Amanjiwo was my 12th Aman & such a letdown.
I didn't really know what to complain about - yes, I did the activities, but there was nothing "can't miss" about them, and I didn't know how to complain about "nothing special".
When I did the jeep elephant excursion at Amanwella I had a super time seeing the elephants, then they set up a full breakfast in the park so I could eat watching the animals. For the Amanbagh Fort tour a full lecture and then a picnic lunch meal high in the fort ruins. At Amanjiwo should I have said "But I thought this was supposed to be SPECIAL".
Amanjiwo was my 12th Aman & such a letdown.
im becoming confused as to how one gets good guide(s) at aman. interact with GM more? how often do amanjunkies here receive service recovery for service failures?
tmft just mentioned at amanjiwo. amanjiwo has been the most consistent aman here. Groombridge was there when GM was away and suggested there were issues, and saw difference after "Amandari sent one of their assistant managers"
previously >
lerasp - guide(s) + language etc at kila http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...l#post21821012
damaxer91 - language at kila http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...l#post19925681
Groombridge - guide(s) at sara http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...l#post21165020
reply to tmft >
replies to lerasp >
No excuse for the repeated occurrence of "I am not sure, I need to check". That will annoy me as well.
Big difference between whether the GM was in the resort or not. The stay at Amankila was good ( GM was away ) but the stay at Amanjiwo was far superior ( GM was in the resort and co-ordinated and oversee everything ). It will be interesting to know if during lerasp's stay, whether the GM was in or not.
Big difference between whether the GM was in the resort or not. The stay at Amankila was good ( GM was away ) but the stay at Amanjiwo was far superior ( GM was in the resort and co-ordinated and oversee everything ). It will be interesting to know if during lerasp's stay, whether the GM was in or not.
(speaking of "repeated occurrence" even when not service failure, incl amanzoe > http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...l#post21001545)
back to tmft's original post >
i wonder >
do they limit number of public tickets (hotel itself can be bought out for $2,436)
are there additional offerings for before 0430 and after 1830
http://manoharaborobudur.com/package/
do they limit number of public tickets (hotel itself can be bought out for $2,436)
are there additional offerings for before 0430 and after 1830
http://manoharaborobudur.com/package/
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Jan 7, 2014 at 11:53 pm
Jan 6, 2014, 9:12 pm
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Baltimore MD
Posts: 3,457
Thanks for all the info.. I hope our Amanjiwo experience will be better... I've emailed MS Lincoln and requested mattress toppers and coffee machines....
The Ambarawa Railway Museum sounds like a fun experience...
I think Pak Bilal and the Beach BBQ will also be on the list....
FDW
The Ambarawa Railway Museum sounds like a fun experience...
I think Pak Bilal and the Beach BBQ will also be on the list....
FDW
Jan 7, 2014, 9:54 am
#14
Join Date: Feb 2003
Programs: UA1K, *G & Wife of UA1K MM
Posts: 3,431
Amanjiwo
If you like Modern art then Dr. Oei Hong private collection is wonderful. Also www.affandi.org Affandi Art Museum is another great place to see art.
Ambarawa Railway Museum where you rent the entire steam train and ride through the country side. invite the locals to ride in the second car if you want to be a sport. Combine this with lunch at Losari Coffee Plantation which is now known as Mesa Stila Resort
If you like Modern art then Dr. Oei Hong private collection is wonderful. Also www.affandi.org Affandi Art Museum is another great place to see art.
Ambarawa Railway Museum where you rent the entire steam train and ride through the country side. invite the locals to ride in the second car if you want to be a sport. Combine this with lunch at Losari Coffee Plantation which is now known as Mesa Stila Resort
And if you like modern art, have Sela paint a masterpiece for you!
Jan 7, 2014, 1:13 pm
#15
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 751
Frankly, if I want a decent massage in a makeshift room, I can get one locally for a heck of a lot less money than Aman charges. Someone needs to drag these old Amans in the modern age and get them to actually build spas. It's part of the modern 5* resort experience (at least for a lot of people, myself included).