Sanur or Jimbaran? Pansea Puri Bali or Tandjung Sari
Oct 23rd, 2006, 06:39 PM
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Sanur or Jimbaran? Pansea Puri Bali or Tandjung Sari
Starting to plan hotels for our first trip to Bali in July. For the beach part of the trip (3-4 nights before going to Ubud and Damai Lovina) we're considering the Pansea Puri Bali in Jimbaran or the Tandjung Sari in Sanur.
We like a low-rise villa-type resort right on a white sand beach. We are not interested in nightlife, but don't want to be completely isolated either. Both of these resorts looked like good options for 3-4 nights at the beach at the start of our trip.
The Pansea Puri Bali looks more upscale, with a nicer pool area but it is more expensive & doesn't have a spa. Tandjung Sari does have a spa, and has had some recent good reviews on Trip Advisor, but the beds in the photos look like mattresses on a wood frame and not terribly comfortable.
Have any fodorites stayed at either of these resorts?
We like a low-rise villa-type resort right on a white sand beach. We are not interested in nightlife, but don't want to be completely isolated either. Both of these resorts looked like good options for 3-4 nights at the beach at the start of our trip.
The Pansea Puri Bali looks more upscale, with a nicer pool area but it is more expensive & doesn't have a spa. Tandjung Sari does have a spa, and has had some recent good reviews on Trip Advisor, but the beds in the photos look like mattresses on a wood frame and not terribly comfortable.
Have any fodorites stayed at either of these resorts?
Oct 23rd, 2006, 07:10 PM
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caroleeeee--take a look at the conrad....low rise, but not bungalows....the pool situation has two small beaches at either end....the sand is very fine, but i think the surf may be rough...
bali hyatt, while older, is low rise and on a fabulous beach in sanur....we really loved sanur...being able to go out into the town and to restaurants...the rooms, regular rooms, are old but comfortable...
bali hyatt, while older, is low rise and on a fabulous beach in sanur....we really loved sanur...being able to go out into the town and to restaurants...the rooms, regular rooms, are old but comfortable...
Oct 23rd, 2006, 07:25 PM
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I really like Sanur. The Bali Hyatt is where I've stayed several times (in the Regency Club). The grounds of the hotel are really gorgeous and have received international awards. It isn't as boutique a property as you are looking for, but the beds are comfortable!
Between Sanur and Jimbaron, I'd choose Sanur. Sorry, I can't help with the hotels you asked about.
Between Sanur and Jimbaron, I'd choose Sanur. Sorry, I can't help with the hotels you asked about.
Oct 24th, 2006, 12:36 AM
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I would stay in Jimbaran. I stayed once in Sanur at the Puri Santrian and didn't like it much, prefer the Jimbaran area. I think the only thing I liked in Sanur was the Mezzanine restaurant, a lovely restaurant with great food.
Oct 24th, 2006, 02:59 AM
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Jimbaren has a lovely view...have you looked at the Ritz Carlton there?
Sanur I found OK, but, I wasn't crazy about it. The beach was OK, but shallow, so it's mostly a wading beach unless it's high tide. The town area/shops/restaurants was fine...a long strip along the street and beach...not unlike any other beach/tourist town.
This trip is an anniversary trip IIRC, so it should be special. Have you thought about Seminyak? The Legian would be special I think, and more in line with your other choices. There are also fabulous restaurants nearby and nice shops. I'd choose Seminyak over the both Jimbaren and Sanur.
The Damai, I'm a bit concerned about, as when we were in Bali almost 2 years ago now, they were suffering from lack of guests and I had heard from another Lovina hotel owner that although the food was excellent there, the villas were in need of a bit of attention...and the owners were friends not foe. I know too since last October's bombing tourist numbers have been way down, and the Damai was already quite off the beaten path. This could all be nothing to worry about as more than a year has passed, maybe they've spruced up...
Also, and not related to the condition of the rooms at the Damai, do understand the Damai is quite a distance to the beach (I wouldn't walk) and Lovina's beach is not special in any way at all save from the vast number of colorfully painted boats lined up there. There is always a bit of garbage on the beach there, and near the dolphin statue is a stream that runs into the water that smells suspiciously of sewage...it was there our first visit in 1996 and was the same in 2005.
Have you seen these places?
http://www.sandavillas.com/
http://www.alilahotels.com/manggis/
Sanur I found OK, but, I wasn't crazy about it. The beach was OK, but shallow, so it's mostly a wading beach unless it's high tide. The town area/shops/restaurants was fine...a long strip along the street and beach...not unlike any other beach/tourist town.
This trip is an anniversary trip IIRC, so it should be special. Have you thought about Seminyak? The Legian would be special I think, and more in line with your other choices. There are also fabulous restaurants nearby and nice shops. I'd choose Seminyak over the both Jimbaren and Sanur.
The Damai, I'm a bit concerned about, as when we were in Bali almost 2 years ago now, they were suffering from lack of guests and I had heard from another Lovina hotel owner that although the food was excellent there, the villas were in need of a bit of attention...and the owners were friends not foe. I know too since last October's bombing tourist numbers have been way down, and the Damai was already quite off the beaten path. This could all be nothing to worry about as more than a year has passed, maybe they've spruced up...
Also, and not related to the condition of the rooms at the Damai, do understand the Damai is quite a distance to the beach (I wouldn't walk) and Lovina's beach is not special in any way at all save from the vast number of colorfully painted boats lined up there. There is always a bit of garbage on the beach there, and near the dolphin statue is a stream that runs into the water that smells suspiciously of sewage...it was there our first visit in 1996 and was the same in 2005.
Have you seen these places?
http://www.sandavillas.com/
http://www.alilahotels.com/manggis/
Oct 24th, 2006, 04:00 AM
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Bob & Kathie, I had looked at the Hyatt in Sanur, but Bob & Trip Advisor say the rooms are dingy & tired even though the grounds are lovely. Conrad looked beautiful but I had read that the beach is windy with rough surf -- not what we are looking for. We really are looking for a boutiquey type place on a white sand beach with good beach swimming.
Thanks for your suggestions Kim. Great memory -- this is a 25th anniversary trip. Ritz Carlton is too much like a hotel anywhere. We really are more interested in a low-rise villa-type resort at the beach, which is why we thought of the Pan sea Puri Bali & and Tadnjung Sari. Legian may be a bit too modern for our tastes. Do we sound too picky? Anyway, we'll now add Seminyak to our list of areas to consider.
I was conerned about your comments about Damai Lovina. It looks so beautiful & the trip advisor reviews have been great. We're not looking for a beach for that part of the trip -- and frankly were interested in going there at the end of our trip just for the experience of the Damai and the off-the-beaten track atmosphere. I think Craig was there two or three years ago & liked it. Any fodorites been there recently?
Thanks for your suggestions Kim. Great memory -- this is a 25th anniversary trip. Ritz Carlton is too much like a hotel anywhere. We really are more interested in a low-rise villa-type resort at the beach, which is why we thought of the Pan sea Puri Bali & and Tadnjung Sari. Legian may be a bit too modern for our tastes. Do we sound too picky? Anyway, we'll now add Seminyak to our list of areas to consider.
I was conerned about your comments about Damai Lovina. It looks so beautiful & the trip advisor reviews have been great. We're not looking for a beach for that part of the trip -- and frankly were interested in going there at the end of our trip just for the experience of the Damai and the off-the-beaten track atmosphere. I think Craig was there two or three years ago & liked it. Any fodorites been there recently?
Oct 24th, 2006, 05:15 AM
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Carole, we were in Bali in July of 2002. It was after the first Bali bombing (the previous October). While the two other places we stayed were operating at 20-30% occupancy, the Damai was 100% occupied and booked solid for both July and August of that year. The villas were in pristine condition - it would be hard to imagine a decline like Kim descibes over a period of just one year. Just out of curiosity, I looked at Tripadvisor - 20 out of the 21 reviewers (all in the last 2 years) gave it the highest rating, a rarity on Tripadvisor. Damai caters mostly to Europeans - I think it is Danish-owned. Having been there, I would not stay at Damai "just for the experience". It is however, a convenient base for snorkeling at Menjangan island and for Dolphin-watching. The drives from Ubud to and from Damai are quite interesting and worthwhile.
Oct 24th, 2006, 03:35 PM
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Like I said, the Damai may be fine. I'm just telling what I had heard about the place from another hotel in the area while we were talking about tourist numbers and business in the area, good restaurants etc. That was almost 2 years ago (January 2005), more than 2 years after Craig was there. If it were in a gorgeous location with lots to do it would be ok even if it hadn't been kept up to standard, as it is a nice property to begin with....but the area of Lovina isn't what you are imagining Bali to be, I don't think. Lovina itself is just really not all that nice in my opinion...lots of mediocre restaurants (even the locals I talked to agreed with this) with a coupld of good ones, Damai being one of them. Rather disappointing beach...you won't want to hang out there.
I just don't think I'd go to the Damai for the sake of going there as there are so many other absolutely stunning hotels that can offer a fabulous experience. We stayed 10 days in Ubud and it wasn't enough, and we'd also been before. You might want to just stay in 2 places so you can settle in and relax and enjoy. Plenty to do in Ubud and within a few hours drive. Plenty. You can also easily go up to Lovina via Bedugal and the mountain roads and enjoy lovely scenery and stops along the way and go back to Ubud area in one day. No problem.
I just don't think I'd go to the Damai for the sake of going there as there are so many other absolutely stunning hotels that can offer a fabulous experience. We stayed 10 days in Ubud and it wasn't enough, and we'd also been before. You might want to just stay in 2 places so you can settle in and relax and enjoy. Plenty to do in Ubud and within a few hours drive. Plenty. You can also easily go up to Lovina via Bedugal and the mountain roads and enjoy lovely scenery and stops along the way and go back to Ubud area in one day. No problem.
Oct 24th, 2006, 04:28 PM
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I think Kim and I generally agree - don't go to northern Bali just for Damai - its not worth it. If you do want to explore the area, its worth an overnight or two. I don't particularly like the idea of trying to do a day trip from Ubud - it would be a very long day - not our style.
Oct 24th, 2006, 05:26 PM
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With all the raves on Trip Advisor I thought Damai would be a highlight -- a lovely intimate resort in an unspoiled area with beautiful villas, lovely sea view and pool, and delicious food. So are we better off skipping it and spending more time at the beach in Southern Bali (still haven't decided where yet) or in Ubud, or should we add days to Singapore which is where we will be taking our flight back to NY?
Oct 24th, 2006, 06:24 PM
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I actually read the reviews there, but take them with a grain of salt. They aren't from people we know, we don't know what they like, where they have been other than the place they are reviewing or their style of travel. I also suspect that there are some malicious reveiws on their by competitors or someone with a grudge, as well as some reviews that are overly enthusiastic. Same holds true for the reviews on sawadee.com. I feel much better getting recommendations from people I know.
Oct 24th, 2006, 06:33 PM
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Bob, I agree some of the reviews of hotels on Trip Advisor are nit-picky, so when I find all raves with no nits, as with Damai Lovina, I think it must be good.
Kim, we are flying to Bali through Singapore & have about two and a half weeks total. At this point our schedule is totally flexible though we also want to spend two nights in Yogyakarta to see Borobudur.
Still looking for opinions on Pansea Puri Bali in Jimbaran as well as Tandjung Sari. Alila Manggis looks good, too. Is it on a good beach? Also, still trying to decide between Maya Ubud or Pita Maha in Ubud.
Kim, we are flying to Bali through Singapore & have about two and a half weeks total. At this point our schedule is totally flexible though we also want to spend two nights in Yogyakarta to see Borobudur.
Still looking for opinions on Pansea Puri Bali in Jimbaran as well as Tandjung Sari. Alila Manggis looks good, too. Is it on a good beach? Also, still trying to decide between Maya Ubud or Pita Maha in Ubud.
Oct 24th, 2006, 06:41 PM
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Since you have two and a half weeks, I wonder if you would consider a few days on Lombok. The beaches there were very nice - nicer than Bali. We stayed at a lovely little place there - Qunci Villas - 20 rooms, beautifully designed and on a nice stretch of beach. It was also very inexpensive. It was a couple of years ago, but we paid US$70 a night for an oceanview room, and the price included breakfasts and transfers from the airport.
Oct 24th, 2006, 06:42 PM
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So about 17 days...that's what we usually work with. I'd do 2 nights in SIN on the way in, and 2 nights on the way out. Then I'd do 2 nights for Borobodur. That would leave 11 nights. I'd do 5 in Jimbaren or Seminyak, and 6 in Ubud. I haven't seen the Pansea in Jimbaren nor do I know anyone who has, so sorry I can't comment.
I don't think you could go wrong with the Maya or the RPM. They are different in style, and the Maya offers more in terms of already set up experience type of thing. The Pita Maha seems lovely for a getaway, but may be boring after 6 nights, whereas I don't think you'd be bored with the activities at the Maya. Day trips from Ubud are easy...we did a few on each of our stays in Bali.
I don't think you could go wrong with the Maya or the RPM. They are different in style, and the Maya offers more in terms of already set up experience type of thing. The Pita Maha seems lovely for a getaway, but may be boring after 6 nights, whereas I don't think you'd be bored with the activities at the Maya. Day trips from Ubud are easy...we did a few on each of our stays in Bali.
Oct 24th, 2006, 06:46 PM
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The beach at the Alila Manggis is not great, but east Bali is supposed to be great...scenic and rich with culture. The beach up farther in Amed is supposed to be lovely with snorkeling right off shore, but the Amed area lacks the class of hotel you are looking at, though it does have some lovely, lovely small places that I think would be great and we have a long list of places to investigate next trip.
Oct 25th, 2006, 06:58 AM
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Been to Pansea Puri Bali in Jimbaran for a couple of days. Loved it. Genuine Balinese style and quiet, yet not too expensive. There are of course many luxurious hotels throughout Bali and I'm not very familiar with other areas, but we were generally happy with Pansea and Jimbaran.
Oct 25th, 2006, 08:12 AM
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Carole,
I would definitely spend the extra time in Ubud. We split our stay in Ubud and stayed for a few days, actually in the town and a few days in total luxury about twenty minutes drive away with a shuttle service in to Ubud. You could do the same. The Komaneka is a small boutique hotel just off Monkey Forest Road, one of the main roads (check that you have the right Komaneka as they have two). Set back from the road behind an art gallery, it is an oasis. The service was exquisite, plus they serve Balinese afternoon tea. Delightful. They will even lend you a temple sash for visiting temples. You can hire a driver for the day right outside the main entrance.
If you are within walking distance of the centre then you will have so much more to see and do.Plus if you get too exhausted you can return to your room. There is the Royal palace, a cookery school, the market, lots and lots of shops, the dance theatre and the Lotus Garden restaurant where you can have a meal and watch an evening performance (book in advance). Plus the Komaneka used to do trips to their art gallery and another to see the white herons. I don’t know if they still do.
After your stay in the centre you could then totally relax at one of the stunning hotels a short drive away.
At the risk of sounding boring I wrote a review on our stay. http://www.epinions.com/content_166057447044
We also stayed in Jimbaran and loved it. Your Pansea Puri Bali looks wonderful and it is right on the beach, so I would not change that. There is also the Four Seasons but that is high up on the slope of a hill—great for lunch. At night the beach is covered in small tables serving inexpensive meals. Candles flicker all around Jimbaran Bay. It is so beautiful.
While you are in Jimbaran don’t forget to go to Uluwatu to see the famous kecak dance.Watch the monkeys don’t snatch you sunglasses. On the way there is a fairly new museum full of statues in the open air. There is a giant bronze Garuda and stunning views over Bali.
I envy you. I would love to return.I have already been twice.
Gill.
I would definitely spend the extra time in Ubud. We split our stay in Ubud and stayed for a few days, actually in the town and a few days in total luxury about twenty minutes drive away with a shuttle service in to Ubud. You could do the same. The Komaneka is a small boutique hotel just off Monkey Forest Road, one of the main roads (check that you have the right Komaneka as they have two). Set back from the road behind an art gallery, it is an oasis. The service was exquisite, plus they serve Balinese afternoon tea. Delightful. They will even lend you a temple sash for visiting temples. You can hire a driver for the day right outside the main entrance.
If you are within walking distance of the centre then you will have so much more to see and do.Plus if you get too exhausted you can return to your room. There is the Royal palace, a cookery school, the market, lots and lots of shops, the dance theatre and the Lotus Garden restaurant where you can have a meal and watch an evening performance (book in advance). Plus the Komaneka used to do trips to their art gallery and another to see the white herons. I don’t know if they still do.
After your stay in the centre you could then totally relax at one of the stunning hotels a short drive away.
At the risk of sounding boring I wrote a review on our stay. http://www.epinions.com/content_166057447044
We also stayed in Jimbaran and loved it. Your Pansea Puri Bali looks wonderful and it is right on the beach, so I would not change that. There is also the Four Seasons but that is high up on the slope of a hill—great for lunch. At night the beach is covered in small tables serving inexpensive meals. Candles flicker all around Jimbaran Bay. It is so beautiful.
While you are in Jimbaran don’t forget to go to Uluwatu to see the famous kecak dance.Watch the monkeys don’t snatch you sunglasses. On the way there is a fairly new museum full of statues in the open air. There is a giant bronze Garuda and stunning views over Bali.
I envy you. I would love to return.I have already been twice.
Gill.
Oct 25th, 2006, 05:01 PM
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Ah, Gill, I remember your wonderful and evocative description of Luang Prabang, which we loved -- and Maison Souvannphoum. Great recommendations. Thanks so much for your review & tips for Bali -- after I do some more research I will surely come back with more questions. We had thought of Komaneka, but were some posters were somewhat negative because it was right in the center of town. Not sure we want to pack & switch hotels in Ubud, but maybe we should consider doing it for the different experiences of being in town & then out of town at a villa resort. So many wonderful options it's hard to choose.
