Escape to Paradise: Taman Sari Cottage II Bali Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Taman Sari Cottage II Bali Awaits! - A Chaotic, Honest Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I've just clawed my way back from Taman Sari Cottage II in Bali, and I'm here to spill the tea. Forget those perfectly polished travel blogs – this is real. This is the stuff you NEED to know, the stuff the brochures conveniently leave out. This is, well, me, stumbling through my experience.
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- Meta Description: An unfiltered, honest review of Taman Sari Cottage II Bali! Discover accessibility, spa experiences, dining chaos, and everything in between. From wheelchair accessibility to that time I almost set the curtains on fire making coffee. 😩
Getting There & the Grim Reaping of Reality (Accessibility – Let's Start with the Tough Stuff):
So, the dream? Bali. The reality? Well, it’s… Bali. Getting to the Taman Sari from the airport (Airport Transfer! They DID offer it – and it was a godsend after a 20-hour flight. Bless them.) was thankfully smooth sailing. That’s not always the norm in Bali.
- Wheelchair access: Listen, I went in with HIGH expectations (because, duh, the internet promised it!). They say they’re accessible. They have the Facilities for disabled guests, the Elevator, etc. Claiming and doing are two different things, folks. While the public areas were manageable (read: ramps, mostly), the pathways around the cottages themselves were… bumpy. Very, very bumpy. Think cobblestones with attitude. Forget smooth sailing. I relied heavily on staff assistance. They were, bless their souls, incredibly helpful, but it's not the independence I was hoping for. And the bathrooms? Some of the rooms, they’re on it, with the roll-in showers and grab bars. Others… well, let's just say I was doing a lot of awkward maneuvering. The photos online definitely "embellished" things a bit. Don't get me wrong, they TRIED. And the Staff trained in safety protocol were always on point to help, but it’s not quite perfect accessibility. A plus point for the Exterior corridor though, made navigating much easier to begin with. Accessibility is something you really have to pre-check with the hotel itself. They should have a whole page dedicated to their accessibility features.
The Room (My Tiny Paradise…And Occasional Disaster Zone):
Okay, the Air conditioning? Magnificent. A must-have in Bali. The Blackout curtains? GAME CHANGER for serious sleep. The Bed? Extra long! Which meant this shorty actually got to sleep like a normal human for once. Then there's the Coffee/tea maker which, unfortunately, I almost set on fire. (Yeah, I may have forgotten to unplug the kettle… Don't judge. Jet lag is real!) BUT, the Free bottled water was a lifesaver. The Mini bar? Well stocked (and tempting). The In-room safe box? Peace of mind, always. The Bathrobes and Slippers? Pure luxury. Felt like royalty. I really loved the room decorations, they were subtle and matched the general Balinese theme, a big plus.
- The Bathroom Reveal: Separate shower/bathtub? Yes. Toiletries that didn’t immediately give me a rash? Also yes! I was especially fond of the Mirror. Also, the Additional toilet. It's the small things.
- The Internet Saga: Okay, the Internet access – wireless (aka Wi-Fi [free]) was… patchy. Let's be honest. I got more connection from a tin can and a piece of string on some days. The Internet access – LAN was available too, but who uses that anymore? I was thankful for the Laptop workspace, so I could try and get some work done.
Things to Do (Or, "How I Almost Became a Professional Lounger"): The whole concept, the vibe of Taman Sari is relaxation, which is what I was after.
Pools, Spa, and All That Good Stuff: OH. MY. GOD. The Swimming pool [outdoor] was STUNNING! Pool with view? Absolutely. I spent a LOT of time there. So peaceful. The Spa… okay, the spa. Let's talk about the spa. I went for the full works. Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage… I emerged a gooey, zen-filled puddle. They even had a Sauna and Steamroom if you're into that. I am. I recommend the Foot bath to make the experience even better.
Fitness Center, Gym/fitness: Me? Go to the gym? In Bali? Look, I saw the Fitness center. I went in. I saw the equipment. I noped right back out. My workout was getting from the pool to the bar.
For the Kids: I didn't have mine with me on this trip (bliss!), but the place seemed very Family/child friendly. There were Kids meal options and I saw a few kids splashing around in the pool. Very cute.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (My Stomach’s Adventure):
The food situation was a mixed bag.
- Breakfast Bonanza (and Buffet Mayhem): Breakfast [buffet], Buffet in restaurant! Let me tell you, I went HARD. Seriously, I think I put them out of business on omelets. The Asian breakfast was a nice touch, but the Western breakfast was my bread and butter (literally). The Breakfast in room option was a lifesaver for those "I-can't-face-humanity-yet" mornings. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was strong and plentiful. Alternative meal arrangement was available, which was good for avoiding things I don't eat.
- Restaurant Roulette: The Restaurants offered a decent selection of International cuisine in restaurant, but also Asian cuisine in restaurant. I definitely devoured some delicious things that night. Salad in restaurant? Yes. Soup in restaurant? Yep. The Coffee shop was nice to sit in, although I spent most of my time on the terrace. There was also a Vegetarian restaurant, which was great, although I didn't try it - my stomach was firmly in "meat" mode. The Happy hour at the Bar was a MUST. A real lifesaver from the heat!
- Snacks & Midnight Munchies: There's a Poolside bar. There's a Snack bar. And there's Room service [24-hour]. Which, let me tell you, is a dangerous combination when you have jet lag and a craving for Nasi Goreng at 3 AM. They even had a Desserts in restaurant menu! I didn't need it – but the option was certainly tempting!
- The Little Things that Matter (or Don't): The occasional Bottle of water was essential. The Safe dining setup was reassuring, and I appreciated the Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. They made sure of the Hygiene certification requirements. However, the Individually-wrapped food options felt a little excessive, to be honest.
Services & Conveniences (The Helpful vs. the Slightly… Odd):
- Helpful Heroes: Daily housekeeping. Absolutely essential. Laundry service. Thank goodness. Doorman? Always there. The Concierge was fantastic, especially when I inevitably needed help finding somewhere that sold… well, let's just say “emergency supplies.” They even offered Cash withdrawal. The Invoice provided made for easy expensing later!
- The “Hmm…” Moments: Cashless payment service was convenient. Dry cleaning? Always welcome. Car park [free of charge] was also good to know, even though I barely left the resort. There was a Convenience store but it was a bit… limited. And the Shrine? A beautiful touch, adding to the Balinese atmosphere, but also made me aware I should probably be acting a little less like a chaotic tourist.
- The Special Stuff: They have Business facilities, including Meeting/banquet facilities and Meeting stationery, but I'm on vacation, not in an office. They have Facilities for disabled guests, but as I said previously I think there is always room for improvement. They even had a Xerox/fax in business center, which made me laugh.
Cleanliness & Safety (Because, Well, Pandemic):
They REALLY went all out on this one
Escape to Houston: Luxurious Sheraton West Houston Getaway!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your pristine, airbrushed itinerary. This is life. Bali, Taman Sari Cottage II, and me, in all our gloriously messy glory.
Subject: Bali: Send Help… (and Maybe More Bintangs)
Day 1: Arrival & the Great Mosquito Massacre
Morning (or, as it turned out, early afternoon): Landed in Denpasar. Humidity slapped me in the face like a wet fish. Immediately traded my sensible shoes for flip-flops. Pure bliss! Until… the baggage carousel. It took an hour. Honestly, where do they hide the suitcases? Finally snagged mine, a bit battered but mine. Pro tip: pack a tiny bottle of sunscreen, because that Indonesian sun is a beast.
Afternoon: Found a taxi, haggled (badly) the price down. Arrived at Taman Sari Cottage II. Cute, right? Like, postcard cute. Except… the mosquitoes. They were buzzing. They were hungry. They were judging my pale skin. I spent the next hour doing a frantic, slap-happy dance, trying to kill them. Lost. Miserable. Sprayed myself with DEET until I smelled like a toxic swamp. (Worth it).
Late Afternoon: Attempted a "relaxed" walk around the grounds. Got slightly lost. Admired the lush greenery. Found monkeys. Monkey-proofed my bag (again). Realized I was starving.
Evening: First Bintang (a local beer). Pure, glorious, ice-cold nectar. Ate at the cottage restaurant. Ordered a Nasi Goreng, because when in Rome… Bali! Ate it and then went to sleep, the only thing that could stop the buzz.
Day 2: Ubud Hustle & Holy Water Hilarity
Morning: Woke up feeling… okay. Mosquitoes, thankfully, were dormant. Decided to be “cultural” and hired a driver to take me to Ubud. The drive was… an adventure. The roads are narrow, everyone drives like they're in a video game, and the scooters! Oh, the scooters!
Mid-morning: Arrived in Ubud. Crowded. Touristy. But beautiful, undeniably. Visited the Monkey Forest. The monkeys are… aggressive. They want your sunglasses, they want your snacks, and they will steal your water bottle directly from your hand. This is where the "monkey-proofed bag" came in handy, sort of.
Lunch: Found a tiny Warung (local restaurant) and ate the best Gado-Gado I've ever tasted. The woman running it was probably 70, but she had more energy than I did. She also made the spiciest chili paste I’ve ever ingested. Nearly cried. Loved every second.
Afternoon: The Tirta Empul Temple Debacle (more like Delirium): Ah, the cleansing ritual at Tirta Empul. I’d seen the photos. Looked serene, spiritual even. I’m pretty sure I spent the entirety of the ceremony trying not to drown, because those water jets have the force of a fire hose. Cold water. Lots of people. I somehow lost my bobby pin and felt slightly less "cleansed" and more “rearranged.” I kept laughing the whole time. It was chaotic, beautiful, and probably the most real thing I’ve experienced in years. The picture I took of the temple still looks like a drunken potato took it.
Evening: Back at the cottage. Crawled into bed. Absolutely exhausted. Still haven't mastered the art of mosquito avoidance, but trying. Dreaming of more ice-cold Bintangs.
Day 3: Beach Life & the Great Massage Meltdown
Morning: Woke up feeling a little sunburnt. Headed to the beach. Seminyak. The waves were gentle. The sand… hot. And the whole time I was thinking… how can I get a massage? (I think I may be a professional napper).
Afternoon: The best massage ever.. or was it?: Found a little spa on the beach. Decided I deserved a massage. Opted for the "Balinese Bliss," which sounded suitably luxurious. The massage therapist was tiny but strong. She kneaded knots I didn't even know I had. The first half was heavenly. Bliss. Pure bliss. And then… well, she turned me over and started working on my back. It was… intense. So intense, I think I started giggling uncontrollably. It escalated. It turned into full-blown, silent laughter. She kept working, I kept giggling. It probably looked completely insane. She finished. I mumbled "Thank you," grabbed my sarong, and bolted. The massage, the pressure, the emotional reaction. I was a mess. It was the best day of my life(or the worst, depending on how you see it).
Late Afternoon: Spent hours doing nothing. Reading a terrible novel, listening to waves, and enjoying the sun.
Evening: Sunset. Incredible. Ate dinner at the cottage. Feeling… good. Recharged. Ready for whatever adventures tomorrow might bring (and praying the mosquitoes take a night off).
Day 4: Cooking Class Calamity & Farewell Feeling
Morning: Cooking class! I fancied myself a bit of a chef. Turns out, I’m not. Everything I made was delicious but also a little… wonky looking. The chef, a woman with a constant smile and the patience of a saint, probably went home and cried. I learned a lot, though. Mostly that I should stick to eating food prepared by actual professionals.
Afternoon: Spent the afternoon wandering around the local shops. Bought a sarong. Got horribly lost. Bought more sunscreen. Negotiated with a vendor. (This time, I think I won).
Late Afternoon: Packing. Which is always the worst part of any trip. So much laundry, so little suitcase space.
Evening: Last sunset. Felt that familiar tug of sadness as I watched the sun dip below the horizon. This place… it’s a little piece of paradise. Ate dinner. Said goodbye to the staff at the cottage. They’d become my friends. Feeling grateful. And buzzing with a little bit of excitement for the trip back home.
Day 5: Departure & The Long Goodbye (to the mosquitoes and good times)
- Morning: Final breakfast. Said another round of goodbyes. Got into the taxi.
- Departure: The airport. Security. Flights. Back to the real world.
Reflections:
Okay, Bali. You were messy. You were chaotic. You were beautiful. I ate spicy food, I met a monkey that tried to steal my bag, and I laughed so hard during a massage I thought I’d spontaneously combust. The mosquitoes were relentless. But it was all worth it. I'll be back, Bali. You can count on that. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a nap. And maybe a Bintang. Or two.
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Escape to Paradise: Taman Sari Cottage II Bali Awaits! (Or Does It?) - Your Uncensored FAQ
So, is this place REALLY paradise? Like, Instagram-worthy paradise?
Okay, deep breath. The word "paradise" gets thrown around a LOT, doesn't it? Look, Taman Sari Cottage II? It's beautiful. The lush, green foliage? Stunning. That pool shimmering in the sun? Yeah, gorgeous. It's definitely got the 'gram potential. BUT… and this is a big BUT… My first impression? "Wow, the photos are… accurate." Which, in the travel world, is basically a miracle. However... remember that time you tried to bake a cake and it looked amazing in the picture but tasted like sadness? Yeah. Initial feelings were mixed as my luggage was lost in transit and the mosquitoes... oh, the mosquitoes...
What's the best part about staying at Taman Sari? Seriously, the BEST?
Hands down, the staff. Forget the fancy hotels, the infinity pools, and the questionable breakfast buffets. The Balinese people are…wow. They're genuinely, ridiculously kind. I mean, I arrived looking like a drowned rat, luggage MIA, and covered in (inevitable) mosquito bites. And they still greeted me with the biggest smiles, iced tea, and a genuine attempt to make me feel better about all my travel woes. That level of warmth? That's not something you can just *buy*. It’s the reason I’d actually, genuinely, go back. It’s the stuff that sticks with you long after the tan fades. They even called to check on me when my luggage finally arrived! Honestly, they saved my sanity.
Okay, spill. What went wrong? What's the "real" story?
Alright, alright, you want the truth? Here it comes: the bathroom. No, it wasn't HORRIBLE, but it wasn't perfectly pristine either. The water pressure… well, let's just say a gentle drizzle might be more effective than what I was dealing with for a while. And the "natural" ventilation? Lovely in theory, until the humidity decides to stage a full-blown jungle takeover, and you're basically showering in a slightly mosquitos-infested terrarium. I did have one epic battle with a gecko, too. It was a draw. I think. Oh, and the wifi? Hit or miss. Mostly miss. Prepare to disconnect (which, honestly, might be the point of going to Bali, right?). I had to wander to the main street just to send a basic email. I did have one major meltdown at that point.
The food! Tell me about the food! (I hope it's good!)
Breakfast is included, which is always a win! The fruit plate was the bomb – fresh, juicy, and a welcome change from the "hotel food" in the touristy areas. They made a killer omelet, too. The coffee? Decent. Not mind-blowing, but it got the job done. Lunch and dinner aren't included, but there are plenty of warungs (local restaurants) nearby. Embrace the nasi goreng! It's your friend! And the fresh fruit juices are seriously addicting. I’m still dreaming of that mango juice. One day I even asked if I could have a whole mango, just to eat. They politely laughed at me.
What's the vibe? Is it romantic? Family-friendly? Party central?
Definitely NOT party central. Taman Sari is all about chill vibes. It’s romantic-ish (those sunsets over the rice paddies are pretty spectacular), and I saw a few families there as well. It's a good mix. It's more about relaxing by the pool, reading a book, and generally escaping from the chaos of everyday life. It’s a place to slow down, breathe, and maybe meditate – if you’re into that sort of thing (I’m not, but I did appreciate the peace and quiet). It's a nice place to relax after a long day of sightseeing, too.
Okay, about those mosquitoes... how bad is it *really*?
They are relentless. Bring DEET. Like, the industrial-strength stuff. Don’t even bother with the natural remedies. They will laugh at your citronella bracelet. I’m not kidding. Mosquitoes are definitely not a joke. I had so many bites my legs looked like I had the plague. I’m not a fan of the plague. Seriously – bring the strongest stuff you can find, and reapply it religiously. And maybe bring a net for your bed. You'll thank me later. I also bought these little coils that you burn, which seemed to help, but honestly, I think a mosquito is a bit like a ninja – they'll always find a way. Even with the smoke, they're still around to get me at some point!
What about the location? Is it convenient for… well, anything?
It depends on *what* you consider convenient. Taman Sari is a little off the beaten path, which is part of its charm. It's not right on the beach, which is fine by me, but if you're all about the sand and surf, you might want to look elsewhere. You’ll need a scooter, or driver to get around. There are some cool restaurants and shops within walking distance, and you can easily hire a driver for day trips to the temples, rice terraces, and other amazing sights. The location is great if you want peace and quiet but it means you will not be able to be within walking distance from everything. Think of it as a trade-off: serenity for a little extra travel time.
Okay, the *one* thing you'd change about Taman Sari Cottage II?
Besides the mosquito situation *and* that bathroom humidity (which, honestly, might be a feature, not a bug, in tropical Bali), I wish that there was more variety in the breakfast. Don’t get me wrong, the omelets are good. *Really* good. But after a few days I’m reaching for something else. Maybe a little more fruit, or something savory, other than the eggs. I would also have brought more power adaptors as I only brought the wrong kind.
Would you go back?
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