Oasis in the mountains: Sanda Butik Villas

Climbing the mountain roads, which twist and turn quicker than a Kuta moneychanger, I felt raindrops. Two minutes later it was raining full on and the trusty poncho got some use. Climbing higher the power of the rain increased, traffic dropped off as did my speed. Now there were sheets of water on the road and riding fast would be dangerous, as I couldn’t see the potholes.

Whenever I ride through the Pupuan area one place comes to mind. Its called Sanda Butik Villas and is a pleasant oasis, where a soaked traveler can get a hot cup of tea and a good meal. There are signs posted indicating when you get near Sanda and the place lies on a sharp bend in the road. Arriving I looked like a drowned rat, but soon got set up with a pot pf tea and a delicious Moroccan chicken dish (32,000rp), complete with couscous, chunks of chicken, dates and lovely curry like sauce.