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Accommodation
Our personal reviews and recommendations
Searching online for accommodation can be really overwhelming. So many options, conflicting reviews, trying to imagine a property's location based on a map of somewhere you've never been. It can become a huge headache and the source of a lot of planning stress.
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On this page we share our own thoughts about the places we've actually stayed. The listings here are either places we have stayed in ourselves, or physically inspected and would be happy to stay in. We hope it helps in making your final decision!
Legian area
This property is set back from the street on Jalan Raya Legian, just south of Jalan Melasti, making it a very good location to enjoy the best shopping, food and nightlife Legian has to offer. It is a short walk to both the beach and Garlic Lane. The villa was really spacious, clean and well maintained. It features a very private courtyard with pool, indoor and outdoor showers, outdoor bath tub, large king bed, and google TV so you can connect your own streaming services from your phone. Fat Chow Restaurant is situated at the front of the hotel, along with Jackfruit Brunch & Coffee. The hotel is set back behind buildings along Jalan Raya Legian, which reduces street noise and makes it a perfect quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of Legian.
Centrally located on Jl. Padma Utara, New Garden View offers a range of accommodation options including older Bali style Garden Cottages (can be interconnecting), poolside rooms and multi storey hotel style rooms. We have stayed here multiple times, both with and without our kids and it's been a great spot. There is a pool at the rear of the property with a pool bar and sunlounges, as well as a rooftop pool with bar and decked function area which overlooks Legian Beach - it's a fabulous spot to take in the sunset. Access to the rooftop is by lift so no issues if you have difficulty with stairs.
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To the front of the hotel is the popular Y-Bar Sports Bar which can get quite rowdy at night, however the noise hasn't really been too noticeable on a normal night in our experience. Grand Finals, Australia Day etc were pretty noisy though. Room service is available and served from the Y-Bar. Breakfast is available and there is decent coffee available onsite, or wander over the road to Bella Vista for a real treat.
Images Supplied by Expedia
Tucked away down a gang off Garlic Lane is Ady's Inn. The location is super convenient if you like trolling Garlic Lane for a bargain but also really close to the beach and not far to walk to Jalan Legian. The rooms are spacious, clean and well maintained with the charm of a traditional Bali hotel. The stunning gardens and inviting pool make this a very pleasant place to escape the hustle of Legian streets. The property offers free parking at the front entrance.
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Hotel Puri Raja is often praised for its prime location, just steps away from the vibrant Legian beach and close to bustling shops, restaurants, and entertainment in the heart of Legian. It's a perfect spot for both relaxation and exploration.
The hotel features two swimming pools, one with swim-up pool bar. The lush, well-maintained gardens that surround add a peaceful feel to the property. The rooms are spacious, featuring traditional Balinese decor with modern touches, providing a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere.
Service at Hotel Puri Raja is frequently described as exceptional, with attentive staff who go above and beyond to make sure guests have a pleasant stay. The warm, friendly staff are always ready to help with a smile. Cleanliness and attention to detail in maintaining both the rooms and common areas also stand out, ensuring a stay at Puri Raja is as comfortable as can be.
Hotel Puri Raja provides a relaxed and friendly environment, offering an authentic Balinese experience with a great mix of comfort, charm, and convenience.
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Kusnadi Hotel is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for affordable, traditional Balinese accommodation with great service and a convenient location. It’s not a high-end resort, but it has an intimate, authentic feel that makes it special. I’d recommend it to anyone wanting a comfortable, peaceful stay while still being close to the action of Legian.
Boasting authentic Balinese charm, Kusnadi offers a relaxed, homey atmosphere. Situated just off Jl. Werkudara, it is an oasis of calm at the northern end of Legian. It is a short walk down to the beach, but also conveniently close to Jalan Legian for shopping and dining options galore. It is around a 1.2km walk to Garlic Lane.
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Rooms are simple but comfortable, clean and well maintained with great air conditioning. The lush tropical gardens and Koi filled water features are a real highlight.
The pool area is a fantastic place to unwind with a relaxing dip or an afternoon lounging in the sun.
The staff here are incredibly friendly, and go out of their way to assist with any requests.
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The hotel offers a buffet style breakfast, with both Indonesian and Western options to suit all tastes.
Images Supplied by Expedia
ubud area
Puri Gangga is a boutique resort offering a luxury, yet traditional Balinese experience amidst the cultural heart of Ubud. With a towering entry of moss covered rock formations, the resort boasts panoramic views of terraced rice paddies and lush jungle with winding pathways to explore the surrounding jungle style gardens. Each room is extra spacious with traditional decor, giving guests a sense of authentic Balinese living. The infinity pool offers a beautiful view, especially during sunset. The resort also arranges cultural activities, such as yoga sessions and Balinese dance performances. While it is not close to central Ubud, the peaceful atmosphere and the resort’s complimentary shuttle service make up for it.
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We highly recommend the Pool Villa, with your own private pool, patio and sundeck, as well as an expansive open air bathroom with sunken tub. You can take a virtual tour of this room in the video to the right.
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candidasa / amed area
Hotel Genggong in Candidasa offers the ultimate beachfront experience with stunning views of the Lombok Strait.
The rooms are modern and well-maintained, each with a private balcony or terrace overlooking the ocean. The pool area is peaceful, and the beach in front of the hotel is great for snorkeling. We saw turtles, lionfish, clownfish and rays all within 100m of the hotel.
The friendly staff go out of their way to get to know guests and go above and beyond to ensure your stay is as perfect as possible. The hotel's location makes it easy to explore on foot with a huge range of options for dining nearby. It's also a great base for exploring by car or bike with many cultural sites to discover on a day trip.
This is a perfect spot for travelers seeking a quieter coastal experience away from the busier southern beaches of Bali.
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Bali Dream House in Amed is a beachfront property that offers a relaxing, laid-back stay in one of Bali’s best-known diving spots.
The bungalows are clean, cozy, and designed in a traditional Balinese style, each with a private terrace and direct access to the beach.
The snorkeling right in front of the property is excellent, and the staff is helpful in arranging diving and other activities and equipment.
The restaurant serves fresh local dishes, adding to the overall relaxing atmosphere. You can even buy a fish from the local fisherman who come in to land at the hotel beach, and the restaurant will happily prepare it for you along with side dishes to accompany. This is an ideal choice for divers or anyone looking for a quiet seaside escape.
Images Supplied by Expedia
sidemen area
Kubu Tani is a small, intimate homestay made up of several villa style rooms that offer unbelievably breathtaking views across the Sidemen Valley rice terraces and all the way to majestic Mt Agung. In fact, our main cover photo on our home page was taken from the balcony of our villa there.
The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with a soothing rustic charm that matches the quiet, natural surroundings. Staff are super welcoming and glad to help in any way they can while relishing the opportunity to practice their english. The location is ideal for those seeking a retreat from the busy tourist areas, with opportunities to walk the rice fields and experience authentic Balinese rural life.
The home-cooked meals at Kubu Tani are simple, yet delicious and all ingredients are locally sourced. There are also many dining options to pick from along Jalan Raya Tebola within a short walk from the property, ranging from homestay warungs to upmarket restaurants with live entertainment.
It is roughly a 20 minute walk to reach Jl. Semarapura-Karangasem - the main road running through Sidemen city, where you will find the buzzing Pasar Sidemen (Sidemen Traditional Market) early in the day.
Images Supplied by Cabin Bag Castaways
Situated on Jl. Raya Tebola in the tranquil village of Sidemen, Bali, Abian Ayu Villa offers a peaceful retreat with breathtaking views of the surrounding lush landscape.
During our stay, it was evident that the property was in the midst of a gradual renovation. While most rooms appeared to be well-maintained and almost luxurious, we unfortunately ended up in one of the older, unrenovated units, which slightly impacted our experience.
We stayed in a Bungalow (Room 104), and while it wasn't terrible, it did have a few drawbacks that made our stay less than perfect. The shower drain emitted an unpleasant smell, and the room lacked hot water, which was a bit of a letdown. Additionally, we noticed signs of wood-eating pests, which added a quirky (and somewhat unsettling) element to the room. That said, it’s worth noting that other guests we spoke to, who stayed in different room types, seemed very happy with their accommodations, so it seems our experience might have been an isolated case, possibly due to booking during the peak season.
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On a more positive note, the restaurant at Abian Ayu Villa is a standout feature. The food was consistently delicious, and the staff were incredibly helpful and accommodating, always going out of their way to make us feel welcome.
The pool area is beautifully set up, perfect for relaxing while enjoying the tropical surroundings. The real highlight, however, was the stunning view from our expansive patio, where we were lucky enough to see fireflies whilst relaxing one evening which made up for some of the room's shortcomings.
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Overall, I would still recommend Abian Ayu Villa for its great location, helpful staff, and fantastic amenities. However, if you choose to stay here, I'd suggest being selective about which room type you book to ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable stay. If you’re lucky enough to snag one of the recently renovated rooms, you're in for a truly luxurious experience in this serene corner of Bali.
