By: Prima Frambawati
Ubud is widely regarded as the cultural capital of Bali. It is also host to international events like the yearly International Ubud Writers and Readers Festival that will be held in Ubud on 3-6 October 2012. The peaceful town, set amidst green rice paddies, is a haven for yoga enthusiasts, artists and nature lovers alike. Ever since Ubud’s appearance as the backdrop to Gilbert’s soul searching journey ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ its star has risen.
Whether you want to enjoy the still tranquil natural surroundings of Ubud, stand in queue for the now famous medicine man Ketut, or visit the fantastic Ubuw Writers and Readers festival, you will need a good bed to lay your weary head. There is no shortage of homestays and guesthouses in Ubud. However, during peak months and during major events, these fill up fast. Here’s a list of affordable and unique guesthouses in Ubud to help you on your way.
The entrance to Sehati Guesthouse in Ubud
Sehati Guesthouse
Address: Monkey Forest Street, Ubud
Phone: +62 361 976341 or 975460
Website: http://www.sehati-guesthouse.com/
Rates: starts from Rp. 275.000 (28 USD) for a standard single room and Rp. 350.000 for a double.
Short review: Sehati guesthouse is located very close to the Monkey Forest. Along Monkey Forest street, you will find restaurants and art shops. Sehati guesthouse is owned by a Balinese family and has clean and comfortable rooms with little porches. They also have a herbal spa and beauty salon on the premises.
Guci Guesthouse Ubud
Guci Guesthouse
Address: Pengosekan, Ubud
Phone: +62 361 975975
Email: guci.guesthouses@gmail.com
Website: www.guci-bali.com
Rates: starts from 27 euro (incl. 10% government tax) for 1 person and 30 euro for 2 persons including breakfast. Free wifi
Short review: Guci Guesthouse offers newly renovated romantic bungalows and villas set in a lush tropical garden, in Pengosekan, a small community a short walking distance from Ubud. The guesthouse is owned by Balinese artist Nyoman en his German wife Ulli. There are three bungalows (all with hot water) as well as two two-storey houses, as well as an art studio.
Jungle pool at Kajeng Bungalows Ubud
Kajeng Bungalows
Address: Jl. Raya Kajeng, Ubud – Bali
Phone: +62-853-3940-4489
Email: picaketut@hotmail.com
Website: www.kajengbungalow.com
Rates: single Rp. 225.000 and double Rp. 350.000 with breakfast
Short review: Kajeng Bungalows is located on jalan Kajeng, just 10 minutes away from Ubud Central. It offers fantastic views of rice paddies. The swimming pool is an added bonus. The owners also offers outdoor activities like rafting the Telaga Waja river and trekking the surrounding villages or the Batur volcano.
Sawah Sunrise B&B
Sawah Sunrise B&B, rice paddies galore...
Address: Jl Subak Sok Wayah
Ubud, Bali, 80571
Phone: (0361) 318 2740 or (+62) 81 337 229 247 (mobile)
Webite: http://www.sawahsunrise.com
Rates: starts from Rp. 300.000- 400.000 including breakfast
Short review: Sawah Sunrise Sawah Sunrise B&B is located on the north west side of Ubud village, smack bang in the middle of the ricefields. Its remote location is only accessible on foot or by motorbike. The website states: ‘No cars out here: just chickens, ducks, frogs and geckos!’ It’s about 10 minutes walking to Ubud’s attractions. Sawah Sunrise has 4 well appointed rooms with stunning views, en-suite bathrooms and private balconies.
Danasari guesthouse in Ubud
Danasari
Address: Jln. Hanoman No. 43, Br. Padangtegal Kelod, Ubud 80571
Phone: +62-361-970539
Email: danasari43@yahoo.co.id
Website: http://www.danasari.com
Rates: starts from Rp. 180.000 for single and Rp. 200.000 for double including breakfast, free Wifi
Short review: Danasari is a small guesthouse located in an alley off Hanoman Road. Its 5 simple but spacious rooms offer wonderful views over rice paddies. All rooms have a balcony, hot water and en-suite bathrooms with bathtub. The location is very strategic close to Ubud’s traditional market.
