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KUPU
KUPU BARONG
The
resort was name Kupu Kupu Barong because of the many beautiful
butterflies seen fluttering from one plan to another around the
resort. "Kupu Kupu" means butterfly and "Barong"
means giant, hence the name "Giant Butterfly" or in
Indonesian Kupu Kupu Barong.
The
resort is perched above the Ayung River, which is not only the
largest but also the longest river in Bali, almost cutting the
island in two. It was traditionally the border dividing the early
kingdoms of Mengwi and Gianyar. The present villagers are descendants
of the warrior class who were positioned on the edge of the valley
by their king to repel any invasion by the neighbouring kingdom
of Mengwi. The Village of Payangan, just north of the resort,
was famous in the past for it's many beautiful women, which was
the reason for so many raids into this area by the surrounding
Rajas to obtain wives for the Heads of the Royal Families.
Many
years later the story of Kupu Kupu Barong started to unfold with
the opening of the Restaurant in March 1986. It's spectacular
location and view led to many enquiries about accomodation, to
satisfy the demand, six bungalows, alongside the Restaurant were
completed in december 1987.
Increased
demand ledt to the construction of five more bungalows just below
the Restaurant which wee completed in April 1989.
Within
the first year of operation the resort was elected by the prestigious
Harpers Hideaway Report (U.S.A) as "The Most Exotic
Mountain Hideaway" in the Asia Gacific Region".
In
terms of construction, the site involved unique challenges, especially
as the work was done almost entirely using traditional building
methods and simple hand tools. A labour force of 120 village men
and women excavated three thousand five hundred cubic metres of
earth from the hilside to reach bedrock and provide a stable foundation.
afterwards, some four hundred trcukloads of stone were used to
contruct the retaining walss and pathways, all of this being transported
by the village women carrying cane baskets on their heads.
Once
again, demand outstripped the number of bungalows available and
further land was obtained along the ridge next to the existing
resort, where a further nine bungalows were constructed, together
with a new pool, pool bar and grill. Out of sight, new housekeeping
and laundry together with staff rooms were also completed.
The
stage of development was finished by December 1991 and during
1992, we then returned to the original eleven bungalows and completely
stripped them to the ground and rebuilt and refurnished these
to the standard of the nine new bungalows. At the same time creating
from two of the original bungalows our "Barong Suite"
with private pool area.
The
resort now comprises nineteen bungalows, one with a private pool
area, two guest pools, massgae pavillion with whirlpool, pool
bar and completely new reception building allowing vehicles to
drive right up to reception.
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