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saudara
faq's
ALL THE QUESTIONS......ANSWERED!
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What is included with our stay?Please check the page of your specific villa to get a complete understanding of what exactly is included with your stay. Please be mindful that each of our villa offerings are slightly different and offer a slightly different service menu. Saudara One / Three Bedroom Saudara Two / Three Bedroom Saudara Sunshine / Two Bedroom Saudara Love / One Bedroom Saudara Beach Hut / One Bedroom
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What is the role of my Butler?For guests staying in our villas; Saudara One, Saudara Two, Saudara Sunshine, and Saudara Palm; you will have the luxury of a full-time Butler. Guests in our one-bedroom Saudara Love villa will enjoy a modified housekeeping and concierge service. Your Butler will be your personal assistant, caretaker, and go-to resource throughout your stay. She works 8 hours a day, with a one-hour lunch break. Typically, her hours are 8 AM to 4 PM, but she is flexible based on your needs. For instance: • If you’d like an early breakfast, she’ll start earlier and finish earlier. • If you prefer a late dinner, she’ll start later and finish later. Key Responsibilities: 1. Daily Villa Maintenance: • Ensures your villa is clean and tidy. • Makes all beds and cleans bathrooms. • Manages laundry for linens and towels. • Can arrange for your personal laundry to be taken to an external laundry service (small additional fee) 2. Meal Preparation: • Prepares basic breakfasts on request (menu provided). • Specializes in a six-course traditional Indonesian banquet (menu provided). • Note: She is not a trained chef for Western cuisine, but can help you access meals from local Western cafés through delivery or pickup. 3. Food & Grocery Assistance: • Can shop for groceries or essential items upon request. Provide a list and cash, and she’ll return with your items, receipts, and change. • Pre-arrival shopping for essentials (e.g., milk, bread, fruit) can also be arranged. 4. Beverage & Cocktail Service: • Your Butler is not trained in alcohol service or cocktail making. However, we partner with Cocoloco, a fantastic service that provides bartenders for poolside cocktail parties. 5. Childcare Assistance: • Can assist with children during the day (playing, reading stories) as time allows and even keep an eye on them for a short period of time if you want to nip out for a massage or quick lunch. • For extended babysitting, an additional staff member can be arranged to ensure villa duties remain uninterrupted (additional babysitting fee applies). • Offers evening babysitting for a small overtime fee. 6. Concierge Services: • Arranges spa bookings, transportation, and local activities. • Offers suggestions for day trips and local experiences. 7. Local Food Delivery Assistance: • Helps you order from local restaurants via the Go-Jek app (similar to Uber Eats), providing access to a wide variety of dishes. Daily Planning: You can discuss your plans and needs with your Butler daily. Whether it’s breakfast timing, meal preferences, restaurant or activity bookings or grocery shopping, she’ll ensure everything is tailored to your schedule. With her help, your stay will be seamless, comfortable, and memorable, allowing you to focus on relaxation and enjoyment.
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What do we need to bring from home?We've really put a lot of thought and effort into your stay and tried to create a home away from home experience, meaning we like to think we have covered pretty much everything you will need to be completely comfortable and happy! We've got the adapters ready(as the powerpoints in Bali are different to those at home), we have hairdryers, some basic kids toys and pool floats. We're happy for you to use the pool towels to take to the beach(as long as you bring them back with you) We have beautiful luxury essential oil body products, so you wont need to bring anything for the shower unless you have some favourites and we a natural have mosquito repellant and sunsccreen in each villa ready for your use, but we do recomend you bring your own favourite brands of you plan to take it out with you on day-trips. Please be mindful that due to import tax, items like these are extremely expensive to buy locally, we we highly recomend bringing your own with you. We have set up a mini bar in each villa to provide some drinks and snacks to have on hand(and don't worry....they're at supermarket prices, even cheaper, so you don't need to fear having the occasional snack when the munchies prevail, but please feel free to bring some of your favourite snacks from home as well. You can buy most essential (and non-essential items) in Bali. We recommend bringing with you Milk Formula if your baby is accustomed to a particular variety. You can buy cheese, yogurt and regular pasteurised milk as well as fresh produce readily but rusks, corn cakes, muesli bars, fruit bars and sugar free toddler snacks are not easy to locate and especially the brands you will be familiar with at home. Nappies can be purchased easily; however, we recommend bringing a supply of quality Huggies or similar for nighttime use as they are more absorbent than the locally available product. It's always advised to bring your own duty-free spirits as spirits are hugely expensive in Bali due to import tax due to Government taxes Alcohol purchased within Indonesia carries up to a 200% on any imported spirits and wine and there is also a limited selection. If you would like to enjoy the wine, champagne or spirits of your choice during your stay, we recommend bringing a bottle with you from Australia. Visitors to Indonesia are permitted to bring 1 litre of alcohol into the country per adult visitor. We have discovered an excellent wine that we offer in our mini bar. The grapes are grown in South Australia, but they are then produced into a great Sauvignon Blanc and Sparkling in Indonesia, and therefore are exempt form the tax. If you are unsure about any oother items, please saend us a quick email
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What if someone in our group has a food allergy?Feel free to mention any food allergies in advance when you book and we can make these known on your booking. Please note that there is no meals included with your stay and staff will only prepare meals as instructed by you. Staff can make meals for you at any time, but we just charge you for the ingredients used for the meals required. Our staff have had training when it comes to certain allergies, therefore, you can ask them to make specific things that do not contain the ingredients where allergies are affected. Once you arrive at the villa, have a discussion with your Butler and also our Guest Relations Manager about any particular allergies you may have so they can be aware of these.
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We're bringing our kids, can we arrange pool fencing, cots and other kid friendly items through you?"Absolutely! We are probably the most kid friendly villa in Seminyak! Yes we can have a pool fence installed for the duration of your stay. We use a reputable temporary pool fence company that will come into the villa and install a pool fence prior to your arrival and then can install one with a couple of day’s notice, extra charges apply). We arrange this with a hire company who will come and install the fence prior to your arrival and dismantle once you have finished your stay. We can also access; cots, stroller, highchairs, bed rails, baby carriers, playstation, and other hireable items. Please enquire is there is anything specific you need and we will try and source on your behalf.
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We would love a night out at a restaurant without the kids. Can you help us?Yes, we can! By staying at the Saudara Villas, you have the luxuty of your own full-time Butler to help you during the days. For families with kids,this is a huge benefut to help you manage your days. This also means that your children will spend a lot of time with your villa's Butler. They will spend a lot of intimate time together and become very close. The relationship that your kids will have with your Butler will mean that you can head out at night for some meals at restraurants or cocktails as some of the amazing loocl beach bars....all child free! Your Butler can stay on after her working shift for some over time hours of babysitting. Its then an easy transition for the kids as they have a familiar face continuing to look after them whilst Mum and Dad head out. Babysitting is charged at 50kIDR per hour(approximately $5AUD) for one child, 75k(approximately $7.50 for two children, For three children we would usually require two babysittiters. For safety reasons, we do not allow children to swim in the pool unless Mum and Dad are in the villa. Babysitting hours can also entend throughout the day. Some guests would like to take a day trip and leave the kids back at the villa. This can be arranged for the standard babysitting charges. Some of our guests also like the idea of taking the Butler out for the day with them to help with the kids. This is also available, for the same charge as our babysitting rates. This is charged as we then need to arrange another staff member to workin in the villa to maintain all the daily villa housekeeping duties.
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Our flight doesn't leave until late; what are our options?Our standard checkout time is midday. As a villa business (not a hotel), we have fewer rooms and less flexibility to offer pre-booked late checkouts. With check-in for new guests starting at 2 PM, we need that time to prepare the villa. However, if there is no arrival scheduled for the day of your departure, we may be able to offer a few additional hours in the villa for an hourly fee, up until 6 PM. If you wish to stay beyond 6 PM, booking an extra night would be required. Please note that additional hours can only be confirmed on the morning of your departure, as we often receive last-minute bookings. Here are some additional options: 1. Luggage Storage: We can store your luggage in our office until 6 PM. This allows you to explore the area for the afternoon and return to collect your bags before heading to the airport. 2. Airport Hotel Stay: For a comfortable transition, we recommend the Novotel Airport Hotel, which offers last-minute half-day rates. Our team can check availability for you, or you can book a full night online. After checkout, you can head to the airport hotel, where you’ll have access to a room, pool, and restaurants, and you can enjoy a shower before walking over to the terminal. This helps avoid any last-minute stress with Bali traffic. 3. Extra Night: If you’d prefer to stay in the villa right up until your flight with guaranteed access, we recommend booking an additional night. Your driver can then pick you up directly from the villa when it’s time to depart.
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Is breakfast included with our stay?We do not offer a standard, included breakfast as part of your stay. Instead, we take pride in providing a truly personalised experience. Each guest group has included their own dedicated full-time Butler, whose role is to ensure your every need is met throughout your stay. She is available to prepare meals upon request, allowing you to enjoy freshly made dishes tailored exactly to your preferences. This means no set menus or fixed portions. You get to decide what you want to eat, how much, and when. Our goal is to make sure you’re satisfied without being limited by a “one-size-fits-all” approach. We believe holidays should offer the freedom to eat what you love, when you want it. In addition, our villa is surrounded by incredible breakfast spots that we highly recommend exploring. You can mix and match; enjoy some meals prepared by your Butler and others at local cafés to fully experience the area’s foodie delights. Checkout some of our favourite brekkie spots HERE Rest assured, our staff are trained to prepare every menu item to perfection. If you’d like breakfast prepared in the villa, your Butler will adjust her schedule accordingly. Flexibility is key! You can discuss your meal preferences with her daily to plan the next day’s dining experience. This way, your holiday is truly designed around your own flexible schedule and wants.
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How do meals work in the villa?It’s really simple and flexible. If you’d like any meals prepared by your dedicated Butler, just let her know the day before. You can discuss exactly what you’d like, and she’ll handle everything—from shopping and preparation to serving the meal. We offer in-villa menus featuring a selection of Western and Indonesian dishes, covering breakfast, all-day snacks, and a traditional Banquet Dinner. Our staff are fully trained in every menu item, ensuring a delicious and high-quality experience. Here’s how it works: • Breakfast: If you’d like breakfast prepared, your Butler will start her day earlier to accommodate. • Banquet Dinner: For a Banquet Dinner, she’ll adjust her schedule to start later and finish later. All meals prepared during your stay will be recorded and added to your final bill, which can be settled via cash, credit card, or bank transfer at the end of your stay. This model ensures that your dining experience is tailored entirely to your preferences and schedule.
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What language to people speak in Bali?The national language, Bahasa Indonesian, is spoken everywhere in Indonesia and is taught in the state-run schools. English is commonly spoken around commercial centres and tourist locations. It’s great to try and learn a few basic words and phrases. The locals will really appreciate you trying. Check out our blog post that gives you some great basic words and phrases you can start practicing before your holiday
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What currency do I need to take and what is the best way to manage my money throughout my holiday?In Indonesia they work with Indonesia Rupiah and represented in short as IDR. There are a few ways to manage your money, so here are a few ideas. There are many ATMs in Bali so withdrawing cash in local IDR currency is easy. However, some of them only allow you to withdraw the equivalent of $50 or $100 cash at a time and you are subject to international bank fees each withdrawal. If yoiu are a Commonwealth Customer in Australia and you use your Commonwealth ATM card in the Commonwealth IDR ATM, then I will only pay a maximum of $2 per transaction and can withdraw up to $300AUD. This is certainly a great offering if you happen to be a Commonwealth Bank account holder. Please contact your bank before travelling to get a full understanding of their fees. We recommend bringing some Australian Dollar cash with you and using a large money changer at a more favourable exchange. Don’t change your money in Australia before you come as you’ll get a less than favourable exchange rate. Many fixed price shops and restaurants accept credit card payments, but not pay wave or EFTPOS facilities. Please have a look at our blog post in regards to this topic for further information.
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Do I need a visa to come to Bali or just a Passport?The Indonesian Government grants a free visa on arrival for 163 countries. This allows you to stay up to 30 days without having to pay a fee. If, however you wish to stay longer than 30 days, you will need to pay for a 30-day visa on arrival and then have an opportunity to extend for an extra 30 days. Please note you cannot extend a free 30 day visa. Australia is one of the countries that is offered a free visa into Indonesia. Please click here for the list of other countries that are offered a free visa otherwise please contact the Indonesian Embassy or Consulate for further details Passport must be valid for at least six(6) months from the arrival date. Please please check your passport expiry date when you book your travel. So many people get themselves into real strife a few days out when they realise their Passport does not have more than 6 months validity, even worse when they arrive at the airpot to leave for Bali and Australia will not let them leave the country. This is because Indonesia will not accept you into the country with less than 6 months validity. If this happens, you will NOT be allowed into Indonesia under any circumstances and sent home immediately.
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What is the weather like in Bali and when is the best time to travel?Any time of the year is the best time to travel in Bali. You’ll find that different times of the year have different selling points. Bali is a tropical Island and has two different seasons; Wet/Rainy seasons generally occurs around November through April (mainly around late in the afternoon and early in the evening) Dry season commonly occurs around May through October. The average temperature is 24-30 degrees Celsius. Essentially every day is hot! The only different is that in the wetter months, you may experience some rain during the day or night. The rain does not last long and it may just mean that certain parts of some days will experience times of showers. Even though it may rain, it is never cold! The drier times of the year (the Australian winter) are the most popular times of the year for Australians wanting to escape, and therefore will be busier and often a bit more expensive(flights and accommodation due to popularity)
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Can we drink the water in Bali?You may have heard in the past that you shouldn’t have drinks with ice in South East Asian countries like Bali as the ice could be made from tap water which will make you sick. These days all resorts and restaurants buy their ice from ice factories which use filtered water, so there’s really no need to worry about this. The bottled water and ice is all rgulated by the government. It’s still not advised to drink the tap water (even though the quality and filtration of this has improved incredibly over the years) so always drink bottled water only and use it when brushing your teeth and rinsing out your toothbrush. Most villas and resorts will give you plenty of bottles of water each day for free. If you accidentally forget and rinse your toothbrush with tap water or get some water in your mouth in the shower I wouldn’t get too worried.
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How does tipping work in Bali?It is customary in Bali as a whole to tip, but not mandatory. Many cafes, restaurants and larger hotels will charge what is called a “Service charge” onto your booking. Sometimes meals and accommodation can seem reasonable priced, and then at the end of our villa you can receive up to an additional 21% of charges. 10% of this is tax and then in the case sometimes, places will charge an additional 11%. This is essentially a forced tip. At the end of the month all of this is added up and split between the staff that have been involved in crating the experience for you. At the Saudara Villas, we do not charge you extra tax or a service charge. The price is inclusive. Therefore if you have had an experience that you believe as over and above,, then a tip to the staff who have made this memorable for you is gratefully appreciated. You can give this to staff directly, or pass on to your Guest Relations Manager if you would like this to be distributed to the villa team. When it comes to tipping for me personally, this is generally what I will do. If I am in a taxi and my bill is a couple of dollars, then I will round it up to the nearest dollar. Taxi drivers are generally low paid, and especially if they are working for honest companies like Blue Bird and run all the business through the meter, there are not having a change to ear much else(often dishonestly like other taxi companies or individuals) If I have been to a café where the bill is inclusive of a decent service charge, ie 6% or more, then I am less inclined to leave a tip in this instance. This is because a 'servi9ce charge' is a forced tip that is taken by the business and then divided up by all the stafdf at the e nd of the month. It makes it fair to those that also work behind the scenes, as its likely they have contributed to your mal just as much as the front of house team that interact with the customers. If I go to a local Warung and the prices are cheap, and do not include an additional tax or service charge, then I am inclined to leave a tip r a couple of dollars (if by myself) or $5 collectively as a group. If I can staying at accommodation, then at the end of my stay if I have enjoyed the hospitality shown by the staff, I will leave a personal tip of about $20 from myself(individual) for a week’s stay in a hotel room I often travel by myself, so if I was a family, with kids and had relied heavily on staff to help me during my stay in a villa, then I would be inclined to offer a larger tip. In a case like this, there is usually a few memorable staff members that have made your stay incredible. Sometimes it is best to leave a combined tip for the group... They will divide the amount as a group and at least that way, no one misses out. I often feel that sometimes the person that looks after the garden, pool, maintenance that you don’t face as often, has just as much power in creating a make or break stay for you, but can sometimes get forgotten about.
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I've heard that drinking spirits in Bali can be dangerous. What is the safest way to drink cocktails?Duty Free!!! Indonesia is the largest Muslim country in the world, and although Bali is predominately Hindu, the laws that govern the island result in alcohol being classified as a luxury item. There are taxes between 180% and 300% on alcohol, so you should take advantage of your one bottle, 1 litre allowance per person when you are traveling into Bali. If you do need more alcohol in Bali, please be careful about what you buy. Always but from a reputable bottle shop. Smirnoff offer a locally made vodka under the “Smirnoff Label” and Captain Morgans Spiced Rum. They manufacture it in Indonesia and therefore it isn’t slapped with the import tax so is reasonably priced. Anything else….just don’t even bother. Because of the import tax, you’ll find many of the large western bars pricing will be similar to the pricing at home, as their spirits are costing them more than what we pay. Local bars are always being pressured to have 'cheap happy hours' and therefore in some cases can cut costs by using locally produced sprits. Be very careful where you buy your drinks from. I have personally had a bad experience in a Western run bar as they must have used a spirit in one of their drinks that had not been proceeded properly. We highly recommend the services of Cocoloco in Bali. They will come to your Bali villa and the team will make cocktails for you using your own Duty-Free safe spirits. They will bring all the fruits juices, mixers, safe ice, coconuts and tools required to host your fun and safe party. Please have a read of our blog post about this very issue.
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What is the difference between booking a villa and a resort/hotel?A Private Villa is an intimate experience where you can totally relax and enjoy your holiday at your own pace. Many villas will offer an in-house service option for meals and other support. Please always clarify this before booking a villa as its very much like a hotel that depending on the quality of hotel you choose; the service offerings will be very different. At the Saudara Villas you can request meals and services from in-house staff at times that suit you and enjoy a truly private environment. Meals are prepared just for you, and you wonbt be eating from a buffet shared by other guests. If it is ‘people watching’ and a chance to socialise with other holiday makers in communal areas perhaps a hotel would suit you better. Some of our guests will opt for a dual experience and spend a week with us in a private villa and then some time in another part of Bali in a resort. Just remember in a resort you do NOT have your own dedicated private staff and intimate service. You generally will also need to make a trip to the pool where as in a villa you have the entire space to yourself. So there will be no need for having to save sun lounges in advance with your pool towel! It’s your holiday, you choose what appeals to you.
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Is Travel Insurance Mandatory to come to Bali?YES!! It is mandatory that you take out a level of travel insurance that covers you for at least USD$25,000 of Covid Related Health Cover. You MUST realise this level needs to cover health matters and does NOT cover you for loss of airfares should you develop covid prior to travelling, loss of accommodation in Bali because of Covid, hotel. Travel Insurance is similar to health insurance back home. You have Hospital, plus Extras. Should you want to be covered for loss of airfare, loss of accommodation, cover for new accommodation, you'll need to be making sure you're looking at a higher level of cover that covers these.
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What do we need to do in regards to visas prior to coming to Bali?There's a few things to need to consider in advance before arriving in Bali. Your Customs Declaration form needs to be completed and then you'll need to pay for your VOA(Visa on Arrival) and Tourist Levy. Both these can be paid prior or once you arrive. For everything you need to know about arriving in Bali, please see our Blog Post which explains all Link Here
It’s scary booking a holiday and especially if it is to somewhere you’ve never been before. Parting with your hard-earned cash, sight unseen except for some beautifully curated social media snaps, and hoping for the best you end up somewhere close to the action but lush enough to feel like you still have your own personal oasis to retreat to. We get it.
We want you to have all the facts before you book, so check out our FAQ’s just in case you’ve missed some deets along the way both related to your stay with us as well as some general Bali info.
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