Jln. Danau Tamblingan No. 41, Sanur, Indonesia
Right on the beach in Sanur, surrounded by shops and restaurants
Bungalows with private gardens, air-conditioning, and polished wood interiors
Outdoor saltwater pool overlooking the beach
Popular open-air restaurant with sea views serving Indonesian and international fare
Live dance performances plus library with games and books
Free fitness center with modern machines, and a yoga pavilion
On-site gift shop with local handcrafted goods and souvenirs
Seasonal events like Indonesian night market
Free cooked-to-order breakfast included in all reservations
Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
Some rooms are a bit dated
No spa, though massage services can be arranged
Opened in 1967, the three-and-a-half-pearl Tandjung Sari is one of Bali's first boutique hotels, but its 28 traditional bungalows are pleasantly modern. Each bungalow has polished wood interiors, traditional Balinese decor, and its own private garden, plus modern amenities like air-conditioning and minibars. Special touches like a mosquito canopy and complimentary cotton nightshirts and sarongs add a nice bit of character. The hotel is on the beach, and has a small pool that overlooks the sand, plus a restaurant serving international and Balinese cuisine. There's also a modern fitness room and a gift shop. For a cheaper alternative with beach access, the Sudamala Suites & Villas additionally offers a full-service spa and far more modern rooms at the southern end of Sanur.
Scene
Quiet boutique hotel with tranquil gardens and romantic beachfront setting
Wija Waworuntu, a famous Indonesian arts and antiques collector, designed and built the Tandjung Sari in the early 1960s, making it one of Bali's very first boutique hotels. Still family-owned and -run, the hotel consists of traditional Indonesian wooden architecture, thatched roofing, and beautifully crafted doors. Each building is well-maintained for its age, and the alfresco layout includes statuette-lined garden walkways that help create the hotel's tranquil atmosphere. The classic bungalows are decorated with real Indonesian antiques, so everything feels authentic. There are even regularly scheduled traditional cultural performances that are sponsored by the Tandjung Sari Foundation itself, for a local taste of Balinese culture. The hotel was once a popular repeat choice for stars like David Bowie and Annie Lenox; satisfied customers still return for its consistency and well-liked amenities. Given its private bungalows and romantic beachfront setting in quieter Sanur, it's no surprise that the hotel appeals mostly to couples of all ages, though some families pass through as well.
Location
Right on the beach in quiet Sanur, near shops and restaurants
Tandjung Sari is located on the beach in Sanur, surrounded by other small hotels, restaurants, and cafes. It's a two-minute walk to the town's main tree-lined avenue, Danau Tamblingan, for access to most of what's on offer. Museum Le Mayeur is about an eight-minute drive north from the hotel, while Plura Blanjong and the famous Blanjong inscription is equidistant in the opposite direction. It's a 15-minute drive away, and the main Port of Benoa is within a 20-minute drive for access to neighboring islands. However, smaller boats to Nusa Lembongan cast off from Sanur Beach frequently, in half-hour one-way trips. This is a comparatively sleepier part of Bali, and those looking to really party will want to head to Kuta and Legian, which are a 35-minute drive across the island, depending on traffic. On a good day, the hotel is a 25-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport; budget up to an hour in case of Bali's ubiquitous traffic.
Rooms
Well-maintained Balinese bungalows with private gardens, though some are a bit dated
The well-maintained bungalows here aren't the pinnacle of modern style, but the blend of some modern elements with traditional local details create pleasant spaces to retreat from Bali's heat. All have separate bedrooms and living areas with pull-out couches. Authentic Balinese designs and artwork, polished warm woods, and thatched high ceilings are generally the norm, though some units do look a bit dated. The Family Bungalow, in particular, is a bit less characterful, with low plaster ceilings and fully enclosed bathrooms, as opposed to the semi-open layouts of most bathrooms. All have separate showers and spacious tubs that can often fit two people comfortably, and these are placed indoors or outdoors. Private furnished gardens come standard; upgraded options also include a courtyard, terrace, and/or veranda. Certain bungalows also have two-floor layouts. Complimentary sarongs, cotton nightshifts, and straw hats provide an additional local touch. Air-conditioning, minibars, electric kettles, and free Wi-Fi are included in all rooms, and those with safes and cable TVs are available upon request.
Features
Saltwater pool, romantic private beach strip, with a well-received restaurant/bar nestled between
The hotel's key features are the 50-foot-long outdoor saltwater pool and its gorgeous strip of beach. Between the pool and beach is the hotel's restaurant and bar, popular for its reasonable prices and great local and international menu. It also has beautiful views of the ocean and Gunung Agung volcano, making it a perfect spot for a romantic dinner. The poolside Bale Beton event and relaxation space hosts regularly scheduled performances by a local children's classical Balinese dance troupe for evening entertainment.
Other amenities include a library with board games and foreign-language books, free fitness center, yoga pavilion, and an on-site gift shop with local handcrafted goods and souvenirs. A book illustrating the historical and architectural prestige of the hotel is available in every room and for sale. Weekly musical and dance performances, rijsttafel buffet nights, and full-moon and seasonal events like an Indonesian night market provide an authentic Balinese cultural experience. Though the hotel has no on-site spa, massages can be arranged via the front desk. A la carte breakfasts at the restaurant, Wi-Fi, and parking are all free.