Jati Homestay, Ubud, Bali…where I live

Authors note:  This is most definitely not a sponsered post. I received no consideration for this post!

 

For the last three weeks I have made the family compound of Dewa Nyoman Jati my home.  Jati is a highly regarded painter and has work displayed in the permanent collection of the world renown Neka Art Museum.   Several of his family members paint as well.

 

 

The following painting hangs in the Neka.  “Fisherman at Kusamba Beach,”   was painted by Jati in 1985.  The full-length figure of a fisherman, done in imitation of Western aesthetic, dominates a stormy scene at Kusamba, a black sand beach and fishing community on the southeast coast of Bali.

 

courtesy of Neka Art Museum

 

His son, also Dewa, manages a homestay which consists of 10 large rooms with private bath and balcony overlooking a beautiful rice paddy.  The grounds are spacious, immaculate and lovingly maintained.  This is not the Four Seasons and you will not get air conditioning here (I would not want it anyway).  What you will get is a great traditional Balinese experience accompanied with terrific service and kindness.

 

My Room has Plenty of Extra Space for Yoga

 

The homestay is conveniently located in town.  You enter through busy Hanomen Street with its shops and cafes.  But as soon as you walk back through the grounds you are in another world.  Completely gone is all traffic noise.  The only sounds one hears are morning songbirds, crickets, flowing water and the occasional rooster crow.

 

Yep, I live here!

 

Many of Bapak (‘father’) Jati’s paintings hang in the rooms, dining area and around the grounds.  He paints every day, mostly in the early morning and late evening when it is cooler, sitting on the floor of his studio.  Coming home in the evening, often around 9:00 or 10:00, I like to pause outside his studio and watch him work.  Occasionally I will sit inside and talk with him for a few minutes before moving on to my room.  He is prolific and often works on several paintings at once.

 

 

Dewa, the son and his employee Putu are extremely helpful in organizing tours, procuring drivers and making fun and informative suggestions regarding the myriad of activities in the greater Ubud area.  Their arranged tours (which you can customize) are always less than those quoted on the streets and a driver will pick you up and drop you off at the door…very convenient.  I will cover some of these activities in future blog posts.

 

Dewa Serving Fresh Fruit with Breakfast

 

Formal Entrance to the Family Compound–In Keeping with Balinese Tradition the Gate is Always Open

 

During my stay, Dewa and Putu have organized two full day tours to holy sites, markets and places of outstanding beauty.  On one of these tours Dewa himself was the driver.  Putu also made all the arrangements for my sunrise summit trek on Mt. Batur a couple of days ago.  When I came downstairs at 2:45 a.m., not only was the driver waiting, but Putu was up and handed me a bag with some warm breakfast to go.  Yes, this family goes out of their way to warmly welcome you.

 

Family Member Preparing Some of the Daily Offerings-These Include Fresh Flowers, Incense and Treats in Hand-Woven Baskets-Freshly Created Every Day

 

The compound is a large walled area with several residences (and two new ones under construction).  It is traditional in all respects.  There is a family temple.  Male children, when they marry, live with their families at the father’s property and build a new home there.

 

Morning View and Serenade from my Balcony

 

The prices are very reasonable, roughly US$24/night.  On a weekly rate that drops to about US$18.  This includes breakfast each morning.  Exact current prices in rupiah and other information can be found on Dewa’s website.

It is with a touch of regret that I must leave tomorrow.  I highly recommend Jati Homestay and will no doubt stay again when I return to Ubud.

 Some more photos of my Homestay

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23 Responses to Jati Homestay, Ubud, Bali…where I live

  1. Dewa June 20, 2012 at 8:01 pm #

    Thank you , we are realy happy to read , mr Philip ol so realy good man , realy good personality

    Have great time in Bali special in jati home stay ,
    We are from jati family apologize if have any wrong service

    Regards

    Jati home stay ( jati family)

    • Philip June 20, 2012 at 9:26 pm #

      Thank you again for everything!

  2. Mindy June 21, 2012 at 9:34 am #

    It looks wonderful!!!

    • Philip June 21, 2012 at 5:27 pm #

      It is/was. Can’t wait to return.

  3. Kevin June 21, 2012 at 9:37 am #

    Hey wait for me!!!!!

    • Philip June 21, 2012 at 5:27 pm #

      Okay, but hurry up!

  4. Michael June 21, 2012 at 10:52 am #

    Philip, as usual you have done a fabulous job of conveying the essence and beauty of your adventure. What is astounding is that the daily rate of $18 is less than $6,600 annually, I know where I am going if I ever drop out of society.

    • Philip June 21, 2012 at 5:25 pm #

      Agreed Michael!

  5. Judie June 21, 2012 at 3:12 pm #

    Wow! What a great find and lovely place. Enjoyed your photos and descriptions of both the homestay and the family who owns it. It seems another heart connection for you!

    • Philip June 21, 2012 at 5:26 pm #

      Thanks Judie. Huge hearts here.

  6. Karen June 23, 2012 at 6:34 am #

    Bali looks like paradise! I think I might need to visit someday…. Thanks for sharing!

    • Philip June 23, 2012 at 3:15 pm #

      I feel you would love it here, Karen, especially Ubud. I would suggest starting your stay there. You will probably want to spend more time than you think in Ubud.

  7. Stephanie - The Travel Chica June 24, 2012 at 6:10 am #

    I would take that over a hostel any day!

    • Philip July 22, 2012 at 9:18 am #

      No comparison.

  8. Jenny July 21, 2012 at 8:25 pm #

    very nice to read, phil./ sometimes you find the paradise.Hug

    • Philip July 22, 2012 at 9:17 am #

      Thanks Jenny. Many happy and safe journeys for you.

  9. Jo November 2, 2012 at 9:21 pm #

    hey Phillip I can totally relate to your wonderful experience – thanks I have bookmarked Jati for future reference, I simply love the balinese way of life – I have so much more to write on my own site about our balinese trips too. Looks like you had a awesome time here in N Z too – fantastic

    • Philip November 4, 2012 at 6:06 am #

      Thanks for your comments Jo. Reminds me I have to write up some more of these stories from NZ and Bali as well. Can’t wait to return.

  10. Callie November 5, 2012 at 1:58 am #

    This looks like an awesome place to stay – will have to check it out when I get to Bali!
    Callie recently posted..EIGHT DAYS IN LANGTANG

    • Philip November 5, 2012 at 8:12 am #

      It’s a great place to call home base for awhile Callie, and a great helpful family. Enjoy your adventure!!

  11. Frank Kuhr August 27, 2013 at 8:45 pm #

    Hi Phil Frank from Johnnies Mkt. Ran home as soon as I was off work 9:15 PM went to your site this is what I call heaven what a fantastic place since I was born in Indonesia this would be a great place to retire or live 3 months out off the year till my wife retires.Can’t wait for my wife to see this beautiful place she sounds interested. Sure glad I saw you today in the store.Thank You.Frank

    • Philip August 28, 2013 at 7:31 am #

      Hey Frank–glad I ran into you as well. I had no idea you were such a world traveler! I plan to return to Indonesia later this year. See you soon.

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