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A Serene Escape At The Kamandalu Resort
Nestled among Ubud’s emerald terraces, the Kamandalu Resort offers a serene escape that embodies the essence of Balinese tranquility. A five-star boutique resort, the Kamandalu is more than just a destination; it is an experience that nurtures the soul with its blend of traditional Balinese culture and contemporary luxury. Designed to mimic a traditional village, the resort is an architectural marvel. Villas are crafted from local materials and offer guests an authentic, luxurious stay.
Getting to the Kamandalu Resort from the Airport
Upon landing at Ngurah Rai International Airport, the gateway to Bali’s wonders, you can expect a scenic drive to Ubud. The journey to Kamandalu Resort is an experience in itself. As you leave behind the bustling streets of Denpasar, the landscape transforms into rolling hills and lush greenery. While the resort is approximately 35 km from the airport, the journey can take about 1H30 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Fair warning: Navigating Bali’s roads is like playing a live-action version of ‘Tetris’ – but with scooters and cars instead of blocks! Expect lots of zigzags, while you develop a newfound appreciation for the phrase ‘patience is a virtue’.
Travellers have several options for this transfer. These include, airport transfer services, ride-sharing apps like Gojek and Grab, shuttle buses, private car rental, private transfer services, etc. We pre-booked Discova transport services for all transfers during our stay in Bali. We’ve spoken about them in more detail in our post on the Bali Garden Beach Resort.
Upon approaching Ubud, the air becomes cooler, the scenery more verdant, and the sounds of urbanity are replaced by the natural symphony of the jungle. The route meanders through rice paddies and past temples, with the majestic Mount Agung occasionally peeking through the clouds in the distance. The resort’s location is strategically chosen to offer an immediate sense of detachment from the outside world, ensuring that as you enter the Kamandalu grounds, the transformation from traveler to tranquil seeker begins.
Accommodation at the Kamandalu Resort
The accommodation options at Kamandalu Resort are a harmonious blend of traditional Balinese architecture and modern luxury. They are designed to ensure that each guest’s stay is comfortable, private, and memorable. The resort features a range of villa options, each offering a distinct experience tailored to different desires and expectations.
Guests can choose from the idyllic Garden Villas, enveloped by lush flora and designed with romantic seclusion in mind. For those who desire a view, the Ubud Chalets present an elevated panorama of the surrounding rice paddies and hills. Meanwhile, the Pool Villas offer a personal oasis with a private pool. The luxury that merges the boundaries between indoor opulence and outdoor splendor.
The interiors of the villas at Kamandalu are a testament to Balinese craftsmanship. Traditional Alang-Alang thatched roofing complements the modern amenities within, such as air conditioning, high-speed internet, and entertainment systems. They have certainly created a space where ancient culture and contemporary convenience coexist seamlessly.
The bathrooms deserve a special mention, often referred to as garden bathrooms. They feature outdoor showers and bathtubs, allowing guests to bathe under the open sky. An experience that is both intimate and liberating. This feature was one of our highlights of staying at the Kamandalu. A feature of romance that we couldn’t get enough of.
Originally, we had chosen the Ubud Chalet for our visit. However, upon discovering it was our anniversary, the thoughtful staff graciously upgraded us to the enchanting Garden Chalet. The unexpected gesture added an extra layer of magic to our celebration, making our time at Kamandalu Resort even better.
Culinary experiences at the Kamandalu Resort and surrounds
The culinary journey at Kamandalu Resort is as much a delight as the stunning views and luxurious accommodations. The resort’s dining venues take full advantage of Ubud’s reputation as a hub for gastronomic excellence, offering a plethora of options to please the palate.
The restaurants at Kamandalu takes guests on a gustatory journey through Indonesian and international cuisines. The menu is a tribute to the local produce, with chefs using the freshest ingredients sourced from the surrounding region. This ensures that each dish served is a celebration of flavour and freshness. We loved that the resort offered a diversity of culinary options. Petulu Restaurant is known for its fine-dining menu of authentic Indonesian cuisine and overlooks the pool area. It also offers an Asian-Italian fusion lunch menu, perfect for a midday indulgence. While the Aira Cafe offers international favourites and familiar dishes in a casual pool-side setting.
For an unforgettable dining experience, the resort offers unique settings. These include private candle-lit dinners throughout the resort, elevated floating breakfast in the Awana infinity pool overlooking the Ayung River valley, and intimate boat dining while gliding through the resort’s private canal. They also offer picnic, lunch and dinner options in various settings throughout the resort.
These culinary experiences are crafted to create memorable moments that go beyond the meal itself. For those looking to get more hands on with their food, the Kamandalu offers cooking classes, teaching you the intricacies involved in preparing authentic Indonesian cuisine.
Diving into the reality behind those effortlessly chic floating breakfasts in tropical paradises, it’s hard not to chuckle. Sure, they look like a slice of heaven on your Instagram feed, with every bite seemingly kissed by the sun. Yet, the reality is more akin to a comedy of errors.
Picture this: you, floating amidst a symphony of fruit slices and pastries, battling the laws of physics to prevent your breakfast from taking an unplanned swim. The sun does its best to turn your refreshing pineapple smoothie into a warm soup, and you’re left juggling between enjoying the moment and salvaging your meal. It’s a scene where the charm of dining on water meets the chaos of a breakfast rebellion.
Despite the minor inconveniences (like soggy toast due to grabbing them with your wet hands or the unexpected dive of a pastry), the allure of capturing that perfect “bucket-list” photo remains undeniable. It’s a “must-do” for the ‘gram, a testament to the lengths we’ll go for the perfect post.
But let’s be practical for a moment: while securing ‘that’ shot is a non-negotiable part of the floating breakfast experience, consider having a contingency plan. Namely, a table nearby to actually enjoy your meal in peace, once the camera’s put away. After all, breakfast is meant to be savoured, not just snapped. So go ahead, get your iconic shot, then retreat to the comfort of a chair and table to relish your meal the old-fashioned way.
The buffet breakfast, on the other hand, is an experience that goes beyond the first meal of the day. The Kamandalu sure knows how to set up a ceremonial feast for the senses. Set against the backdrop of Ubud’s lush landscape, the resort offers a morning banquet that is as nourishing as it is delightful. Guests can indulge in a delectable spread that marries local Balinese flavours with international favourites, ensuring that there’s something to tantalise every palate.
Ubud itself is a true paradise for food enthusiasts. The town’s vibrant food scene is a colorful tapestry woven with the threads of its diverse international influences and deep-rooted Balinese culinary heritage.
Here, organic cafes nestled amid rice fields offer farm-to-table experiences. While street-side warungs serve up generations-old recipes to the tune of sizzling woks and aromatic spices. Ubud’s markets are a feast for the senses. They boast with local fruits, vegetables, and a variety of spices that are the backbone of Balinese cuisine.
From high-end restaurants where chefs fuse global gastronomy with local ingredients to create innovative dishes, to local joints where the flavours are as authentic as the smiles of the staff. Ubud promises a gastronomic adventure that can be both a journey back in time and an exploration of the contemporary, ever-evolving art of cooking.
You don’t need any recommendations for great cafés in Ubud. The abundance of choice will trigger your interest to explore the ones that appeal to you. We simply walked and explored, spontaneously strolling into places that captivated us.
During our exploration, an unexpected detour led us to a little gem – La Baracca Bali, a unique cafe that instantly captivated our senses. This quaint and enchanting cafe had unique characteristics such as the corrugated roof, vintage chairs, and walls covered in graffiti. The cafe’s rustic and quirky furnishings invites you in with its warmth and vintage ambiance. It specialises in authentic Italian cuisine, offering a range of comfort foods and dishes infused with local Balinese flavours. While they’re known for their pizzas, we opted for some sandwhiches and had no regrets. For us, the coolest part had to be the cheque arriving in a retro cassette cover.
What sets this cafe apart is its magnetic appeal to the digital nomad community and a predominantly youthful clientele (from what we experienced), creating an atmosphere that’s both energetic and inspiring. La Barraca perfectly encapsulates the essence of Ubud’s culinary diversity and the dynamic spirit of its visitors.
Adventure/Activities/Attractions – at the resort and nearby the Kamanadalu
The Kamandalu Resort is a gateway to adventure and cultural exploration. Within the resort, guests can partake in a variety of activities. Yoga classes are available in the morning, providing a serene start to the day amidst the resort’s peaceful surroundings. For relaxation, the Kamandalu Spa offers treatments that incorporate traditional Balinese healing techniques, using natural ingredients that soothe the body and mind.
For those looking to immerse themselves in local culture, the resort offers classes teaching the intricacies of preparing traditional Balinese cuisine.
The resort is perfectly positioned as a starting point for cultural excursions and explorations of natural wonders of Ubud. Outside the resort’s confines, Ubud awaits with its treasure trove of attractions.
Art and Culture
Ubud is often considered the cultural heart of Bali, and guests at Kamandalu can immerse themselves in this artistic epicenter. You can enjoy visits to numerous galleries and studios, such as the Puri Lukisan Museum and the Agung Rai Museum of Art. These museums house collections of traditional and contemporary Balinese art. Guests can also explore the Ubud Royal Palace, where cultural performances are held, showcasing the grace and vibrancy of Balinese dance.
Pro-tip: Paid cultural performances are not the only ones to see. During our visit we saw several cultural performances while strolling the streets. A free attraction is always a win for us.
Bonus tip: Don’t forget to use the Kamandalu’s free shuttle services to get to the Ubud Town Centre. Please note that the free shuttle services are for guests.
Nature and Wildlife
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a must-visit, where the playful primates and ancient temple ruins offer a unique experience.
Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to the Bali Bird Park and the Bali Butterfly Park, both of which are short drives from Kamandalu and offer an up-close experience with the island’s exotic fauna. Unfortunately we had to give this one a miss. While we adore animals, and have a dog of our own, I (Nadia) have a fear of certain animals and monkeys are sadly on the list. I’m working on conquering these fears – one day at a time.
For a more adventurous interaction with wildlife, the Bali Zoo and the Elephant Safari Park in Taro offer ethical animal encounters and the chance to learn about conservation efforts. We decided to give this one a pass since we already had 2 up-close elephant encounters on our trip through the Garden Route in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. Read more about our Garden route trip here.
Spirituality and Reflection
Spiritual seekers can visit their choice of several temples located under 10km / 7miles from the Kamandalu Resort. The most popular ones are:
- Pura Taman Saraswati: Approximately 2.98 km / 1.85miles away.
- Ubud Monkey Forest: Approximately 4.06 km / 2.52 miles away.
- Gunung Kawi: Approximately 9.28 km / 5.77 miles away.
- Tirta Empul Temple: Approximately 9.86 km / 6.13 miles away.
- Pura Taman Ayun: Approximately 9.88 km / 6.14 miles away.
Active Adventures
For those who thrive on adrenaline and adventure, Bali is a treasure trove of experiences designed to elevate your heart rate and leave you with unforgettable memories. After you’ve soaked in the serene beauty of the Campuhan Ridge Walk, with its gentle undulations and stunning vistas, and pedaled through the heart of Bali’s countryside, witnessing the rhythm of daily life and the island’s deep-rooted traditions, there’s still more to explore.
The Ayung River beckons with its white-water rafting adventures, offering an exhilarating rush as you navigate the wild rapids against a backdrop of dense jungle. But for an experience that combines the thrill of height with the beauty of Bali’s landscapes, nothing compares to the island’s famed swings.
Perched high above the ground, Bali’s swings are not just for the daring but also for those seeking to capture the essence of the island’s charm in a unique way. From the bird’s-eye view of terraced rice paddies to the horizon lined with palm trees and the blue sky, these swings provide more than just a rush—they offer a moment of pure bliss, swinging over paradise.
There are several spots to choose from for those looking to add an iconic Bali swing photo to their Instagram feed. You have the Uma Ceking Resto and Swings at Tegallalang Rices terraces, Bali Swing in Ubud, the whimsical backdrop at Wanagiri Hidden Hills, the dramatic panorama at Zen Hideaway, the exhilarating heights at Alas Harum, and the picturesque vistas at LeKaja Bali Swing, each offering a distinctive experience. After engaging with some locals and enquirying about the prices and offering of each place, Tagallalang Rice terraces stood out as the best option.
Each of these activities allows guests to connect with the essence of Bali, whether it’s through the adrenaline of adventure, the peace of natural havens, or the spiritual ambiance of sacred sites.
Sunsets and serenity at the Kamanandalu
Kamandalu Resort is a sanctuary where the sky’s kaleidoscope meets the calm waters, especially as dusk falls. The resort is renowned for its tranquil and picturesque pool areas, which are central to the serenity that guests experience.
The infinity pool at Kamandalu Resort is a highlight of the property, offering guests an unparalleled experience of luxury and natural beauty. The pool provides a serene escape, with its edge seemingly merging into the surrounding jungle. This smaller infinity pool complements the resort’s larger free-form pool, which features a swim-up bar and ornamental fountains, adding to the overall ambience of relaxation and indulgence. The pool area’s terraced decking offers guests superb vistas of the jungle valley, enhancing the sense of being immersed in nature. It is the heart of the resort, where guests can lounge on the sunbeds, sip on tropical cocktails, and soak in the panoramic views of the verdant Ubud valley.
In addition to the pool-side delights, the Chaya Spa at the Kamandalu Resort offers a range of treatments, allowing guests to indulge in rejuvenating therapies that complement the tranquility of the pool experience. Furthermore, a beautifully crafted wood-carved pavilion provides a serene space for yoga sessions, adding a touch of spiritual wellness to the resort’s offerings.
Serenity at Kamandalu is not merely about the absence of noise; it’s about the presence of peace. The resort’s layout encourages a slow-paced, mindful existence, with the sounds of nature – the rustling leaves, the gentle flow of the river, and the distant chime of temple bells – providing a soothing soundtrack to a day spent within its embrace.
In the evenings, the resort transforms into a serene haven under the stars. The paths are lit by lanterns, the air is scented, and the cool breeze carries the promise of a restful night. Whether one is meditating on the deck of a villa, enjoying a private dinner under the stars, or simply staring into the horizon from the edge of an infinity pool, serenity at the Kamandalu is a profound experience that stays with you long after you leave.
In summary, the Kamandalu Resort and Ubud offer an enchanting combination of relaxation, cultural richness, and natural beauty. The resort serves as a luxurious base from which to venture out and explore the wonders of the region or a secluded hideaway to retreat into for days of serene indulgence.
Final recommendations
When planning your stay at the Kamandalu Resort, consider these tips to enhance your experience:
- For trusted and convenient adventures on your trip, we strongly encourage you to book through GetYourGuide. You can use the link below to discover the magic of Ubud.
- Take advantage of the resort’s complimentary shuttle service to Ubud town center for independent exploration.
- Schedule downtime at the resort to enjoy the facilities and reflect on your experiences and do some introspection. I (Nadia) remember spending an entire day by the pool, accompanied only by my bible and journal. Reflecting back, it’s one of my favourite memories of the trip. These quiet moments are essential and, in my view, epitomize the true essence of a vacation. Often in our excitement to discover new places, we overlook the importance of unwinding, being idle, contemplating our thoughts, and processing our feelings to find our inner balance. While this approach to vacationing might not resonate with everyone, I believe it can be an opportune moment to delve into aspects of ourselves that we usually don’t explore.
- Most importantly, personalise your adventures according to your interests and fitness levels. There are many activities and attractions on offer in Ubud, and you may feel inclined to try them all. The reality is, everything may not be for you, and you don’t have to feel obliged to spend money on an activity simply because you’re on vacation in Bali. Always remember to do what’s right for you.
Until our next post!
With love and appreciation,
The Kolbes
These tips are based on our personal experiences during our travels. You may have different experiences and alternative opinions based on your own travels. These are not meant to act as directives, instead they are suggestions which may be helpful to someone planning their first trip.
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Destination: Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Accommodation: The Kamandalu Resort Ubud
Accommodation type: Resort
