Taman Harum Hotel
Ubud, Indonesia

The essence of Balinese culture is found in the exquisite rice paddies village of Mas-Ubud. Overlooking the rice fields and mount Agung in the distance stands the fragrant garden Taman Harum Cottages. It's attached to a woodcarving gallery and is owned and manage by the family of IB. Tantra (the root carving master). In the cool and breezy of the rice field, 17 traditional rooms and villas are spread across the side of rice fields and tropical garden. In each, the Balinese architecture, décor, fine painting is of hotel standard while all the modern conveniences expected by the discerning international travelers are here. All are air-conditioned and have exotic garden bathrooms. The hotels main pool has a view of the rice paddies.

This hideaway on the outskirts of town behind an art gallery and woodcarving center is not only a great value but a truly unique experience where guests get traditional cooking, dance, woodcarving and batik-making lessons, as well as guided walks in the rice paddies. The hotel has its own woodcarving studio and workshop on site and simply watching their craftsmen at work is free.