Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ACCOMMODATION
Whatever your budget, the overall standard of accommodation in Bali and Lombok is
high. Even basic lodgings are generally enticing, nearly always set in a tropical garden
and with outdoor seating. Interiors can be a bit sparse - and dimly lit - but the veran-
das encourage you to do as local people do and spend your waking hours outdoors.
Most budget places to stay are classed as losmen , a term that literally means homestay but
most commonly describes any small-scale and inexpensive accommodation. Some offer the
option of hot water and air conditioning, and many include breakfast ( makan pagi ) in the
price of the room. Very few losmen offer single rooms ( kamar untuk satu orang ), so solo
travellers will normally be given a double room at 75-100 percent of the full price.
Nearly all other accommodation falls into the hotels category, most of which offer air con-
ditioning and a swimming pool. Rooms in both losmen and hotels are often in “ cottages
(sometimes known as “ bungalows ”), which can be anything from terraced concrete cubes
to detached rice-barn-style chalets ( lumbung ). Bali in particular does boutique hotels very
well: small, intimate places, often with gorgeous rural views and tasteful Balinese furnish-
ings. The islands' super-luxury hotels tend to give you more for your money than similarly
priced hotels in the West, especially when suites come with private plunge pools and living
areas.
Villas are luxurious private holiday homes ( rumah ) with pools and kitchens; they're es-
pecially good for families, and some sleep up to twelve. They can be rented by the day or
week and often include the services of a housekeeper and cook. Be aware, though, that a
growing number of villas operate illegally, without government licences, which means they
could get closed down at any time; you may be able to check a villa's licence online, and
licences must be displayed prominently on the premises. Online villa-rental agencies include
balion.com , bali-tropical-villas.com and balivillas.com .
Inexpensive losmen are found near virtually every decent beach on Bali and Lombok so it's
hardly worth lugging a tent and sleeping bag all the way around the islands. It's not easy to
get permission to camp in Bali Barat National Park and it's considered inappropriate to camp
on the slopes of Bali's most sacred mountains, although camping on Lombok's Gunung Rin-
jani is normal practice and tents and sleeping bags can be rented for the climb.
Room rates in all classes of accommodation can vary considerably according to demand.
During low season (Feb-June and Sept-Nov) many moderate and expensive hotels also offer
good discounts on walk-in rates. In peak season (July, Aug and the Christmas holidays),
however, rates can rise dramatically, especially in Amed and on the Gili Islands; rooms are at
a premium during these months so it's advisable to reserve ahead. Check-out time in losmen
and hotels is usually noon.
 
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