How much Nine REALLY spent on the The Golden Bachelor’s final episode in South Africa as ‘Bear’ Myrden wooed the final two with luxe Cape Town trip

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The first season of The Golden Bachelor has finished, and Channel 9 really went all out for the finale.

For the season finale of Sunday night’s show, Channel Nine went all out, flying Barry ‘Bear’ Myrden, along with his final two contestants Janette and Sunny, and host Samantha Armytage, to Cape Town, South Africa.

The 61-year-old engineer proposed to 58-year-old CEO Sunny with the stunning Twelve Apostles mountains as their backdrop.

Before making his final choice, the star of The Golden Bachelor wasn’t hesitant to spend money on the women competing for his affection.

Round-trip economy flights from Sydney to Cape Town would have cost between AU$1,700 and AU$2,200 per person, significantly increasing travel expenses for the cast and crew.

While in Cape Town, the Bachelor spoiled Janette and Sunny with several luxurious outings and experiences.

For their last date, Bear took Janette, the 61-year-old owner of a Pilates studio, on a safari at Aquila Private Game Reserve.

The couple’s day trip, featuring a game drive and a fireside lunch, cost R5,790 (about AU$520).

Bear took Sunny on a memorable date: a drive along Chapman’s Peak in a classic AC Cobra. The day cost around R3,000 (about AU$270).

What’s more, a five-star hotel made many appearances throughout the episode.

Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean from the top of The Silo Hotel, the women shared their thoughts and feelings with host Samantha.

Oh my gosh, you guys, I almost died! I saw them getting ready right in front of those amazing windows – you know, the ones that look like silos? It was right before Bear finally chose who he wanted, and honestly, the anticipation was killing me! I was practically glued to the screen, hoping to catch every little detail of their pre-decision moments. It was magical!

The hotel’s penthouse B&B comes in at a whopping R170,500 (AU$15,350) daily rate. 

The Golden Bachelor chose his final lady in a wild final episode.

During their romantic trip to South Africa, Bear made his final decision, and Sunny was the one he chose.

Janette, the contestant who didn’t make the cut, didn’t take the news well and angrily walked away as Bear attempted to console her.

In a very difficult moment, Bear sadly told Janette that although he cared for her deeply, he wasn’t in love with her.

Bear confessed he’d been really anxious about it, explaining it brought back feelings he hadn’t experienced in ages.

Oh, Janette, it just feels like I can pour my heart out to you, you know? You’re just… you deserve everything, a love that someone would really fight for. And honestly? It breaks me to say this, but it’s not going to be with me. It just… isn’t. I wish it were, more than anything.

A stoic Janette replied curtly, ‘I’m fine. I read your eyes the minute I walked up here.’

‘I do really care for you,’ Bear insisted.

‘Don’t disrespect Sunny by saying anything like that,’ Janette snapped.

‘I hope you’re very happy, both of you,’ she added bitterly.

Janette was clearly furious and abruptly ended the conversation, walking away and leaving Bear stunned and unable to speak.

When she was back in the car, Janette broke down in tears.

“I really believed he would pick me,” she said, her voice filled with disappointment. “I was starting to fall in love with him, and now I just feel silly.”

Honestly, when things got tough, my first reaction was to withdraw and protect myself, like I’ve done before. But deep down, I really do believe I’ll find someone special someday, and I’m holding onto that hope.

‘My turn will come. There’s still someone out there for me,’ she said.

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2025-11-16 17:19