Amour partageant culturelle

We had the pleasure of staying with Putu in July 2018 traveling as a two adult two child family. Our driver had a difficult time finding the location, as the address online seemed to be just the street name and it was on a very long street running through multiple ‘suburbs’. We weren’t able to telephone Putu but ended up finding it by asking locals. Later we found out it shows up on google maps as ‘OMunity’ in the town of Sudaji.
So anyway, we were very happy once we finally arrived. The town is rather un-touristy so the compound is sort of unexpected, as it is hidden in a backstreet and then down an alley. Once you walk through it opens up into beautiful gardens with a large open central meeting/meditation pagoda overlooking a spring fed swimming pool that flows down to other smaller pools. There was another large open hut where guests can eat together and maybe 6 or so other guest room huts located around the area. We were greeted warmly and shown to our rooms. The family hut had already been booked, so we stayed in two double rooms next door to one another for the same price. They were down away from the main area, in a concrete set of four. There were 2 single beds in each, lovely and clean, pedestal fan, and large ensuite bathroom made out of beautiful black pebblestone. A shower and toilet with bidet. There were two chairs and a small table at the front of each room, a green view of a valley with a dyke running alongside, so we had that lovely sound of running water. There was a temple nearby so you would occasionally hear chanting and a street below hidden from view, so there was always scooter and motorbike background noise, but not at disturbing levels.
The family were all so lovely, the children played with our children and a few of the other guests children too. Putu and Zanzan (Putu’s partner) were happy to chat or answer questions. The guests were from all different parts of the world (mainly Europe, with July being their Summer break). You could have an interesting conversation over dinner if you were so inclined. The food was amazing, all vegetarian, mainly Balinese but some with a western fusion and served with love, after everyone would come together and say a blessing. There didn’t seem to be any other food options nearby but we were more than happy to eat in-house for our stay. We did a half day hike with Zanzan’s cousins who were good guides and company. It was a 20 minute car ride and then an enjoyable trek through rice paddies and down tracks to a flowing stream that ended in a large pool. It was spectacular. Then we walked further to another spot where you could jump off a rather high platform into the pool below. So much fun. We would’ve done the full day hike to see the big waterfalls but we had no time.
We were very fortunate to be there to see a Rice Goddess festival and were invited to the temple to be a part of the festivities. Witnessing the evening celebration was an experience we will never forget.
We would recommend staying here if you’d like to experience the culture, enjoy eco-tourism and like to feel part of a community. It was a very beautiful spot, very spiritual, very welcoming. A little more off the beaten track than our other homestays, we would’ve loved to stay longer.

We had a warm welcome at Putu's homestay. Putu gave us a lovely homestay with swimming pool. The whole aera was very special, we had breakfast, lunch and diner at a big table decorated with flowers. We had the meals together with other guests who stayed there also. We had some nice conversations. We also did a wonderful track throug the rice fields to the waterfalls, OMG, this was wonderful. The brother of Zanzan was a kind guide who went with us. This was a expirence we will never forget, thank you!! We also will never forget the delicious meals we had, and specially our last diner. The table was decorated with flowers in shape of a heart. This was so romantic and special, I had tears in my eyes. THANKS! Lex and Reina

There were many things that we loved about staying with Putu, The Dynamic ZanZan, and family.
Their place is a beautiful bamboo oasis with lots of outdoor space, and a beautiful garden area, it was also very clean and well maintained by ZanZan and the staff.
We really enjoyed the trip to the waterfalls with Kade: ZanZan's cousin who was an excellent, and caring guide.
At first we did not understand why we needed a guide, but the climb down to the falls was very steep, curvy, and at times scary. Kade was there to lead the way, and encourage our inner goats !
He also helped us a few times while carrying the family friends baby, up and down big steps at the same time.
We returned exhausted, but happy we had taken this excursion with the family.
The vegetarian meals created by Sunni, ZanZan's Mother were excellent.
We are not vegetarians ourselves, but really enjoyed this food - first night we stayed dinner was set out banquet style. There were more than enough varied dishes for everyone.
We did pay USA$14 per person for dinner per night - and Putu does mention this in her description.
In the Village there were a few small shops for snacks, fruit and drinks, but no alternative Warung Restaurant to visit.
Also, we were charged an unexpected daily meal service levy of USA$7.50 per day of stay on departure.
Conclusively, we had fun and laughed a lot here - Putu and ZanZan have some great ideas & projects going on, were always around to help if needed, and it was a unique & special experience staying with them.