Posted by Mark on Thursday, 18. February 1999 at 20:28 Bali Time:
In Reply to: Permuteran posted by Carol P on Thursday, 18. February 1999 at 11:54 Bali Time:
I know you posted your question to I Wayan Nama, but I know of a GREAT place in Pemuteran (no, I'm not on commission etc.). It's the Pondok Sari (tel 362 92337).
We stayed there in August of last year and have just booked with them again. We checked out the 4 hotels (except the really expensive Mata Hari Resort) along the same beach strip and this was the nicest, backed onto the best part of the beach and was the least expensive (until we told the other hotels we prefered Pondok Sari).
We tried to negotiate the price, but they absolutely do not budge. Their rates at the moment are 304,000 Rp for aircon double or twin, slightly less for fan only. I know this because I've just got off the phone to them to make our booking (normally, we would just turn up at a hotel at this time of year and expect to negotiate - but there is no point with them, so I thought it better to book, especially as other people are showing an interest in this area at the same time!).
They have around 20 bungalows set in incredibly landscaped gardens. Their restaurant is very very good and very very reasonably priced (it also has a great view of a little dance stage they have and the beach itself). The snorkeling is very good and literally just off the beach (you can see the coral and fish from the shore). There is a dive shop etc on the premises if you want to go further afield (Deer Island etc.).
The rooms are spacious, very clean, modern inside, typical Balinese outside. Open bathrooms (don't worry, that means just the roof) with such beautiful plants. The shower comes out of a barrel down a bamboo pipe (it is only cold water but you absolutely do not mind) and you stand on a shower bed of smooth flat pebbles which massage your feet. Yes, the toilets are western.
You will never feel so relaxed - it is gorgeous there - the real Bali.
Go there and you will absolutely thank me.