26th Oct2011

Ubud, Bali Hotel – Komaneka Bisma

by Min

Komaneka Bisma – Total Bliss

While I was working for Microsoft, my only hope to survive the work stress was to daydream about where to go for the next holiday. My favorite destination is Bali. Till then, I’ve stayed only near Kuta, Seminyak so I decided to stay in Ubud for 2 nights before my friend joined me at Seminyak. After a long search for hotels in Ubud, (tell me about it.. so many hotels in Ubud!! ) I decided to stay in Komaneka Bisma.

Komaneka Bisma was slightly above my budget (my usual budget per night when traveling alone is USD 100-200), but it was my special treat for myself for working like crazy for past 3 years.

Upon my arrival, I was blown away with the view at the lobby area and its serenity. The hotel staffs were friendly and very welcoming for all guests. One thing to highlight during the whole stay, the service in this hotel was excellent.

Room

I booked ‘Bisma Suite’ and the room was spacious with a huge bathroom (which I love). The view was facing rice paddy and it comes with Apple TV. I ended up watching 2-3 movies a day without stepping out of my room.

Enjoyed the free movies and vast choices of music while taking a long bath

View from my bed next morning

Pool

Pool is important for a beach-girl like me. If you see any Komaneka pool photos by professionals, it is better, but this was what I took with my little camera. It has two pools and Komaneka has this beautiful umbrella (or parasol?) and I was very happy and relaxed to lie down and enjoy the sun.

2nd Pool and it’s more for family and kids.

Food

You can have your breakfast in your room or restaurant on the first floor. So, one morning I had it in my room and the other morning at the restaurant. The interior design of the restaurant is tasteful and I really like the theme of door all around this hotel. Food was great, especially this Muesli and fresh fruit juice. Pancake was so-so and too thick for me. Muesli itself was very filling for me. Also, as many of Ubud hotels, Komaneka provides free afternoon tea everyday and it was great. If you are not a big fan of strong Bali coffee, go for Earl gray. Also, I ordered dinner in one night and Nasi Goreng was amazingly good!

Breakfast in my terrace

Restaurant

In room, free afternoon tea (You must try the cookies in the jar! So good!)

I enjoyed the afternoon tea by the lobby while watching the rain

What I Loved

The owner of this hotel is the owner of Neka museum. You can feel his appreciation of art all around the hotel. You can get free entry to Neka Museum. Attention to details in the hotel is something to highlight. In the closet, mosquito repellent, basket, and hats are available. The turn-down service at 8pm daily was something that I looked forward to. The room changed its mood to a romantic setting with candles on and Komaneka pajamas were laid out on the bed. I loved the pajamas! Silky and soft feel. I wanted to buy one but my size was out of stock.

Location

The only downside of Komaneka Bisma was the location. It is not located at Monkey Forrest road where most of shops, restaurants, and spas are. It’s slightly off road from the main road. The hotel has a frequent shuttle to Ubud Market and Neka Museum and other places. The shuttle service was nice and nothing to complaint about. You can walk to major spots but I would not recommend.

Komaneka now has 4 hotels in Ubud. If you must stay at a hotel at Monkey Forrest road, you can stay at “Komaneka at Monkey Forrest’. Komaneka Bisma is its 3rd hotel in Ubud. Now a new one, Komaneka Rasa Sayang, is open and it’s closer to Monkey Forrest road. You can see the locations of its hotels.

(Map from Komaneka website)

Price

I recall the price per night was around USD 250 including taxes in Sept last year (2010). But as I check the prices these days, it seems the price has gone down slightly. It’s ‘above budget’ price range for me, but I think it was worthy.

Agoda.com : Komaneka Bisma Room Rate

Zuji.com: ZUJI Singapore: Travel Your Way