The hype
The location and golf course are 10/10, but the rooms are stuck in a time capsule.
Handara Golf & Resort Bali
$75-150/ natt
Boka detta om You want to wake up inside a Windows XP wallpaper, play world-class golf in cool mountain air, and get *that* Instagram gate photo without the 2-hour queue.
Varför människor älskar det
- VIP access to the famous Handara Gate (skip the line & fee)
- Refreshing 14-20°C (57-68°F) mountain climate—a rare break from Bali's humidity
- Spectacular golf course views right from your balcony
Snabb Överblick: A legendary 1970s icon that feels exactly like a 1970s icon—gloriously retro to some, tired and musty to others.
Recenserat av @daria_perebaskina: I traded the beach for the mountains and didn't regret it. Waking up to fresh air and a healthy breakfast overlooking the fairway was exactly the reset I needed. If you play golf or tennis, the backdrop here is unbeatable.
Gäster som bodde här sa
Reality check
You are paying for the view and the golf, not modern luxury. The 'Garden View' rooms are often described as dark, damp, and smelling of mildew.
- You are a golfer who prioritizes course access over room modernity
- You are an influencer chasing the Handara Gate shot without the hassle
- You love misty, moody mountain vibes and fireplaces
Renlighet & Underhåll
6
- Housekeeping: Daily service is generally good, but they are fighting a losing battle against the age of the building.
- Bathroom hygiene: The biggest weak point. frequent reports of mold in grout, slow drains, and dated tiling in standard rooms.
- Maintenance: Tired. Peeling paint, worn carpets, and creaky floorboards are common. Renovated rooms are significantly better.
- Linens & towels: Clean but can feel 'damp' due to the humidity. Towels are often described as worn or thin.
- Odors & scents: Strong musty/mildew smell in older rooms. The lobby smells of woodsmoke (pleasant), but rooms smell of damp (unpleasant).
Sleepability™
7MÅTTLIG
0-4BULLRIG
4-7.5MÅTTLIG
7.5-10TYST
- Creaking floorboards from guests above
- Loud in-room dehumidifiers (necessary to combat dampness)
- Early morning golfers/maintenance mowers
Innan du bokar
Bra att veta
- It gets COLD (14°C/57°F) at night—this is not tropical beach Bali.
- The famous 'Handara Gate' fee (50k IDR) is waived for guests; just show your room key.
- Ride-share apps (Grab/Gojek) can drop you off but are very hard to find for pick-up; arrange a private driver for departure.
Vad du ska packa
- Light puffer jacket or fleece (essential for evenings)
- Waterproof hiking shoes (grounds are often wet/dewy)
- Motion sickness pills (the drive up from the south is very winding)
Rum Genie
Bästa val
- Golf View Deluxe Room (Renovated): Modern fixtures, better insulation, and actual heaters.
- Chalet Suite: Cozy cabin vibes with a fireplace, perfect for the chilly evenings.
Rum att undvika
- Standard Garden View: Frequently cited as the most dated, damp, and musty options.
- Ground floor units: Prone to more noise from upstairs and bugs.
Rumsförfrågan Genie – kopiera och klistra in
“I am requesting a 'Renovated Golf View Deluxe Room' on the upper floor. Please ensure the room has been recently aired out and the heater is functional. I would like to avoid the older Garden View blocks due to allergy concerns.”
FAQ & Dolda tips
Allt du verkligen vill veta innan du bokar.
Is there really no pool?
Correct. There is NO swimming pool. The hotel cites the cold weather, but guests consistently complain about this missing amenity.
Do I have to pay for the Instagram gate photo?
No. Guests get free, unlimited access. Non-guests pay ~50,000 IDR and wait in long lines.
Is there air conditioning?
Mostly no. The rooms are naturally cool, but they provide dehumidifiers. Renovated rooms have heaters, which you will actually use.
How is the breakfast?
Decent but not spectacular. A mix of Indonesian and Western buffet staples. The view from the Breeze Terrace makes up for the average food quality.
Is it good for families?
It has a playground and large lawns, but the lack of a pool and the 'quiet golf' vibe might bore active kids.
How far is it from Ubud/Canggu?
Far. Expect a 1.5 to 2-hour drive on winding mountain roads. It is a destination, not a base for exploring the south.
Insider-tips
- ✨
Ask for a portable heater immediately upon check-in if your room doesn't have one; they run out.
- ✨
The 'sunset golf' rates are significantly cheaper if you just want to play a quick 9 holes.
- ✨
Walk to the gate at 6:30 AM to get the 'rays of light' shot with zero people.
5 saker du bör veta innan du åker
💡The 'moldy smell' is a frequent, genuine complaint in non-renovated rooms due to the constant mountain mist.
💡You can hear your neighbors walking upstairs as if they are in your room.
💡The room service food is often better and hotter than the buffet.
💡There are monkeys on the golf course—keep your snacks hidden.
💡The hot water tank in some chalets is small; space out your showers.
Lokalt playbook
Karta
Se var Handara Golf & Resort Bali ligger och vad som finns i närheten.