Nestled atop a cliff on Bali’s east coast, Amankila is a luxury resort in the Karangasem region that feels worlds away from the bustling touristy areas of Seminyak, Canggu or Ubud.
I was lucky enough to spend several nights at Amankila and can confirm it’s paradise on earth. In this review of Amankila, I’ll be diving into all the details of the best time to visit, how to get there and exactly what to expect during your stay.
Here’s my experience staying at Amankila in Bali!
About Amankila
As part of the Aman hotel group, you can expect a high level of luxury, hospitality and tranquility at Amankila. The resort’s 33 suites are spread out over several tiers, nestled into the hillside and overlooking the sea.
Amankila means “peaceful hill,” a name that very much suits the property!
At Amankila, guests can enjoy world-class dining, serene pools, spa services, a beach club and a range of activities both on the property and off.
It’s location along Bali’s east coast feels like a more authentic version of Bali, free of the throngs of tourists, traffic and the like. Plus, the region is filled with lush jungle, rice paddies, gorgeous beaches and views of Mount Agung. All of this makes Amankila the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of Bali!
How to Get to Amankila
The easiest way to get to Amankila is to fly into Ngurah Rai International Airport which is Bali’s international airport located in Denpasar. From there, you can take a taxi or organize a private car to the resort. Amankila is about a 90-minute drive from the airport.
The hotel was very helpful in organizing their driver to pick us up and take us to Amankila. We had a very pleasant ride with beverages, snacks, cool towels and a wonderful, friendly driver!
The Best Time to Visit Amankila
The best time to visit Amankila is between April and October during the dry season in Bali when the weather is warm and sunny.
Of course, this is also Bali’s peak season so there may be more people visiting Bali and room rates can be higher. However, with regard to crowds, Amankila has such an expansive property designed for guests to enjoy its tranquility, I don’t think this would really be a concern!
The wet season is from November through March so you’ll see more rainfall during this time and it may not be ideal for beach days and exploring the surrounding region. However, if you’re interested in surfing, the surf on Bali’s east coast is the best from November through March.
How Many Days to Spend at Amankila
Amankila is so beautiful you may just want to stay for life. Kidding… sort of!
To be able to fully enjoy the property and spend some time exploring the surrounding area, I’d recommend spending at least a few days. With two days, you could soak in the hotel grounds and perhaps have time for a small excursion. With 3 – 5 days, you would have more time to enjoy the property and do some more activities outside of the hotel (which I’d highly recommend!).
Rooms at Amankila
The resort has a variety of room types from Garden and Ocean Suites to larger suites featuring infinity pools and multiple bedrooms depending on your preference and group size.
Nestled in the lush jungle, the suites feel secluded and private — like you’re in your own private Balinese luxury treehouse! The maze of hillside suites connect to the property by a series of floating staircases that dip through the jungle with peakaboo glimpses of the Lombok Strait.
All of the suites are spacious and airy, with large windows that let in the tropical breeze. The decor feels very Balinese with a focus on natural materials and great attention to detail.
I stayed in one of the Pool Suites which was just magical. Passing through the gate to the suite, I was greeted by a small koi pond topped with lily pads and the serene sound of water flowing. After that, a large swimming pool with outdoor lounge chairs and towels to cool off from the Balinese humidity. And finally, entering the room, I just felt… at home. The décor was warm and inviting with plenty of room to unwind. If I get to visit Amankila again (fingers crossed!), I’d be delighted to stay in a Pool Suite again.
Dining at Amankila
Amankila has a main restaurant and bar that offers a menu of Indonesian and international dishes. The chefs use fresh, local ingredients to create delicious, flavorful dishes. The restaurant has an open-air dining room with views of the ocean.
During the daytime, guests can grab breakfast or lunch at The Terrace by the main three-tier pool or down by the Beach Club.
Fancy a romantic dinner on the beach or a private dinner for your group on the hilltop at sunset? Amankila offers plenty of private dining options at its most scenic spots.
No matter where you decide to eat, I guarantee you it will be wonderful. Every single bite of food I had an Amankila was delicious!
Amenities at Amankila
If you can peel yourself away from your beautiful suite, you’ll be rewarded with the resort’s heavenly amenities!
At the heart of the property is a breathtaking three-tier infinity pool overlooking the Lombok Strait. It’s surrounded by loungers and bales for ultimate relaxation.
Down at the beach club, another paradise awaits. A grove of palm trees line a private black sand beach opening up to the calm sea… hello, heaven!
The beach club also features a large swimming pool, a restaurant and plenty of sun loungers and bales to relax in.
Spa treatments are available in guests’ suites, a massage pavilion or the beach bales and use traditional Balinese techniques and natural ingredients.
Activities at Amankila
Amankila offers a variety of complimentary activities on the property or excursions you can book around the property. From tennis to cooking classes to afternoon tea, Amankila ensures there’s something for everyone.
Beach Club
Amankila’s beach club offers lots of water sport activities including Hobie Cat sailing, beach games, boogie boarding, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking.
Yoga Classes
Yoga is the perfect way to start your day at Amankila. The resort offers complimentary yoga classes with a variety of yoga techniques including vinyasa flow, hatha, and pranayama. They are held in the yoga pavilion by the beach club —what’s more relaxing than yoga with the sound of crashing waves?
Satay Evening
Amankila offers special dining experiences around the property and we chose to do the “Satay Evening.” For this incredible evening, we dined in Amankila’s private bale at the top of Tamansari Hill. We arrived just before sunset and were rewarded with views of the Buitan Valley and Mount Agung on one side and the Lombok Strait on the other. For the dinner experience, we had a private waiter and chef that guided us through an authentic Balinese satay feast.
This was truly one of the most unique and memorable experiences I’ve had!
Excursions at Amankila
Amankila offers off-property excursions so that guests can experience the beautiful surrouding province of Karangasem. From diving and surfing to trekking and cycling, there are plenty of activities for the outdoors lover. Guests can also visit temples, rices fields, markets or even take a helicopter tour over a volcano.
Since this was my first time visiting east Bali, I wasn’t going to miss the chance to explore the incredible region. We chose two excursions to do during our stay, the East Bali Tour and the private boat cruise, and I would highly recommend them both!
East Bali Tour
The East Bali Tour is an amazing way to see some of the most beautiful and historic sites in the region. You’ll travel in a private vehicle with your own personal guide, stopping whenever you want to take in the sights. Highlights of the tour include the ancient village of Tenganan, where you can see the making of the famous double ikat, and the temples and royal palaces of the area, which offer a fascinating insight into the region’s past.
Guests can tailor the East Bali Tour to focus on their interests and I was very excited to visit the Tirta Gangga Water Palace and Ujung Water Palace… both of which were fantastic!
Private Boat Cruise to Virgin Beach
A private boat cruise is the perfect way to see the best of Bali’s east coast. Cruise in style on Amankila’s traditional outrigger boat, stopping to swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters. Your captain and crew will take care of everything, so you can sit back and relax. The boat cruise includes lunch, snacks, and drinks.
The best part about the boat was the rooftop lounge area complete with comfy cushions and views for days. Our boat cruise took us to Virgin Beach which was one of the most beautiful beaches I saw in Bali. I couldn’t believe how incredibly blue and clear the water was!
Scenic Trekking
This incredibly scenic area of Bali is rich in natural beauty. As such, there are tons of options for trekking in the region that guests can choose from:
Trekking Route: Wates to Abian Canang
If you’re looking for an amazing trek that takes you through some of Bali’s most beautiful scenery, look no further than the Wates-Abian Canang trek. This two-hour hike starts in the village of Wates, famous for its stunning salak (snake fruit) plantations. After just a 15-minute walk, you’ll be met with an incredible view of Mount Agung. The sunrise views from this spot are especially breathtaking.
As you continue on the trek, soon the sea will come into view. Finally, you’ll reach the traditional East Balinese village of Abian Canang, with coconut palms lining both sides of the path. The commute to and from the start/end of the trek takes an hour in total.
Trekking Route: Sunrise at Mount Batur
Mount Batur is an active volcano that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The trek to the summit is challenging but rewarding, and you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the sunrise. The trek takes about 2-3 hours, and you’ll be accompanied by a guide.
Trekking Route: Kastala to Tenganan
This scenic trek takes you through lush hills, rice fields, and a rocky riverbed that is overflowing during the wet season. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to visit some isolated, traditional villages. The trek ends in the village of Tenganan, where you can purchase unique baskets or the Geringsing ikat cloth. The entire trip, including driving, takes about three hours.
Trekking Route: Tenganan to Tirta Gangga
Tenganan is a beautiful Bali Aga village that is well known for its double woven ikat fabrics. These fabrics are said to have magical powers, making them a must-see for any traveler to the area. After exploring the village and learning about its history and culture, hikers can enjoy views of rice fields from the top of a nearby ridge.
The trekking route from Tenganan to Tirta Gangga is a scenic one that takes hikers through several other villages, offering plenty of opportunities to take in the local scenery and culture. There are also several river crossings along the way, which add to the adventure. The destination of the hike, the Water Palace of Tirta Gangga, is a stunning one-hectare complex that was built in 1946 by the late king of Karangasem. Unfortunately, it was almost entirely destroyed by the eruption of Mount Agung in 1963. However, it has since been painstakingly restored and now features an 11-tiered fountain and beautiful statues in its gardens.
What to Pack for Amankila
With Bali’s tropical climate and the resort’s gorgeous pools and beach, you’ll definitely want to pack swimsuits and beachwear. For evenings and day trips, light spring / summer type clothing and casual wear is perfect. Some of Bali’s temples require women to cover their shoulders so a shawl or a light sweater is a good idea. And, if you are an active outdoorsy type, I recommend taking hiking shoes with you since there are many treks offered by Amankila with breathtaking scenery!
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