Hotel Tugu Bali Review

Almost everything you see there is an antique collected from all over Indonesia and Southeast Asia, some even priceless. I had the pleasure of experiencing a stay here and this is my story. 

Apart from this, the village houses a very old Pura or temple which serves the local fishing and rice field community here. This alone made my experience in Bali something to remember as I have heard too much of the over-commercialization that is happening on this island.

Sitting in the majestic hotel lounge, I looked around and every detail seemed to be fashioned in some antique way. Was I in the right place? It did not look like a hotel or resort but more like a well designed antique museum of some sort.

Eventually, the resident manager – Stephanie greeted me while I was served with a local lemongrass welcome drink and cold towel.

I just had to ask her about the massive Garuda statue, and she explained that the owner once saw the unfinished sculpture at the back of a crafters factory and offered to buy it.

The crafter thought the owner had lost his mind as it was merely a piece of junk but sold it to him. The owner continued to restore it and today it stands statuesque in the middle of the hotel lobby.

After filling up my check-in form, Stephanie took me on a quick tour around the main reception and lobby area explaining the overall concept of the hotel. Each and every piece is part of the Tugu owner’s private collection.

Lobby chairs made from classic rattan, old round tea tables, even an antique traditional Indonesian Wayang Kulit (Puppet Play) stall was part of the decorations.

The only modern thing seen around here was the fabrics which were cleverly used for enhancing the interior. If you do stay here, the staff will gladly take you on a tour of the place as every piece used here has a story to it.

Trust me, it was well worth it as it took me about an hour to walk around the main area absorbing the unique information.

Something so very contrasting while staying here, Hotel Tugu Bali’s architecture and interior design reflect the art, culture and history of the archipelago of Indonesia, Bali in particular.

Overall, the main lobby area has a platform stage where the giant Garuda sits and is used for many local and international functions.

The natural surroundings provide a very exclusive atmosphere while international high-end fashion shows and launches have been conducted here apart from the private wedding and parties.

Finally after about an hour later, I am led to my suite which passes through beautifully manicured gardens. When I stress the word beautiful, I really mean it as it looks like a mini botanical garden with all kinds of tropical plants and flowers which are so well taken care off.

Stone statues and Balinese garden lamps are scattered throughout while sectioned stone walls give privacy to some of the suite lower-level units.

There are also two main luxury villas here which are the Walter Spies Villa Pavilion and Puri Le Mayeur. Three types of suites are available which are the Kampoeng Suites, Dedari Suites and Rejang Suites.

As for traditional holistic treatments, there is are not one, not two but three traditional spas scattered in different areas of the hotel grounds.

I personally tried them all and for me, my favourite spot was on the beach. Nothing beats having your breakfast overlooking the sea minus the crowd.

Local Indonesian cooks with decades of experience transform handed down recipes into modern-day fusion delicacies for the current day traveller and guest.

Among all the different local dishes I tried, I would have to say there was no favourite. They were all equally amazing and it was hard to choose just one. 

Themed function rooms with names like Bale Sutra, Black Chamber, Bale Puputan and Waroeng Tugu juxtaposes the cultural differences with yesterday and tomorrow.

Walking into one of the themed rooms feels like you are entering a private museum but only to find that the priceless antiques which are all over the room actually complement your overall dining experience. 

A very long custom dining table enough to seat 20 people takes centre stage while remnants of Chinese history are carefully placed on all four walls and on the floor.

Looking up, I noticed the beams of a 100-year-old temple structure which was meticulously transported from Java Island and now it stands inside this room as part of the theme. For the foreigner, this would be the ultimate dining experience.

The uniqueness of all the 20 luxury suites here is that no two are alike. Each suite is decorated differently and they all have bits and pieces of antiques in them. Cabinets that hold the flat screen LCD TVs are actual antiques.

Even the cabinet that stores the mini refrigerator is an antique. Bathrooms here make you feel like you have your own little spa in the suite. Everything here is spacious and very well thought of.

Further up north about half a kilometre is the famous Echo Beach Bali where surfers hang out. I took a walk along the village roads and ended up here. From here, I slowly walked along the beach back to the hotel and headed the other way where I ended at a local fishermen village.

A family was seen sorting out the daily catch and even posed for a photograph. The locals are really friendly and offered to sell me a fish for my dinner which I politely declined. 

Apart from what was mentioned in this article, Hotel Tugu also provides special packages and activities. Some of them include a custom Honeymoon Package, Yoga Sessions, Golf by the Sea, Cycling, Surfing and cultural heritage visits to temples and famous landmarks. 

Tugu Hotel Representatives Worldwide

1. USA – Sanctuare
456 Glenbrook Road Stamford, CT 06906
Telephone: (800) 225-4255 or (888) ART TUGU
Fax.(203) 602 2265

2. Europe – Essence by M&G s.a.s.
c. so Lodi n 2 – 20135 – Milano – Italy
Ph/Fax. (39) 025 8311607 • Cell. (39) 338 8975245
essence@essenceitaly.it

3. Japan- The Vacance / The Vacance Corporation
International Place 5F
26-3 Sanei-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0008 Japan
Telephone:  81-3-5363-2566, Fax: 81-3-5363-2616
http://www.thevacance.com

Conclusion

It was an amazing experience for me as I never expected the place to be what it was. It took hotels and resorts to a whole new level where the term ‘Boutique Museum’ Hotel comes in.

Having to visit Bali for the first time in my life, this was totally an eye-opener for me. I will recommend this place to anyone seeking something different and even if you have been to Bali before, this place is something you may want to consider.

Furthermore, as the hotel is located by the beach and in a quiet little fishing village, you get to experience the best of local Indonesian cultures and lifestyle without being intrusive.

The beach is public but only locals are seen here therefore making this one of the more quiet beaches.

Apparently, the sunsets are pretty amazing and romantic but I never did catch one as I was busy catching them at other places. Here is a beautiful Sunset at Uluwatu, Bali Picture I managed to get.

If you are looking for a romantic, interesting, adventurous and unforgettable experience, you should consider staying at Hotel Tugu Bali, Indonesia.