Some people say Bali is truly paradise while others dismiss it as overrated. Some also think it's deviously expensive while others find it cheap as hell. All of them are probably true, since everyone experiences Bali differently. And I'm lucky enough to find it both beautiful and cheap!
It was August and the weather was nice. I took the earliest flight from Jakarta to Bali. After some 45 minutes ride from the airport, I finally arrived at this hotel. It's called Pondok Alit Resort. Okay, before you imagine a super luxurious resort with personal butler and rate you couldn't afford, let me tell you it's not a resort in that sense. It appears that the word "resort" is used pretty casually in Bali. Even a modest inn can call themselves resort and you can do nothing about it.
Pondok Alit Resort is a string of cottages and rooms owned by Alit family. Alit is their daughter's name, by the way. It dwells peacefully among the many accommodations in Batubelig Street, not far from the beat of Seminyak area. It was 7 in the morning when I knocked their door. To my surprise, the staff let me check-in and enter the room immediately! I know it's because there were not many guests at that time, but still.. I like their courtesy. And I'm not even a foreigner (it's an open secret that foreign tourists in Bali are often treated better than local ones due to assumption that they're wealthier).
Why is Pondok Alit my favorite?
1 - Cool Pool
I came to the location without checking more on Google first. Honestly, I would already be grateful if it would provide at least a comfy bed. Then I walked through the tiny arch and saw something glowing on the yard. OMG, a pool! A contemporary designed pool with wooden deck and lazy chairs!
2 - Nice Room
It's not superb, but clean, spacious, and nicely arranged with wooden furniture. And wifi, of course. Worth every penny. The bathroom is lovely with open shower and bamboo stairs instead of hook for towels. I think it's trendy in Bali these days.
I got a room just next to the pool. It is equipped with communal pantry, dining table, and eating utensils.
I bought food from outside and pretended to have some fancy brunch in front of my room. Mmm, life's good.
3 - Five Minutes Walk from the Beach
Or two minutes if you run. Really, it's very close from Batubelig Beach. This black sandy beach is dotted with some of the most hyped resorts (yes, real 5 star resorts) and beach clubs in Bali such as Woobar and Potato Head. Come when the sky is clearest, bring some snacks, and enjoy the spectacular show of sunset.
4 - Cheap
Like 19 dollars cheap. Of course Pondok Alit offers various rooms with different rate, too. You can adjust it to suit your budget and taste.
Just like everyone else, I also rented a motorcycle. It helps a lot in Bali where public transport is scarce. But even if you're too lazy to explore Seminyak or somewhere far, you can just stroll around Batubelig Street. This quiet lane is somehow enchanting with both rural and international atmosphere.
It feels rural in a way that you can find rice fields and traditional buildings here and there, but you can also find things like art store, cozy bar and grill, cafe, convenient store, ATM, and massage parlour. And oh, the sidewalk is surprisingly decent.
One more thing. If you visit Pondok Alit, you'll probably meet this little friendly creature. Call him Badu. Cute, he is. But beware, he might steal your socks. :p
