Flower Bud Bungalows Balangan

The Flower Bud Bungalows Balangan is a rustic, laid-back property with an eco-lodge feel. The buildings and most of the furniture are built from raw, natural materials found on the island, including bamboo and wicker. Even the swimming pool is made with beautiful Balinese stone. The hotel sits in a lush tropical garden, with palm trees surrounding the pools and pretty stone pathways crisscrossing green lawns. It has been designed to resemble a Balinese village, and there are birds, wildlife, and even chickens wandering the property, while gardeners tend to the trees and flowers. There's also a bit of a surfer vibe permeating the place, and this is an affordable option for a surfing vacation -- there are at least 10 major surf breaks within a 20-minute drive. Overall, the property is fairly rustic, with few luxuries and some quirks that occasionally come with a small, family-run place. Service in the restaurant can be slow, and some past guests have reported that it's not uncommon for the chef to run out of certain menu items (or booze). Those who want to feel part of the landscape and don't mind an outdoor shower might be happy here, and it can be a fun environment for kids. 

The Flower Bud Bungalows Balangan is located about a five-minute downhill walk to Balangan Beach, a good surf spot, though it may be too rough for young swimmers. There are at least 10 world-class surf breaks within a 20-minute drive of the hotel. Dreamland Beach is 10 minutes away by car. Besides the beach, there is not much to do or see in the immediate vicinity of the hotel, but within a 10-minute drive, guests can find a supermarket, ATM, and post office. Shoppers may want to take the 40-minute drive to Legian for more upscale shops and restaurants. Sightseers will enjoy the Uluwatu Temple and the Jimbaran Traditional Market, both within 20 minutes by car. Ngurah Rai Airport is about a 25-minute drive from the hotel.

The hotel offers simple, rustic bungalows that are mostly open to the elements. The buildings are made of wood and bamboo, with peaked thatched roofs; most have two levels, and all have small front porches for enjoying the jungle atmosphere. They are sparsely furnished and fairly basic; large beds have mosquito nets and there are benches and tables. Rooms are not air-conditioned, but there are fans. Rustic open-air bathrooms might not suit all tastes, but some might find the outdoor showers delightful; many have outdoor (Western) toilets as well. Flower Bud One bungalows are the older buildings and are closer to the pool and restaurant, while newer Flower Bud Two bungalows are quieter and farther from the common areas. Amenities include safes and free bottled water, but no mini-fridges or televisions. 

The Flower Bud Bungalows Balangan features two outdoor swimming pools with sundecks. Both pools are surrounded by lounge chairs and beach umbrellas, and there's a poolside restaurant that's open for breakfast (included in rates), lunch, and dinner. The menu features Balinese, Indonesian, and international fare, plus there's a special kids' menu. The bar serves beer, wine, cocktails, and fresh fruit juices. There is a small play area with a toddler-size slide for kids. The Calma Spa offers treatments in an open air Balinese "relaxation pagoda." Services include Balinese bodywork, facials, scrubs, and poolside mani/pedis. Barbecue grills and laundry facilities are available, and the hotel runs a shuttle to the airport for a surcharge. The property is smoke-free.