Set within a high-walled garden, a duplex and a triplex whitewashed wooden bungalow houses five spacious rooms between them. The charming owner, Wayan, worked for Perama Tours for many years, so not only does he speak excellent English, he is very familiar with the wants and needs of travellers and has built a very comfortable and welcoming guesthouse.

Sparkling. Photo: Sally Arnold
Simple tiled glass-fronted rooms are bright and airy with high ceilings and a built-in alcove to store your bags—choose from air-con or fan-cooled. We went for a fan room, and the small standard fan was efficient. Furnishings are simple and basic, with just a bed and bedside table, but we were promised a desk was coming soon. The room may be at the budget end, but the mattress is five-star—we guesstimated 35 centimetres thick, the likes of which we’ve only seen at much pricier digs. It sported pristine white sheets, no doubt offering a decent night’s sleep.
There’s no bedside lighting as such, but the lights are good and bright and all can be switched on and off from the bedside, as well as switches where you’d expect. There are sufficient power outlets for charging your electronics. Ensuite bathrooms are clean and rather large, but again fairly bare bones—a spacious bench and storage provide a spot for your toothbrush, but you’ll have to bring the clothing rack in from the verandah if you want to hang your towel. Shower pressure is excellent and the water is fresh (unusual on Lembongan), but at the time of our visit was cold only—hot is “coming soon”, although it wasn’t actually icy cold.

Simple fare. Photo: Sally Arnold
Verandahs are shared and furnished with a couple of wooden chairs, but no side tables. The only real downside is the common walls between the rooms—being wooden you can pretty much hear everything from the adjoining room, which is fine if you have considerate neighbours, but may be disturbing for others (choose an end room over the centre one). Most of the garden was newly planted, but a large established mango tree shades one section (and promises fruit in season), and an open bale offers a spot to rest or practise yoga or meditation.
We reckon there’s room for a small pool, but the owner isn’t keen just yet. As this is a family-run place, expect to hear young kids screaming occasionally (only at bath time it seemed). Wayan knows the island backwards and can offer all kinds of advice as well as organise transport and tours.
Breakfast isn’t included, however Ginger & Jamu is at the end of the beach lane, 100 metres away, or 300 metres down the road a delicious breakfast and good coffee can be had at Bali Eco Deli. Vista Huts is not obvious from the road. When you are on Jalan Raya Jungut Batu, look for the large blue and white sign to Ketut’s Bungalows, and take the next lane to the north, or coming from the beach, take the lane between Mainski and Ginger & Jamu.
We think Vista Huts offers the best value for budget digs in this part of Nusa Lembongan, and with negotiable rates for a longer stay the deal is even sweeter. If they are full try De Indra Nusa Inn which offers simple clean air-con rooms, or friendly D’Mel Sari with older-style rooms in a quiet leafy garden, both for around the same spend.
Type of room, low and high season prices
Dbl air-con private bathroom
Room: Dbl fan private bathroom, low season: 200,000 rupiah, high season 250,000 rupiah. Notes:
Room: Dbl air-con private bathroom, low season: 250,000 rupiah, high season 300,000 rupiah. Notes: