Travel Journals Bali and Sumba Islands, Indonesia Cox & Kings client Maureen Estabrook recently traveled solo to the Indonesian islands of Bali and Sumba. She became interested in Indonesia after visiting Sabah in Malaysia and knew she had to visit. Maureen does a lot of preliminary research herself and always has many questions for the staff. "Dianna Upton from Cox & Kings was crucial to planning and implementation of this trip," said Maureen. Skeptical at first about Bali, Maureen had the impression that the island was completely overrun with tourists and there wasn't much to do except for beaching and night clubbing. But, she found Bali a pleasant surprise in that it is very tranquil and beautiful once outside of Denpasar. The island also offers a variety of activities, including trekking. She enjoyed her guides—her Bali guide provided insight into the process he and his family went through to build their home temple. The Balinese Hindus are very devout and it is not uncommon for people to spend half of their income on temple-related activities. Among the hotels that Maureen stayed at were the Puri Ganesha Villas, Bali (created and managed by an English Egyptologist and interior designer!) the Pavilion Resort, Sanur, Bali (a collection of 14 private luxury villas steeped in old world charm), and the Nihiwatu Resort, West Sumba Island (located on a beautiful secluded bay on the remote southwestern coast, mentioned by Conde Nast Traveler in their 12th annual "Green List" and "Great Asia Beach Finder—Oct. 2007). Maureen says "I would have stayed longer if I could have—already planning a return trip to the region for Spring 2008. I'm also traveling to India this November." Having traveled with Cox & Kings on several trips, Maureen relies a great deal on their staff for individual knowledge, opinions and expertise. "I have enjoyed each experience and find each staff person a pleasure to work with," concluded Maureen. Do you have a C&K travel story you would like to share? We'd love to hear from you! Submit your travel tales and reflections to tours@coxandkingsusa.com. Travel Journals Laos, Land of a Million Elephants Nat Waring's North Island, Seychelles Report Memsahib in the Kitchen The Tigers of Rathambore Life Along the Ayeyarwady North Island, Seychelles Our Honeymoon To Kenya Our Stay at North Island Bali and Sumba Islands, Indonesia Peru and the Inti Raymi Festival Northern Thailand & Myanmar Going Native in Malaysia Bhutan, Nepal, Cambodia & Thailand Exploring Ethiopia Falling in Love—with India A Perfect Safari to Kenya and Tanzania A Thai Wedding Indochina Sojourn Family Safari to Tanzania Exploring Malaysia Our Dream Family Safari to South Africa Safari to Botswana Email Newsletters March 2007 Issue April 2007 Issue May 2007 Issue June 2007 Issue July 2007 Issue August 2007 Issue September 2007 Issue October 2007 Issue November 2007 Issue November Family 2007 Issue December 2007 Issue January 2008 Issue January Long Weekend 2008 Issue February 2008 Issue March 2008 Issue April 2008 Issue May 2008 Issue June 2008 Issue July 2008 Issue August 2008 Issue September 2008 Issue October 2008 Issue November 2008 Issue email us: tours@coxandkingsusa.com privacy & security | credits ®2002-2009 Cox & Kings USA. All rights reserved. Exquisite Cultural Adventures is a service mark of Cox & Kings USA. All trademarks are the property of their respective holders.