Ubud Tropical Garden

I was travelling alone, checked in very late, and ended up in tears over how bad this place was. I’d booked three nights but checked out the next morning, completely freaked out and repulsed. The first room had ants on the balcony, bloodied sheets and thick mould in the bathroom. I asked the receptionist for another room, which was arranged, but the second was no better. I couldn’t shower because black mould ringed the bath and covered the windows, shower and walls, and I couldn’t sleep on bloodstained bedding. The place felt filthy, unhygienic and unsafe, and I can’t believe it’s allowed to operate. I’d paid in full for a clean, safe room, but they refused to refund me. The receptionist at Ubud Tropical Garden had told me I’d get my money back for the state of the rooms, then didn’t follow through. It made the experience even worse. I spent a month in Bali, staying in hotels and homestays across the island, some much cheaper, and never had anything like this. The staff elsewhere were friendlier, more honest and helpful, a true reflection of the Balinese people, unlike this receptionist. Unless you’re happy staying somewhere mouldy and covered in someone else’s blood, stay elsewhere. Ubud Tropical Garden is unclean, unsafe and not fit for people. I wouldn’t even let my dog stay there.

Ayu and Cynthia, you both made our day. The restaurant is good, and the garden resort is peaceful if you can afford to stay and keep moving around. It isn’t typical hotel service, so expect to do most things yourself. The beautiful monkey forest next door is a highlight. A word about temples: be aware so you don’t waste even an IDR rupee. You’ll thank me, and you could save a million rupees if you’re a family of three. Temples don’t have a deity to show you, even Besaki mother temple. They may ask you to buy clothes for 300,000 to enter. Don’t fall for it. Just pray in your heart. Go to Kintamai, the monkey forest next door, ulun danu berathan, Kuta Nusa Pendinda, Nusa Dua, lempuyang (start at 2 am to get a ticket), GWK, and so on. We love Bali and the Balinese people, who are kind. Temples are only for locals, and you’ll pay for every entry and see almost eerie silence. Meditating helps you calm down and save. Inner peace equals Bali.

Breakfast was nice, and I really liked the pool. The room felt a little old. Our twin setup was two foam mattresses in a king bed, leaving a gap between them.

In the mornings, monkeys gather around the hotel near the Monkey Forest, so keep an eye on your things. We saw one cheeky monkey take a man's camera. The location was convenient, the pool was lovely and well maintained, and our room was clean and comfortable with good air conditioning. This was our first stop in Bali and we were very pleased with the accommodation. The restaurant food was great, too. Thanks for a delightful stay.