In April 2025, I travelled from Yogyakarta to Bali for a week-long inspection trip. My goal was simple: to personally visit, check, and experience the hotels, routes, and activities we recommend to our travellers—so every guest receives the comfort, quality, and authenticity they expect from their Bali journey.
From Yogyakarta to Bali: A Warm Welcome
I took a morning flight from Yogyakarta to Bali, where I was warmly welcomed by Pak Komang Mansur, who accompanied me on my first day. From the airport, our first stop was the legendary Mak Beng Restaurant in Sanur—famous for its fish soup and crispy fried fish. I made sure to fill my stomach before the long four-hour drive to Munduk.
Journey to Munduk: Rice Terraces and Misty Lakes
On the way to Munduk, we stopped at the stunning Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, a UNESCO-listed site known for its lush green landscape. As we continued the drive, the scenery shifted into the cool highlands, passing Lake Beratan, covered by a soft afternoon mist—an unforgettable sight.
Upon reaching Munduk, I inspected two beautiful accommodations:
-Munduk Heaven Luxury Villas
-Sanak Retreat
Both offer peaceful stays nestled in nature, and I ensured the rooms meet the comfort level our clients expect.
Ubud Exploration: My Solo Days
The next morning, I continued to Ubud, where I stayed in a small homestay just a 5-minute walk from the main street and Ubud Art Market. After thanking and saying farewell to Pak Komang, I prepared to explore Ubud on my own for the next few days.
To keep things flexible—and to avoid Ubud’s traffic—I used Gojek for my inspections. This allowed me to visit many hotels efficiently, including:
-Dwaraka Ubud
-The Ubud Village Resort
-Junjungan Ubud
-Ketut’s Place Villas
-Adiwana Suweta
-Tebesaya Ubud
-Jati Cottage
-Ubud Village Hotel
-Pramana Watu Kurung
-Wapa di Ume Ubud
These visits took place over three days, allowing me to check rooms, facilities, and overall ambiance.
One day, I explored Ubud on foot, strolling along Monkey Forest Road to observe hotels, restaurants, cafés, and local shops. With a Gojek driver, I also visited Mengening Temple and the famous Tegalalang Rice Terrace.
My last night in Ubud was spent at Meruhdani Ubud, a charming boutique hotel with a perfect central location. I enjoyed a relaxing swim in the small pool—my little recharge before the next destination.
South Bali: Seminyak & Kuta Inspections
After one final morning of hotel visits in Ubud, I travelled to Seminyak, which took around three hours due to traffic. I stayed two nights in a homestay conveniently located near the main street, with easy access to Seminyak Village, Seminyak Beach Junction, and several beach clubs.
In Seminyak and Kuta, I inspected several hotels:
-The Seminyak Beach Resort
-The Oberoi Beach Resort
-Hotel Indigo Seminyak
-Kuta Seaview Resort
-Rama Residence Petitenget
Once again, I relied on Gojek for smooth transportation between hotel visits. My day ended beautifully at Kuta Seaview Resort where I watched a stunning Bali sunset.
The following day, I moved to Ize Seminyak, a modern hotel offering great comfort, a pool, a restaurant, and a gym.
Sanur Visit: A Calm Seaside Escape
From Seminyak, I continued to Sanur—a much smoother journey this time. In Sanur, I inspected:
-Sudamala Sanur
-Segara Village Hotel
-Akaya Bali
-Akaya Sanur
Before ending the day, I visited The Icon Mall, located right next to Sanur Beach, and enjoyed a few peaceful moments overlooking the ocean.
Farewell to Bali
On my final day, I checked out and headed to the airport for my midday flight back to Yogyakarta—bringing back with me valuable insights, updated hotel notes, and a refreshed view of Bali’s ever-evolving hospitality scene.