We have stayed in some pretty unique places over the years, but none quite like our stay in the heart of Ubud at Champlung Sari Hotel in Bali. A hidden gem located on Monkey Forest road only a few hundred metres from the famous Sacred Monkey Forest, there is something very unusual and special about this place. I’m not referring to the tranquil surrounds, the lush, tropical landscaped gardens or even the super friendly and attentive staff. I’m talking about the ‘other’ guests. The ones who shared the grounds with us during our stay. The monkeys! Yes, I’m serious! At Champlung Sari Hotel monkeys from the nearby Monkey Forest can be found wandering around, observing the guests and simply hanging out in the beautiful gardens.
Champlung Sari Hotel
Location
Set back from the main road (Monkey Forest road), down a modest and inconspicuous driveway, Champlung Sari Hotel is a hidden oasis reflecting the sacred and tranquil vibe of Ubud, a place many refer to as Bali’s cultural heart. Surrounded by shops, galleries, spas, restaurants, bars and cafes, Champlung Sari Hotel is in the heart of town with everything you may need or want right at your fingertips.
Take a leisurely stroll to the Sacred Monkey Forest, only a few hundred metres down the road. Spanning over 12.5 hectares, boasting 186 species of trees and home to more than 700 monkeys, visiting this spiritual and tranquil forest is a must. Entry is around $5AUD for adults and $4AUD for children.
Accommodation
Champlung Sari Hotel has a generous collection of guest rooms spread across the grounds in a layout reflective of a traditional Balinese village.
You can choose from standard, superior and deluxe rooms, all with their own private terrace or balcony. Each room comes with air-conditioning, wi-fi and satellite television. We had two inter-connecting rooms. One for us and one for the kids. Both rooms were very spacious, ours (a deluxe) had a canopied bed and both had large bathrooms with separate bath and shower.
Dining
There are two restaurants at Champlung Sari Hotel as well as a smaller informal cafe. We only ate breakfast during our stay but were extremely impressed with the extensive buffet on offer. With a wide variety of Indonesian and Western cuisine, the buffet changed daily with new and interesting things to sample each morning. The omelette station was a hit and I lost count of how many pastries and hot milos our kids devoured. The lunch and dinner menus offer both local and international dishes and include Champlung Sari’s signiature Clay pot menu.
Pools
There are two fantastic swimming pools on the premises, both surrounded by lush, tropical gardens. We spent a lot of time in these pools often being watched by some curious little monkeys. So refreshing after a morning walk through Ubud town centre.
The Grounds
At Champlung Sari Hotel, the presentation and upkeep of the grounds is a top priority, with gardeners and caretakers working around the clock to maintain the garden’s immaculate presentation. Little paths wind through an oasis of tropical plants and trees, all surrounding the gorgeous, traditional Balinese buildings and terraces.
Purnama Spa
Within the grounds of Champlung Sari Hotel lies Purnama Spa, boasting an extensive menu of massage and wellness rituals using naturally sourced ingredients. With double rooms, couples are offered the opportunity to share a calming and sensual experience together.
Tour Services
The staff on the front desk are a wealth of knowledge when it comes to where to go and what to do in and around Ubud. They will happily offer advice, book tours and organise transport. We hired a personal driver for the day through the hotel, who for just $50AUD, spent the entire day driving us to temples and waterfalls, coffee plantations, rice terraces and the incredible Mount Batur (Kintamini Volcano).
Our final verdict
For anyone visiting Ubud, we cannot recommend Champlung Sari Hotel highly enough. In fact, after staying for 2 nights, we were so impressed with the place, and not at all ready to say goodbye, that we booked a further 2 nights. Centrally located, yet set back from the noise and hustle and bustle of town, it is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Whether you are a couple seeking a romantic hideaway, a family looking for something unique and refreshing, or a larger group looking for a calming and tranquil atmosphere to base yourself, this is the place for you.
Check the latest prices at Champlung Sari Hotel
Disclaimer: We were sponsored guests of Champlung Sari Hotel. All experiences shared and opinions expressed in this article are our own and are in no way influenced by sponsorship.
