Peace and tranquility in exotic Padang, West Sumatra    ONE HOUR FROM SINGAPORE

No tourists, just one exclusive bungalow set in the garden of Australian hosts Rick and Jane. Awake in your modern bungalow to the sounds of monkeys and red humming birds. Walk in the immaculate gardens where exotic orchids and rare plants surround the private swimming pool. Visit the Jane’s on site pearl jewelry workshop and silk textile studio and meet local artisans at work.  (see www.dogrockdesign.com)

Take a boat trip on Rick and Jane’s vessel,  Electric Lamb, to the Gibbon Sanctuary on uninhabited Marak Island or take a speedboat to nearby Pisang Island. Go fishing for Coral Trout & Yellow Fin Tuna or snorkel the reefs.

Villa Air Manis offers a resident chef, Ibu Is, trained in fabulous Padang and Western foods, the evening meal is included and a personalized menu is available. Meals of breakfast and dinner delivered to your bungalow. The local fishermen supply us with a range of seafood direct from the boats and we buy mountain fresh vegetables grown in rich volcanic soil. We keep your tropical fruit basket filled.

Maid service is included and children catered for with pleasure. Dedicated child care is available on request.

The bungalow is decorated with designer furnishings. It features a large living room, private bedroom with en suite marble tiled bathroom, private verandah, kitchenette and day beds. It is equipped with mosquito nets, fans and music system that connects to your iPod. The stunning rainwater pool is just a few steps away.

Rick and Jane’s home overlooks the Indian Ocean with panoramic views over the jungle, villages and coastline. It is an unrivaled spot to enjoy sunset drinks. Set high on a jungle hill, Villa Air Manis is secluded and safe. When conditions are right, para-gliders soar past the terrace on their way down to the beach. The hosts have lived here for twelve years and have vast experience pioneering surf charters to the Mentawai Islands. (see www.mentawai.com)

Take our mountain bikes on a downhill winding footpath through villages and jungle to the city. Hire  a car & driver to journey up to the mountains to the town of Bukittinggi and visit the amazing morning markets with goods from all over the region. Experience local cultural performances. Visit Maninjau and take a boat ride on the beautiful crater lake.

The Minangkabau people of West Sumatra are a matrilineal society and practice a gentle form of Islam. They do not tolerate radicals here! The traditional architecture is striking with buffalo horned pitched roofs and ornate wood carving. As you travel village roads you can delight in the occasional sighting of a traditional wedding party with exotic and colorful costumes, accompanied by a band of drummers leading the family procession.

Introductory rates are:

1. US$975.00 per week for a family of four (2 parents, 2 children under 14 years - airport transfers, dinner and breakfast included)
   

2. US$525.00 per week for individuals twin share (airport transfers dinner and breakfast included)
   

3. US$150 per night  exclusive use of bungalow (dinner and breakfast included)
   

4. US$ 75.00 per night per couple or single - sharing - contact us for group rates. (dinner and breakfast included)
   

5. US$ 55.00 per person half day - singles - contact us for group rates  (one meal included)
   

6. US$ 25.00 per person for individual airport transfers, less for groups.
   

7. Dinner and breakfast included (Lunch extra by arrangement)
   

8. Car hire and boat trips extra.
   

9. Padang cooking lessons available on request.
   

10. Tour guide available.
    

11. Para-gliding by arrangement (advanced pilots only)