The hype
Travelers are blown away by the villa size and private pools for the price, but almost everyone mentions the isolation.
Taman Dharmawangsa Suites
$90-160/ night
Book this if You want a private pool villa experience on a backpacker budget and don't mind being a 15-minute scooter ride from the beach.
Why People Love It
- Legit private pools in every villa (even the one-bedrooms)
- Madawa Restaurant's 'Dine & Glide' paragliding packages
- Incredible value—often half the price of beachfront Nusa Dua resorts
Quick Take: It’s a 'champagne taste, beer budget' hideaway that feels luxurious until you realize you're stranded in a residential neighborhood 3km from the ocean.
Reviewed by @juliathetraveler: I stayed here for a few nights and didn't want to leave. The industrial design is so cool—raw concrete everywhere but still cozy. Waking up and jumping straight into the pool was the highlight. It felt like our own secret hideaway in Nusa Dua.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The breakfast buffet is frequently criticized for being limited, and the open-air restaurant struggles with flies.
- You rent a scooter and love exploring independently
- Privacy is your #1 priority (honeymooners on a budget)
- You prefer Gojek food delivery over overpriced resort dining
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Daily and thorough. Staff are praised for keeping the open-air living areas relatively dust-free.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally sparkling, though the outdoor nature means you might find fallen leaves or insects.
- Maintenance: Good condition, though some guests report minor wear in the older 'Cluster' units (peeling paint, stiff doors).
- Linens & towels: Fresh and clean, though not 5-star Egyptian cotton quality.
- Odors & scents: Fresh air and frangipani, occasionally smoke from nearby village burning (common in Bali).
Sleepability™
8.2SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Rain noise on villa roofs
- Stray dogs barking in the distance (mostly affecting back villas)
- Morning roosters (common in the Kampial area)
Before you book
Good to know
- Download the Gojek or Grab app immediately—you will need it for food delivery and transport.
- A deposit of IDR 500,000 is required upon check-in.
- The 'Pandava' theme means villas are named after characters like Arjuna and Bima—fun for culture buffs.
What to pack
- Strong mosquito repellent (for the outdoor living room and bathroom)
- International driver's license (if you plan to rent a scooter)
- Earplugs (if you're a light sleeper sensitive to nature sounds)
Room Genie
Best picks
- One-Bedroom Private Pool Villa (inside the main complex) for couples
- Grand Two-Bedroom Villa for families (better maintenance than the 'Cluster' units)
Rooms to avoid
- Any villa located 'at the back' or across the alleyway—guests report these feel disconnected, less secure, and 'grubbier' than the main hotel units.
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a villa located within the main hotel complex, NOT in the separate cluster across the back alley. We prefer a unit away from the public road to minimize dog barking noise.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is it really in Nusa Dua?
Technically yes (Benoa/Kampial area), but it's not in the gated ITDC luxury zone. It's in a local residential hill area about 3km inland.
Can I walk to restaurants?
Not really. There are a few local warungs, but the roads are narrow and not pedestrian-friendly. You'll want to ride or drive.
Is the private pool heated?
No, but in Bali's heat, you'll be grateful it's not. It gets plenty of sun.
Do they offer a shuttle?
They can arrange transport, but there is no scheduled free shuttle to the beach or Bali Collection.
Is breakfast included?
Depends on your rate. If not, it costs around IDR 150,000-250,000, which is steep considering the mixed reviews. Better to order GoFood.
Are the bathrooms private?
Yes, but many are semi-outdoor 'Bali style'. Private from neighbors, but open to the sky/nature.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Request a 'Floating Breakfast' for a photo op—it's cheaper here than at big resorts.
- ✨
The hotel offers a 'Dine & Glide' package that includes paragliding at nearby Riug Paragliding—a rare adrenaline combo.
- ✨
Walk 5 minutes down the road to find local laundry shops that charge 1/10th of the hotel price.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'main pool' is often just for decoration/vibe; everyone uses their private pools.
💡The access road is a bit of a maze through a local village—your taxi driver might get confused.
💡There is a distinct difference in luxury between the 'Grand' villas and the older 'Cluster' villas.
💡You might spot monkeys on the roofs in the early morning.
💡The TV placement in some bedrooms is awkward, making it hard to watch from bed.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Taman Dharmawangsa Suites is located and what's nearby.