Acarya Bungalows consists of 6 rooms, split between three individual bungalows and a larger property divided into three separate rooms. The bungalow complex is built on various levels into the hillside in Amed, offering great sea views.
View of the infinity pool and sea from our balcony at Acaraya Bungalows
The reception doubles as a small dining area where breakfast is served from 7-11am, overlooking the sea on one side and the infinity swimming pool on the other. A restaurant, located in the neighbouring Beten Waru bungalow complex, is linked by a small walkway – we dined there on one occasion, but chose not to return.
There are three detached double bed bungalows and one larger building that includes a small apartment on the lower level and two double rooms above.
View from the pool of our Bungalow (no 2) at Acaraya Bungalows
Our bungalow consisted of a four poster bed with mosquito net, a small working desk above which hung a cracked mirror, and two bedside tables – one with a small bedside lamp and the other with a plug-in ceramic anti-mosquito device. Our bungalow did include a small fitted wardrobe, but upon opening it, the damp smell was so bad that we decided not to use it and simply kept our clothes in our rucksacks. The room had the use of both a ceiling fan and air conditioning. During the day time, with the balcony doors open there was no need for the air-conditioning, as a light breeze cooled the room sufficiently.
Our double bungalow with four poster bed and hanging mosquito net
The en-suite bathroom was an open-roof, wet room design, with a partial ceiling over the sink area. A small sink with complimentary soap and a fitted mirror was located on the upper section of the en-suite. One step down from the sink was the toilet and shower area.
Getting to Acarya Bungalows
Amed is some four hours drive from Denpasar airport. The main transport option is to pay for a cab or mini bus. We booked through a private taxi bus and paid 400,000IDR although we were quoted 600,000 from other drivers. Please take a look at our article on using taxis in Indonesia; Bluebird Taxi group to avoid scams and rip-offs.
Acarya Bungalows also offers a transport service. We booked to return to Denpasar Airport via their taxi cab and paid the same price as before (400,000 IDR).
Most visitors to Amed hire mopeds allowing easy access to the stunning snorkelling spots that are on offer. Most of the dive schools in the area will collect you from your hotel, before taking you to the office to prepare for your dive.
Positives
- Our room was airy and spacious and the four poster bed with hanging mosquito nets added a wonderful charm to our bungalow.
- With windows and large balcony doors our room was filled with light. Leaving the doors open during the day, a wonderful breeze cooled the room and we found we didn’t need to use the air-conditioning until the evening.
- The view from our bungalow (number 2) was superb. With a view over the swimming pool and out to sea, it really did make our stay here all the more special.
- Just a ten minute walk to the Lipah Bay for amazing snorkelling, Acarya’s location was perfect for us and very peaceful.
- The infinity swimming pool was another bonus for us, even though we snorkelled most days we liked to relax in the pool too. Even better after a long snorkel was to come back and have a Bintang beer whilst sat in the pool overlooking the sea.
Two cheeky Bintang Beers in the pool after a long day snorkelling around Amed
Negatives
- Our bungalow just needed a little bit of attention. The balcony doors didn’t fit properly, leaving a gap large enough to let in mosquitoes, geckos and at one point a huge cockroach. Our bedroom mirror was cracked in two places. The wardrobe was unusable due to the damp and mouldy smell. None of these were major problems, the place just seemed to lack a bit of love.
- Given the bathroom had half a ceiling, we cannot understand why it wasn’t completed. The toilet wasn’t covered so when it rained, you got soaked, as did the toilet paper. At night, showering or using the toilet usually resulted in a mosquito bite or two.
- During our weeks stay, our towels were not changed and our bed linen was only changed upon request.
- Our room did not include a refrigerator. This made it hard to keep soft drinks and water cool.
Says it all…. Beautiful Amed, Bali
Our stay at Acarya Bungalows was thoroughly enjoyable. Amed is a quiet place and many backpackers tend not to travel this far out unless looking for diving and snorkelling. Each day we walked or rode a moped to a snorkelling spot and would say without a doubt that Amed is the best place we have snorkelled so far during our six months in South East Asia. Our bungalow offered superb sea views, a great infinity pool and the luxury of a four poster bed with the hanging mosquito net just added to the ambiance. Although there are a few criticisms, we would return to Acarya Bungalows should we return to Amed. The best bits for me; the view, the pool and being in Amed for superb snorkelling.
Check rates and availability for Acarya Bungalows.
Date of stay: 21st June – 24th June 2013
Room type: Superior Air-conditioned Bungalow
Cost per night (IDR): 309,109 including breakfast
We extended our stay for a further 3 nights and paid Acarya 250,000 IDR per night in cash.
We paid with Visa on Agoda’s website
It appears to be possible to book directly on the Acaraya website or on their Facebook page.
Address and Contact Details
Acarya Bungalows
Jalan Raya
Amed
Karangasem
Bali
Indonesia