lisa

DH and I are in very initial planning stages of a first-time trip to Bali for 2-3 weeks in the latter half of 2009. We are active, well-traveled 40-somethings who enjoy nature, culture, wildlife, hiking, snorkeling, locally-made art, photography, etc. -- we have zero interest in crowds or partying, and while we enjoy good food and wine we do not need fancy restaurants. We like to stay in unique, smaller accommodations where you can enjoy the quiet sounds of nature (surf, frogs) and not hear traffic or other people as much. We have hectic jobs and really would like some peace and quiet and a change of scenery. We know we want to stay in Ubud for probably about a week and very much like the looks of Tegal Sari and Alam Shanti and some other places in or near Ubud. But I think we would like to spend at least another week outside of Ubud and I can't figure out where. I know we do not want to stay in Kuta, Seminyak, or some of the other, larger tourist areas. A small thatched-roof bungalow or Balinese-style villa on the beach or cliffside with a water view would be ideal. But we do not want to spend a fortune and do not want to be in a large resort with lots of other people. Under $150 US per night would be nice but we are somewhat flexible on that. Suggestions for specific accommodations would be helpful as the town itself is not that important to us -- we would like a lovely view more than having lots of restaurants nearby. I am open to pretty much anywhere in east, north, or western Bali -- or even one of the little islands offshore (or possibly even Lombok).

Thanks in advance for any ideas people may have.

Kathie

Let me respond about Lombok. We stayed at Qunci Villas on Lombok, a small place with about 20 rooms right on the beach. It's lovely and quiet and the staff is wonderful. The restaurant serves excellent food, and you can opt to just settle in and never leave the place or you can go out and explore Lombok. Prices are about US$70 a night. (oops- ocean view rooms are now up to US$95 a night) We recommended this place to Bob and Karen (rhkkmk) who stayed there earlier this year and loved it.

Take a look at our photos at www.marlandc.com. There are two sets of Lombok photos, one set from a day trip there in 1999 and the other form a longer stay (including some photos of Qunci Villas) that's labeled Kuala Lumpur, Lombok and SIngapore, 2004.

Take a look at their web site www.quncivillas.com They now have some separate villas, some with private pools that are priced accordingly.

november_moon

My husband and I split our time in Bali between Ubud and Amed. We were looking for a similar experience as you and your husband, and Amed really fit what we were looking for. We spent 3 nights there and it was very relaxing.

Amed is a small area - consisting of several villages along the north east coast of the island. It is a quiet area - one 2 lane road, so not much traffic, pretty beaches, nice view of Mt. Agung. There is snorkling too - we don't snorkle, but there were quite a few people snorkling off the beach. There were tourist around, but definitely no crowds - real laid back atmosphere.

We stayed at the Amed Cafe, which has a couple bungalows near the beach. It is a budget type place - perfectly fine, but not particularly luxe. Could have used some updating, but we had an ocean-front bungalow with the ocean waves to lull us to sleep for 50 euros per night.

Down the road a couple miles is the Dancing Dragon Cottages, which is a really nice place. We had lunch there overlooking the ocean, and the food was quite good. They also have a small pool with a nice view. A friend of ours stayed there last year and liked it a lot.

Robbietravels

Oops, my computer skills are showing again!
For part of our trip to Bali next June, I've booked us on the east coast for 3 nights. I think this will give us time to explore the temples, villages and countryside as well as do nothing.
We're booked at Titra Ayu. Bargain like a seasoned camel trader using the tact of an Asian diplomat and you can get rates within your budget (no offensive intended by these characterizations). I recall there was another retreat type hotel on the east coast that sounded appealing and created a spiritual atmosphere. Someone here must know the name.

Gpanda

What would an unseasoned camel trader tatse like? Always use plenty of spices.

lisa

Robbietravels -- Does Titra Ayu have a website? A google search turned up nothing by that name.

Kathie -- Qunci Villas looks lovely and is definitely a possibility.

November Moon -- Dancing Dragon cottages & Amed look great too.

Thanks for the suggestions so far! Any others?

janaturner

We were in Bali in May and spent four nights of our vacation here: http://www.gajahminaresort.com/

It's definately remote but a stunningly beautiful area. There are only 8 or 9 "villas" so it's very peaceful and the grounds are gorgeous. It's definately in your price range. The villa interiors aren't as stunning as their surroundings but they're very comfortable - no complaints for the price. The on site restaurant is ok - some dishes better than others - and it might get too monotonous if you stayed a full week but the surfer beaches are less than a 5 minute walk away with a few casual restuarants that we went to for lunches - cheaper and a great view.

Here's a link to our photos if you're interested (the Gajah Mina ones start mid-way on this page): http://janaturner.smugmug.com/galler...0_Hzgft#P-9-15

Jana

marmot

Here's Tirta Ayu
http://www.hoteltirtagangga.com/

I'd also suggest you take a look at Alam Sari
http://www.alamsari.com/

Alam Sari is accessible to the arts and culture of the heart of Bali and still far enough away to offer a middle of nowhere feeling. The management is dedicated to sharing an authentic Balinese experience and provides a lot of learning opportunities. The food is good.

crellston

I would agree with Marmot,the Alam Sariwould seem to meet your requirements. We have a similar profile to yourselves and stayed there few years ago and had a great time it is very quiet and our room had aterrace looking out over the rice terraces. There are a few villages nearby and the locals are very friendly.
A highlight for us was the walk from the hotel through the countryside into Ubud through some beautiful scenery along the gorge and rice paddies (about 8 miles). Through the hotel we also did abike ride from the volcano (well worth seeing btw) back downhill to teh hotel.

We also stayed at the Taman Selini Permuteran opposite Menanken Island in the north. Very nice bungalows set in lovely gardens right by teh beach. There was a dive shop at teh hotel and the diving was very good there.

Becalm

Novus Gawana on the northwest coast comes to mind. On my list for many of the same reasons. On the water however no beach.