Unbelievable Menjangan Hill Bali: Photos You WON'T Believe!
Unbelievable Menjangan Hill Bali: Photos You WON'T Believe! (And My Chaotic Review)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm fresh off a trip to Unbelievable Menjangan Hill Bali, and frankly, I'm still trying to process it. The photos? Yeah, they're stunning. Seascapes that'll make you weep, sunsets that'll steal your soul… But the reality? Now, that's a whole different ball game. Let’s jump in and I’ll try to untangle my thoughts, my experience was, well… everything, really. And yeah, I'm still finding sand in my shoes.
SEO & Metadata Snippet (because I'm supposed to):
- Keywords: Menjangan Hill Bali review, Unbelievable Menjangan, Bali hotels, Menjangan Island, luxury resort, spa Bali, accessible hotel Bali, Bali family resort, best Bali views, Bali hidden gem.
- Description: A brutally honest review of Unbelievable Menjangan Hill Bali. From the jaw-dropping views (yes, the photos are real!) to the nitty-gritty details of accessibility, food, relaxation, and the occasional chaotic experience. Prepare for an unfiltered take!
(Okay, now that the "business" is done, can we get to the fun stuff?)
Accessibility: (Oh boy, where do we begin?)
Okay, so "Unbelievable" is kind of the word here. For some things. Accessibility, however, felt a little… aspirational. They listed "Facilities for disabled guests", which, great! But I didn't see much concrete evidence of it. I personally don’t require assistance in this realm (thank goodness!) but if you or a travel companion do, triple check before booking. I wandered around a bit, and there are some areas where it could be tricky, especially getting to the different pools and restaurants. I'm thinking, some ramps here and a little bit wider paths there… would make a HUGE difference.
On-site Accessible Restaurants / Lounges: I didn't notice anything advertised, but the layout could potentially be accommodated in some spots. See above for caveats.
Wheelchair Accessible: Honestly, a little dicey. I spotted some paved routes, but navigating the uneven terrain with a wheelchair would be… challenging.
Internet – and the eternal struggle:
- Internet Access, Internet [LAN], Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Wi-Fi in public areas, Internet services, Wi-Fi for special events – So, the Wi-Fi. It was… present. Sometimes. It was the kind of Wi-Fi that makes you appreciate the invention of dial-up. I swear, I could hear my emails slowly loading. And forget about streaming anything. Thank goodness I downloaded some shows on my phone… though, that's not really the point, is it? The "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" felt a little optimistic. Still, it's 2024, how is my connection so laggy in paradise?
- I didn’t use Internet [LAN]. The thought of plugging a cable into the wall… no, thank you.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax – The "Unbelievable" Part (Mostly)
Here's where Menjangan Hill redeemed itself. This is basically the good stuff…
- Pool with View: Oh, the pool! THAT was "Unbelievable" in the best possible way. I spent an embarrassing amount of time just staring out at that turquoise expanse. The infinity pool edge melted into the ocean… it was pure bliss. I swear, I could have stared at that view for a week. The swim-up bar was also on point!
- Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Yep, plural. Two pools! One for serious swimmers, the other for lounging with a cocktail. I'm definitely in the second category.
- Spa, Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Foot bath: I treated myself to the spa. Which was glorious. I mean, who doesn't need a Balinese massage after a long travel day? The body scrub felt like a fresh start. I ended up spending a good chunk of the day in the spa which I loved.
- Gym/fitness, Fitness center: I saw the gym (briefly). Looked well-equipped, but I’m on vacation, and my workout regimen is “walk to the pool, walk to the restaurant.” Don't judge!
Cleanliness and Safety – COVID-Era Considerations:
Okay, let's get real. Going to Bali post COVID-19 brought a unique set of worries to the table. Menjangan Hill seemed to take this seriously.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: Lots of precautions, which was reassuring! I never felt unsafe. They were definitely going the extra mile.
- Safe dining setup: Tables were spaced apart, and staff wore masks
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Excellent.
- Shared stationery removed: Yep.
- Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit: Always good to have.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: (From "Meh" to "Wow!")
- Restaurants, A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant, Bottle of water, Breakfast takeaway service, Alternative meal arrangement: The food situation was… mixed. The breakfast buffet was pretty standard, but the a la carte restaurant was… interesting. I had some truly AMAZING Indonesian food, and some… less memorable… international dishes. The poolside bar was great for a quick bite and a cocktail, and the happy hour was a must.
- The best part? The views! Yes, you're partly paying for that view. Sitting there, sipping a cocktail, looking out at that view… that's the good life.
- Room service: Never used it.
Services and Conveniences – The Extras That Matter (or Don’t):
- Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center, Cashless payment service: They had everything. Seriously. The amenities list is extensive. The concierge was helpful. The terrace was lovely. The convenience store was well-stocked (and probably a little overpriced). But honestly, I didn't use half of this stuff! I was there to chill and stare at the view.
- Daily housekeeping: Efficient and friendly.
For the Kids – Yay or Nay?
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: Seemed pretty family-friendly. The pool, the beach (nearby), and seemingly plenty of activities for kids. Saw a few families.
Access, Getting Around - A bit of a Mixed Bag Again
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Pets allowed unavailable, Proposal spot, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms, Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking: A lot of safety features (which I like!), but the airport transfer was worth it… the drive is a little rough, but the views make up for it!
- Car Park: Free, and plentiful.
Available in All Rooms – The Nitty Gritty of the Stay
- **Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the glorious chaos that is my Menjangan Hill escapade in Bali. Forget perfectly curated Instagram feeds, this is the real, sweaty, mosquito-bitten deal.
Day 1: Arrival & (Attempted) Tranquility - It NEVER Works
- Morning (a.k.a. 6 AM… Why do I do this to myself?)
- Taxi from Denpasar airport. Okay, the driver looked like he'd driven the same route since the dinosaurs roamed. The scenery was stunning. Emerald rice paddies, ancient temples peeking out from the jungle… but let's be honest, I was mostly focused on not throwing up because Balinese roads are basically a rollercoaster built by someone on a sugar rush.
- Arrive at Menjangan Hill Villas. Stunning views! I was like, "Yes, this is it. Peace. Serenity. I shall become one with nature and finally perfect my downward-facing dog." Famous last words, folks. Famous. Last. Words.
- Mid-morning: Villa Shenanigans & Mosquito Massacre
- The villa? Gorgeous. Infinity pool overlooking the jungle? Yes, please! But here's where things got Real. First, I couldn't figure out the hot water. Felt like a polar bear in a bathtub. Then, the mosquitoes. Oh, the mosquitoes. They descended upon me like tiny, bloodthirsty ninjas. I swear, one of them was wearing a tiny fedora.
- Tried to read on the veranda with my pre-downloaded book, but literally every 30 seconds I had to slap myself. The mosquitos even made me feel like I was in a mosquito-breeding farm…
- Afternoon: Beach Bliss & the Great Snorkel Fail
- Finally, the beach! Did some research and the closest beach is a long way away using the car, the hotel services provide 24/7 car service, but I'm too eager for adventure and a very bad driver.
- Snorkeling time. I looked the part – snorkel, mask, flippers. The reality? A clown in a wetsuit. I kept swallowing sea water. Got a faceful of sand. Saw a fish… maybe. Probably just a blurry blob. Ended up spending more time sputtering and trying to clear my mask than actually enjoying the coral.
- Evening: Sunset Drinks & Unspoken Regrets
- Watched the sunset with a Bintang (beer) in hand. Okay, that was pretty magical, even with the mosquito bites. For like, 30 minutes. Then the power went out. Cue the frantic search for flashlights and the awkward small talk with the other guests ("So, you came here to… relax?" yeah, that's a good answer).
- Dinner: the restaurant at the hotel has a great menu, all the traditional choices for a reasonable price.
- Bedtime. Too tired to do anything, passed out like a log as soon as my head hit the pillow.
Day 2: Under the Sea… or Not
- Morning: The snorkeling day! I had a bad experience the day before but I won't let that get me down.
- After the "diving" experience, decided to try some different water sports! Let's go try some jetskiing. It was a blast.
- Afternoon: The Great Trek!
- Okay, this is it. The "eco-trek" everyone raved about. Supposed to be easy, and filled with nature and beauty.
- We began at the crack of dawn. Our guide, a very thin, but friendly man named Ketut, kept saying "Slowly, slowly." Which, let me tell you, is the most condescending phrase in the Balinese language when you're already gasping for air on a steep incline.
- Climbed for what felt like a gazillion hours. The views were, admittedly, spectacular. But mostly I was busy contemplating my life choices and wondering if I could convince Ketut to carry me.
- We did. Saw a monkey… a tiny, smug monkey who seemed to be judging my pathetic attempt at mountain climbing.
- Evening: The best food I ever had!
- Found the best restaurant in the area, local cuisine, traditional food, best service, great prices.
- I felt such good by the end of the day!
Day 3: Departure & The Bitter-Sweet Goodbye
- Morning: Enjoy the infinity pool, soak the mosquitos repellents.
- Afternoon: Departure! Back to the airport.
Quirky Observations & Emotional Reactions:
- The monkeys: They're cute. But they also have a look in their eyes that says, "I'm judging you."
- The mosquitos: They're relentless. Bring all the bug spray. And a lawyer.
- The food: The food is amazing. No complaints.
- Overall: Despite the mosquito bites, the questionable driving, and the near-drowning experience, Bali and Menjangan Hill was pretty friggin' incredible. It’s a place that throws beauty and chaos at you in equal measure. It's a place that leaves you feeling utterly exhausted, but also strangely, wonderfully alive.
Okay, Seriously... Is Menjangan Hill REALLY that photogenic? (Spoiler: Yes. But with a caveat)
Alright, let's be honest. You've seen the Insta-glam of Bali, yeah? Sunsets that set your soul on fire, turquoise water that's practically screaming, "Jump in!" And Menjangan Hill? It's got a reputation. Photos, videos, influencers... it's everywhere. The quick answer? YES. It’s disgustingly beautiful. Like, “I might spontaneously combust from visual overload” kind of beautiful. The hill itself, the way the light hits the coral reefs below... pure poetry. I once watched a couple get engaged there -- felt like a movie scene! But here's the messy truth, and it's a big one: the "photogenic-ness" is heavily reliant on the weather and the crowds. I went once during a particularly hazy afternoon? The magic... gone. Poof! Just a slightly elevated, kinda brown-ish hill. And those crowds? Forget about it. You’ll be vying for space with a dozen other people, all desperately trying to get *that* shot. Pro tip: go early. Or late. Or during a weekday. Actually, just go whenever, and pray for a miracle. And bring a telephoto lens. Trust me.
What's the BEST time to go for those "Unbelievable" shots? (And can you actually enjoy it?)
Okay, so – the perfect time. This is the holy grail, right? Here's the deal: sunrise OR sunset. That's the magic window. The colors explode. Everything glows. Your phone practically takes pictures itself (it's lying, it doesn't). But... and this is a HUGE BUT... everyone else knows this. So, prepare for a literal photo-shoot-war zone. The "can you enjoy it?" question is a good one. I tried once during sunset, and I spent more time dodging selfie sticks than actually soaking in the view. I'm generally a pretty mellow person, but I had a serious moment of "I need to smack that guy with the drone" rage. I didn't, FYI. But maybe, just maybe, going during the off-season during the weekday will help. Do some recon and try the mid-morning. You might catch some early rays, and there's less chance of a crowd. Though this is bali so who knows.
Is it hard to get to Menjangan Hill? (Because I'm lazy and prone to sunburns.)
Okay, let's be real. Bali is an adventure, and getting anywhere usually involves a drive. To get to Menjangan Hill, you'll likely be driving... a lot. It's not exactly next door to Kuta. It's up north-west, near Gilimanuk. Depending on where you're starting, it can be a solid 3-4 hour drive. Ouch. My first time, I was so sleep-deprived; I nearly fell asleep in the driver's seat. The good news is that the drive itself is scenic – rice paddies, temples, the works. But be warned: the roads can be… interesting. Think potholes, motorbikes weaving in and out, and the occasional herd of cows. My advise? Get a decent driver (seriously, the best money you'll spend), pack snacks, and drink plenty of water (sunburn prevention!). And maybe bring a neck pillow. You'll thank me later.
What kind of gear do I need to capture this beauty? (Besides a selfie stick, duh!)
Alright, photographer talk. The gear. This depends on what you're going for. If you're an amateur like me, your phone will do just fine. Though if you really want those "wow" shots? Here’s what I’d recommend:
- A good camera (obvious, I know). DSLR or mirrorless, ideally with a decent zoom lens.
- Wide-angle lens: For capturing the grand landscape. Totally necessary.
- Telephoto lens: Get close to those reefs!
- Tripod: Especially for sunrise/sunset shots and if you want to do any long exposures.
- Extra batteries: You'll be snapping like crazy
- Protective gear: The sun is brutal. Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses. Trust me.
What else is there to do around Menjangan Hill besides, you know, staring at it?
Okay, so you've had your fill of "Ooh, ahh" at the view. Now what? Honestly, the area is a hidden gem (well, maybe "less-hyped gem").
- Snorkeling/Diving: Menjangan Island itself is a major draw for its incredible coral reefs and marine life. Expect to see everything from colorful fish to turtles! (I actually got a little seasick but the snorkeling was worth it.)
- Hiking: There are some trails around the area.
- Relaxing: Seriously, just chill. Find a quiet spot, breathe in the fresh air, escape the crowds.
- Boat Trips: Explore the coastline.
What's the biggest mistake people make when visiting Menjangan Hill? (My Experience)
Okay, so this is where I get personal. The biggest mistake? Rushing it. I almost did it myself. My first trip, I crammed it into a day trip. "Get in, get the shot, get out." BIG mistake. I felt like I was running a marathon, not enjoying the beauty. I was stressed about the light, the crowds, the time. I barely had time to catch my breath, let alone appreciate the moment (or even get wet). I rushed to the top, snapped a few pictures, and then bolted. I wish I'd stayed longer, explored more, actually *experienced* it. That's the trap of social media, right? We're so focused on the "perfect shot" that we forget to actually *live* the experience. So, my advice? Slow. Down. Plan a few days if you can. Stay in the north. Take your time. Get lost. And don't be afraid to ditch the camera and just... be. You'll thank me later.
