Saren Indah Hotel

The owner of the mid-range Saren Indah Hotel, Wayan, was inspired to open the resort while walking through the very rice paddy fields the hotel is built on; the same ones on which his father used to harvest the rice. Opening in 1996 with just four rooms, this property is a small family business that has grown over the years to a complex of 15 rooms. Being one of the earlier established resorts in the area, it has an authentic Old Bali vibe throughout, dotted with traditional carved wood furnishings, grass thatched-roof huts, and moss-covered statues. As with many similar older properties, parts of the complex feel a little weather-worn and rundown from the relentlessly humid tropical climate, though splashes of colorful floral garlands, lush exotic gardens, and the appearance of the occasional monkey from the next door sanctuary make this place a little special. 

The hotel is situated in the far northern corner of Nyuh Kuning village -- a thriving artisan community of locals and ex-pats nestled between rice fields and tropical rain forest. The location is perfect for visiting the Monkey Forest Sanctuary just two minutes' walk away, while the bustling center of Ubud with its shops, markets, galleries, and restaurants is just over five minutes away on foot. Bali's capital, Denpasar, is about 40 minutes away by car while its Ngurah Rai International Airport is just over 20 miles away, or around an hour's drive. 

The hotel has 15 air-conditioned rooms, all of which are decorated in the typical Balinese style with dark wood furnishings, polished tile floors, and traditional touches. Standard amenities include minibars, tea/coffee facilities, and flat-screen TVs with some satellite channels, and while free Wi-Fi is available, it is patchy in some rooms. Upper floor rooms have lovely views over the surrounding rice fields and benefit from cooling breezes. Due to the age of the property, some rooms feel a little old and musty, especially in the bathrooms, while a nightly chorus of frogs and insects might disturb lighter sleepers. Balconies provide peaceful outdoor spaces for taking in the views. 

The hotel provides a quality breakfast each morning (included in the rate) at the Saren Indah Restaurant which also has a menu throughout the day of local and international food including vegetarian and vegan dishes. While not the most impressive pool terrace, it's good enough for cooling off and lounging on cushioned sun beds beneath tall palm trees. A spa area overlooks a small patch of rice field and offers alfresco massage treatments, while a modern-looking bar provides daily cocktails with traditional Balinese dancing every week. Wi-Fi is free throughout, but the signal can be inconsistent.