Pondok Prapen

The road up to the property could be tricky for a Grab or Gojek driver, which was the only downside for me. Still, this mini getaway was great value, and I really enjoyed the quiet jungle setting within walking distance of the main street. There's also a sister restaurant down the road. The room had a lovely heritage feel, good for a cultural experience. They supplied mosquito repellent, a HIT diffuser, and a mosquito net. We surprisingly saw few mosquitoes and got no bites. The AC was great too. Service was some of the best I've had in Southeast Asia, on a level with a luxury resort. They cleaned the room to a very high standard each day and delivered the included breakfast right on time, even at 7:00am. Laundry was 20k IDR/kg, came back to the room, and was excellent. The staff were respectful and helpful, and communication on Whatsapp was quick. Villa bookings also include perks like a fruit bowl delivered each morning and access to a pool. They offer activities too, though you may want to compare prices with other tour companies. I stayed for 4 nights.

I miss this place and can't wait to return. We stayed in a two bedroom, two bathroom place with a private pool, and Baba the driver made getting there easy. We didn't need a bike or taxi once there: turn left out of the property and follow the little road to everything. It's peaceful, with great restaurants just a 5 minute walk away and a brilliant spa 3 minutes away. Rice fields, temples, art markets, and shopping are easy to reach on foot. Everyone was kind and helpful. Best place to stay in Ubud.

I stayed for months at a time as a solo traveler and always felt safe, cared for, and welcome in Bali from day one. The family style suits me: I can have privacy or company when I want. It's quiet, surrounded by beautiful nature, and close to all my favorite food places and yoga studios. The family at this unique homestay makes you feel like part of the family, however long you're there. They're incredibly helpful, from cleaning the rooms daily to scooter rental and maintenance, and even making food and tea. The spacious, beautiful rooms each have their own layout. Hot water, AC, and internet have always worked for me, unlike at other places I've stayed in Ubud. For a central, affordable stay with a traditional Balinese experience, I don't think there's a better place!

We spent 7 nights here and loved the beautiful villa, attentive service, pool, good wifi, and delicious breakfasts. They took care of every need, and there are plenty of good restaurants nearby. Housekeeping came each day, and it's about a 10 minute walk to the main part of town. We have just reached our next hotel and already miss the villa. Pondok Prapen set a very high standard, and we'd recommend it to anyone. A couple of things to know: cars can't get down that road, only motorbikes, so transport can be difficult. You can hire a bike just outside the villa or walk a few minutes to find a Grab. The aircon wasn't ice cold, but it took the edge off. Breakfast options are limited before 8am, which feels late for us, though they do their best to accommodate you until the restaurant opens.