Villa Sungai - rivertop villa in central Ubud
◀
▶
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Bedrooms | 2 |
| Bathrooms | 2 |
| Sleeps | 4 |
| Villa | |
| Suitability |
|---|
| No Pets |
| Smoking Allowed |
| FlipKey traveler rating |
| 22 reviews |
| Stayed here? Write a review. |
Get the real scoop!
All reviews are written by verified travelers
Details
| Rental type | Villa |
| Minimum Stay | 2 nights |
| Bedrooms | 2 Total |
| Bathrooms | 2 Total |
| Sleeps | 4 |
| Suitability |
Pet friendlyNo Smoking allowedYes Suitable for childrenAsk Suitable for the elderlyAsk Wheelchair accessibleNo |
Description from the owner
Villa Sungai is an experience, not just a tropical garden and home.
Architecturally designed to optimise the benefits of its tranquil river-top setting, Villa Sungai successfully engages all your senses from the fragrant frangipani that greet you at the entrance to the smooth cobbled paths that massage your feet.
From your vantage point, perched high above the Mumbul River, life stands still or it can hum along at break-neck village speed. The choice is yours with Ubud - the bustling hub of Bali's cultural life - an easy 5 minute stroll from your door.
In Villa Sungai, Australian architect, Geoffrey Borrack, has created a...Read more
Amenities
Location
Villa Sungai - rivertop villa in central Ubud
Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
What's Nearby:
Additional Location Information
Rates
Rates shown in $ USD (change)
| Date | Weeknight | Weekend Night | Weekly | Monthly | Minimum Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate Summary | $150 | $150 | $0 | $0 | 2 nights |
| May. 1 2011 - Dec. 1 2012 | $150 | $150 | - | - | 3 nights |
| All Other Dates | $150 | $150 | - | - | 2 nights |
| Can't find rates for your travel dates? Contact the owner | |||||
Additional notes from owner
rates are quoted per night for first couple. 2 couples stay for a total of US$220 per night (i.e. US$110 per night per couple).
Special family rate applies for 2 adults and 2 children 12 years and under - US$175 per night.
Availability
AvailableUnavailable Last updated: April 21, 2013 ◀▶
What Past Guests Are Saying
Overall Rating
ExcellentVery Good
Average
Below Average
Poor
-
Holly
PerthWould not recommend this villa
Left on 01/01/2013 for a stay in September 2012
We stayed here in September 2012, we had booked for two nights but left after the first night as none of us slept a wink because it was so noisy! The garden setting is very nice and the open house is a good design, however because the bedrooms are open you can't shut out the noise of the animals and insects and drain beside the bedroom at night and there are no screens so there were lots of mosquitoes and we all got a lot of bites even wearing repellant. We paid $200 per night for 3 adults and a baby, and there are places in ubud that are much better value and much nicer than this. The house might have been nice when it was first built but it is now quite dated and does not appear to have been very well maintained. Anyway I don't want to be too negative about it as there are lots of good things about this place, but it's just not for everyone and we were left feeling quite disappointed.
-
jcr255100
Melbourne, Australiaterrific
Left on 11/04/2012 for a stay in November 2012
I know I have found my Bali haven!~ Staying for two weeks, first as single traveller and then with a pair of friends I found Villa Sungai perfect for all of us in different ways.
For me the sense of tranquility, together with a complete feeling of safety, enhanced my pleasure.
Together, my friends and I found the spacious fan cooled bedrooms with marble bathrooms, the simple but stylish living spaces, lovely small lush garden and plunge pool provided us with everything we needed.
The two man staff were professional, knowledgeable, and very friendly. Managing somehow to always be 'there' without being obtrusive!
The small kitchen was adequate for a simple meal, but we found the nearby restaurants gave us a good variety of food in pleasant surroundings.
I know I've found my "bali Haven". I'll be back!
jc melbourne -
Sisterwivekins
Perth, AustraliaExactly what we wanted!
Left on 09/22/2012 for a stay in September 2012
My hubby and I arrived at Villa Sungai in need of a relaxing "Ubud" holiday and Villa Sungai did not disappoint. We loved the setting, nestled down in the jungle on the river, totally tucked away and private. We were greeted by the very lovely staff (only two) who were warm, smiling and helpful. The Villa has everything you need and nothing you don't, if you are looking for somewhere relaxing and beautiful. There are some 'primative' aspects - you are in the jungle after all. There may be bugs ( mozzies are kept at bay by nets over beds and evening lighting of coils). They didnt bother us at all. The rosters are pretty loud but we learned to tune them out. Breakfast was cooked for us every morning, with a beautful table setting overlooking the river. Heaven! Great location, close enough to everything, but separate from the hustle. Loved it, would recommend to anyone looking for a private, not to flashy villa getaway.
-
rubygirlNewZealand
New ZealandTranquility right in the middle of busy Ubud
Left on 07/09/2012 for a stay in May 2012
From the moment we were welcomed by our smiling Balinese host I knew the week ahead would be the relaxation I had been waiting for. The property is beautifully designed and away from the busy-ness set in the bush over a river. The pool is small but perfect to laze beside and dip into.
Breakfasts are cooked for you and there is a menu to choose from. (Ask for the special banana pancakes topped with grated coconut - they were divine). -
jeniallenby
canberraAn enchanting secret base for travelers who want to experience t
Left on 02/07/2012 for a stay in July 2010
My husband and I have family links in Bali, which means lots of lovely places to stay are on offer. However since about 2002 our "home" of choice whenever we visit Bali has been Villa Sungai Ubud. It's always a joy to return there.
Villa Sungai Ubud is a tiny jewel set within a larger jewel: Ubud. Staying there you become part of the Balinese environment, and yet because the villa is so private it also provides a refuge from that environment, if you need some time out.
Villa Sungai Ubud is not a place for people who want air-conditioned luxury, there are lots of great hotels in Bali for those who want this. Rather, the villa is an enchanting secret base for travelers who want to experience true Balinese life, architecture and culture.
The beauty of the villa is quite extraordinary and because of it's traditional architecture is open to the air, nature is all around you. And you are in a rainforest / river jungle environment. So yes, you may encounter local - harmless - wildlife in all shapes and forms. But having said that, we've stayed numerous times and only encountered birds and squirrels (on the verandas) and geckos (on the walls).
The clean and welcoming pool is promoted on the villa's website as a plunge pool, which by definition means it's small. However it's size has not stopped it keeping my family cool and happy, and it's a great place to have your breakfast served in the morning.
The villa is indeed central, all the wonderful things Ubud had to offer are within walking distance. The villa's dedicated staff nearly die of boredom when we come to stay, because we are there to see family and rarely organize day tours or attend dances / cultural events. So please, come and stay and put their wonderful expertise to good use, sharing with you what magic places Bali and Ubud are :) -
sassafraf
255060not luxury
Left on 12/22/2011 for a stay in December 2011
It certainly was not luxury as some reviews say it is but then again we didn't expect it to be we knew it was in a jungle setting and accepted that
I found the pool small but it was clean except for the spider in it which we easily removed with the net left beside the pool in such a setting as this villa is it is only natural to see the occasional rat and spiders in the kitchen or bedrooms after all were not in some luxury villa and we were in the middle of the jungle above a dirty river which the villa is not responsible for
It was a shame though that at the time of our staying most of the area around the pool had been cleared so there was no privacy from the house opposite or the 2 above or the new noisy one next to it just being built
The surprise was the snake staring at me while I sat in the lounge room and another outside scurrying away
What we could not tolerate was the filthy cooking utensils in the kitchen which were to be used for our brekkie next morning now there was no excuse for cockroach poo or the dirty frying pan the mould around the mixer and cooking equipment in the cupboards
Maybe just maybe the previous tenants left this disgusting mess but then I would assume those caring for the place would have cleaned them thoroughly before we arrived they are clean now we washed boiled and scrubbed them
we left the next morning and cancelled further bookings for later in the year
Villa Sungai is in a great position in Ubud it is old and tired make sure it is what you are looking for
it is open to all the elements of nature as one review said it is open to all the elements of nature including rats spiders snakes
Response from Geoffrey Borrack - 01/13/2012
Owner
Villa Sungai is not luxury and has never been advertised as such, but it is not "old and tired" either. The villa is regularly maintained and updated including, in the past 3 months, the addition of: new pots, pans and the mixer which is referred to in the review; sealed teak bench tops, Italian tile splash back, upright stove and refrigerator and cupboard linings.
Our 2 staff members have been in our employment for 28 and 30 years respectively (this and other properties) and have been trained and work to an exacting standard for which we have only heard praise, evidenced in preceeding reviews. We can only assume that the offending items were 'tidied' away by the previous guests, if they were dirty at all.
Nature and its prospering life forms are a draw card of the villa: snakes even hold a fascination for some, especially as they are harmless. Guests not wanting to experience the real Bali or open air pavilion-living should book into any number of hermetically sealed hotels where their western values need never be challenged. -
Fushiatiger
Very private and beautiful villa in the heart of ubud
Left on 12/02/2011 for a stay in November 2011
Thank you for an amazing holiday. The service was excellent and the villa very beautiful. Having a private pool was a great luxury especially in the heart of town. The gardens were a delight as were the breakfasts Gus cooked for us all every morning. Hiring scooters was also lots of fun as we were able to explore the rural areas around ubud.
-
Jan
MelbournePerfect place to stay in Ubud. Beautiful garden setting
Left on 09/30/2011 for a stay in September 2011
We could not asked for a more comfortable place and an idyllic setting. A real gem set in the heart of Ubud
-
Ubud Regular
SydneyUbud Retreat
Left on 09/01/2011 for a stay in August 2011
Unpretentious discreet and comfortable, a traditional Bali-style villa offering a peaceful retreat right in the heart of Ubud.Recommend the breakfast omelettes and banana pancakes served any time after the rooster wake-up chorus.
-
191tracy
Cape Town, South AfricaEnjoyable
Left on 08/17/2011 for a stay in June 2011
We enjoyed our stay at Villa Sungai. It is a wonderful tranquil setting, and within easy reach of Ubud's main attractions. The garden and pool area were lovely and we enjoyed the outdoor feel. However there were 2 complaints. The kitchen utensils were in a bad state of repair. We specifically booked a self catering place as we have yong children who would not cope with restaurant food all the time. The only cutting knife was broken in half. There was no tin opener. There was just one small, paper thin, dented, aluminium pot and one battered frying pan. The toaster only worked if you held it down and only 2 of the hot plates on the stove were working. It was almost impossible to cook a decent meal . At us $175 a night we would have thought that a bit more money could have been spent on kitchen implements.
Secondly, we had a bad infestation of rats in our rooms at night. We would be woken up at night with the sound of rats running along the top of the clothes cupboards and their constant chirping noise. We would see them jumping on to the open bathroom wall while we were in there and making a dash for the bedroom. I know that the house is right on the river and to stop the rats would be very difficult, but if a house has such a problem it should be priced a little cheaper. We mentioned the rat problem on many occasions to the caretaker, but he just laughed ands shrugged his shoulders. We suggested putting poison down but nothing was done. -
Claire - Very Happy Customer
MelbourneEat Pray Love - Our magical stay in Ubud!
Left on 07/18/2011 for a stay in June 2011
Upon arrival we where surprised to find the Villa and grounds even more beautiful than the photos depicted. The bathrooms and bedrooms where stunning and well appointed. The on site staff Nick and Tunngo where very attentive cooking a lovely daily breakfast, our laundry was done nicely, arranged a scooter for us to use while there and car transport for excursions to the surrounding areas. The Villa was far enough away from town to feel quiet and secluded yet just a few minutes walk to nearby restaurants and shops. We had dinner in the villa several nights with a home delivered meal from nearby Nicks Warung which is a must for goregous cheap traditional fare if you want to stay in and relax with a DVD. Daily massages from Lilly's spa at the end of the laneway where divine! Overall can't speak highly enough of Villa Sungai. Deluxe accomm and lovely staff. Planning our next trip back already!
Response from Geoffrey Borrack - 07/19/2011
Owner
Thanks Guy's,
It was a great review.
By the way, who is Nick on our staff?
We must get together some time soon, for drinks or a meal.
Would love to talk abot how you would go about setting up
a web site.
Love Margaret. -
dr_dmg
Oak Park, IllinoisThe most amazing getaway
Left on 06/08/2011 for a stay in November 2010
I stayed at the Villa Sungai for two weeks and had the most amazing getaway. The staff was friendly and helpful. The breakfast was delicious. The bedrooms and bathrooms were gorgeous. Everything was perfect. We were able to daytrip to the beach, temples, and many other places. Ubud was a great town in a great location for seeing the rest of Bali. The villa was even more amazing than the photos. I would definitely come back. Perhaps the only downside was that the pool was very small, but it didn't really matter to us. You could stay cheaper in Ubud, but this was private, romantic, beautiful, secluded, yet close to everything. Truly spectacular!
Response from Geoffrey Borrack - 06/24/2011
Owner
Donna,
Thank you for your review.
I do hope that some time you will come to Bali and stay with us again.
We would like to offer you a free night when next you stay.
Kind regards,
Margaret. -
VOT47
Perth, AustraliaA delightful and restful bali residence
Left on 05/20/2011 for a stay in October 2010
We loved the seclusion and beautiful gardens of the villa. It is very private a world away from the rush of the main street and traffic of ubud, yet only a couple of minutes walk. The staff were very helpful, and the breakfasts beautiful Lovely touches of fresh frangiapnnis each day.
-
TomasWH
CopenhagenMake sure you know what you get!
Left on 04/27/2011 for a stay in April 2011
We stayed 7 nights in Villa Sungai and the experience was both very positive and very negative.
First the good things :-)
The location in the middle of the nature is amazing during daytime and the surroundings are very attractive. It is very quite and close to the citycenter (only 5 minute walk). Gus and Tanggu makes a very nice breakfast. The living room is also very nice.
Then the bad things :-(
As a traditional Balinese house Villa Sungai did not have a/C or windows in the bedrooms which means that the bedroom is very noisy (from all the animals/insects/music from nearby resorts) and very hot. Due to the humidity (I suppose) the kitchen looks very old and worn.
Situated so close to nature you have to have a very tolerant view upon wildlife in your home. When we stayed here we found a rat strolling around in the kitchencabinet, we had giant spiders in the bedroom and Gecko pooh in the beds.
Laundry is also part of the rate payed for the room. Unfortunately their washingmachine was (or is) broken and Gus and Tanggu said that I could to one of the nearby places to get my laundry done. I insisted that laundry was part of the rate that we payed for the room and if we should go to some of the other places to get our laundry done, then we should have a reduction in the rate payed for the room. After some discussion they accepted doing our laundry (by hand) but they did not seem very happy about this. When we got our laundry back it was not very clean :-(
I believe that Villa Sungai will loose a lot of its charm during the next few years since hotels are being build all around the property.
Villa Sungai has many good things to offer but also many "not so good" things, so make sure your consider all aspects of a stay here before you make a booking.Response from Geoffrey Borrack - 05/02/2011
Owner
Villa Sungai is designed and constructed using traditional Balinese principles. Specifically, this means open-air pavilion living and thatched roofing. This is clealy stated in our description of the home and should be of no surprise to those who book. (Please do not book if you want air conditioning!)
The blurred lines between where the house ends and nature begins is the charm - we are told - by most who stay. They choose our villa and re-book because they are looking to experience the "real" Bali outside the homogenous four walls of yet another hotel.
Naturally, surrounded by so much nature some critters will occasionally be found around the home. Yes, we have resident geckos (Albert and Anthea) who are harmless, and the occasional spider and rat may be sighted, but our staff diligently remove anything offensive, and certainly no nests can be found!
The evening songs of the jungle and the distant sound of villagers at play (traditional music till 9.30pm most nights) is a relaxing treat for most of our guests, and part of Villa Sungai's sensual appeal.
The kitchen is not from a catalogue. It is simple and adequate and is just as it appears in the photos.
We regret our washing machine broke down, but that has now been fixed.
Villa Sungai is in a central, but secreted and unspoiled location.We believe the villa's appeal will continue to be abundant to anyone who surrenders to the rhythms of nature and village life.
-
Lance Riley
Taichung, TaiwanVilla Sungai was fantastic!
Left on 04/02/2011 for a stay in January 2011
My wife and I stayed at Villa Sungai in Ubud, Bali for 10 days, from late December 2010 through early January 2011. It was a fantastic stay. Gus and Tengu, the housekeepers, made us feel at home and attended to all our needs during our stay.
There are three key qualities that made Villa Sungai so enjoyable for us. First, the cleanliness and organization of the overall facility were excellent. This is due in part to the design and layout of the villa but in even greater part to the continued upkeep and maintenance of the buildings and grounds.
Second, Villa Sungai is private. We really have appreciated this aspect compared to other more resort-style experiences in our travels. These other, regular hotel stays are great, but not the same as Villa Sungai. We loved just having the place to ourselves and totally relaxing. It made the experience truly special.
Finally, the landscaping and sense of connection to nature at Villa Sungai is extraordinary. True - we weren't camping out for our 10 days there - we were living in luxury - but we felt very connected to the nature around us and this added a further level of uniqueness to our stay. The landscaping is truly gorgeous. It looks out upon the Bali countryside and we loved waking up to the birds and other sounds of nature every morning.
In conclusion, we would recommend Villa Sungai wholeheartedly to fellow travelers. In fact, we will very likely be going back one day! Thanks Gus and Tengu, and thanks Margaret and Geoffrey for an outstanding overall experience. -
Sharon
SydneyGreat value in a little Oasis
Left on 02/06/2011 for a stay in January 2011
We stayed in Villa Sungai in January 11. We had a very peaceful and relaxing stay...even with our 11 and 13 year old. The staff were incredible and made us feel at home. The villa is very comfortable, clean and tucked away on the edge of the most green and lush forest. We enjoyed our stay immensely and would love to return one day and stay a little longer.
-
LynC
SydneyWe loved everything about Villa Sungai!
Left on 01/20/2011 for a stay in November 2010
We started off booking for a couple of days, then increased it to a week, and then by the end we wished we could stay for the rest of our lives...
Villa Sungai is clearly created by people who love Bali. Very beautiful, but also very comfortable and functional.
I have a very clear image of being tucked up in that open space living area (sipping a g&t;), watching an afternoon downpour. Marvelled at the beauty of the rain and vegetation and marvelled also at the design of the villa whereby no rain came in.
Beautiful villa. Great location (loved that I could easily duck off for a little shopportunity, whilst hubby stayed by the pool reading), Excellent staff who have been with the owners for years and are delightful, Exquisitie garden. Pretty much our perfect place. -
World Traveller
San Francisco, CATropical architectural Jewel
Left on 01/19/2011 for a stay in January 2011
We totally enjoyed our stay in Villa Sungai -- it's beautifully designed & appointed, & excellent service is provided by the staff, Gus & Tanggu. The location is convenient to central Ubud -- not far from the main road, but privately situated. An internet cafe is conveniently located within a block. We were impressed that it was all of this, which made it a lovely stay & a good value!
-
westaway
noosa headsbeautifully presented - private - great position - value
Left on 06/24/2010 for a stay in July 2009
i stayed for 2 months - friends and family came and went - everyone was impressed - beautiful natural garden with birds squirrells and much more - didnt want to leave as it felt like home
-
Orchid
SingaporeAn Oasis in the heart of Ubud
Left on 06/21/2010 for a stay in May 2010
The location of Villa Sungai is fantastic. Very central within walking distance of the markets, great restaurants and spa facilities.
The Villa contains two pavillion bedrooms with their own bathroom and a central lounge and kitchenette area.
It is for those who appreciate seclusion and a degree of luxury without formality. -
Genine & Mark
Sydney, AustraliaSanctuary Found
Left on 05/29/2010 for a stay in March 2008
After escaping the madness and excesses of Bali we arrived at Villa Sungai - a small and beautiful Balinese villa overlooking the lush tropical valley and the Mumbul River. Talk about peaceful.
We found this accommodation simple yet enchanting and the staff were attentive and friendly. This was a romantic way to finish up our Indonesian adventure. Sanctuary really was found at Villa Sungai. -
Sarah Gardiner
Country VictoriaEffortless. Paradise with style.
Left on 05/27/2010 for a stay in March 2010
Set above the Campuan River, the roosters crow across the river in the morning and the lush manicured gardens and lawn make staying at Villa Sungai a dream. The staff have you feeling comfortable as soon as you set foot on the path to the house. The swimming pool is a welcome temperature early in the morning or late in the evening. There are great outdoor areas for evening drinks before you sit down to dinner at home or take the short stroll to the wonderful restaurants on Jalan Bisma or Ubud Village. Living areas and bedrooms are perfect. I hope Villa Sungai is available next time I visit Bali... there is no better place to relax. Note: Jalan Bisma offers 5 day spas for massages to manicures and hair. Thank you Geoffrey and staff in Ubud we had a divine holiday.
Here 3 more rentals located nearby.
Also Consider
FlipKey has rentals in over 11 destinations around the world:
-
Nusa Dua villas
30 rentals from $99/night -
Jimbaran villas
46 rentals from $68/night -
West Nusa Tenggara vacation rentals
28 rentals from $66/night -
Australia vacation rentals
1,486 rentals from $128/night -
Australia & South Pacific vacation rentals
2,200 rentals from $104/night