A Hidden Oasis: Tunjung Mas Bungalows, The Perfect Ubud Budget Hotel

A beautiful, peaceful Bali retreat

It’s no wonder that Ubud is a popular destination. Its top-notch restaurants, world-famous yoga studios and healing centers, incredible nearby nature, and colorful local life certainly make this Balinese paradise a touch busy. Yet, though the streets may get crowded at midday, Tunjung Mas Bungalows, tucked away on a private lane, is the ideal respite. The only sounds guests will hear at night are the crickets chirping; at dawn, the distant crow of a rooster mingles with the nearer, more melodic bird songs. Featuring a series of bungalows and small buildings sprawled over an expansive lot, Tunjung Mas Bungalows at once provides privacy and community; guests feel at ease, yet taken care of. The quiet, peaceful, and spacious hotel is perfect for an afternoon stroll, whether just taking the short jaunt to the pool, stopping on the way for a fresh young coconut, or a walk throughout the property, stopping to visit the cows and chickens in the distance.

Comfortable rooms with everything you need

The rooms themselves, with comfortable beds, private bathrooms, and simple amenities, including a TV with a few channels, toiletries, and daily refills of coffee and bottled water, lend themselves to an easy stay. Guests can opt to pay a few dollars more for a room with a private terrace, which is definitely worth the splurge. Enjoying the Balinese night breeze and bright starry sky with a good book? Yes, please. The air-conditioned rooms are cleaned daily, and the fast Wi-Fi throughout the property is an added perk (and a Bali rarity!). Best of all, at around 300,000 IDR (roughly 25 USD) per night, Tunjung Mas Bungalows is ideal for budget travelers seeking a bit of luxury.

Clean and convenient amenities ensure a relaxing stay

Tunjung Mas Bungalows boasts not one, but two pools. The first is at the front of the property, surrounded by flora-cloaked buildings and towering palm trees, and features a shining stone wall down which a stream of water trickles day and night. It’s a vision of relaxation, and just begs guests to float on their backs under the warm Balinese sun. The second, towards the property’s rear, is longer and rectangular, perfect for leisurely lap swimming. Both pools are surrounded by plenty of lounge chairs, letting guests while away the hours, basking in the sun and cooling down in the palm fronds’ shade. When not swimming, guests can treat themselves to a healing Balinese massage from the onsite spa. It’s the perfect post-swim, pre-dinner treat.

Balinese hotels generally do breakfast well, and Tunjung Mas Bungalows is no exception. Guests can choose to eat in the comfort and privacy of their terrace, or in the hotel’s flower-canopied restaurant. Breakfast is made to order, and options range from a bowl of fresh, tropical fruits to a hearty English breakfast complete with chicken sausage, grilled tomatoes, and fried eggs.

Food, activities, and sightseeing within a short walking distance

Walk in any direction from Tunjung Mas Bungalows and you’ll find any and all Ubud must-sees. The Monkey Forest, full of mischievous monkeys who leap between the tall trees above, is around the corner, just a short stroll down Monkey Forest Road. A few buildings down from Tunjung Mas, on one of Ubud’s major thoroughfares, is Yoga Barn, the beautiful yoga retreat and healing center. Head further down that road and discover a seemingly endless array of restaurants and cafes, where healthy food, local delights, and freshly-brewed Indonesian coffee abound. Along the way in any direction, eager taxi and motorbike drivers will conveniently offer rides to some of Ubud’s farther attractions, including Tirta Empul Water Temple (a must-visit!) and Tegenungan Waterfall. For longer-term travelers, digital nomads, or those simply looking to bang out some emails, one of Ubud’s best coworking spaces, Hubud, is but a few moments away, shortly before the Monkey Forest. Ubud has something for everyone, and it’s all within easy reach of Tunjung Mas.