On our Bali trip last spring, we realized upon arriving, that the room we had booked ahead in Ubud, was not quite what we had envisioned. The location was perfect, the price was right ( $10.00 per night including breakfast for 2! ), and the host was one of the most delightful people we encountered in all of Bali.
Upstairs balcony
Upon arriving, we checked in and went upstairs to our assigned room. The door was secured with a small padlock, and opened up onto a small balcony/terrace. Beautiful plumeria trees in bloom stood tall amidst the lush, tropical greenery.
Room with a view
It was hot and humid outside, and when entering the room, we discovered that it was even hotter inside. Hungry after being on the road all day, we headed out to find a bite to eat.
Arjuna House Courtyard
Later we returned to the room and were unable to create a draft to cool off the room. We turned on the tiny ceiling fan, in hopes of it helping to cool us off a little. Unsuccessful in our endeavor, we sat outside and enjoyed the warm, balmy night. The Wifi did not work either, and when I went to take a shower, there was no hot water. I did feel refreshed afterwards. The room was too hot and stuffy for us to get any sleep. The ceiling fan kept turning noisily, but was too small and high up to make a difference.
View over Ubud from Arjuna House
Needless to say, we did not feel rested the next morning. However, while sitting on the balcony in the early morning light, our breakfast was delivered to us with one of the most beautiful smiles ever! Birds were chirping in the trees; Balinese hustle and bustle noises were audible in the distance; the sweet fragrance of yellow plumeria blossoms wafted through the air.
Plumeria blossoms
All this did not keep us from enjoying delicious Balinese banana and coconut pancakes, a fruit salad and some of the best coffee ever! Balinese Coffee is fantastic!
Balinese Breakfast
Despite the hot and humid sleepless nights, the ice cold shower and the non-functioning Wifi, I would stay there again. But perhaps only for one night! Arjuna House was one of the more authentic places we encountered on the island. The hospitality and kindness, not to mention the fantastic setting and breakfast made up for the rest.
Offerings are made to the spirits daily
in cahoots with muddy boots 
I love this “travel log” style with the pretty pictures! You have made me think about trying this style out in the future. Cheers!
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Thank you. I looked at a lot of themes when I started and liked this one the best. I appreciate you stopping by.
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Was that a whiff of Plumeria that just passed by me? As close to being there, as being there … without the heat and the noisy little fan up too high. Beautiful!
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Thank you. It was a very special trip and this experience added a different perspective. The Balinese are the kindest and gentlest people I’ve ever encountered. In two weeks, the only time I heard someone yell was a Canadian couple arguing next door there.
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Wonderful pictures! It made me feel as though I were right there.
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The breakfast and view looked fantastic. The pictures are beautiful. Looked very relaxing. Shame about the heat and useless ceiling fan! We’ve stayed in some dodgy places on our travels but they always make for an exciting adventure!
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Some places we stayed at in Bali had AC, but the moment you stepped out the door, it felt like a sauna. Despite all that, I’d go back anytime.
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As they say in Ubud upon arrival, “Om swastiastu” – welcome in peace!
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Om santi santi santi!
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Yes, you do write an excellent travel blog and it has nothing to do with the theme. Your pictures couldn’t be any more like being there and the description just pulls us in. Now I want my pancakes please. 🙂
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Good morning Marlene! You are sweet. Maybe I’ll do a pancake post sometime, as we have eaten amazing pancakes all over the place.
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I love the crepe kind or the dutch baby. I really loved the crepes that are filled with banana’s foster with brandy. Lush that I am. You really are a good travel writer. I think you almost missed your calling.
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Now I’m getting hungry! Best pancakes hands down iI had at this little place in Amsterdam!
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We stayed in a hotel in Paris several years ago in the summer. It was record heat in Europe at the time. You brought me back to that time with your post. We used towels soaked with cold water to make us cooler. Also remember fantastic breakfast meal in the morning. We would go for walks at night, after all it was Paris. To see the Effiel Tower at night with it’s flashing light, most romantic.
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Paris is romantic! I will make a mental note of the wet. cold towels should we encounter something like this again.
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Lovely travel journalist post. Well written, it includes all the important information, including you would stay there again. Your pictures speak volumes to the beauty and quaintness of the lodgings. I too would stay there. Thank you for sharing your holiday with us. In love and light Cheryle
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Thank you for your kind words. I’ll be sure to check out your blog.
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Beautiful pictures and I love the title of your blog. Thanks for liking my post.
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