Villa Terang Bulan, Bali, Indonesia

Terang Bulan translates as ‘full moon’ in Bahasa Indonesia and this villa, with its open-air living areas and outdoor bathrooms, provides the perfect base to follow the moon's cycle in the star-filled sky. It also offers a fully authentic Balinese holiday experience, immersed in the rarefied atmosphere of the lush natural surroundings.

A throw back to the rustic expat residences of yesteryear dotted around Bali, Terang Bulan is a three bedroom, staffed villa oozing with charm and filled with traditional ornaments and teak furniture of the region. Its blue-tiled infinity plunge pool bridges the space between the wide airy living areas and the sloping tropical garden, and shares an enchanting view of the rice fields. One can imagine this idyllic setting being the inspiration for Sting to write his famous song ‘Upon the fields of Bali’ or was it Barley? Either way it’s the perfect soundtrack for a romantic break at this comfortable Villa.

Terang Bulan is in the village of Seseh, just north of the popular Canggu area on Bali’s west coast. Seseh is an incredibly tranquil location, albeit a little off the beaten tourist track, and this villa would suit a couple, small group or family who are happy simply to be, to enjoy each others’ company, or just to kick back with a good book. It’s also a good base for surfers wishing to make the most of Bali’s famous west coast swells.

Terang Bulan has a full-time maid, two security guards and a chef who visits on request if you wish to dine in and don’t fancy cooking. Whilst not hotel standard the staff are charmingly Balinese, speak reasonable English and can shop for you and prepare delicious Indonesian cuisine (provisions at cost plus a small service charge). The kitchen, although a tad dated, is well equipped for self catering should you prefer that option. Seseh beach is within easy walking distance and the award-winning Nirwana Bali Golf Course is only a short drive up the coast next to the picturesque Tanah Lot temple – a great place to experience an authentic terang bulan ceremony.

Villa Terang Bulan is one of a row of three villas (which include Rumah Campur) that look out eastwards across the sprawling rice fields on the edge of the sleepy village of Seseh. As the village consists of little more than a collection of small houses, a spatter of villas and a few local shops, there is little to do in the immediate area other than enjoy the peace and quiet or take a walk through the rice fields or into the village. Seseh Beach is a short walk away (400m) and is good for surfing (though not safe for swimming). Bali’s west coast is famed for its beautiful sunsets which can be enjoyed from the beach in Seseh.   Read More/Google Map

A small covered deck furnished with lounging chairs doubles as the villa’s entrance and the master bedroom’s verandah. Adjacent sits a plunge pool (4m x 2.5m) with infinity edge over the sloping garden below. On the same level a decent-sized living, dining and kitchen area is furnished with rustic Javanese teak pieces, the focal points being a sofa and two easy chairs, a dining table (seats six), and two Javanese stone-carved figures that stand in front of a woven Ikat wall hanging. Lobster baskets make for interesting lampshades, whilst floor cushions provide ultimate lounging in this breezy high-roofed room which is open on two sides and protected from the weather by bamboo roll-blinds. The whole area, including a well-equipped – if a little dated – terrazzo kitchen, enjoys views across the garden to the neighbouring rice fields.

Adjoining the living area is the master bedroom and an almost identical guest room. Both are air conditioned with the ingenious addition of fans fitted inside the large mosquito nets over the queen-sized beds. These bedrooms are sparsely furnished with hanging rails, shelves and teak console tables, but Balinese ambience is provided by the traditional Ikat throws adorning the walls and furniture. The master bedroom has a small TV and DVD player plus glazed patio doors on two sides leading onto the wood-decked verandah and the living area. Its open-air ensuite has a bath and sink unit sculpted in terrazzo, plus an outdoor standing shower by a pond and mini fountain. The guest room has a single set of patio doors and features wood flooring in contrast to the tiles found throughout the rest of the villa. Its ensuite is slightly smaller than the master’s, but with the same pond-side fittings.

A petite twin bedroom (ideal for children) is hidden in what must have been originally designed as a kitchen pantry. With room only for two small moulded terrazzo beds under mosquito nets, and without its own bathroom, it’s not fit for a princess but perfect for Harry Potter fans who can pretend they are in the cupboard at Privet Drive: there’s even an old safe for them to lock away their potions!

Standard deposit policy

• In order to have a booking confirmed you must make deposit payment as outlined in Private Homes & Villas Booking Terms and Conditions unless special conditions are indicated for the period you are booking. The standard deposits are:

  -          For rentals beginning more than 60 days after the date of your booking request - a deposit of 50% of the total rental amount is payable.

  -          For rentals beginning 60 days or less after the date of your booking request - the total rental amount is payable as a deposit.  

Standard cancellation policy

• In the event of cancellation, penalties as outlined in Private Homes & Villas Booking Terms and Conditions apply unless special conditions are indicated for the period you are booking.
• It is strongly recommended that you purchase trip cancellation travel insurance.

Amendment of confirmed booking

• The managing agent of the villa charges a USD50.00 fee for each change after a booking has been confirmed.

Rates

• Above prices may change based on the time of your booking, arrival date and length of stay. For approximate rates, please click on the Check Availability button and enter your dates.
• Whilst every effort is made to keep rates current, they are subject to change from time to time. If there is a rate change you will be informed before a booking is confirmed.
• Confirmed booking rates will not change.

Security deposit

• Upon arrival at the villa you may be required to pay a security deposit. Any applicable security deposit will be returned to you prior to departure less any extra charges or costs for accidental damage to the property.

Check in/out

• Check in – 3.00pm, Check out - 10.00am
• Late check outs up to 6.00pm may incur a half day charge, after 6.00pm a full day may be charged.
• Every effort will be made to accommodate other check in/out times but will depend on availability.

Private Homes & Villas full Booking Terms and Conditions are available here.