Hotel Puri Taman Sari

The location could hardly be better for those who want to experience the real Bali away from the h.ll of south Bali. One hours drive north of the airport, situated between rice fields and the unspoiled village of Umabian, near Mengwi, Puri Taman Sari provides an experience of traditional rural Bali that is increasingly hard to find. The fact that a car is essential and that it is not for party-goers is therefore a bonus. The outlook from the rooms and the hotel is spectacular. Paths lead from the hotel through the rice fields past forest temples and shrines, untouched villages,and, if you are lucky as we were , we may come upon local festivals without a tourist in sight. Just off the roads to Bedugul and Jatiluwih, Puri Taman Sari is also a great base for exploring the areas to the north.

Rating 5 suns

We took breakfast and dinner at the hotel. Service was always charming, and the standard of English spoken was exceptionally high.

Pictures/Videos to hotel review (Click picture to enlarge!)

All of the architecture was traditional Balinese. The one, open-sided restaurant overlooks the dance performance area with traditional split gate as the backdrop. The only slight negative was that they were doing some minor building works on the terrace overlooking the performance area - however it was low season.
Breakfast was standard fare. The lunch and dinner menu included a range of Balinese, Oriental and international fare and was of a good standard though, by some local standards, not particularly cheap.
4 suns

A dance performance was held on our second night. It is probable this would be a frequent occurrence in the high season.
The pool is situated below the Rice Terrace Suites, yet situated at a discrete distance with direct access from the rooms, surrounded by palms, banana trees and flowering shrubs. Beautiful.
Other activities include massage, yoga, culinary classes and more, however we did not explore these.

The Rice Terrace suite totally exceeded expectations. A self-contained thatched cottage in its own grounds with large terrace with lounge, separate 4-poster double recliner with screens, its own shrines and terraced garden leading to the pool, it is situated Balinese style behind a wall with traditional entrance with guardian spirits outside and Ganesh shrine to greet you as you enter.
A large bathroom is situated off the room, and beyond a large open air shower room with a stone goddess supporting the shower head. A/c, tea/coffee-making and TV are also provided.

Car essential. Ensure the car has a very good map of Bali, to get in and out of the Kuta/Sanur area. The location shown on some hotel booking web sites is not accurate. It is necessary to take the road north from Mengwi (which has a one-way system around the centre of town) towards Bedugul and Singaradja, at least one of which is signposted, then turn left just after the petrol station 2-3 kilometres north of Mengwi. The road to Umabian and Puri Taman Sari is off this road to the left, 50-100m before reaching a small but obvious bridge, The narrow sealed road leads to Umabian, where you will find the hotel sign on the right hand side.

We were there in June (low season). Consequently the room rate was extraordinary value. July and August are high season. The wet season runs from November to March; in 2010 extending into June. Late June is a great time for a visit..