Bali Hotel Questions
#16
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Rio Rancho, NM - USA
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Posts: 1,793
Alam Jiwa is a magical small property, off the beaten path but very convenient to nearby Ubud. I've been to Bali 5 times over the past 18 years, Alam Jiwa is my heaven on earth. The staff there is simply amazing, the rooms are beautiful, and the breakfasts are to die for. Book early, the hotel is always full.
Another good option is a homestay with a Balinese family. I can recommend one of Cozy Wayan Sueta's Villas, available on airbnb. I've known Wayan and his wife, Ayu, since 1999. Staying in their family compound is a really special experience, close to the amazing culture and rural beauty of the island.
My last trip to Bali I split my 10 days between Alam Jiwa and a villa at Cozy Wayan Sueta's.
Another good option is a homestay with a Balinese family. I can recommend one of Cozy Wayan Sueta's Villas, available on airbnb. I've known Wayan and his wife, Ayu, since 1999. Staying in their family compound is a really special experience, close to the amazing culture and rural beauty of the island.
My last trip to Bali I split my 10 days between Alam Jiwa and a villa at Cozy Wayan Sueta's.
#17
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: The Indo Jungle
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Posts: 1,319
#18
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Sydney Australia
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Posts: 14,222
I'll keep this one in the memory bank. Thanks for the info
#19
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Join Date: Sep 2000
Programs: UA Million Miler (lite). NY Metro area.
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Hi Dan. BRT 2014 alumnus here.
I didn't stay in the chain hotel area so I don't have first hand comparison, but I share this sentiment:
I absolutely LOVED my traditional bungalow in Ubud. Cost me $30 a night in 2015. It had beautiful grounds. Sitting on the porch at night breathing the hot air and hearing relaxing Balinese music felt like the idyllic SE Asia experience. More authentic, and definitely more rustic, than the chains, I'd imagine. It was perfect for me.
My top 3 Bali experiences:
1. Pura Ulun Danu Berata
2. Seafood dinner on Jimbaran beach
3. the aforementioned bungalow
I didn't stay in the chain hotel area so I don't have first hand comparison, but I share this sentiment:
I absolutely LOVED my traditional bungalow in Ubud. Cost me $30 a night in 2015. It had beautiful grounds. Sitting on the porch at night breathing the hot air and hearing relaxing Balinese music felt like the idyllic SE Asia experience. More authentic, and definitely more rustic, than the chains, I'd imagine. It was perfect for me.
My top 3 Bali experiences:
1. Pura Ulun Danu Berata
2. Seafood dinner on Jimbaran beach
3. the aforementioned bungalow
I'm currently researching Vietnam for an 8 day stay. It's doable, but it's so much easier to fly SIN/DPS/SIN, then SIN/HAN x/SIN.
I'll still be reading suggestions here. I have time to convince her.
Dan
#20
Community Director Emerita
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Anywhere warm
Posts: 33,747
I also like Vietnam, so consider both trips in the near future.
#21
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Sydney Australia
Programs: No programs & No Points!!!
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I appreciate this, and all the advice offered. Bali has always been on my bucket list, especially after reading so many trip reports over the years. Sadly, my wife does not share my bucket list. I'm still trying to convince her that USD$100 per night for the suggestions offered should be an inducement. After clicking on the link, that's a lot of hotel room for the price.
I'm currently researching Vietnam for an 8 day stay. It's doable, but it's so much easier to fly SIN/DPS/SIN, then SIN/HAN x/SIN.
I'll still be reading suggestions here. I have time to convince her.
Dan
I'm currently researching Vietnam for an 8 day stay. It's doable, but it's so much easier to fly SIN/DPS/SIN, then SIN/HAN x/SIN.
I'll still be reading suggestions here. I have time to convince her.
Dan
#22
Moderator: CommunityBuzz!, OMNI, OMNI/PR, and OMNI/Games & FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: ORD (MDW stinks)
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highly recommended. BTW good spa within walking distance.
#23
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 6
Does your wife like massage? If so, between @Dianne47, @l'etoile, and me, we can provide names of a number of spas in the Ubud area where it's only $10-ish for a 1 hour massage. There's great shopping in the Ubud area for local crafts and art. There's a wide range of excellent restaurants. There's dance performances in beautiful palace settings. And there's spectacular scenery to see on day trips.
I also like Vietnam, so consider both trips in the near future.
I also like Vietnam, so consider both trips in the near future.
#24
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Join Date: Sep 2000
Programs: UA Million Miler (lite). NY Metro area.
Posts: 15,080
If anyone has northern Vietnam questions, I'm your guy.
And now, back to the drawing board. I was just re-reading this amazing thread and all it's hotel advice.
A question. Should we spend a week in the Ubud area, or spend time elsewhere ie up north? We're interested in non-beach activities when we're there in November.
Thanks.
Dan
#25
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Join Date: May 2012
Location: Sydney Australia
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Posts: 14,222
@SanDiego1K My wife and I are headed to Bali in 2 weeks for our honeymoon and will be spending 4 days in Ubud. I'd love to hear your suggestions for restaurants and spas (she's planning on getting MANY massages on this trip). Thanks!
#26
Join Date: Feb 2013
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, MLife Gold, Marriott Gold, HHonors Gold, Caesars Diamond, Amex Plat
Posts: 5,940
I'm going to hop on here and ask about splitting our time. I'm glad so many of you like the Alam Jiwa/Shanti properties b/c I actually booked them for 5 nights of our 7 in Bali before ever seeing this thread. And even 11 months out it was hard to get that!
So I'm trying to decide if we go to Sanur for a change of scenery (if so, any suggestions on a 2-bedroom villa in the $300 range?) or stay near Ubud for the last 2 nights. Will two teens and 9 year old have enough to do in Ubud with day trips, etc, or will we be ready to move on? Generally we like to move hotels after 4-5 nights. Near Ubud, I see Sankara, Surya, Sri Ratih, Luwak villas. For our dates, many are charging "high season" prices (July 2018). I am not remotely interested in Seminyak, Kuta, Nusa Dua, but don't want to go further north from Ubud or further from airport. Our flight out isn't till 4 PM last day, but I don't want to spend it all in a car.
So I'm trying to decide if we go to Sanur for a change of scenery (if so, any suggestions on a 2-bedroom villa in the $300 range?) or stay near Ubud for the last 2 nights. Will two teens and 9 year old have enough to do in Ubud with day trips, etc, or will we be ready to move on? Generally we like to move hotels after 4-5 nights. Near Ubud, I see Sankara, Surya, Sri Ratih, Luwak villas. For our dates, many are charging "high season" prices (July 2018). I am not remotely interested in Seminyak, Kuta, Nusa Dua, but don't want to go further north from Ubud or further from airport. Our flight out isn't till 4 PM last day, but I don't want to spend it all in a car.
#27
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 124
I'm going to hop on here and ask about splitting our time. I'm glad so many of you like the Alam Jiwa/Shanti properties b/c I actually booked them for 5 nights of our 7 in Bali before ever seeing this thread. And even 11 months out it was hard to get that!
So I'm trying to decide if we go to Sanur for a change of scenery (if so, any suggestions on a 2-bedroom villa in the $300 range?) or stay near Ubud for the last 2 nights. Will two teens and 9 year old have enough to do in Ubud with day trips, etc, or will we be ready to move on? Generally we like to move hotels after 4-5 nights. Near Ubud, I see Sankara, Surya, Sri Ratih, Luwak villas. For our dates, many are charging "high season" prices (July 2018). I am not remotely interested in Seminyak, Kuta, Nusa Dua, but don't want to go further north from Ubud or further from airport. Our flight out isn't till 4 PM last day, but I don't want to spend it all in a car.
So I'm trying to decide if we go to Sanur for a change of scenery (if so, any suggestions on a 2-bedroom villa in the $300 range?) or stay near Ubud for the last 2 nights. Will two teens and 9 year old have enough to do in Ubud with day trips, etc, or will we be ready to move on? Generally we like to move hotels after 4-5 nights. Near Ubud, I see Sankara, Surya, Sri Ratih, Luwak villas. For our dates, many are charging "high season" prices (July 2018). I am not remotely interested in Seminyak, Kuta, Nusa Dua, but don't want to go further north from Ubud or further from airport. Our flight out isn't till 4 PM last day, but I don't want to spend it all in a car.
- Taro Elephant Park
- Bali Zoo
- White Water Rafting
- Treetops Adventure Park