loislanedc

Still planning away on that honeymoon, and this forum has been such a gift. I hate to ask another question but...

Has anyone stayed at the Taman Rahasia in Ubud? It doesn't have a ton of reviews on Trip Advisor (and some of them are not that enthusiastic). It sounds like it has a lot of what we're looking for. Would be grateful for any input from those who know about it - or recommendations for a place to stay with similar features: a peaceful setting outside of the center of town, but within walking/easy driving distance (Taman Rahasia is 20-35 minutes walk depending on who was writing the review. I'm happier being on the 20 min side of that).

We're looking to spend 4-5 nights in early July. We aren't looking to be in the lap of luxury (I would say our price range would be more mid-range to mid-high-range) but want something comfortable and peaceful and romantic. I'd love a beautiful view, but will settle for a beautiful setting. It is our honeymoon!

And while I'm here does anyone have any thoughts on whether its worth staying a night in Munduk?

Thank you for all your help!!

kuluk

I am always leery of commenting on hotels that I don't know and I admit I have never been to TR. You say that they have what you are looking for...namely gardens and walkable to Ubud central. Frankly, 99% of all hotels in Ubud are gardeny and I think you would have to be an olympic walk-runner to make it to downtown in 20 minutes, judging from their map! But then, Ubud district is slightly maz-y so it's difficult to judge from the map which path the reviewers took to get to wherever they wanted to go. You will understand when you get here.

Personally, I do not like Penestanan but others do. My favorite area would be overlooking the Wos River in Sanggingan/Campuhan area, if you find a hotel that is in your price range.

On the other hand, you might fall in love with Taman Rahasia and think you have died and gone to heaven, it's so hard to tell what people will like. If you will want to go into downtown a lot it is not a great location. If you are going to go on day tours to the countryside then any location is fine. BTW I highly recommend you spend most of your time in Ubud NOT in downtown anyway, but in larger Ubud district and beyond.

Example, I recently "won" a stay at the Komaneka Bisma hotel, and it was heaven! Even though I live in Ubud, about 2 kilometers from the hotel, I was amazed at the location, serenity, etc and just loved it! Everyone I know who has stayed there says the same thing. And yet I see reviews of it that complain the main building is too blocky and made of cement and puts people off.

Hope this is helpful and not too confusing!

marmot

I don't know Taman Rahasia. My reaction was the same as Kuluk's: No way is this location walkable to Ubud in 20 minutes, but then, it really doesn't matter. You can always get a ride to Ubud. You won't go into town all that often any way.

Walking along the road in Bali is not the most pleasant experience. If there are sidewalks (there usually are not) they are dysfunctional. Avoiding traffic on narrow roads, especially motor cycles, is stressful. There are potholes and flood pools and barking dogs. If you want to walk, there are plenty of forests, mountains, villages and rice paddies to explore. But the Ubud road is better by car.

Other Ubud villa/resorts to consider: Kayumanis, Samaya, the Koman group. Don't know if it would be in your price range, but the suites at the Alila are wonderful too.

rhkkmk

alam shanti is my fav... it is a 10 minute walk thru the monkey forrest, or they offer free transportation.. book early.. small place and plenty of privacy... pools.. no meals except breakfast, but with free transport that is no problem.. gangga and yumma are the most expensive rooms but by far the best and share a large private swimming pool and overlook a working rice paddy

susncrg

Don't know this hotel, but as Kuluk said, Komeneka Bisma is nice. I think the hotel wing is blocky, but our room was lovely, the pool area was very nice with an incredibly long pool, and easy walking to downtown, especially if you cut through the grounds of Kajane. I have stayed at Kajane several times and really like that as well.

loislanedc

So the Alila looks wonderful but its website says it is undergoing renovations until July 31. Any idea how annoying that is going to be?

StanKase

I do not know your budget or their availability, Dec.-Jan. for sure is out, but The Chedi Club, booking direct, you get 3 nights and only pay for 2 nights. The rate is $~330 USD plus tax x 2 nights. It is heaven on earth. I have stayed at the Four Seasons-Sayan, Alam Shanti and others. This is by far the best.If you stay for 4 nights you would get 6 nights and it comes with a first rate breakfast looking out at magnificant rice fields. We eat dinner there 2 nights it was that good and the tab s were only $50-$65 US without wine but wines are very high all over Bali.

marmot

lois, re the renovations at the Alila: I couldn't find the notification. I'd call or email the manager and as for details. All resorts in Bali renovate all the time. It's just a fact of life in a tropical climate, so it's hard to say how distracting it will be.

The Alila has spacious grounds so in theory it would be easy to get away from the construction but would be problematic if the work is being done on the restaurant or pool area.

If you like the ambience of the Alila you'd probably like Kayumanis or Samaya.