Ketut's Place

Ketut's Place is built along the side of a river gorge that's covered in tropical greenery, the atmosphere is soothing and serene, with a soundtrack that consists of running water, birds, insects, and the occasional monkey. To enter the hotel, guests walk past Ketut's traditional family compound along stone walkways that are lined with statues and koi ponds. The hotel and family compound's architecture are distinctly Balinese, and feature carved wood and stone almost everywhere. Ketut's family home and temple are particularly intricate, with beautiful stone archways and fully carved wooden ceilings and doors. It all comes together to create an experience that's authentically Balinese, in contrast to some of the cheap recreations of authenticity found elsewhere in the area. The pool is constructed out of natural sandstone tiles, and the pathways and deck surrounding the pool are covered in rich green river stone. Overall, the setting is idyllic and quiet, with thick tropical plant life all around. The hotel is most popular with couples, which is unsurprising as the tropical setting, the sound of the river, and the Balinese aesthetic all have a cumulative romantic effect.

Ketut's place is in an ideal place to unwind while touring Ubud. It's located in a quiet village, offering rural scenery while still being within walking distance of downtown Ubud. The Ubud Palace is a 10-minute walk from the homestay, and is a popular place to see Balinese dance performances and other cultural events. Next door to the palace is Ubud Market and the world famous Ibu Okas Babi Guling (suckling pig) restaurant. The market has plenty of affordable shopping and a huge selection of handicrafts, clothing, and artwork. There is also a produce section that's busiest early in the morning before the sun comes up, when all the local restaurants and residents are doing their daily shopping. It's a colorful affair that begs to be photographed. Ubud is Bali's art and cultural center and is also quickly becoming a hub for fine dining restaurants, coffee shops, and cafes. The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is about a 30-minute walk or a 15-minute drive from the hotel. Interesting attractions outside of Ubud include the  Ceking rice terraces (a 20-minute drive) and the ancient hindu temple of Gunung Kawi (40 minutes by car). Kuta, Seminyak, and the airport are all about a 90-minute drive away, but travel times can vary due to the unpredictable traffic.

While the homestay's setting is intimate and tranquil -- with views of the the river and tropical greenery below -- the style in the rooms here also has a lot of charm. Interiors are detail-oriented, with plenty of fine craftsmanship and artsy additions, like animal-shaped end tables and eye-catching tile work. Decor differs from one room to the next, but they are all similarly rustic and natural. Interiors feature earthy concrete and stone walls, woven bamboo ceilings, carved features, and beautiful Balinese paintings and statues on display. However, it's worth noting that some of the furniture is a bit worn.

The Deluxe Room we saw was a nice upgrade from the Standard Room, offering more space, extra seating, a carved teak four-poster bed, and a huge balcony over looking the river. All rooms come with mosquito nets, writing desks, a table and chairs, and a couch. Air-conditioned rooms are available, though there are cheaper Standard Rooms that have only fans. Standard Rooms also lack mini-fridges. There are no TVs in any of the rooms, and the Wi-Fi connection in rooms was spotty at best.

Bathrooms are a bit of a mixed bag. Standard Rooms feature cramped bathrooms and dingy tiling, with a sink that may be placed outside the bathroom itself. Deluxe Room bathrooms are a nice improvement, and have shower/tub combos, more pleasing light-colored tiles, wooden clothes-hanging racks, and tiled vanities sink with carved wooden mirrors. As the rooms are built along a tropical river gorge, the humidity is quite high and makes rooms feel a little damp. Many previous guests have reported the smell of mildew in bathrooms. Keep in mind that most of the rooms are located down a steep flight of steps that some geusts might find difficult to scale.

Ketut's Place is spacious for a homestay and has a surprising number of features, many of which are the result of this being a well-loved home. The grounds include beautifully carved temples, stone pathways, koi ponds, and gardens that make for fine places to tuck away with a book or for a stroll. The swimming pool is likewise surrounded by the natural beauty of the river gorge and tropical greenery. It's not exactly the right size for a proper swim, but is fine for cooling off in the heat, or as a place to lounge around all day. The restaurant overlooks the pool and serves Indonesian and Balinese dishes as well as simple western food. Classics like the Balinese banana or pineapple pancakes are a must try for breakfast, and traditional buffets are also available, but must be arranged in advance. The spa area is located past the rooms down by the river, and although it's open-air and offers a nice view of the river, it's a little dark and damp. Spa treatments are also offered as an in-room service. Activities such as Balinese cooking classes, spiritual offerings, scenic tours of Bali, as well motorbike and car rentals can all be arranged through the hotel. Wi-Fi is available, but it can be spotty -- especially in the rooms.