Villa Bunga Wangi
What You Get
Air-con
Swimming Pool (Private)
TV (Satellite/Cable)
The Experience
Bunga Wangi translates as ‘sweet scented flower’ and, as its name suggests, this villa is blessed with lush, fragrant gardens, created by the illustrious Made Wijaya. Well recognised as Bali’s most prolific tropical garden designer, Wijaya is the man behind some of Bali’s most famous gardens (Oberoi, Four Seasons Jimbaran, and Amandari Ubud.)
Forget trimmed hedges, neat borders and overly contrived landscaping, this is a natural Balinese-style garden that has been allowed to flourish. Vines creep down stone walls, statues peep out from leafy foliage and every tropical flower, from bright pink hibiscus, to orange bougainvillea, deep crimson heliconia and gold tipped frangipani is represented. The villa was built fifteen years ago which explains the well established gardens, and the rustic charm which won’t let you forget for a second that you are in Bali.
Meandering paths of stepping stones crisscross the gardens tumbling down a series of terraces, meandering across water gardens brimming with fountains and water lilies, winding around traditional pavilions. All paths eventually emerge at a beautiful swimming pool fringed with lilies and banana trees, overlooking a gently flowing river and rice paddies beyond.
Separate pavilions create private sleeping quarters, making the villa suitable for families and small groups, and each queen-bedded room also includes an extra roll-away bed. Flipping though the guest book, the villa seems to be very popular with families, and every entry mentions the fabulous talents of chef Kadek who produces western and Indonesian food (breakfast is included in the rate and other meals are charged to guest account at cost price plus a small fee to cover transport). Villa manager Rai is charming and helpful and the staff are kind and unobtrusive.
Our review
- Overall Rating:
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7.6
- Reviewed:
- 14-Aug-2012
A serene sanctuary of traditional aesthetics and stunning tropical gardens
We happily made allowances for the dated design, faded furnishings and occasional hints of must – this was part of the rustic charm and authenticated the Balinese experience. But this villa won’t be everyone’s cup of tea: there is nothing sleek or sophisticated here, no contemporary edges or gadgets (apart from iPod docks and satellite TV), this villa is like your favourite old jumper, perhaps a little tatty around the edges but warm, cosy and a perfect fit.
Individual Scores:
| Character/Charm: | 8 | Location: | 8 | Outside Area: | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Living Area: | 7 | Bedrooms: | 7 | Bathrooms: | 8 |
| Kitchen: | 7 | Facilities: | 7 | Staff: | 8 |
| Value: | 8 |
Highlights
The perfume of flowers carried by the breeze, the wonderful courtyard bathrooms filled with statues and flourishing plants, the gentle trickle of the river, the deliciously tropical pool setting. There is no charge for the four extra beds which makes this villa excellent value.
Surprises
The facilities are a little dated, you certainly won’t find a plasma screen, but everything works, which is the main thing. Equally some of the décor is a little worn, but this is hardly a surprise, the villa is fifteen years old and the worst thing the owners could do is ‘modernise’.
PROs
- Tropical ambience
- Enchanted gardens
- Authentic Balinese flavour
- Peaceful
CONs
- Facilities slightly dated
- Mossy paths potentially slippery
- Decor a little worn
- Wifi intermittent
Guest reviews (2)
- BU checked out on 05-Jul-2012
- Overall Rating:
-
5.4
- Reviewed:
- 13-Aug-2012
Individual Scores:
| Character/Charm: | 8 | Location: | 7 | Outside Area: | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Living Area: | 5 | Bedrooms: | 3 | Bathrooms: | 5 |
| Kitchen: | 3 | Facilities: | 4 | Staff: | 5 |
| Value: | 6 |
- Johannes Hartfuss, Australia checked out on 30-Apr-2011
- Overall Rating:
-
8.5
- Reviewed:
- 28-Jun-2011
Individual Scores:
| Character/Charm: | 9 | Location: | 9 | Outside Area: | 9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Living Area: | 9 | Bedrooms: | 8 | Bathrooms: | 8 |
| Kitchen: | 7 | Facilities: | 9 | Staff: | 10 |
| Value: | 7 |
Gallery
Location
The villa is set in the Pangi river estate in the tiny village of Pererenan. Bung Wangi is one of eight villas at the Pangi River Complex (which also includes Astika Toyaning, Villa Tukad Pangi, Villa Mata Air, Villa Pangi Gita, and Villa Bougainvillea, Villa Frangipani, Villa Bunga Pangi), separated from each other by high walls and lots of vegetation. The immediate surrounds are rice fields and groves of coconut palms, with quiet country roads that are ideal for walking or bike riding. The village of Pererenan has local shops selling cold drinks and Indonesian style snacks. A two-kilometre walk or drive leads to the black sands of Pererenan beach.
Places of Interest(KMs) |
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| Pererenan Village | 0.5 |
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| Pererenan Beach | 2.0 |
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| Echo Beach | 2.0 |
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| Finns Recreation Club | 5.0 |
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| Seminyak | 8.0 |
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| Kuta | 15.0 |
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| Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS) | 17.0 |
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| Mount Batakaru | 34.0 |
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About Canggu
Canggu is fast evolving into Bali's hippest area, its beaches renowned for spectacular sunsets and heady surf. Jalan Pantai Batu Balong is lined with cool bars, cosy coffee shops, and varied dining options offering everything from French pastries to tapas, burgers and vegetarian fare. A holiday in Canggu invariably spells spending a lot of time at Echo Beach where a good choice of restaurants and cafes such as The Beach House await, with daily barbecues and live music on Sundays. Known for its nightlife, other vibrant music venues in the vicinity include Old Man’s and Deus Ex Machina. Local boutiques and spas keep you busy, competing with neighbouring Seminyak just a few kilometres further east.
Here, amongst the rice fields which extend all the way down to the beach, you will not only find some of the most luxurious private residences on the island, but also several eclectic restaurants, cafes, bakeries, boutiques and beach bars. Well known in surfing circles, Canggu boasts reef swells larger than the ones found further south in Kuta and Seminyak. Swimming isn’t advisable however as the rips can be dangerous, but there are plenty of other things to do in Canggu from horseback riding to cooking classes. A visit to Finns Recreation Club is a must for families (several elite havens in the area include guest access) and further north lies the sea temple of Pura Tanah Lot, a great day trip for the entire group.
About Bali
Bali is Indonesia’s most popular tourist location and is considered one of Asia's premier tropical island destinations. Steeped in history and renowned for its artistic way of life, Bali is a peaceful contrast to some of the more frantic destinations Asia has to offer.
The inner peace and creative talents of the Balinese has attracted artists the world over fascinated by local dancers, silversmiths, wood carvers, potters and painters that seem to pervade throughout the island. The abundant verdant fields and surrounding sea have long supplied Bali with an easy surplus of food leaving time for life’s more artistic past times. As a result everything in Bali has a creative and religious element centred around the local Banjar (residents association) – little, adorned temples are everywhere, doors are covered in intricate carvings, huge kites ward off evil spirits and colourful roadside ceremonies bring traffic to a standstill.
Bali is a popular destination principally from Australia and Asia but also from all over Europe. The island welcomes thousands of visitors each year to a relaxing lifestyle, stunning beaches, world class surf, vibrant villages, and spectacular scenery all with an exquisite tropical climate. Located approximately two hours’ flying time from Singapore the island is serviced by an international airport at Denpasar with direct flights to and from many major cities in Asia, Europe and Australia and many more via Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital.
The island offers an impressive range of leisure and lifestyle amenities including world-class golf courses, wonderful seascapes for surfing, diving and snorkelling as well as luxurious spas, chic boutiques, tropical forests, towering volcanoes and international cuisine.
Rooms
A soaring wantilan pavilion with ten-metre-high ceiling and flagstone floors provides the central focus at Villa Bunga Wangi, with a sprawling lounge setting of oversized carved wooden sofas, planters’ chairs with green and red cushions, and upturned spotlights illuminating the rattan ceiling. The pavilion is open-sided and surrounded by water gardens, lawns and bougainvillea. A pale green feature wall is dominated by a vintage wooden wall panel flanked by Javanese statue and a long wooden dining table comfortably seats eight, with views over the swimming pool through the trees. One corner is occupied by an elaborately carved bar, and doors lead through to a simple but functional kitchen with extensive counters and oven.
The kidney-shaped pool is tiled in green slate and encircled by foliage, with stone-tiled deck dotted with deckchairs and sun parasols. A shady balé (pavilion) is filled with Thai cushions.
The three bedrooms are named after flowers; each comes with air-conditioning and ceiling fan and is similar in size and configuration, with slight variations in furnishings. Common features include queen-size four-poster teak beds, an extra ‘trundle’ bed, wooden cabinets with Satellite TV and DVD player, chaise longues, timber floor boards, sloping rattan ceilings, woven textiles and floral themed art. Outdoor spaces have daybeds, table and chairs. Ornate wooden doors lead to indoor/outdoor bathrooms with rain showers in lush open-air courtyards fringed with foliage. Extensive windows, sunken terrazzo bath tubs, wooden cupboards and wrought iron towel racks are found in each.
Lily Bedroom, with its golden hued bed furnishings and painting of a bird of paradise flower, opens onto the pool; its private veranda overlooking a small temple and the river. Furnishings in the middle pavilion, Lotus, are dark brown in tone, and pictures of pink frangipani and heliconia adorn the walls. This pavilion’s shady veranda overhangs the lawn. Frangipani is at the top of the property with expansive views, but no private deck, instead stone steps lead up to a spacious terrace. Furnishings are crimson toned and artwork is of a golden frangipani.
The air-conditioned TV room is furnished with a beige rattan lounge suite, wood cabinet with books, DVDs and CDs, Satellite TV/DVD player, and colourful art work on the walls. Steep stairs lead to a landing with a double bed, small wardrobe and tribal masks on the wall – ideal for extra overnight guests.
Key Amenities
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Air-con
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Swimming Pool (Private)
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TV (Satellite/Cable)
Other Amenities
- Baby Cot
- BBQ
- Bed Linen
- Board Games/Toys
- Book Selection
- Car Parking
- Ceiling Fans
- DVD Library
- DVD Player
- Equipped Kitchen
- Extra Bed (Roll away/mattress)
- Generator
- Hairdryers
- High Chairs (On Request)
- iPod Dock/Speakers
- Iron/Board
- Laundry Service (Extra)
- Microwave
- Oven/Hotplates
- Safe
- Swimming Pool Toys
- Towels
Villa Staff
- Babysitter
- Chef/Cook (All meals)
- Garden/Pool Staff
- Housekeeping (Full time)
- Manager (Restricted hrs)
- Security (Night time only)
- Service Staff
Tropical gardens abound in this traditional Balinese 3-bedroom villa which is part of the Pangi River Estate in the sleepy village of Pererenan. Courtyard terraces, vibrant flowers and antique furnishings create an authentic island experience enhanced by an infinity pool perched on the river’s edge.
http://www.thevillaguide.com/villa/villa-bunga-wangi.aspx
