FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is Damara?
Damara Bali is a non-profit foundation support a beer life for the children from poor farming families in
Bali. Damara Bali Foundation was established in 2015 and registered as a non-profit Indonesia Foundation
(Yayasan) with the Indonesia Ministry of Law and Human Rights Indonesia No AHU – 0006690.AH 2015.
Who runs Damara?
Damara was founded by I Nengah Swikrama, who grew up in an orphanage and received education thanks to
the support of other people’s generosity. He has worked for over 30 years to assist children living in
orphanages. For the last 8 years before starting Damara he was the Director of Widhya Asih, managing an
organisation that provides homes and education to over 500 children and helps with many community
projects.
How does Damara help?
Our main aims are:
- Direct sponsorship of children who have dropped out/or are at risk of dropping out of school because
their parents are too poor to provide the cost of books, basic school supplies and uniforms.
- Help poor farmers to have sustainable capability for generating income to provide for their children
and send them to school.
How is Villa Bugis associated with Damara?
Villa Bugis proudly supports Damara as its primary charity. Damara started with generous contribution from
Villa Bugis, a villa management company in Seminyak, Bali (www.villabugis.com). Villa Bugis have committed to
continue with annual donations and also with coverage of the cost of all administration of the charity to
ensure 100% of donations go directly to those that benefit most.
How many children are currently supported
Damara supports nearly 100 children for the school year 2019-2020, all living in extremely poor villages in
north and east Bali. All these children had already dropped out of school.
How much does it cost to sponsor a child?
The cost is quite small – IDR1,500,000 per year per child – or about AUD$150 per year
How is the donation money managed
Damara works with trusted school administrators who identify the children in need of help. No money is given
directly to the families, but is used for paying for direct expenses for the children to send school. Damara
representative visits regularly to monitor how the children are doing and receive school reports.
How are we matched with the children we sponsor?
Sponsorship is made to those most vulnerable, and in most need, as identified by their school, who’s staff
work very closely with Damara and the community. If you have children, we often try and match those with
similar gender and age group, for reliability.
Are we able to visit the children that we will be sponsoring?
Yes, this is possible after sponsorship has been made – it is a full day trip to and from the rural areas that the
children are living.
What do we receive after sponsorship?
You will receive photos and bio’s of the child you sponsor, it is also possible to communicate via written (and
translated) leers if you wish – as well as 6 monthly school reports and a quarterly newsletter
How do we make a payment?
We will send you a secure Credit Card Payment link – all Damara Overheads Finance and Admin services are
provided by Villa Bugis. Direct payments can be made into the Damara account, but this is usually costly with
fees from overseas, from both ends, not making it worthwhile.
How do we renew each year?
Each year we will contact you do renew your assistance and commitment, and you can then choose to renew the same way as inial payment was made.
DAMARA is a non-profit foundation supporting a better life for the children from poor farming families in Bali.
Damara Bali Foundation was established in 2015 and registered as a non profit Indonesia Foundation (Yayasan) with the Indonesia Ministry of Law and Human Rights No …AHU – 0006690.AH 2015
Aug 02, 2019 at 04:32 am – TripAdvisor
Highlight of our trip was this accommodation we stayed at Villa Santai and villa Saphir staff were so helpful anything we needed they made it possible . Also without telling them saw that it was one of the guys birthday and made him a complementary birthday cake which was amazing. The villa itself was absolutely beautiful and we would definitely return.
Thanks Villa Bugis
From Mr.Sam Mr.Blair Mr.Max Mr.Braden
Jun 17, 2019 at 04:32 am – TripAdvisor
We stayed at the two Villas in Seminak for a week with a group of friends two weeks ago. The Villas were fantastic with every room with an ensuite. The rooms were spacious and clean and the outdoor areas with pools and seating areas were the hightlight. The staff were exceptional. In fact we dined in twice with full service of the Villa Bugis staff led by Ketuk. The traditional Balinese meal prepared for us was amazing. The Villas were an easy walk to the beach and Seminak resturants.
May 09, 2019 at 04:47 pm – Flipkey
A lovely villa
A very nice villa just outside of the main centre but close enough to plenty of restaurants and shops. Staff are very friendly, attentive and helpfull as are all the security staff in the lane they even came into the villa with a birthday cakeand singing happy birthday to my wife on her birthday. It is a short walk to get to the road to flag down a taxi but only takes 5 minutes. Believe me when i say nothing is too much trouble for the staff here, if we had an issue we spoke to them and it was sorted. Breakfast was always very tasty and cooked ready for whatever time you requested it for, the pool is lovely, same depth all the wY along with steps in two corners, it also has a small area that is a lot shallower.
Apr 28, 2019 at 09:28 am – TripAdvisor
We recently stayed at Villa Saphir as a party of 9 (two families). From the very start of the booking process everything was so easy and smooth. Emails were answered very quickly and efficiently. The villa was the best accommodation we have ever stayed in. It was spacious and clean and the staff were all incredible. Waking up to a freshly cooked breakfast in the comfort of our dining room, prepared by Wayan, was so appreciated. The pool was huge and it was tested every day and treated every 2nd to 3rd day. We brought our own pool toys but we were kindly gifted another toy that someone left behind in a different villa. There were lots of restaurants and spas close by so we didn’t have to go far, which is exactly what we were wanting. We used Gojek a couple of times for lunch because we didn’t want to leave the compound. For 2 families the price was very affordable – cheaper than booking 4 rooms in a hotel and in our opinion way nicer. We will definitely be back in the future and can highly recommend this place/company to anyone who is looking for 5 star accommodation, service and relaxation.
Dec 04, 2018 at 12:11 am – Facebook
Private close to everything. Cleaners, cooks & drivers all available. Indoor and out door entertainment areas bbq area all in your private villa. security at night. Check out Villa Saphir. we stayed there. absolutely amazing.
Jul 24, 2018 at 11:32 am – TripAdvisor
We stayed at Villa Saphir and this was more than enough room for two families with teenage children. Beautiful grounds, big pool, separate sleeping quarters, all with big TVs and ensuites. Felt very luxurious. Location is in the middle of Seminyak, walking distance to anywhere you want to be but be prepared for a long walk down the Gang to this villa. This did not bother us one bit. Staff very accommodating about ordering groceries or takeaway food from the many venues around us. Nothing was too much trouble. Staff really lovely.
As returning visitors to Villa Bugis, Villa Saphir was perfect for our stay with a group of 7 people. The Villa was beautiful and we were looked after by all the great Villa Bugis Staff – in particular Pata who cooked us breakfast every morning, cleaned our rooms, made our beds and generally made our stay relaxing and enjoyable! Villa Saphir is in a great location down the end of a peaceful lane and is good walking distance to Eat Street and lots of shopping.
The pool and gardens were maintained daily and we really didn’t want for anything.
I would highly recommend the Villa Bugis group – the Villas are just beautiful & luxurious, the staff are always helpful and do a great job of taking care of you while staying at their Villas.
We will definitely be back :)
We ( Mum, Dad, adult children and their partners) have just returned from a wonderful week at Villa Saphir. We couldn’t have been happier with our stay. The villa is spacious and yet still feels intimate and friendly. The pool was perfect, warm enough to stay in for hours but cool enough to be refreshing. The staff were helpful, unobtrusive and friendly. The location is good, handy to shopping and dining although we enjoyed the villa so much it was sometimes a struggle to get motivated to go out! Next time we will stay longer, seven days didn’t seem enough.
Group of 8 of us staying at two Villas – Saphir and Alam. These are in the same complex in Seminyak, great location with 5 minute walk into main street. Lots of restaurants and bars nearby Villas were perfect for us, a room each with fantastic central area for meals and socialising. Staff are fantastic taking great care of us and always on hand when required. Bugis provided a couple of chefs for a seafood dinner cooked for us at the Villa, highly recommend this.
This is our fourth Villa Bugis villa stay and once again not disappointed, had a great time. First time at Villa Saphir and it won’t be the last. Villa as described on the website. The staff friendly and helpful, nothing too much trouble. The villa clean and well equipped with everything you need. The pool was wonderful after a day of shopping nearby. Location good. Special thanks to Mr Peter for the loan of the esky, truly wonderful thank you. I highly recommend this Villa.
Stayed at Villa Saphir in a group of 10 girls and can not recommend highly enough. With 4 mini villas within a huge villa this villa was amazing. The pool/area is huge. The breakfast was amazing (pancakes are the best!) staff came in every day without been ‘too in your face’ and did an amazing job each morning. Staff were very helpful when asked where we could get out washing done and had it done by the next day for only a couple of dollars.
Have recommend this Villa to anyone that asks and will definatly be back in no time.
Thank you for your time to write such a great review regarding your stay at Villa Saphir!
We are glad that you and the group love the Villas and enjoyed the service and facilities offered by Villa Saphir and our great team.
We really looking forward to welcoming you back on your next Bali holiday!
Location excellent with the exception of Saphir being at the end of a long driveway and many taxi’s reluctant to enter. Pool and garden area was a highlight. Pool was very large, gazebo with sunbed fantastic and gardens very tranquil. Staff could not be friendlier!!
My family and parents travelled here on the 2nd October 2016 for a week. We were 4 adults, and 3 children (aged 9, 8 & just 2). Villa was as advertised and pictured. Cleaning/Staff A daily a troop of staff and gardeners bustled in for 30/40mins and blitzed everything each morning. The staff were polite, unobtrusive, friendly and efficient. Villa The Villa was well presented and little extras such as mozzie spray and room spray were in every room. Lots of filtered water in 19l bottles in the main area, small bottled water on each bedside replaced daily, clean bedding. Comfy beds – both soft and firm depending on which room you stayed). Breakfast We had a choice of pancakes, american (bacon and egg) or indonesian (rice & noodles) breakfast daily. Also to choose the time. In-Villa Dining The in-villa dining options were good. Value was good and plenty to eat. Around 1million rupee for 4 adults and 2 kids inc food (depends on which meal you choose though). All cooked by an army of villa-chefs. Pool Pool was amazingly huge and had 3 steps in 1 corner of each end. My only ‘complaint’ is that I am short at 5ft4 (164cm) and i was on tiptoes in all areas of the pool in order to touch the bottom – very deep! Kept the kids fit though but I found it difficult to swim with our toddler when she was in the pool. Husband at 5ft10 had no issues. Clean water tested daily. No sharp edges. We had a pool fence installed which sectioned off the main area and 2 bedrooms but the 2 by the pool rooms were ‘inside’ the pool area. This was fine for us as meant the pool was accessible and we were very pleased all the staff closed the gate. Whilst its not up to Australian safety standards i’d expect all parents to be vigilant with ids by the pool anyway BUT the fence did give us much more peace of mind that if we hadn’t have had it. We would have it again. It wasn’t expensive at around about $10 a day. Location The villa is almost at the end of a long narrow driveway ( 4-5 min hot stroll to the road). This is great for peace and quiet but not great if you run out of beers and want to pop to the shop! or if its pouring with rain (although lots of umbrellas were provided). Taxi to Eat street can be negotiated for 30-40k R. However they start at 70/80k … its worth noting that you can get to Kuta which is a 25 min drive for 80k. There are plenty of 7-seater taxis around (not bluebirds). We actually found these to be in far better condition with better aircon than the metered/negotiable Bluebirds. Booking Booking was relatively quick and very easy. We paid 50% deposit upon confirmation by creditcard and the remaining 50% a month prior to departure. Airport Transfer Included and so much easier than finding a cab when travelling with children! Espeically when its so humid. We’d definitely rent one of these Villas again. Although we’ll try a different area next time so we can explore a new area. Thanks everyone! :-)
This was the best place in Bali, it is local to shops, restaurants and beaches. The villa is huge and great for larger groups and the staff are outstanding, there is nothing they wont do for you. I would stay here permanently if possible.
This is our third time we have stayed in Villa Saphir. On this occasion we were greeted with some subtle improvements that made the world of difference. In our bathroom the small outdoor garden had been replaced by a fish pond with a number of energetic fish that splashed about and welcomed our arrival. there was a new large Buddha water feature adjacent to the pool and the fencing had been significantly improved by the instalment of high screens blocking out neighbouring villas and hotels. As always the staff were awesome. Always so eager to help and ensure that our stay was memorable and relaxing. We love the location near Jl Drupadi which continues to develop and extend the choice of eateries and spas. The new Wacko Burgers is fantastic, but further up the road is Kreol Kitchen and the amazing KZU. Keep it up Villa Bugis. See you in April 2016!!
With a group of 19 incorporating 11 children and 8 adults, villa Saphir and Villa Intan provided the perfect configuration for us. Tucked down quite a long laneway these two villas are situated in a great part of Seminyak with bintang shopping centre and eat street within walking distance. The beach is also a 5 minute walk and a great place to go at sunset.
The villas themselves are nice. intan is next to a rice party so the inhabitants of that villa did get a few mosquito bites!
The staff are great and the price is pretty reasonable.
Probably could do with more light in the bedrooms?
Also breakfast in the morning is a bit slow and a bit cold. Coffee could be nicer? Otherwise pretty good :)
Stayed August 2015, traveled with friends
We stayed at Villa Saphir in Drupadi Gardens in April 2014 for the second time. We stayed originally in Oct 2013. On both occasions we have stayed as a party of 9 (2 families) with a fold out bed in one of the rooms. There was more than enough space and the kids had massive amounts of fun. The staff were brilliant and were ready and willing to tend to our needs. One night we arranged a BBQ at our Villa and invited our friends (5 of them) who were also staying in the next door Villa. The food was fantastic and there was so much we had leftovers the next day! During our stay we also arranged surf lessons through the Bali Green Surf school on Jl. Drupadi. These guys were awesome and were worth every penny! We found the Villa location was excellent with heaps of little cafes and restaurants popping up along Drupadi (and more to come I suspect). I suggest you try Laca Laca (Mexican) and there’s a great Japanese/Asian fusion café (forgot the name) also on Drupadi (awesome!). WE WILL BE BACK.
Everyone very friendly and helpful mosquitos the only issue michael anderton.
Arrival transport and checkin assistiant is very quick and easy.
The villa always kept tidy. Villa Facilities is amazing. Loved the pool toys.
Overall was amazing. We appreciated the birthday cake for our birthday as well.
Villa Facilities and Cleanliness is good. Stay in villa Saphir is excellent.
Transport – Taxi – Meals – Massage, Putu always was asked if she could be of assistance.
Putu – Excellent.