Accommodation @ Bali

There’s plenty of accommodation in Bali. For budget visitors like us, we chose Bed & Breakfast because of its cheaper rates and location. It makes sense since we won’t be spending a lot of time in the room. Or so we think.

I did months of online research and honestly it wasn’t that much of help. The reviews conflicted, the rates are not updated and the very limited photos are taken ages ago. AND not all places have direct internet booking. You’d have to go through some online agents who took days to revert back, and some did not even bother to reply.

I was quite sceptical if not baffled with the room arrangement and ended up making room arrangement for our first night in Bali only. Well, I did queried about 20 other B&Bs but like I said, full or no response.

Once in Bali, we were happy to see the many B&Bs available and many were not listed in the internet. The only problem was, mostly were fully booked and if you do not venture into the smaller lanes at Legian, you will miss the many great B&Bs. We almost did.

BAMBOO LEGIAN
This was our first choice after going through the many online websites. We booked the Triple Bed with Ensuite Bathroom for IDR440,000 (RM158.40) a night. The room does look like the picture in their website BUT they failed to inform us that they are in the midst of upgrading work on the restaurant and some of the rooms.

The room were small but cosy and most importantly clean! Even the bathroom was super clean. However, the only amenities they provided was soap, shampoo and toilet papers. *hee. So bring your own towel people!

Bamboo Legian is very quiet as it is about 7 minutes walk from the clubbing area except for the occasional motorcycle passing through the lane next to the building. The staffs are very friendly and helpful too.

Since it is under upgrading, breakfast came in a box! There was no coffee (to the horror of Eskay and my sister) but the pastries were yummy!

LEGIAN EXPRESS
We did enquire about the B&B online but we were informed they were fully booked. Surprisingly, when we walked in to try our luck, there were still rooms available.

The Standard Room was bigger than Bamboo Legian but the whole place was a little run down and cleanliness wasn’t their biggest strength. *makes sick face* The electrical socket looked scary too but we had no choice but to use it as all our cameras and HPs were running low on battery. True enough, I electrocuted myself a bit. It was crazy.

There are plus points about the place though. There’s a pool which no one seems to use and the décor of the place was very Balinese and for a while you’ll forget you’re actually in the middle of a very busy street! The extra bed was so comfortable I slept like a baby after weeks of restless nights!

They serve breakfast too but we were 15 minutes too late.

During checkout, I overheard two guests complaining at the Front Office. The first guest complained that water drips from the ceiling into her ears while she was sleeping and the other complained about the cleanliness of the place. He claims that no one cleans the room throughout their stay. No I didn’t ask how they stayed.

For IDR430,000 (RM154.80), it wasn’t the best place ever. The staffs were okay-larr but they're expressionless makes them annoying.

MANGGALIMA INN
We found this place through the recommendation of our guide. It is located at one of the smaller lanes and definitely not visible from the main road. Heck, they don’t even have a signage or a website. We took the Junior Room with extra bed for IDR440,000 (RM158.40) per night. We decided to stay for the last two nights because we were already tired of B&B hunting.

The room is definitely bigger with a dining table and a fridge which other B&B do not provide. Most importantly, it was super clean and super comfortable.

They also served simple breakfast but it was delicious especially the keropok. Sadly, that's the only thing they serve despite a full menu provided in the rooms and the so-called restaurant. It wasn't a big deal really as the staffs were really friendly and helpful.

OTHER HOTEL
The guide also recommended few other places but it was fully booked. From what I see, his recommendation does match our requirements, so in case any of you are planning to go to Bali, this may come in handy.

Simpang Inn
Restu Bali Hotel