Jembrana Bali Homestay

The minute I arrived at Jembrana, I knew it was special. Jenny made me feel right at home after my very long and tiring journey. I had the first of three delicious meals, cooked right in front of me by the lovely friendly staff. The room was gorgeous and comfortable with AC and a fan and I loved the outdoor bathroom. The beach was just at the back of the property. It ended up being my favourite beach in Bali as I helped local fishermen and watched local kids play football. Locals brought their cows and horses to the beach too. I went for a long walk and thought my shoes had been taken by the incoming tide- but a lovely lady had put them safely on a wall for me. Jembrana is twinned with an orphanage. Jenny invited me to come to visit with her and I had an amazing, fulfilling morning teaching English to the brave students there. Jenny also hosted a sharing circle at the orphanage, where the students honestly expressed their feelings, hopes and dreams. It was so incredible. We went for lunch together afterwards, then she suggested I go to Kurma Asih to release baby turtles on the beach! I am so grateful that I ended up staying at Jembrana- it was a highlight of my 6 weeks in Indonesia and I only wish I had more than 1 day there!

Jembrana Bali Homestay was the pinnacle of our trip. Just walking around in Jembrana, people come up to you to talk, help or offer you a ride to where you want to go. Everybody in the area is very personable and kind. After one week at the Homestay we went on to Canggu, but we wished we had stayed. In Jembrana you get a much better sense of Balinese life, and just everywhere you look it is tear-jerkingly beautiful. Everything you would want is in driving distance. If you don't have transportation it is possible to rent a scooter from the Homestay. At first we were a bit nervous to drive a scooter alone, so we were taken on the back. The city of Negara, surrounding villages, the Turtle Hatchery, rice fields, mountains and forests to the north, countless shops and restaurants all are easily within driving distance and simply stunning and worth visiting. We had an excellent time at the Jembrana Bali Homestay, but the best part about it was the people working there. They provide you with anything you may need and then more. There are always solutions to be found, even for things that are not problems. You can get a cooking lesson, do macramé, sing karaoke, play games and so much more. Jenny knows so many good spots to go, and hooked us up with a private tour guide that we kept close for the rest of our trip. Ida makes the best food that I am still dreaming about. Kadek gives great advice and information about the culture and local traditions, knows how to give a great tour, what snacks are good at the night market and how to play a mean game of Uno. All the people there are incredibly helpful, but moreover they are just great to hang out with. They are our favorite people we've met during our trip. Thanks for the laughs, we love you guys. Hope to see you again!

Shades of wood walls create a comfortable and unique rustic atmosphere. The front terrace goes straight to the beach, like a private beach. Low prices with friendly service, this hotel is highly recommended for backpackers.