Villa Insider’s Bali Villa Rental Tips
Originally published in Villa-Insider
If you’ve never stayed in a villa in Bali, you might find it all a bit daunting the first time around. Don’t be discouraged, a little basic information is all you need to book with confidence. This article provides a list of insider tips for renting villa accommodations in Bali.
Where are most rental villas in Bali?
The most popular areas are: Seminyak, Ubud, Canggu, Jimbaran and Uluwatu. Seminyak and Canggu are located on the coast, northwest of Kuta. Ubud is located inland, in the center of the island. Jimbaran is near the airport. Uluwatu is the far southern tip of the island.
Are villas in Bali staffed?
Generally speaking, yes. Unlike a lot of other destinations, the tradition in Bali is for fully serviced villas. Many properties have not only maids, but also cooks and a manager. The top end properties will have a chef, a dedicated villa manager, butlers and a often a driver.
Will I be charged tax and service fees?
It depends on the management company. Some properties are priced “all-in,” others are “plus plus” — like you would expect from a hotel property.
How will food and beverages be charged?
Historically, most Bali villas charged you only for your groceries. Staff would ask you what you want to eat, then they would collect money from you to do the shopping. They would bring back the groceries, a receipt, and your change (if any!). Things are changing and now it is not uncommon to see villas adding a service charge. Some of the top end properties are even offering a la carte menus, like a hotel.
Do I need to tip the staff?
You should. It is up to you, but it is recommended. The amount should reflect the quality of service, but remember that salaries in Bali are quite low. Tips – even modest ones – can be big incentives.
How can I find the best values in villa rental?
Book direct where possible as you can negotiate more with the manager / management company / owner. Agents are often restricted in what they can offer in the way of discounts. Also, watch for last minute specials. Some villas offer deep discounts for last minute bookings.
What’s better: A stand-alone villa property or a villa hotel?
We like stand alone villas, due to the privacy and the exclusiveness. That said, villa hotels often offer more choice, a better range of accommodations and more dining options. If you don’t mind the loss of privacy, then a villa hotel may be a good bet for you.
What’s the difference between a villa hotel and a villa resort?
None. It’s just a question of names.
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December 20th, 2009 at 10:23 am
The only all inclusive trips I have taken have been cruises which I liked because I just unpacked once, settled in, then could choose if/when I wanted to go on shore excursions, or explore all the wonderful activities offered aboard the ship.
As the other answerer said – drinks, massages, beauty salon, etc. on board were NOT included, but there was a lot that was. It all depends on what you like to do & what your tastes are.
Best thing would be for you & your wife to do what he did – type in all inclusive vacations in your browser search line & review what comes up, then keep adding a keyword until you narrow it down to just those that fit the activities, locations, etc. that both of you like.
Good luck!!
December 20th, 2009 at 11:23 am
My brother & I took a vacation, or more like a trip. Here is our story:
The wildwood flower grew wild on the farm
And we never knowed what it was called
Some said it was a flower and some said it was weed
I didn't gave it much thought…
One day I was out there talking to my brother
Reached down for a weed to chew on
Things got fuzzy and things got blurry
And then everything was gone
I Didn't know what happened
But I knew it beat the hell out of sniffin' burlap
I come to and my brother was there
And he said, 'What's wrong with your eyes?'
I said, 'I don't know, I was chewing on a weed'
He said, 'Let me give it a try'
We spent the rest of that day and most of that night
Trying to find my brother, Bill
Caught up with him 'bout six o'clock the next mornin'
Naked, swinging on the windmill
He said he flew up there
I had to fly up and get him down
He was about half crazy
The very next day we picked a bunch of them weeds
And put 'em in the sun to dry
Then we mashed 'em up and we cleaned 'em all
And put 'em in the corncob pipe
Smokin' them wildwood flowers got to be a habit
We didn't see no harm
We thought it was kind of handy
Have you ever take a trip and never leave the farm
A big ol' puff on the wildwood weed
Next thing you know
We's just wandering behind the little animals
All good things gotta come to an end
And it's the same with the wildwood weed
One day this feller from Washington come by
And he spied us and he turned white as a sheet
And he dug and he burned
And he burned and he dug
And he killed all our cute little weeds
Then he drove away
We just smiled and waved
Sittin' there on that sack of seeds
Y'all come back now, ya hear
December 20th, 2009 at 11:47 am
You need to get a Japan Rail Pass which gives you unlimited travel for the time you opt to purchase for………1 week, or 2 or 3 weeks .If you are just going to be on Honshu Island you can actually get a pass that is a bit cheaper just for that island.You could also look at the JAL flight passes but you miss the scenery if you fly.You must buy this Pass in YOUR country…………..you cannot buy them in Japan and you will save yourself a huge amount of money.
Look around Tokyo ………and do take a day trip to Kamakura…….go to the Tsukiji Fish Market on the way.
If you plan to go to Kyoto which is gorgeous you can mostly walk if you choose accommodation in a good location. There are maps with walking routes you get at the station.You won't get top see it all just do one section – we opted for the area near Murayama Park.There are so many shrines, temples gardens etc near here.
Catch the bus to Fuji go ko – Fuji Five Lakes…it is only an hour and a half and just beautiful …….at the base of Mt Fuji. Then take the bus to Gotemba which is a beautiful trip round the base of Mt Fuji through old traditional villages with thatched cottages etc.Change to a bus for Mishima – just catch the bus behind they call it Station 2 to Station 3.but was quite literally just the bus behind the one we got off. This bus takes you right to the Shinkansen which you can catch through to Kyoto.
If you go to Osaka, you should try and go further on to Himeji and see the castle …………probably the best in Japan and the Shrine and then on to Osaka. You could go on a little further to Okayama which has one of japan's best gardens but from Okayama you can take an ordinary train to Kurashiki – only 30 minutes ……..which is a really beautiful Edo period town.
You can look at these places at http://www.fascinating-travel-destinations.com/japanese-holidays.html
December 20th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
This website might help , check it out –
http://www.usairwaysforum.com/
December 21st, 2009 at 4:48 am
at grand teton national park go hiking up to lake solitude, its 15 miles round trip but 100% worth it. In yellowstone I would recommend spending time just driving around looking at the wildlife, maybe hike to the top of Mount Washburn (only like 6 miles) oh and go to Bubba's Barbeque in jackson hole!!!!!
December 22nd, 2009 at 5:09 am
you seem underweight. If you are going on vacation, the best advice i can give you is to HAVE FUN and eat the best and tastiest foods while you are at it. With an active lifestyle, your not going to add or lose too much weight.
December 22nd, 2009 at 8:05 pm
book supplier direct to avoid cancel or non refundable fares.
dig up association member cards, like AAA or AARP, you can get 10-15% off the weekly rate, (weekly rates are 5x the daily)
check with the company you work for, they may have a coporate agreement in place that may be available- many of these agreements waive airport fees and taxes, add'l driver and underage driver fees- real expensive fees here.
Also return the car to same location to avoid drop off charges and lastly, reserve a Compact car, most people are looking for smaller cars now with the most fuel efficiency. So reserve a smaller car and most likly they will upgrade you for free at counter.. if you wanbt a larger car, reserve in advance as paying for an upgrade at counter is usually much higher. oh, yeah, bring a copy of insurance card with you as well..
December 22nd, 2009 at 9:34 pm
December 23rd, 2009 at 4:38 pm
It must be a slow day in the J.J. household today. But to answer another of your fabulously funny questions, I will give it my best shot. Go out in the garage, climb up into the attic and get out all the seldom used camping equipment. Then, after you have removed all the camping stuff, take into the living room and set up the tent with your sleeping bags, etc. You may have to go outside to find enough rocks to build your fire pit, but place it near the tent so you will not get cold during the night. Go to your local convenience store and pick up enough wood to last through the night. Then return home, turn your air conditioner down to 60 degrees. When your husband comes home, you can have a nice roaring fire going, with a cup of hot chocolate and only wearing a smile. It will be the best at home vacation ever. Good luck with that.