Ruby Romance Oceanside Villas Guidebook
City/town information
We are located on the untouched north coast of Bali with its natural black volcanic beaches, calm waters, beautiful waterfalls, hot springs and exotic temples. This is absolute authentic Balinese village life … without shopping malls, night clubs or congested traffic.
Tejakula is a traditional Balinese village decorated with volcanic, palm-lined beaches. This lost paradise sits between mountains and sea, with only a smattering of accommodation options. Instead, it offers a traditional village ambience, unobstructed ocean views, and a vibrant artisan community. Forget the rush, get some early morning inspiration and some "me" time with a stroll along the black sand and pebble beach. You’ll likely see a multi-hued jukung (traditional fishing boat) dart into shore with their morning haul. Dolphins can occasionally be spotted in the distance, too.
Take a short drive to YEH MEMPEH (Les Waterfalls), one of Bali's hidden and scenic waterfalls. The falls are about 1km from the coast, within the village's hilly and forested area. Les Waterfalls is also one of the island's tallest cascades, pouring from a height of 30 metres. It's an adventurous trek through a lush forest and trails; and you can enjoy a refreshing dip in a rock pool while taking in the scenery.
Some of Bali's oldest communities, known collectively as the Bali Aga, are in Tejakula. Julah village in Tejakula is one of the areas in Bali where old traditions live on. Here, a sea temple PURA PONJOK BATU attracts the pilgrims looking to be blessed with prosperity for their business, artists for skilful hands to create works of arts, and fishermen for an abundant catch on a day out at sea. It was build entirely out of lava stone.
The village of Pacung is known for its community of backstrap loom weavers. Traditional textile weavings called bebali are all made by hand, using all-natural dyes. SURYA INDIGO is a weaver's cooperative in Pacung. Your purchase goes to the preservation of this ancient art form.
Tejakula
We are located on the untouched north coast of Bali with its natural black volcanic beaches, calm waters, beautiful waterfalls, hot springs and exotic temples. This is absolute authentic Balinese village life … without shopping malls, night clubs or congested traffic.
Tejakula is a traditional Balinese village decorated with volcanic, palm-lined beaches. This lost paradise sits between mountains and sea, with only a smattering of accommodation options. Instead, it offers a traditional village ambience, unobstructed ocean views, and a vibrant artisan community. Forget the rush, get some early morning inspiration and some "me" time with a stroll along the black sand and pebble beach. You’ll likely see a multi-hued jukung (traditional fishing boat) dart into shore with their morning haul. Dolphins can occasionally be spotted in the distance, too.
Take a short drive to YEH MEMPEH (Les Waterfalls), one of Bali's hidden and scenic waterfalls. The falls are about 1km from the coast, within the village's hilly and forested area. Les Waterfalls is also one of the island's tallest cascades, pouring from a height of 30 metres. It's an adventurous trek through a lush forest and trails; and you can enjoy a refreshing dip in a rock pool while taking in the scenery.
Some of Bali's oldest communities, known collectively as the Bali Aga, are in Tejakula. Julah village in Tejakula is one of the areas in Bali where old traditions live on. Here, a sea temple PURA PONJOK BATU attracts the pilgrims looking to be blessed with prosperity for their business, artists for skilful hands to create works of arts, and fishermen for an abundant catch on a day out at sea. It was build entirely out of lava stone.
The village of Pacung is known for its community of backstrap loom weavers. Traditional textile weavings called bebali are all made by hand, using all-natural dyes. SURYA INDIGO is a weaver's cooperative in Pacung. Your purchase goes to the preservation of this ancient art form.
Neighbourhoods
LES VILLAGE is conveniently nested in Tejakula District, just few steps away from Ruby Romance Oceanside Villas. This is a traditional coastal village with well-preserved local culture, rich fishing community and few diving spots.
Les village is home for a palm tree plantation used as a producer of alcohol and other palm products. Short visit to BALI MULA LES VILLAGE will give you an unforgettable exposure to a traditional technology of alcohol processing. Arak Bali is an alcoholic drink from palm tree, which is very common in the community. It is generally used for body heating and traditional ceremonies. It has been described as strong, foul, and great for pregaming a night.
Les Village is known for ORGANIC SALT PROCESSING. This traditional process includes channeling sea water to special pre-arranged land plots for drying. The dry soil is added to a container called fisting and mixed again with the sea water. After 3 days of evaporation sea water crystallizes and salt can be harvested. Salt processing is a great place to visit during a dry season. It is extremely labor intensive and amazing to watch.
DIVING AND SNORKELING. We recommend HOME REEF and several other diving spots near the village, which you can reach by a speedboat (5-10 minutes away). Water temperature is around 27-29 °C / 81-84 F. Underwater visibility is usually good if there was no rain the day before. For more places like Tulamben Liberty Wreck, Kubu Boga Wreck, Amed Japanese Wreck and Menjangan island, we can arrange a transportation on request.
7 locals recommend
Les
LES VILLAGE is conveniently nested in Tejakula District, just few steps away from Ruby Romance Oceanside Villas. This is a traditional coastal village with well-preserved local culture, rich fishing community and few diving spots.
Les village is home for a palm tree plantation used as a producer of alcohol and other palm products. Short visit to BALI MULA LES VILLAGE will give you an unforgettable exposure to a traditional technology of alcohol processing. Arak Bali is an alcoholic drink from palm tree, which is very common in the community. It is generally used for body heating and traditional ceremonies. It has been described as strong, foul, and great for pregaming a night.
Les Village is known for ORGANIC SALT PROCESSING. This traditional process includes channeling sea water to special pre-arranged land plots for drying. The dry soil is added to a container called fisting and mixed again with the sea water. After 3 days of evaporation sea water crystallizes and salt can be harvested. Salt processing is a great place to visit during a dry season. It is extremely labor intensive and amazing to watch.
DIVING AND SNORKELING. We recommend HOME REEF and several other diving spots near the village, which you can reach by a speedboat (5-10 minutes away). Water temperature is around 27-29 °C / 81-84 F. Underwater visibility is usually good if there was no rain the day before. For more places like Tulamben Liberty Wreck, Kubu Boga Wreck, Amed Japanese Wreck and Menjangan island, we can arrange a transportation on request.
Sightseeing
(~5min drive) Yeh Mempeh(Les Waterfalls) is a Balinese word which means "splashing water". The height of Yeh Mempeh waterfall is around 30 meters. It offers scenic beauty and a revitalizing experience for visitors who are also rewarded by the chilled water of the falls in the humid weather of Bali.
The surrounding area is less touristy compared to Sekumpul and GitGit waterfalls in Nothern Bali.
Jalan Les Waterfall
Jalan Les Waterfall(~5min drive) Yeh Mempeh(Les Waterfalls) is a Balinese word which means "splashing water". The height of Yeh Mempeh waterfall is around 30 meters. It offers scenic beauty and a revitalizing experience for visitors who are also rewarded by the chilled water of the falls in the humid weather of Bali.
The surrounding area is less touristy compared to Sekumpul and GitGit waterfalls in Nothern Bali.
(~20min drive) Symon's Art Zoo is a great place to visit for guests who can appreciate "refreshing" and colorful art.
Located in Tejakula, American artist Symon has turned his home into a phantasmagoria of art and imagery. Every wall, ceiling and surface from the inside to the outside has been painted in a loud color. The outside of Symon’s home is arguably even more impressive, with a huge blue religious figure lounging outside his front door, and a large red phallus statue on display.
Simon is also selling his art, so if you stop by, bring some cash as there is usually a hard sell at the end.
Symon's Art Zoo
Jalan Airsanih - Tejakula(~20min drive) Symon's Art Zoo is a great place to visit for guests who can appreciate "refreshing" and colorful art.
Located in Tejakula, American artist Symon has turned his home into a phantasmagoria of art and imagery. Every wall, ceiling and surface from the inside to the outside has been painted in a loud color. The outside of Symon’s home is arguably even more impressive, with a huge blue religious figure lounging outside his front door, and a large red phallus statue on display.
Simon is also selling his art, so if you stop by, bring some cash as there is usually a hard sell at the end.
(~15min drive) Surya Indigo is a cooperative specializing in naturally dyed handwoven textiles and also some traditional textiles such as bebali.
Surya Indigo is dedicated to preservation of natural dyeing and traditional textiles of Northern Bali. You can observe different stages of handmade textile production, such as ginning and spinning cotton and weaving on a traditional back strap loom.
Surya Indigo
(~15min drive) Surya Indigo is a cooperative specializing in naturally dyed handwoven textiles and also some traditional textiles such as bebali.
Surya Indigo is dedicated to preservation of natural dyeing and traditional textiles of Northern Bali. You can observe different stages of handmade textile production, such as ginning and spinning cotton and weaving on a traditional back strap loom.
(~20min drive)The name Pura Ponjok Batu, meaning “stone on the edge” explains the temple’s location. It sits on a corner of a small peninsula and the structure itself is made from volcanic rock.
Based on a discovery of an ancient, four-handed (Catur Buja) statue and a female ox (Lembu Nandini) carving it is predicted that the temple was built in the 8th to 13th century, during the period when both statues were made.
This temple is used by locals and you can observe daily spiritual acting of Balinese people.
Ponjok Batu Temple
(~20min drive)The name Pura Ponjok Batu, meaning “stone on the edge” explains the temple’s location. It sits on a corner of a small peninsula and the structure itself is made from volcanic rock.
Based on a discovery of an ancient, four-handed (Catur Buja) statue and a female ox (Lembu Nandini) carving it is predicted that the temple was built in the 8th to 13th century, during the period when both statues were made.
This temple is used by locals and you can observe daily spiritual acting of Balinese people.
(~1hour drive) Sekumpul Waterfall different from other waterfalls in Bali. It does not consist of one or two waterfalls, but seven waterfalls in one area. Each of them has its own beauty, form, and height and they look extraordinary together.
The whole surrounding area is lush green and the falls are huge, giving a pre-historic feel to the whole place.
7 locals recommend
Sekumpul waterfall
(~1hour drive) Sekumpul Waterfall different from other waterfalls in Bali. It does not consist of one or two waterfalls, but seven waterfalls in one area. Each of them has its own beauty, form, and height and they look extraordinary together.
The whole surrounding area is lush green and the falls are huge, giving a pre-historic feel to the whole place.
(~1hour 20min drive) We recommend our guests to visit few places during a visit to mount Batur area.
Pura Segara Ulun Danu Batur is a beautiful floating temple on Lake Batur, near Pura Jati in northeast Bali. The temple is dedicated to the goddess of the lake - Ida Batari Dewi Ulun Danu. It’s sits on a great spot by the lake, with no crowds and very small entrance fee.
Don't forget to visit the neighbor temple Pura Jati Batur, which has epic views of the mountains in the background.
You can also visit Museum Geopark Batur, which has a number of good exhibits about the geological history of the Kintamani region. The museum building is designed based on the concept of the earth park, which consists of geological, biological, and cultural diversity.
Pura Segara Ulun Danu Batur
Jalan Pendakian Gunung Batur(~1hour 20min drive) We recommend our guests to visit few places during a visit to mount Batur area.
Pura Segara Ulun Danu Batur is a beautiful floating temple on Lake Batur, near Pura Jati in northeast Bali. The temple is dedicated to the goddess of the lake - Ida Batari Dewi Ulun Danu. It’s sits on a great spot by the lake, with no crowds and very small entrance fee.
Don't forget to visit the neighbor temple Pura Jati Batur, which has epic views of the mountains in the background.
You can also visit Museum Geopark Batur, which has a number of good exhibits about the geological history of the Kintamani region. The museum building is designed based on the concept of the earth park, which consists of geological, biological, and cultural diversity.
(~1hour 30min drive) Banjar hot spring is one of the most famous hot springs in Northern Bali. Water inside the spring has a sulfur content of 26% and a temperature of ± 38 ° C, which is claimed to be great for healing. Hot spring in Banjar is represented by three natural hot water pools.
The first hot water pool is at the top level and has width of 1.5 meters and length of 12 meters. This pool includes 8 natural showers.
The second hot spring lies below the first pool and is 12 meters long and 10 meters wide, which is the largest of the three pools.
Best time to visit Banjar is in the morning, while there are fewer people. There are changing rooms and lockers for customers.
59 locals recommend
Air Panas Banjar Hot Spring
(~1hour 30min drive) Banjar hot spring is one of the most famous hot springs in Northern Bali. Water inside the spring has a sulfur content of 26% and a temperature of ± 38 ° C, which is claimed to be great for healing. Hot spring in Banjar is represented by three natural hot water pools.
The first hot water pool is at the top level and has width of 1.5 meters and length of 12 meters. This pool includes 8 natural showers.
The second hot spring lies below the first pool and is 12 meters long and 10 meters wide, which is the largest of the three pools.
Best time to visit Banjar is in the morning, while there are fewer people. There are changing rooms and lockers for customers.
(~1hour 30min drive) Set on the hillside of Banjar in the North of Bali, Brahmavihara-Arama is the biggest Buddhist monastery on the island.
It opened its doors in 1970 and has since served as a sacred pilgrimage site and a place of enlightenment.
Boasting awe-inspiring architecture, sensational views, and peaceful settings. The nearest tourist town is Lovina. From there, the monastery is a mere 20-minute drive away. Please also consider visiting Banjar Hot Spring during your trip to the village.
38 locals recommend
Brahmavihara-Arama
Banjar Dinas Tangeb(~1hour 30min drive) Set on the hillside of Banjar in the North of Bali, Brahmavihara-Arama is the biggest Buddhist monastery on the island.
It opened its doors in 1970 and has since served as a sacred pilgrimage site and a place of enlightenment.
Boasting awe-inspiring architecture, sensational views, and peaceful settings. The nearest tourist town is Lovina. From there, the monastery is a mere 20-minute drive away. Please also consider visiting Banjar Hot Spring during your trip to the village.
(~1hour20min) Hike to the top of the picturesque Mount Batur (Kintamani Volcano), watch the sunrise, and try different fun and extreme activities after the trek.
Hikers will enjoy climbing this volcano, and the rewards of the views into the crater and of the crystal clear waters of Lake Batur.
Please ask your host for more details.
222 locals recommend
Mount Batur
(~1hour20min) Hike to the top of the picturesque Mount Batur (Kintamani Volcano), watch the sunrise, and try different fun and extreme activities after the trek.
Hikers will enjoy climbing this volcano, and the rewards of the views into the crater and of the crystal clear waters of Lake Batur.
Please ask your host for more details.
(1hour 40min drive) One of the best selfie spots in the Northern part of Bali. It is just a short drive up from iconic Handara Gate (please consider visiting if you are in the area), which also serves as an entrance to a golf resort.
The Wanagiri Hidden Hill offers a number selfie spots. Each location has different attractions. They are represented by beautiful human-sized bird’s nests, swings, wooden teacups, wooden stars, tree houses, Indonesian interpretations of the Eiffel Tower and much more.
Wanagiri Hidden Hills
Jalan Raya Munduk(1hour 40min drive) One of the best selfie spots in the Northern part of Bali. It is just a short drive up from iconic Handara Gate (please consider visiting if you are in the area), which also serves as an entrance to a golf resort.
The Wanagiri Hidden Hill offers a number selfie spots. Each location has different attractions. They are represented by beautiful human-sized bird’s nests, swings, wooden teacups, wooden stars, tree houses, Indonesian interpretations of the Eiffel Tower and much more.
Food scene
(~1min walk) Only 1 minute walk separate your villa from Tiing restaurant. It is always available for a quick meal with sea view and provides a selection of local/European dishes. Please let them know that you're from Ruby Romance Oceanside Villas and bring your discount coupon. Hard copy of the menu is available inside the villa.
We recommend this place for proximity to the villa.
The Tiing Tejakula Villas
(~1min walk) Only 1 minute walk separate your villa from Tiing restaurant. It is always available for a quick meal with sea view and provides a selection of local/European dishes. Please let them know that you're from Ruby Romance Oceanside Villas and bring your discount coupon. Hard copy of the menu is available inside the villa.
We recommend this place for proximity to the villa.
(~10min drive) Top ranked in Tejakula! Dishes of vegetarian cuisine can be ordered at this restaurant. Don't forget to savour nicely cooked vegetable pizza, gluten-free pizza and pizza salads at Warung Seni. Coffee which you will order is great.
The success of this place would be impossible without the efficient staff. Professional service is something that visitors note in their comments. Prices are found attractive here. It's a pleasant place with a peaceful atmosphere.
Please place direct WhatsApp orders for in-villa delivery at +62 881 0373 56566
Warung Seni
(~10min drive) Top ranked in Tejakula! Dishes of vegetarian cuisine can be ordered at this restaurant. Don't forget to savour nicely cooked vegetable pizza, gluten-free pizza and pizza salads at Warung Seni. Coffee which you will order is great.
The success of this place would be impossible without the efficient staff. Professional service is something that visitors note in their comments. Prices are found attractive here. It's a pleasant place with a peaceful atmosphere.
Please place direct WhatsApp orders for in-villa delivery at +62 881 0373 56566
(~10min drive) Famous restaurant with a kitchen run by chef, who also happens to be a pemangku, or priest, in the area. He cooks everything over wood-fire in a hand-built clay stove, using only traditional, local ingredients and techniques. This could be mackerel, caught that morning, massaged with yellow spices and turmeric leaves and cooked in a tube of young bamboo, or smoked chicken with raw sambal and Javanese long pepper leaves for greens.
Please contact restaurant at +62 8133 713 0088 (1 day in advance) to reserve your spot.
Dapur Bali Mula
(~10min drive) Famous restaurant with a kitchen run by chef, who also happens to be a pemangku, or priest, in the area. He cooks everything over wood-fire in a hand-built clay stove, using only traditional, local ingredients and techniques. This could be mackerel, caught that morning, massaged with yellow spices and turmeric leaves and cooked in a tube of young bamboo, or smoked chicken with raw sambal and Javanese long pepper leaves for greens.
Please contact restaurant at +62 8133 713 0088 (1 day in advance) to reserve your spot.
(~5-10min walk) Family owned warung (Balinese small restaurant) at the beach, with sea view. It's very close to the villa and offers a selection of Indonesian and vegetarian dishes.
They have a menu focused on healthy, organic local produce and sustainability.
Contact details: +62 812-3967-8645
Segara Lestari Warung
(~5-10min walk) Family owned warung (Balinese small restaurant) at the beach, with sea view. It's very close to the villa and offers a selection of Indonesian and vegetarian dishes.
They have a menu focused on healthy, organic local produce and sustainability.
Contact details: +62 812-3967-8645
(~5min drive) Warung Sukun Spesial Ikan Bakar is a simple local restaurant, which specializes in Indonesian seafood dishes. Food is refreshingly different from European cuisine and reasonably priced.
If you're curious and adventurous, take a short drive and enjoy some local seafood dishes and dishes prepared on a grill. This is a great and inexpensive local place to visit.
Warung Sukun Spesial Ikan Bakar
Jalan Raya Singaraja - Amlapura(~5min drive) Warung Sukun Spesial Ikan Bakar is a simple local restaurant, which specializes in Indonesian seafood dishes. Food is refreshingly different from European cuisine and reasonably priced.
If you're curious and adventurous, take a short drive and enjoy some local seafood dishes and dishes prepared on a grill. This is a great and inexpensive local place to visit.
(~15min drive) Situated on a beachfront, Bondalem Beach Club accommodates an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by sunbeds and spacious bungalows.
If you are fond of Indonesian/European cuisine and good fish, please visit this open-air beachfront restaurant. You can enjoy vegetarian dishes, salads and healthy drinks.
Please call/text text the restaurant at +62 812 37 888 444 before your visit.
Bondalem Beach Club
(~15min drive) Situated on a beachfront, Bondalem Beach Club accommodates an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by sunbeds and spacious bungalows.
If you are fond of Indonesian/European cuisine and good fish, please visit this open-air beachfront restaurant. You can enjoy vegetarian dishes, salads and healthy drinks.
Please call/text text the restaurant at +62 812 37 888 444 before your visit.
Fitness
(~5min drive) A rare fitness center in a traditional Balinese village. You are welcome to check out this place, and decide if it is suitable for your training type.
F FOVAN FITNESS
Jalan Tejakula - Tianyar(~5min drive) A rare fitness center in a traditional Balinese village. You are welcome to check out this place, and decide if it is suitable for your training type.
Grocery Shopping
(~5-10min drive) Small grocery stores in the area, like Tejakula mart can help you replenish a supply of drinks, snacks and basic necessities.
To visit big shopping malls and enjoy better shopping please ask your host for help to organize a trip to Singaraja or Ubud. We can also help to organize groceries deliveries from a supermarket.
Tejakula mart
Jalan Raya Singaraja - Amlapura(~5-10min drive) Small grocery stores in the area, like Tejakula mart can help you replenish a supply of drinks, snacks and basic necessities.
To visit big shopping malls and enjoy better shopping please ask your host for help to organize a trip to Singaraja or Ubud. We can also help to organize groceries deliveries from a supermarket.
(~5-10min drive) Traditional Balinese market. For early birds only! If you are curious what's on the offer at the local market, please start your journey very early in the morning. Opening hours from 4.30a.m. till 7.30a.m.
Enjoy and explore the commercial trade of farming and fishing communities from up close.
Les Village Market
Jalan Tejakula - Tianyar(~5-10min drive) Traditional Balinese market. For early birds only! If you are curious what's on the offer at the local market, please start your journey very early in the morning. Opening hours from 4.30a.m. till 7.30a.m.
Enjoy and explore the commercial trade of farming and fishing communities from up close.
INDOMARET GROCERIES (~5-10min drive) Big shopping malls are not easy to find in a traditional part of Bali. Small shops like Indomaret help to cover basic needs of villagers.
Please refer to Google links below for 2 closest Indomaret locations:
https://goo.gl/maps/mHQry8bBG1RrKQk9A
https://goo.gl/maps/iiufsoFYT17psLQK8
インドマレット
INDOMARET GROCERIES (~5-10min drive) Big shopping malls are not easy to find in a traditional part of Bali. Small shops like Indomaret help to cover basic needs of villagers.
Please refer to Google links below for 2 closest Indomaret locations:
https://goo.gl/maps/mHQry8bBG1RrKQk9A
https://goo.gl/maps/iiufsoFYT17psLQK8
City advice
Getting around
Car/Motorbike is the best way to get around
Public transport is limited In the atmosphere of well-preserved culture of a small village. We recommend our guests to rent a car/scooter for convenience.
Guests can always ask a host to help with delivering some selective groceries. We do our best to help customers when possible.
Customs and culture
Local culture and local people
Some of Bali's oldest communities, known collectively as the Bali Aga live Tejakula. In Sembiran village nearby you can find farmlands, palm, coffee and cocoa plantations.
Locals are usually friendly and helpful. Area is safe and crime rate in surrounding villages is very low.
Don't miss
Shopping before/after arrival
Tejakula is a small coastal village in North Bali. It's a lost paradise with beautiful nature and zero shopping malls. Local people on occasion visit big malls in Singaraja and Ubud.
If you need some groceries, please ask your driver to stop by a supermarket in Ubud or Denpasar on a way to the villa.
After arrival we can help to organize groceries deliveries from a supermarket on request.
Travelling with kids
Traveling with kids
Please let us know if you are traveling with kids. We can help you with some equipment to make your stay more comfortable.
Your host can show show you a playground for kids and make other recommendations.
Getting around
Immediately after arrival.
Just few steps away from the villa nested Hindu temple Pura Swananyar, which you can visit immediately. This temple can get busy during local ceremonies.
You can take 1 minute walk to Tiing restaurant (let them know you are from Ruby Romance villas) and enjoy a meal with sea view and explore nearby beach. We recommend this restaurant for proximity.
Warung Seni is a great restaurant for in-villa delivery on/after your arrival.
Rent a car/scooter and take a short drive to Les Waterfalls(~5min) or explore Symon's Art Zoo(~20min drive) together with Pura Ponjok Batu temple(~15min drive) .
Don't miss
Hidden gems of Northern Bali
Please refer to al link below for a helpful article describing of some hidden gems of Northern Bali:
https://www.ourtasteforlife.com/things-to-do-north-bali/
Don't miss
Surrounded by natural life
We respect all life around us. Small garden inside the villa helps our customers to feel in a tropical paradise. We don't use chemicals which can harm natural life in the garden.
Like almost everywhere else in Bali, you may see some small lizards and geckos inside the garden. They are harmless and do not pose any danger to others.
Ways to save
Groceries delivery
There is a number of small local stores within few minutes drive from the villa where guests can buy beverages and snacks. Local market is open close to the villa early in the morning. Closest supermarket is within one hour drive.
We can supply groceries from the supermarket for our guests. Please ask your host for more details.
Ways to save
Laundry for personal belongings
Please ask our office staff in case if you need to do laundry. We will assist you and show a very reasonably priced laundry facility near the villa.