While we were in Ubud, we stayed in a traditional Balinese homestay, which had been turned into a hotel. They are very common in Ubud, and the one we were staying in was wonderful, the woman who owned it was the sweetest lady, and even though we were out the door by 5 a.m. every single day we stayed there, she always left a little breakfast package on the front desk for us to grab on our way out.
I especially loved the gardens. The whole home is situated around the gardens in the center, complete with fountains, statues and beautiful flowers, as well as a temple for the family to pray at.
As pretty as it was, there were a few downfalls, so I wanted to share them in case any one else is going to be staying in one of these, so you can prepare accordingly before you arrive.
If you are staying in a homestay in the middle of the city, bring ear plugs. There is a lot of noise, and it can be hard to sleep. The first night we stayed there, I was kept awake about half the night by dogs barking in the neighborhood.
Just when they finally stopped, the fan in our room started squeaking, this loud, horrible squawking noise, but we couldn’t turn it off because it was so hot in our room and there was no air conditioning.
Finally, just when the fan stopped squeaking, almost down to the minute, the roosters started crowing. It was so perfectly timed that I briefly wondered if I was being secretly filmed for a reality TV show. Earplugs are definitely your friend.
Also, an eye mask. The room we were staying in was all brick, but on the one side of the room there were decorative cut outs along the top of the wall that were open to the outside to let in more light.
There was a mosquito net around the bed to keep the bugs out, and it was really pretty, for awhile, but eventually I wanted to go to sleep and it was too bright in the room. Luckily, my airplane eye mask saved the day.
The last thing I wanted to mention is that our bathroom was outside, on a balcony. It was completely open to the air, which was unexpected, but it was actually really nice showering outside with the sky above you. It was in the city, so it’s possible I put on a bit of a show for people in surrounding buildings, but you can’t have everything in life.
I don’t think all of the homestay bathrooms are set up this way, even within our hotel I don’t think they were, so if you want to make sure that your bathroom is indoors, just check with the hotel before you book.
All in all, it was a really great experience, and I would absolutely stay there again.
loveliness. 