The roads of Ubud are known for being uneven, and some parts are difficult to explore on foot. After a day spent outside, head to Tamarind Spa to get some much-needed relief for your sore muscles. If you’re staying at Murni’s Houses, you can easily access it from the hotel. Spa treatments include a full-body Balinese massage, hot stone massage, reflexology, facials, nail treatments, scrubs, and more. See for yourself why this spa has a handful of awards to its name. An afternoon of treatments from experienced staff and you’ll leave feeling rejuvenated and ready for another round of tours.

Tamarind Spa – 101.com

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10 January 2020

Stay in comfort at the award-winning Murni’s Houses, a hotel just a short walk away from Ubud’s town center. With spotless guestrooms adorned with traditional Balinese art, shared amenities like swimming pool and garden, and a spectacular view of the mountain, this is an accommodation that won’t disappoint. Free Wi-Fi, coffee, breakfast, and parking are available for guests, and main attractions like Campuhan Ridge Walk and Saraswati Temple are just a stone’s throw away. This is a place you’ll love coming home to after a long day of activities.

Murni’s in Bali – Murni’s Houses & Spa – Trip101.com

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Petit Futé 2018 sur Murni’s Houses

Murni’s Houses and Spa appartenait au célèbre pionnier local Murni qui a fondé Murni’s Warung, le premier restaurant international d’Ubud en 1974 ainsi que le magasin Murni’s shop, le premier magasin d’arts tribaux et d’antiquités à Ubud. Cet établissement possède sept maisons confortables à la décoration traditionnelle balinaise. Chaque maison comporte deux chambres, un salon, une véranda et deux baignoires extérieures. Le salon possède également un lit. Les objets d’art ornent les murs et font de ce lieu un véritable musée. A seulement trois minutes de la rue principale d’Ubud, vous pouvez profiter du calme de ce lieu devenu une institution. Aux maisons, au restaurant et à la boutique s’ajoute un Spa (Tamarind) où le personnel qualifié vous accueille dans une ambiance propice à la détente.

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Murni and Murni’s Ubud, Bali

26 February, 2015
Contented Traveller
Paula McInerney

It was by great fortune that we found Murni’s Houses, Ubud, Bali through FlipKey by tripadvisor who had given us carte blanche to pick wherever we wanted to stay in Bali and we chose 6 nights at Murni’s Houses. This is all part of our Travel Series, Bali for Baby Boomers. We found Murni’s Houses but also found out that Murni is a living legend in not just Ubud, her hometown, but in all of Bali.

Straight away our interest was piqued about both the lady and the many businesses that she owns throughout Ubud and the reverence that she is held in. We quickly booked with Flipkey knowing that we were on to something unique and we were right. We also had read that Richard Gere, Richard Branson and David Copperfield the magician have visited Murni’s, so we thought that Gordon and I might just join this illustrious cast.

About Ubud

Ubud is Eat. Pray. Love territory and a book that I have yet to read, though I did see the movie and discussed whether Ubud had changed since that book and that movie. We have been here before and we have noticed the increase in visitors. That actually takes nothing away from this amazing place. Ubud is an artistic and culturally rich regency with its own king and royal family. Many tourists come here as do many expats seeking the alternative lifestyle. Food abounds and you would be hard pressed to find better foods than dining at streetside warungs. It is the home of art and you cannot avoid the skill of the Balinese artisans. It is also home to yoga, massages and all things alternative. You should head to the Sacred Monkey Forest at the end of Monkey Forest Rd. This is a magnificent jungle sanctuary, that is full of mysticism and lots of monkeys. The best way to see Ubud is to walk. Walk a lot, have a meal at a local warung and then treat yourself to a massage. It works.

Our first impressions on arriving at Murni’s Houses

This is a traditional Balinese compound where the houses are set in amazing gardens. Often referred to as the Villas of the 33 statues, there are waterfalls, and lush gardens and you hear the sounds in the distance of village life. There is Balinese art everywhere and there is serenity about this compound. There is also seclusion despite being a couple of minutes from the main road of Ubud.

Our traditional Balinese rooms, and we did have a number of rooms, and our outdoor areas overlooked the gardens yet protected us from the occasional Ubud rain storms. We loved it. We had Wi-Fi and were well taken care of, being given ginger tea to help a cough I had developed in the snow in Japan. This is a Balinese cure all and these herbal medicines known are known as ‘jamu’. (Turmeric and lemon grass also work).

This gave us a very real local experience meeting with the people who work here and getting to know a little more about the real way of life for the Balinese.

More About Murni’s Houses

In the early 1980s Murni started to build these open-air pavilions amongst the lush gardens and next to open fields. It is here that you can attest to her eye for tradition and art with the fountains and the statues everywhere you look.

About Murni the Lady

Ni Wayan Murni was born in Penestanan, Bali about 9 kms from Ubud to a farming family so it is no wonder that hard work comes naturally to her. During the early 1970s she owned 4 shops on Sanur beach. It was here, selling sarongs, that she actually sold some to president Sukarno and Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones. This was not to be her first brush with fame, and Mick has some serious street cred.

She returned to Ubud and opened a shop and here she used to make her husband soup and a sandwich for lunch. Tourists stopped and wanted to have some too and that is how Ubud’s first real restaurant, Murni’s Warung, came into being. This institution has seen its fair share of celebs and tourists coming to savor her signature dishes. Try the famous Balinese smoked duck. Murni’s Warung is like her style in all of her ventures – traditional Balinese. There are four levels that cascade down a steep hillside overlooking the Wos River. The thatched roofs, traditional open wooden architecture, and a vast collection of stone carvings gives you a very Balinese experience. Talk to Ketut and he will share with you what it is like living in Bali.

She was also the first person in Ubud to open two antiques shops in the 80s and 90s. These galleries showcased many antiques, textiles and costumes and other pieces that she knew were special. Nowadays, many of the prized pieces are in Murni’s Warung,

Murni is active in the arts and culture scene of Ubud, and has lectured in the US on Balinese textiles.

She also plays in a women’s gamelan group at important religious ceremonies.

Tamarind Spa

Murni has also created Tamarind Spa at Murni’s Houses and this spa was listed as the top spa in Ubud on Trip Advisor within 3 months of its opening. It is here that she continues with her ethos of everything Balinese, with traditional Balinese massages located within the stunning and serene gardens and waterfall. It is not the cheapest massage that you can get, but the staff are trained and located as it is in the art garden, it is a total experience.

Thank You to FlipKey by trip advisor for making this property available to us for 6 great nights. Great find, highly recommended and a perfect inclusion for our Travel Series.

Murni’s Houses – Contented Traveller

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“À la balinaise chez Murni’s Houses: Les amoureux du vieil Ubud appreciéront les quatre guest houses de Ibu Murni, ‘la mère d’Ubud’, dans le beau jardin d’une accueillante demeure balinaise en bord de rizière. Il n’y a pas de panneau, il faut donc demander votre chemin pour trouver l’endroit. C’est le lieu idéal pour se sentir chez soi au calme, à quelques pas de la grand-rue d’Ubud. Le site internet regorge d’informations sur Bali.”

Guide Naturale de Bali, 2005

Murni’s Houses – Guide Naturale de Bali

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“Murni’s Houses: ostlich von Murni’s Warung, die Treppen hinauf nach Andangan. Blick auf die Reisfielder. Ideal fur einem langeren Aufenthalt. Alle Zimmer mit Warmwasser und Ventilator. Babysitter sind zu bekommen.”

Bali Polyglott Apa Guide, 2002

Murni’s Houses – Polyglott Apa Guide

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Murni’s Houses – Travel and Leisure

“If you decide to go, be forewarned, people become hopelessly lazy here listening to serenading geckos and crowing roosters. Breakfast turns into lunch and you’re still sitting in the restaurant, surrounded by gardens, eating, talking, thinking. But at Murni’s you always have tomorrow.”

Kathy Cox
Travel and Leisure

Murni’s Houses – Travel and Leisure

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Bill Dalton
Bali Handbook

Murni’s Houses – Bali Handbook

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To contact us:
Please fill in the form or, if you wish, email us at: murni (at) murnis.com
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Murni

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Bali, The Ultimate Guide to the World’s Most Spectacular Tropical Island, Linda Hoffman, Tuttle Publishing, 2012

Tamarind Spa at Murni’s Houses

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Ubud is world famous for dance performances – legong (virgins), kecak (monkeys), jegog (girl and boy),  barong (lion) – gamelan music – and shadow puppets.

Balinese Dance Performances.

Some of the best dance performances are in the magnificent Pura Dalem temple just a minute’s walk from Murni’s Houses.  We can arrange tickets for guests.

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Murni’s Houses Activities are for guests staying at Murni’s Houses. We are constantly adding to them.

We will be happy to help with booking tours, classes and activities.

We recommend booking them as soon as possible, as many of them get booked up well in advance, or have limited places.

Tarot readingsTarot readings This special opportunity for Tarot readings is for guests staying at Murni’s Houses & Spa. You will visit Novi in her own house for a Tarot reading. You will be surprised by her warmth and accuracy. She is the favourite tarot reader of top government ministers in Jakarta. You pick the cards. Her … Continue reading Tarot readings →

Mount Batur Volcano Sunrise TrekMount Batur Volcano Sunrise Trek Join us for this amazing trek on the active volcano, Mount Batur.  Starting in the dark of the early morning, ascend to the highest peak and crater for a glorious sunrise and stunning morning views. From the beautiful lake of Mount Batur, climbing up to its summit, witnessing the large … Continue reading Mount Batur Volcano Sunrise Trek →

White Water RaftingWhite Water Rafting White Water Rafting is an exhilarating rafting adventure on the beautiful Ayung River. The river stretch is 8 km through 27 class II and III rapids in a wild unspoiled rainforest, towering gorges and magnificent rice paddy terraces. Professionally trained and experienced guides pilot safety-equipped Avon rafts through the best river runs, … Continue reading White Water Rafting →

Elephant Safari Park Rafting Trekking and CyclingElephant Safari Park Rafting Trekking and Cycling can be booked in any combination. Enjoy an incredible experience riding and even bathing with the elephants as they take their morning bath, and that includes the babies. It’s also possible to combine this with other activities, such as cycling and/or white water rafting. Bathe and Breakfast with … Continue reading Elephant Safari Park Rafting Trekking and Cycling →

Bali Bird WalksBali Bird Walks Bali Bird Walks will take you on a variety of trails around the countryside of Ubud. Following a brief introductory talk, we set off on our walk, for about 3 1/2 hours, 5 or 6 kilometres, and returning for lunch about 12.30 pm. Over 100 species of birds are found around Ubud, … Continue reading Bali Bird Walks →

Bali Herbal WalksBali Herbal Walks You will be conducted on a walk amid the rice paddies of Ubud. You will discover herbs that grow along the edges of the rice paddies. You will see turmeric and coconut palms, taro plants and banana trees, lemon grass and citronella, soursop, jackfruit, pineapple and breadfruit growing side by side. We … Continue reading Bali Herbal Walks →

Bali Hai Day Cruises: Lembongan and Nusa Penida IslandsBali Hai Day Cruises: Lembongan and Nusa Penida Islands Cruises, snorkeling or scuba diving or a boat trip to a deserted island. We can book these for guests staying at Murni’s Houses & Spa. Lembongan Island Reef Cruise Pick up time: 7.15 am – 7.30 am. Boarding 8.35 am – return at 3.15 pm – arrives … Continue reading Bali Hai Day Cruises: Lembongan and Nusa Penida Islands →

Helicopter Sky ToursHelicopter Sky Tours Murni’s Houses guests can now enjoy an incredible helicopter experience flying over Bali with Helicopter Sky Tours. Perfect for an unforgettable wedding proposal! The Kintamani Volcano and Bedugul Lakes Sky Tours are stunning and a ‘must do’ while in Bali. Prices are per flight (not per person). It will just be for … Continue reading Helicopter Sky Tours →

My Tarot Card Reading in Ubud, BaliMy Tarot Card Reading in Ubud, Bali 20 April 2015 By Paula McInerney, Contented Traveller. I had not seen Eat. Pray. Love. when I had this interesting experience, though I did know the basic premise of the story. It was when we decided to stay at Murni’s, an institution in Ubud, that I was asked … Continue reading My Tarot Card Reading in Ubud, Bali →

Mason Chocolate Experience TourLove Chocolate? For guests staying at Murni’s Houses & Spa. The Mason Gourmet Chocolate Factory is located inside the stunning Koko Bambu Restaurant, overlooking scenic rice fields. Within this ‘state of the art’ factory, using only the latest Italian chocolate making machinery, you can watch the chocolate making process, starting from the cocoa bean through … Continue reading Mason Chocolate Experience Tour →

Bali SwingBali Swing Have you ever swung over the abyss…?     Adrenaline Swing, Libra Swing, Single Swing, Bed Swing, Romantic Swing, Cute Chicken Nest, Cute Bird Nest, Sky Bed. The best location in Bali. Amazing view of the canyon and river waterfall. Enjoy those thrilling feelings, adrenaline rush, unforgettable experiences and unique pictures. Swinging time is unlimited. 8.00 am – 5 pm … Continue reading Bali Swing →

Jungle BuggiesJungle Buggies Start your engines and get ready to embark on a journey into the jungle to experience Bali’s first and only ‘purpose-built ATV track’. This thrilling new course, spanning 4.5 km over each lap, was crafted with the hardiest adventure seekers in mind to provide an exciting and intense driving experience like no other … Continue reading Jungle Buggies →

Jamu Class Jamu class. This is a Jamu class. You will learn how to prepare the traditional herbal drink, Balinese traditional pain relief, Balinese Body and Hair Oil and Balinese Sun Block.   The class takes about 2 hours. Starts at 12 noon. Ends at 2 pm Meet at Nadis Herbal Shop in Jalan Suetwa . The … Continue reading Jamu Class →

Buffalo Racing, Dancing and Photography in West BaliBuffalo Racing, Dancing and Photography in West Bali  A rare chance to see Buffalo Racing in West Bali and other fascinating sights, and stay in a private house with a famous photographer, well off the beaten track. The package is 3-days 2-nights. It’s about 3 hours drive from Ubud to Tegalcangkring (depending on the traffic). … Continue reading Buffalo Racing, Dancing and Photography in West Bali →

Bali Hai Huts: Lembongan IslandBali Hai Huts: Lembongan Island  Hai Tide Beach Resort is an award-winning beach club, resort, and spa located on the golden sands of Lembongan Island’s Mushroom Bay. The accommodation includes garden villas, traditional Balinese lumbungs, restaurants, and a spa. They also offer a variety of aquatic activities, water sports and diving. Hai Tide Beach Resort … Continue reading Bali Hai Huts: Lembongan Island →

Downhill Mountain Cycling TourDownhill Mountain Cycling Tour Explore Bali by cycling downhill and see genuine Balinese traditional life and the unique culture of Bali while taking in the beauty of its exotic panoramas. We begin our tour by taking you to the spectacular beauty of Kintamani and on the way there, we are going to have a short … Continue reading Downhill Mountain Cycling Tour →

Bamboo Village TourBamboo Village Tour For guests staying at Murni’s Houses & Spa. On the sacred Ayung River and surrounded by the lush Balinese forest, Green Village is a tranquil and peaceful compound that hosts spectacular bamboo houses and villas. Each luxury villa and house in Green Village is constructed almost entirely from bamboo, custom-designed and built … Continue reading Bamboo Village Tour →

Bali Hai Nusa Penida AdventuresBali Hai Nusa Penida Adventures This is for guests staying at Murni’s Houses & Spa. Take off from Bali to Penida Island on Ocean Rafting, a 24-seat speed boat. Upon arrival experience the wonders of snorkelling at Manta Bay, explore the alluring Angel Billabong and discover the world-famous cliffs of Kelingking Beach. Followed by a … Continue reading Bali Hai Nusa Penida Adventures →

Ubud Story WalksUbud’s Journey from Past to Present There’s no better way to explore Ubud than through its rich cultural heritage. This walk is an introduction to the history of Ubud and is perfect for first-timers in Bali. Revealing how the Balinese navigated the last 100 years, and how they’ve tapped into their culture to become a … Continue reading Ubud Story Walks →

Photography ToursWe’ve got the best local photographer in Bali to take guests of Murni’s Houses to stunning locations off the beaten track and teach you how to take great photos. It’s suitable for beginners to professional photographers with any type of camera, including phones and tablets. And great for Instagram. Very small groups – from 1 … Continue reading Photography Tours →

Ubud WalksUbud Walks Accompanied walks/treks for Guests staying at Murni’s Houses & Spa: Bali Bird Walks (can be combined with a Tamarind Spa package) Mount Batur Volcano Sunrise Trek (can be combined with a Tamarind Spa package) Trekking (can be combined with a Tamarind Spa package) Bali Herbal Walks Ubud Story Walks Book as much in … Continue reading Ubud Walks →

Sacred Sanctuaries of Bali    Sacred Sanctuaries of Bali explores five of the island’s most revered temples, shrines, and holy places, weaving together history, myth, architecture, archaeology and living tradition. Goa Gajah, Tirta Empul, Gunung Kawi, Gunung Kawi Sebatu and The Moon Temple of Pejeng. They are all very different, very interesting and close to each other – … Continue reading Sacred Sanctuaries of Bali →

Family Friendly Art WorkshopsFamily Friendly Art Workshops   Making Incense Workshop Learn the ancient history of incense in Bali. Our expert guides teach you to craft your own aromatic incense sticks and cones from scratch, using natural ingredients. Age: 7 years+  Glow in the Dark Paint and Sip: Blacklights Play with vibrant neon paints on canvas and watch … Continue reading Family Friendly Art Workshops →

Murni’s Houses Activities

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Grand Nikko Hotel, Nusa Dua, Bali certainly has a ring to it. We had to go down to Nusa Dua for a wine-tasting and it was just too far, after all that wine, to drive back to Ubud, so we picked a hotel that had a grand sounding name.  Grand Nikko Hotel fitted the bill perfectly and is part of the worldwide Nikko Group of hotels. It’s the only one in the group called Grand. It’s also a grand place for families and kids.

 

 

We drove up to the entrance and were met by smiling staff. A nice Balinese man with glasses took our cases. First impressions are so important. We both felt good immediately and went through a smooth and efficient check in and were escorted to our room. There is a wide choice of rooms, suites and villas.

 

 

We had an Ocean View room. As you can see, it was spacious, clean and comfortable. I was pleased to see a traditional Kamasan painting hanging on the wall. There was a television with all the international channels, an electronic safe, which could fit a laptop, and complimentary water in the mini-bar.

 

 

We didn’t need a buggy, but if your villa is far away, they will actually take you by buggy, driven by a wonderful, smiling girl called Yeni. It’s almost worth booking a villa just for the fun of riding in the buggy.

 

 

It’s a big hotel with two wings, built on a 40-meter cliff. The central core of the hotel has an incredibly dramatic view of the Indian Ocean. My jaw just dropped gazing out at the view.

 

 

We immediately went down to explore. There’s a really imposing staircase from the entrance down to beach level. They also have elevators.

 

 

We saw a very impressive buffet being set up in the garden. They were getting ready for Balinese Night and we felt beautiful, soft breezes on our cheeks wafting off the Indian Ocean.

 

 

They had a sucking pig, babi guling, still untouched, but I’m sure not for long, as that’s one of the island’s most famous dishes. There was a vast array of food and there were drinks too.

 

 

I’ve got a small hotel in Ubud, Murni’s Houses, grand in its own way, and I know a good hotel when I see one. A good hotel has good energy and the Grand Nikko has lots of energy.

 

 

The staff are incredibly helpful – if you look lost, they come up to you and offer to bring you to where you are going. When you pass them in the corridor or meet them in the lift, they say hello and give you a big smile. How nice is that?

 

 

The hotel is large. I’m sure I haven’t seen it all, in fact, I know I haven’t seen it all. It has interesting statues and structures all over the place.

 

 

Balinese stonecarvers and sculptors are talented and I’m delighted that their works are on display. I particularly liked the three fishermen, back to back, with their shared catch on their heads. It was very appropriate for the ocean setting.

 

 

There are many comfortable places to sit and chill out. Tastefully decorated. Of course the whole place has wifi, which is vital these days.

 

 

There are eight restaurants, yes, eight, including a Japanese one called Benkay and one called Olooloos. Don’t ask me what that means! They serve Mediterranean food, but outside a Balinese couple welcome you in.

 

 

Breakfast is served in The Brasserie. It was very good indeed, regally and lovingly supervised by the charming Balinese sous-chef, Luh Sibang. She has worked there for eighteen years and is still loving it.

 

 

There are freshly baked breads, croissants, bagels, muffins, and doughnuts. Orange, tomato, watermelon, papaya and carrot juices. Scrambled, sunny side up, omelettes, poached and boiled eggs. Really whatever you want.

 

 

Western, Chinese and Japanese food. Indonesian fried rice, Indonesian fried noodles, chicken or pork congee and Soto Ayam (the famous spicy chicken broth). Unlimited smoked salmon too. Service was impeccable: lots of helpful staff helping you within seconds.

 

 

After breakfast there are a whole range of activities – the wonderful beach, of course, but also a fun jungle camp for children, a camel safari ride, fitness centre, tennis courts and sauna. There are probably even more things that I haven’t yet discovered.

 

 

There are four, maybe more than four, amazing inter-connected swimming pools, that just have to be seen to be believed, and a 30 metre water slide into one of them. One of them actually has sand coming up to it, which is a genius and safe way of keeping an eye on young childen at the beach.

 

 

Just wandering around I came across a wedding in the grounds. Not surprising as it’s a perfect place to get married with the well-kept beautiful lawns, pools and beach. I am sure that the wedding photographs were stunning. Grand Nikko has it all.

 

 

The Shore restaurant is ideally situated, yes, on the shore. We had lunch there and Komang, our kindly waitress, suggested that we join One Harmony for free and have 10% off all meals and future stays in the hotel group. We joined straightaway.

 

 

I love spas, and in fact, I have one in Ubud, Tamarind Spa at Murni’s Houses, so I am always keen to try them out. It was a real pleasure going to Mandara Spa. I had an excellent therapist, Oka Astini, and enjoyed the experience in a private villa immensely. I can certainty recommend it and have become a member of Mandara Spa.

 

 

The only bad thing was leaving, but, for sure I will return soon.

 

There are more photos in the Gallery.

Murni

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