Escape to Paradise: Manada Guesthouse's Stunning Bali Room 5 Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Manada Guesthouse's Stunning Bali Room 5 Awaits! – My Honest (and Slightly Chaotic) Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Manada Guesthouse in Bali and I'm still trying to untangle the sensory overload. "Escape to Paradise" is what they call it, and honestly, it's a pretty accurate description, though paradise comes with a few, shall we say, character-building moments. Let's dive into "Bali Room 5" and see if it really delivers.
First Impressions: The Grind & Gleam
Getting there… well, the airport transfer (thank goodness for that, especially after a 20-hour flight) was smooth. Felt like pure luxury after wrestling with my luggage at the airport. The guesthouse itself? Picture this: lush greenery everywhere, the fragrant scent of frangipani hanging in the air, and tiny, chirping geckos that I swear were judging my every move. It's beautiful, no question.
Accessibility & Comfort:
- Accessibility: Alright, here's the deal. Manada isn't perfectly suited for everyone. I didn’t need it, but I saw a few stairs. This ain't a super accessible place, to be honest, so check first if you need super smooth access. But the staff, they were amazing, and I got the feeling if you had some limitations, they’d bend over backward to help.
- Room 5 – The Bali Room: Honestly, that room… it's divine. The whole "Bali Room" aesthetic is spot on. You've got this gorgeous canopy bed, draped with mosquito netting (essential, trust me). The blackout curtains were a godsend after those long travel days – I slept like a log. The bathroom? Okay, it was an impressive private bathroom, a separate shower/bathtub, so you can really pamper yourself. The water? Hot! Amazing. The extra long bed was a huge bonus, I wasn’t cramped, and I’m a tall gal.
- Amenities – A Mixed Bag (But Mostly Good):
- Internet: Yeah, the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms and that Internet Access – wireless worked great. I even used the Internet [LAN] for some video conferences, which wasn’t ideal, but workable.
- Air conditioning: A must-have in Bali and thankfully, it was good.
- Conveniences: Daily housekeeping was a blessing. I'm a messy traveler, let’s be honest. But the complimentary tea and free bottled water meant less faffing around. The ironing facilities and laundry service were also lifesavers, especially since daily housekeeping and additional toilet came with my room.
- Soundproofing: Soundproof rooms are a good thing when you need to rest.
Food, Glorious Food!
Okay, food. This is where Manada really shines.
- The Restaurant:
- Breakfast: The Asian breakfast was a revelation. Western breakfast was available too, not my thing though. The Breakfast [buffet]? It was good, but I'm not a fan of buffets. But for the variety! I had some Coffee/tea in restaurant, Bottle of water, and Desserts in restaurant, so a solid choice for a bite.
- Dining Options: Room service [24-hour] – yes, please! After a long day of exploring, there’s nothing better.
- Alternative meal arrangement: They really were flexible if you needed something different. Not to mention you can also get Asian cuisine in restaurant.
- Snack bar: A lifesaver for those mid-afternoon cravings.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – The Good Stuff
This is the heart of "Paradise."
- Spa Time: This is where I truly lost myself. I'm talking a Foot bath, a massage, and a body scrub. The Spa, Sauna, and Steamroom were all calling to me, but I didn’t get to them which is a shame.
- Pool with a View: The Swimming pool [outdoor] is the heart of the guesthouse, it’s just divine. Floating there, looking out over the rice paddies… Chef's kiss.
- Fitness: Gym/fitness – I never used it, I lied. But if you're that kind of person, it’s there.
Cleanliness & Safety – Crucial in Today's World
- Security: CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Security [24-hour] – I felt safe.
- Cleanliness: Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays – they take this seriously. HUGE relief.
- Staff: Staff trained in safety protocol, Hand sanitizer everywhere.
- Other safety features: Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, and First aid kit kept everything safe.
The Quirks & Imperfections (Because Let's Be Honest)
Nobody's perfect, and Manada, while amazing, has its quirks.
- Pacing: The guesthouse can be a little tricky to get around, especially if you're not used to the Bali heat.
- Missing: The lack of a TV in my room, I didn't miss it initially, but after a week, it really was a problem for me.
- The Locals: You will see Shrine, a clear nod to the local culture and religious importance.
Overall Experience: The Verdict
Manada Guesthouse, and especially Bali Room 5, is a winner. Yes, it has some minor flaws, but honestly? The pros far outweigh the cons. The staff is incredible, the food is delicious, the spa is a dream, and the overall vibe is one of pure relaxation.
My Final, Slightly Biased, Recommendation:
If you’re looking for a truly relaxing escape in Bali, then book Bali Room 5 at Manada Guesthouse NOW! It’s not just a room; it’s an experience. It’s a chance to disconnect, recharge, and discover a little bit of paradise.
AND! They do stuff like this…
Offer: Book your stay at Manada Guesthouse in the next 24 hours and receive a FREE (yes, FREE) Balinese massage AND a welcome drink upon arrival! Plus, get a 10% discount on all spa treatments during your stay. Use code "BALIPARADISE" when booking. Don't miss out on this chance to experience true Indonesian bliss!
(Disclaimer: This review is based on my personal experience and may not reflect everyone's. Your mileage may vary. And hey, if you see a tiny gecko judging you, just wave. They're harmless.)
Kodaikanal Escape: Luxurious Hotel Vetrivel International Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your sanitized travel brochure itinerary. This is real life in Bali, and it's going to be messy, beautiful, and probably involve a questionable amount of Bintang. We're talking a stay at Manada Guesthouse, Superb Room 5 – which, let's be honest, the name promises more than it might deliver. But hey, that's part of the charm, right?
Day 1: Arrival! (And the Great Luggage Panic)
Time: FOREVER AND A DAY (actually, 1:00 PM local time- after a connecting Flight).
Event: Arrive at Denpasar Airport (DPS). Pray the baggage handlers were kind to my suitcase.
Transportation: Plane (duh), then a pre-booked taxi from the airport to Manada Guesthouse. Google Maps says 45 minutes; real life says an hour and a half, thanks to what I’m already calling the "Bali Traffic Jams of Doom."
Emotional State: Exhilarated anticipation, a tiny smidge of travel-induced anxiety, and a low-level panic wondering if my actual luggage with the good sunscreen made it.
Quirky Observation: Seriously, why are all Balinese drivers so zen? I was convinced we were going to become one with the scooter traffic at any given moment.
Messed-Up Moment: Okay, the luggage. It arrived. But not intact. Apparently, my floral sundress and my favorite pair of sandals decided to escape their confines. Sigh. Deep breaths. First world problems, right?
Time: 3:00 PM
Event: Check into Manada Guesthouse, "Superb" Room 5 (fingers crossed it's actually… superb).
Event: Check-in. The staff seemed friendly. The view from my window isn’t exactly the ocean vista I was dreaming of, but hey, it’s balconied!
Emotional State: Mildly relieved. The bed looks comfy. The air conditioning better work.
Opinionated Language: Okay, the room is nice, but "superb"? Maybe a little optimistic, guys. It’s perfectly… functional. And there's a persistent damp smell. Still, it'll do.
Messy ramble: The damp smell… is it the humidity? Is it mold? Should I be worried? Probably not. Bali, in my experience, is an adventure in not asking too many questions.
Time: 4:00 PM
Event: Explore the local area around the guesthouse, and get a feel for the vibe of the neighborhood
Event: First foray into local life.
Transportation: The aforementioned feet.
Emotional State: Excited and Slightly overwhelmed by the choices.
Quirky Observation: Everywhere a Balinese cat.
Messy ramble: So many options… food, shopping, transport… it’s all a bit much. I just need to adapt slowly to the lifestyle.
Opinionated Language: Oh, the food stalls! A culinary playground. The shopping is pure Bali: a mix of beautiful artisan crafts and slightly dubious souvenir shops. The scooters, however, are a force of nature. I think I'll be sticking to walking today.
Time: 7:00 PM
Event: Dinner at a local Warung (small, family-owned restaurant). Indulge in my first Nasi Goreng (fried rice).
Event:Dinner. Nasi Goreng. This is the stuff.
Food Preference: This is where the good stuff is.
Emotional State: Pure bliss.
Quirky Observation: The Warung owner’s grin was as warm as the chili in my Nasi Goreng.
Messy ramble: Am I eating too fast? Is it too spicy? Should I be talking to the cat? No! Food!
Opinionated Language: Best Nasi Goreng ever. Forget the Michelin stars, this is where it's at.
Time: 9:00 PM
Event: Evening. Head back to the guesthouse, collapse on the bed, and dream of adventures.
Event: Prepare for the next day.
Emotional State: Tired and content.
Quirky Observation: The mosquito is my new companion.
Messy ramble: Is it too early to start planning the next day? Should I be scared of the lizards?
Opinionated Language: The bed is good. The days will be amazing.
Day 2: Beach Vibes and the Great Surfboard Scandal
Time: 8:00 AM
Event: Rise and shine. Staring at the ceiling, and figuring out the day.
Event: Breakfast at the guesthouse. The included breakfast is… well, let’s just say it’s adequate.
Transportation: Feet, for the walk.
Emotional State: Optimistic! Coffee helped.
Quirky Observation: The toast is…crusty.
Messy ramble: The coffee is good though.
Opinionated Language: This toast really is way too crusty.
Time: 9:00 AM
Event: Head to the beach for the morning with a bit of browsing.
Event: beach time
Emotional State: Pure delight!
Opinionated Language: I love the beaches in Bali with the white sand and the blue water.
Messy ramble: The beach is so wonderful, I can’t wait to go again tomorrow.
Time: 10:00 AM
Event: Surfing lesson! (Beginner level, obviously.)
Transportation: The ocean, and the waves.
Emotional State: Nervous but excited.
Quirky Observation: Falling is the best part.
Messy ramble: Surfing is really hard, I feel tired, but it was the best day ever!
Opinionated Language: The waves are so nice!
Time: 12:00 PM
Event: Lunch on the beach. Fresh seafood, ocean air, and a well-deserved Bintang.
Event: Lunch. Seafood!
Emotional State: Bliss again!
Quirky Observation: The seagulls here, they want to eat your food.
Messy ramble: The seafood is great, I should get more.
Opinionated Language: The most amazing seafood.
Time: 2:00 PM
Event: The Great Surfboard Scandal: Turns out, I inadvertently tried to steal a surfboard that wasn't mine. The locals were… not amused.
Event: The Surfboard.
Emotional State: Embarrassed and laughing.
Quirky Observation: My balance sucks.
Messy ramble: I can’t believe I did that! It was so embarrassing, but I laughed it off.
Opinionated Language: I should have watched the other surfers!
Time: 3:00 PM
Event: Head to the guesthouse, clean up, and plan the evening.
Event: Prepare for sunset.
Emotional State: Happy and tired.
Quirky Observation: The water is so nice, I wish I could spend more time in it.
Messy ramble: Should I start getting ready or just relax? There is so much to do!
Opinionated Language: The next days will be even better.
Time: 6:00 PM
Event: Sunset drinks at a beach bar. Watching the sunset, drinking a cocktail (or two).
Event: Drinks and sunset.
Emotional State: Happy.
Quirky Observation: The sunset really is beautiful.
Messy ramble: I really just want to be happy.
Opinionated Language: Let’s do this again tomorrow!
Time: 8:00 PM
Event: Dinner at a restaurant. Find a good option for dinner and go.
Event: Dinner.
Emotional State: Full!
Quirky Observation: Great food.
Messy ramble: I can’t wait for the next day!
Opinionated Language: Wonderful day.
Time: 10:00 PM
Event: Go back to the guesthouse, and sleep.
Event: Sleep.
Emotional State: Sleep.
Quirky Observation: Good night.
Messy ramble: So tired.
Opinionated Language: Good night.
**Day 3
Uncover the Secrets of Posada del Fraile: Tepotzotlán's Hidden Gem!
Escape to Paradise: Manada Guesthouse – Bali Room 5 FAQs (The REAL Deal!)
Okay, spill the beans. Bali Room 5. Is it actually as good as the photos? Because, let's be honest, Instagram lies.
Alright, alright, holding breath... Look, the photos? They're *good*. Very good. But, y'know… real life. The photos, they’re probably taken at like, 7 AM when the light is perfect and no stray geckos are pooping on your balcony. So, honest truth? It's… pretty darn close. It’s still gorgeous. The four-poster bed? Yep, it's a legit cloud you can flop onto after a day of sweating through your sarong. And the bathroom? The outdoor shower *is* as magical as advertised. I, for one, spent a solid 20 minutes just standing under the warm water, giggling. It rained one afternoon, and showering in the rain with no walls? Pure, unadulterated, Bali bliss. (Okay, minus the occasional mosquito bite... but hey, paradise, right?) Just... don't expect a perfectly pristine, magazine-ready show home. It's got character, a little wear and tear (because, you know, life!), and the occasional rogue bug that's just *really* enjoying the ambience.
What about the air conditioning? Because I *need* AC. I'm a sweaty mess even in the airport.
Yes. Thank. God. The AC in Room 5 is a lifesaver. It's effective, it's quiet (mostly – the occasional gurgle of the pipes, but hey, you're in a guesthouse, not a five-star hotel), and it’s a glorious blast of icy air after a day of sightseeing or, you know, just *existing* in Bali humidity. I could actually SLEEP. Properly. Without waking up in a sticky puddle. It’s worth the price of admission *alone*, honestly. My advice? Crank it up before you leave for dinner, and come back to a blissfully chilled sanctuary. Just remember to turn it down before bed, or you'll wake up looking like a frozen pastry. (Learned this the hard way, trust me.)
The location of Manada Guesthouse? Easy getting around? Restaurants nearby? Spill the tea!
The location? Decent. It’s a short scooter ride (rent one, seriously, life changing) to the main drag in Ubud, where you have all the restaurants and the monkey forest (so many monkeys…). Walking? Eh, depends on your tolerance for heat and dodging scooters. It's *doable* but not ideal. The plus side? It's tucked away enough that it's generally quiet and feels more authentically Balinese than being smack dab in the tourist chaos. Restaurants? There are a few little warungs – local eateries – within walking distance. And a couple of very good ones. One particularly charming little place a few minutes away has this amazing Nasi Goreng – like, the best I've ever had. (I went three times in a row. Don't judge me.) The staff at Manada can usually point you in the right direction. Okay, and a confession – on my last trip, I got spectacularly lost, ending up on a dirt road with a flat tire on my rented scooter. But even *that* was kind of a funny adventure eventually. (After the initial panic, which involved a lot of frustrated gesturing and very bad Bahasa Indonesia). So yeah, location? Good enough. Adventure potential? High.
Alright, laundry situation? Because packing light is a myth to me.
Laundry? Easy peasy. You can either wash stuff yourself (there's a clothesline on the balcony which is a lovely spot to hang out, by the way) or send it out. They have laundry services that are pretty quick and ridiculously cheap. Seriously, I filled a bag with, like, a week's worth of sweaty clothes and it cost maybe five bucks. I felt guilty! Just factor in that sometimes, things come back a little… *faded* or maybe with a missing button, but that’s Bali charm, right? Just tell yourself it adds character. Honestly, it’s worth the convenience and the peace of mind. Although, I *did* accidentally send out my favorite shirt... and I’m not sure if it ever made it back. I'm still mourning the loss to this day. (Don't send out anything you *really* can't live without).
The staff, are they cool? Do they actually *care*?
The staff at Manada Guesthouse are lovely people. They're genuinely friendly and helpful. They don't just act like they want your money; they're actually *interested*. They remember your name. They'll help you book tours. They can give you the inside scoop on the best places to eat where the tourists *don't* go (which is where you want to be, trust me). I once tripped and scraped my knee – mortifying, especially since it happened in front of a group of Dutch tourists. They were immediately there with antiseptic and a sympathetic smile. They also always kept the room clean. And the fresh flowers? A nice touch. Plus, I’m pretty sure one of them knew I had a slight addiction to Bintang beer, because every evening, a cold one seemed to magically appear on my balcony. Pure, unadulterated heaven. So yeah. They're cool. They care. And they make your stay a lot more pleasant.
Breakfast? Included? Good? What’s the deal?
Breakfast is included, and it's... okay. It's not a gourmet experience. Think fruit, toast, coffee (which is generally fine, though I'm a coffee snob, so take that with a grain of salt), and sometimes eggs. It's enough to get you started for the day. Don't expect a massive buffet. It's simple, sufficient, and served with a smile. I'm saying that because the breakfast is a bit of a letdown. I'm a massive breakfast person. I want a *mountain* of food. So, by day 3, I was supplementing with some delicious goodies from the little cafe down the road. I'm very glad they have a little simple breakfast to start the day. It may not be the most spectacular meal, but it's free, it fills you up, and it's served on your balcony. If you're a breakfast person like me, bring some snacks or explore the cafes.
Okay, the MOST IMPORTANT question: Bugs?! I am terrified of bugs. Tell me the truth!
Okay, deep breaths. Bali is in the tropics. There *will* be bugs. There will be geckos (cute, actually. They eat the bugs. Win-win!). There'll be ants (inevitable). There might be the occasional mosquito (bring repellent. Seriously. DEET is your friend). And,Where To Stay Now
