A weekend car journey from Jakarta to the Puncak can either be a blissful experience or a total nightmare. This of course his depends on what time of the day you leave. Starting around 6.00am helps you avoid huge delays, market traffic, Taman Safari day-trippers and buses bound for Bandung and beyond, so set your alarm for an early departure.

The effort is well worth once you start climbing into the cool mountains as your cares and worries will get left behind on the Bogor Toll and you begin to enter nature’s realm of towering volcanic peaks, magnificent terraced tea fields and clean fresh air. One of the highlights of my journey was a breakfast stop at the Puncak Pass Hotel, located just over the summit of the Puncak Pass.

The trip to Pondak Daun from central Jakarta including the scenic breakfast stop, took a leisurely 3 hours. Upon entering the grounds of this beautiful resort, I was immediately treated to the most gracious service, as I was lead to my private and spacious Balinese style bungalow.

A welcoming pot of fresh hot tea and homemade treats awaited me on the outdoor patio. Perfect!

My initial impressions of this resort, was that I had arrived at a very exclusive and peaceful environment. A few minutes after my arrival I was introduced to my butler, whom I was told would run and fetch whatever I needed and was on call from 6.00am till midnight.

As there are no phones or televisions at the resort, one simply has to tap the wooden gong hanging at the front door, and your personal butler will there to attend to your needs. If you want, the butler also is happy to look after your children.

What a perfect arrangement. The Balinese-style bungalows are tastefully furnished and feature a semi-outdoor bathroom finished in slate and stone. These bungalows open out onto a private pool area that is enclosed by a well-tendered garden. It is simply a delight to be up in the mountains in such tasteful and gracious surroundings.

A private jogging/bike track runs around the outer grounds of the Pondak Daun, with a few Javanese style day beds dotted around the gardens to tempt you to take a rest, and enjoy the surrounding mountain beauty.

Along this path I discovered water lily ponds, a paddock with the resort’s horses grazing, a beautiful stream and came upon a little toadstool-style table with small stone chairs. This was surrounded by yellow daises and giving this part of the grounds an almost Alice in Wonderland feel.

The Balinese style bungalows are ideal for couples, but if you need more room, then the villas offer the best family solution. One of the larger villas has five bedrooms and a simply stunning bathroom with floor to ceiling glass, opening onto spectacular views of Gunung Gede. I had only just reclined on a sun lounge when my butler discreetly appeared at my side and offered me fresh fruit juice. How could one refuse? I was to discover later, this was all included in the room rate. Beverages are free of charge at the Pondak Daun. What a treat!

At night the resort takes on a magical tone. Fairy lights decorate the trees and bamboo lamps lead you to the split level dining area, with chairs and tables, or if you prefer more formal seating and eating.

The host, Mrs. Sally, has paid exceptional attention to detail in the design of this resort and had a consultant and advisor from Kampung Daun, in Bandung advise on the layout and design of the interiors of the villas and bungalows.

Pondak Daun started as a Café/Restaurant just over two years ago. It now features 10 bungalows and villas, a boutique/factory outlet shop and 2 café dining areas. The restaurant has always been very popular because of its close proximity to Puncak and the Cibodas Gardens.

The seven acres of property includes lots of open grassed areas, which is a haven for the many resident friendly birds and a few puppies and dogs.

A German shepherd breeding operation is located within the property, but it is quite separate. However if you are a dog lover, it is worth a visit and interesting for the children too.

One of the highlights of my weekend stay was a visit to the Cibodas Kebun Raya Gardens. This is located only 1 km from the resort and is nestled between the two peaks of Gunung Gede and Gunung Pangrango. The garden features over 1,000 species of flowers and trees from all over the world.

It is very easy to spend the whole day in this park. It has huge open grounds with paths leading in many different directions. The walk to the main waterfall takes only 15 minutes. It is no small waterfall either, and even in the dry season the water has a consistent volume as it cascades from the mountains that rise above. Other trails from this area lead you to lakes, huge kite flying areas and beautifully manicured picnic grounds. If you forget your picnic rug you can simply rent one for the day. All of this is only 2 hours from Jakarta. I chose relaxation in precedence to activity on this particular weekend, but I intend to return and ride the horses at the resort, hike the Gunung Gede Trail and discover more of the beautiful secrets at Pondak Daun.

Author@TravelWriter.WS