Indonesia Anniversary Tour Review: Bali, Nusa Penida, Elephants, Snorkeling, Borneo Cruise, Local Cuisine, Wildlife, 16-Night Trip

The snorkeling around Nusa Penida Island and the coral gardens were beautiful and plentiful.  The accommodations at Ceningan Island was truly elegant and comfortable.  We especially liked the enclosed private yard with plunge pool.  
The hotel in Tirta Gangga was another fascinating site, the Sumatran Elephant experience was fun and educational.  Orangutans at Tanjung Puting National Park and the live aboard the Borneo cruise experience was well beyond expectations.  I'll admit, the cabin on the boat was small, the the bathroom was quite functional but tiny and the AC kept the temperature only slightly balanced. The bed however was quite comfortable!   Never before had I needed to sit on the toilet in order to shower-- but the ambience of the open deck, the wildlife sightings, the delicious food and drinks provided, the exceptional guide for the forest adventures all made up for the tiny stateroom, bathroom and AC.  I was so glad we were there- it was an emotionally moving experience to move along the river- enjoy the starry starry evening sky be so well cared for by staff. The Indonesian people are honest, joyful, kind.  It was refreshing and humbling to be among these folk for our 17 day stint. 
 We enjoyed the resort in Ubud,  very comfortable with excellent staff.  The  Amed lodge was adequate for one night-- we enjoyed dining by the sea and our room was large with comfortable bed.  The cottage itself had walls not quite solid-- one could see light through the panels as well as see flying insects enjoying visiting.  The shower and sink area were minimal-- and one could plainly hear the conversation of the tenants next door-- zero sound proofing-- but we considered this choice for one night to be an "adventure" and enjoyed it as such. We did some snorkeling while in Amed...and our boat passed by a few gorgeous looking resorts nearby.  I'll admit, I would have loved to have stayed in any of those for the 1 night. 
The resort in Ubud was so beautiful-- we didn't wish to leave. Our view from our balcony-- the bathtub for two on our private porch, the infinity plunge pool-- the dining room and excellent menu options...all of it...was exceptional and we enjoyed thoroughly.  We did have spa treatments at this resort and were unimpressed-- we compared the massage to one at the Adiwana who was hired to come to our room-- that was an excellent massage at half the price.  The hotel near Pangkalan Bun left a lot to be desired. There was zero hot water both at check in and the next morning.  The "restaurant" attached was minimal and ordinary. 
 We enjoyed special decorations signaling our wedding anniversary date in every hotel that was booked.  This felt special and we enjoyed this.  Even on the boat in Borneo, our tiny stateroom had decoration motif added!  We enjoyed the ability to alter the stated itinerary...the flexibility this provided on a daily basis.  We appreciated helping to create the "pace" of our days with the guides.