Villa Taman Burung, Lovina, Bali

We have just arrived back from a fabulous family holiday to Lovina in Bali, Indonesia. The trip was arranged as a surprise for a significant birthday, soon to be celebrated, by one of our party.

A total of 15 family members, who are usually scattered far and wide around the world, congregated at the Villa Taman Burung, near to Lovina in Northern Bali. Arriving on 4 separate flights from London, Singapore and Sydney, we were met by the villa's driver, named Made, to make the journey from the airport at Denpasar in the south of the island to Lovina in the north. The trip can take anywhere between two and three hours depending on traffic and was certainly more of a white-knuckle ride than any roller-coaster I've ridden. Mopeds, dogs, chickens, lorries and more besides all compete for road space, but our driver seemed oblivious to it all, simply using the horn to announce his intention to overtake everything in his way.

On arrival at Taman Burung, the pace immediately slowed and the entire complement of 8 staff were there to welcome us and show us around. They are clearly very proud of the facilities and with good reason.

Taman Burung comprises a site approximately the size of a football pitch. Six buildings for guest accommodation can be found spread out through the immaculate gardens, with two pools, one at either end of the site. A large building in the centre of the site forms the kitchen, dining area, and bar. Also dotted around the site were a variety of covered buildings providing shelter from the sun and occasional rain storm.


In total there were 7 double bedrooms, one twin room and an additional double bed in the thatched building on stilts (perfect for my 10 and 7 year old daughters). Each good-sized bedroom, with the exception of the thatch (see below), was air-conditioned and had its own beautiful outdoor, open-air bathroom.

The kitchen was ably managed by Pari and Wayan, who continued to produce a wide variety of both Indonesian and European food, with ever present smiles and enthusiasm. Kadek was on hand to wait on the tables, serve drinks and ensure that we had everything that we needed.

Breakfast usually consisted of a plate of fresh fruit, including watermelon, papaya, pineapple and banana, plus a fruit smoothie, and an english breakfast or pancakes, plus plenty of coffee and tea. During breakfast we also discussed with the cooks, what we would be eating for lunch and dinner.

For lunch, we opted either for Nasi Goreng (fried rice) or Mee Goreng (fried noodles), but the staff were happy to accommodate any other suggestions we came up with. Their Cap Cay (stir fried vegatables) was also excellent.

Dinner was selected from eight different three course menus, ranging from starters of greek salad, Jukut Undis (traditional black bean soup), Jukut Ares (young banana tree soup), spring roll or chicken and asparagus soup. The choices for main course included curry, sweet and sour pork, Ayam Kecap (Panfried Chicken), satay, Babi Kecap (panfried pork), Ikan Sambal Matah (grilled fillet of tuna, with spices), Ikan Pepes (spicey grilled fish in banana leaf), Ayam Betutu (spicy grilled chicken in banana leaf) - All were delicious. Desserts were usually fresh fruit, served with ice cream. We also tried the local Bali Cake, but this was not to our liking, being very stodgy, sweet and covered in coconut.

One evening, the staff also prepared a whole suckling pig as a special treat. It made quite a spectacle when on the table and could have fed us three times over.


Komang and the rest of the staff, maintained the pools, the gardens, tidied rooms and re-stocked the fridges in each room and the pool bar.

I would not hesitate to recommend this location for any large party, wanting to get together for some sun and relaxation and who don't mind travelling to get it. Apart from the cost of the flights, the remainder of the holiday was exceptional value, considering the standard of the accommodation and the service provided by the staff. Thanks to you all.