Tegal Sari, Ubud: Affordable Luxury Hotel Surrounded By Paddy Fields

Refreshing welcome drink upon arrival

When you normally only have free bottled mineral water upon your arrival at a five-star hotel and none at the one rated with two stars, in Tegal Sari; surprisingly you get sweetened iced lemon tea as its welcome drink. This is particularly good when you arrive here during daytime. What can be better than having this world’s most popular, healthy and refreshing beverage on a sunny day? This hotel knows what you need and delivers it to your room!

Surrounded by paddy fields that lets you immerse in nature

If you want a view different from what you can normally see in a hotel (e.g. mountain, city or pool view), then this is definitely the one for you. This hotel is surrounded by paddy fields. Get up earlier in morning time to view sunrise (around 5.15am) and see Balinese farmers work in their field, accompanied by chirping birds and quacking ducks from your balcony. There is nothing more beautiful than having your breakfast here!

Breakfast at 'Semesta'

Breakfast isn’t included in the hotel rate, but you can dine at the hotel with additional charges. You can have your breakfast either in the hotel’s restaurant named ‘Semesta’ (located at the rear part of the hotel) or have your meal delivered to your balcony. They have the breakfast package that consists of banana pancakes, toasts, fruit salad, coffee and juice for 5 USD! The serving is huge and normally too much for a normal tummy, which is a good thing because you and your partner need not spend more for breakfast.

The food here is affordable compared to many good restaurants in Ubud, so you may want to have your lunch or dinner in here too. Apart from the western breakfast package, local Indonesian food is available. My all-time favorite is the suckling pork, or locally known as ‘babi guling’ (spicy, savory and crispy barbecued pork, comes with rice and sides like spicy tofu and veggies).

Helpful hospitable staffs

Your stay will not be a perfect one without wonderful hotel staffs, and that’s what you will find at Tegal Sari. They provide five-star services to the guests. Not only do they always keep their smile on their face and say their greetings, but they are there for you to do your laundry (0.60 USD per piece), arrange your transport pickup and drop off (10 USD per trip to and from Ngurah Rai airport in Denpasar) or make reservations to attractions in Ubud (for free).

Fancy rooms

Room rates start at 22 USD (superior room) and with that amount of money, you will get a clean 45-square-meter room with air conditioning, private bathroom and balcony overlooking the paddy field! All you need for your luxurious hotel stay is here (minus TV and fridge). If you want the fanciest room, book the villa room (Sesapi Downstairs) where you can enjoy a private garden, kitchen and swimming pool. Rates start from 111 USD per night.

At night time, listen up! You will hear something from the paddy field. It’s the croaking and chirping sounds of the frogs and crickets. Although you can hear these sounds more clearly from your balcony, this music of nature will give you a sense of living in ruralism!