I first discovered Penestanan in 2012, when I had just started travelling the world with my family. Mia was three, and Caius was two, and we were living that slightly crazy nomadic life where you never really knew where you would be sleeping next.
We were staying in Jimbaran when I met a lady who told me about another family doing the same thing in Ubud. They were staying at a villa called Casa Raja in Penestanan, so we decided to take a day trip to meet them.
We went for lunch.
Then we liked them so much we stayed for dinner.
And that was pretty much the beginning of a very long love affair with Penestanan.
The family we met that day became good friends, and Sabina and I have now been travelling together for more than 15 years. We’ve travelled through Turkey, Romania, Malaysia, Canada, the United States, Australia and plenty of other places that I’m sure I’m forgetting. Our kids were two and three when we met, and they’re now heading into adulthood, so we’ve somehow managed to travel all over the world together while watching our children grow up.
And every time I’m in Bali, visiting Sabina in Penestanan is still one of my favourite things to do.
I’m heading back again this year.
Over those 15 years, I’ve watched Penestanan change from what felt like the middle of nowhere into one of the most interesting places to stay in Ubud. There are now incredible coffee shops, restaurants, yoga studios, wellness spots, and a growing community of people who come to Bali for a little longer than just a holiday.
And the family who first introduced me to Penestanan didn’t stop at Casa Raja. Sabina’s family went on to build two more villas nearby, Villa Raja Anada and Villa Raja Damai.
I’ve stayed in all three.
So if you’re looking for the best villas in Penestanan Ubud, these aren’t random villas I’ve found on a booking site and decided looked pretty. I’ve actually stayed in them, returned to the area year after year, and watched these properties, and Penestanan itself, evolve.
Here’s my very personal guide to the best villas in Penestanan and where I’d stay.
Why Stay in Penestanan Ubud?
If you’re wondering where to stay in Penestanan Ubud, I’ll tell you right now. I would choose Penestanan over central Ubud almost every time.
Don’t get me wrong. I love Ubud.
But central Ubud can be A LOT.
Even back in 2012, when Ubud was considerably less touristy than it is now, the tour buses and daytime traffic could be overwhelming. After a day of sightseeing, I didn’t necessarily want to come back to more traffic, crowds, and people.
Penestanan felt like the perfect escape.
It’s close enough to Ubud that you can get into town easily, but far enough away that you feel like you’ve actually left the chaos behind.
For me, that’s the sweet spot.
You’ve got rice fields, jungle, little laneways, local life and plenty of places to stop for coffee. At the same time, there are now more and more restaurants, wellness businesses and cafés popping up throughout the area.
There are plenty of Penestanan Ubud accommodation options now too, from simple places to stay for longer periods through to beautiful private villas like these.
And a lot of the food scene has that very Penestanan feel. Think healthy, mindful, plant-based and wellness-focused.
There is also a strong expat and long-stay community here. Many people come to Penestanan for a week or two and end up staying much longer.
I’ve done exactly that.
At one point, we stayed at Casa Raja for two whole months.
That’s one of the reasons I think Penestanan works so well. You can stay for a couple of nights, but you can also settle in and actually live here for a while.
And that’s really what Penestanan feels like to me.
It’s somewhere you can settle into.
Why I choose jungle over beaches in Bali
There’s another reason I love Ubud so much.
I live in Australia.
We have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, so I don’t actually go to Bali for the beaches.
I go to Bali for the things I don’t have at home.
Jungle.
Rice fields.
Waterfalls.
Tropical greenery.
Scooter rides through little villages.
ATV rides through the jungle.
Swings hanging over the treetops.
That completely different feeling of waking up somewhere surrounded by nature.
And that’s what I love about Penestanan. You get that jungle-and-rice-field feeling without being miles away from everything.
Best Villas in Penestanan Ubud
There are plenty of places to stay around Ubud, but these three villas are special to me because I’ve actually stayed in them and have a history with the people behind them.
The original is Casa Raja.
Then came Villa Raja Anada.
And my personal favourite, Villa Raja Damai.
They’re all different, so which one is right for you really depends on what you’re looking for.
Casa Raja
2 bedroom – 2 bathrooms
Pool – WIFI – Breakfast
Casa Raja is where my Penestanan story began.
When I first visited in 2012, the family I met was staying here. I’ve since stayed at Casa Raja multiple times, including when my kids were very young.
The property has since been renovated, and they’ve done a beautiful job.
You enter through a little security area where the security guard is based, then continue down towards the back of the property where you’ll find a two-bedroom home with two bathrooms and a private pool.
It is classic Ubud Bali.
Greenery, peace, tropical surroundings and that feeling that you’re tucked away from everything, even though you’re actually quite close to cafés, restaurants and other amenities.
One of the things I love about Casa Raja is the location.
It’s down a little laneway, and you can’t drive a car all the way to the villa, although you can get a scooter down there. It’s also close to plenty of places where you can walk out for coffee, food, or a wander.
If you’re looking for one of the more affordable villas in Penestanan, this would probably be my pick of the three.
It’s also a fantastic option for families.
And I think there’s something pretty special about staying somewhere where I’ve literally watched my own children grow up.
Villa Raja Anada
3 bedroom – 2 bathrooms
Pool – WIFI – Breakfast
Next up is Villa Raja Anada.
I stayed here recently and absolutely loved it.
This is a gorgeous three-bedroom villa perched above a small river, and it has a really beautiful, peaceful energy.
It’s very feng shui, with the whole property designed around the natural surroundings.
The sleeping arrangements make it particularly good for families or groups.
Two of the bedrooms have two king beds, while the third has two single beds.
There’s a beautiful pool, a great kitchen and, importantly for me, the kitchen water is filtered so you can drink it.
They also have a breakfast menu, so you don’t necessarily have to head out first thing in the morning to find coffee and food.
And one of my favourite things to do here?
An in-house massage.
Because if I’m staying somewhere this peaceful in Bali, I absolutely want someone to come and massage me while I don’t have to leave the villa.
Villa Raja Anada is also right next door to Villa Raja Damai, so the two work really well if you’re travelling with a larger group and want to be close to each other while still having your own private villa.
And look at the entrance – dreamy!
Villa Raja Damai
3 bedroom – 3.5 bathrooms
Pool – WIFI – Breakfast
And then we have Villa Raja Damai.
This one is my favourite.
Villa Raja Damai means the Peaceful King, and honestly, the name couldn’t be more appropriate.
It’s a three-bedroom luxury retreat with unobstructed views over the jungle and river.
There is a large infinity pool, a separate soaking pool, and that beautiful feeling of being completely surrounded by nature.
You can hear the river when you’re lying in bed.
That sound alone is enough to make me want to stay here.
The villa has high-speed Wi-Fi, daily breakfast, and filtered drinking water through a reverse-osmosis system.
And yes, we did the floating breakfast.
Obviously.
Because if you’re going to have a beautiful infinity pool overlooking the jungle, you may as well have breakfast floating in it at least once.
It is ridiculously pretty.
The villa is also very feng shui and has been designed to work with the natural surroundings rather than fight against them.
The sleeping arrangements are great for families and groups too. One bedroom has two king beds, while another has two single beds that can be configured as a king if needed. And each bedroom has an ensuite!
And the staff are absolutely wonderful.
That’s actually one of the things that keeps bringing me back to these villas. Sabina is a Superhost and genuinely takes care of her guests, while some of her staff have been with her for decades.
You don’t keep people for decades unless you’re doing something right.
Villa Raja Damai is also close to several of Bali’s increasingly popular paddle clubs, which is apparently a very important consideration these days!
The only thing I will say is that you are staying in nature.
And nature comes with nature.
So close the doors at night if you don’t want the mozzies joining you in bed. Or bring your favourite mosquito repellent.
I promise you, it’s worth it.
Where to Stay in Penestanan Ubud
So, which of these Penestanan villas should you choose?
It really depends on what you’re looking for.
Casa Raja is my pick if you want a beautiful villa with a more convenient, walkable location and easy access to cafés and restaurants. Also the most affordable.
Villa Raja Anada is fantastic for families or groups who want three bedrooms, a gorgeous pool, and a peaceful river setting.
Villa Raja Damai is the one I’d choose for a luxury escape where the surroundings are just as important as the villa itself. And everyone gets their own bathroom!
The two newer villas are in a more secluded part of Penestanan. You can now get a car into the area, although we generally prefer getting around by scooter.
If you’re not comfortable riding a scooter, that’s not a deal-breaker.
Grab is readily available for getting around and for food delivery, so you can absolutely stay here without being a scooter rider.
Just don’t expect to walk into central Ubud from these villas.
That’s kind of the point.
What to Do in Penestanan Ubud
One of my favourite things about Penestanan is that you don’t actually need to have a huge itinerary.
You can just be here.
Walk through the rice fields.
Find a café.
Have a long lunch.
Get a massage.
Go for yoga.
Jump on your scooter and explore.
There are also plenty of practical things that make Penestanan work for longer stays.
This is where I get my nails done.
It’s where I get my eyelashes done.
It’s where I go to the dentist.
And because I’m in Bali every year, those things actually matter to me.
I’m not just looking for somewhere that’s pretty for three nights. I want somewhere where I can settle into a routine.
There are also more and more cafés and restaurants popping up all the time. The area has become particularly well known for healthy food, coffee and wellness.
I’ve got a whole guide to things to do in Ubud, so if you’re planning a trip and want to know what to actually do once you’re here, that’s the place to head next.
And don’t forget my Bali itinerary always includes Ubud.
If you have kids, read our 101 Things To Do In Bali With Kids.
If you have teens, read 81 Best Things to Do in Bali with Teens.
If you’re looking for something more romantic to do, read 39 Best Things to do in Bali for Couples
If you’re scared of Bali Belly, read this.
And if a villa isn’t your thing, I’ve also got several Ubud hotel recommendations that are worth checking out.
Ubud Luxury Accommodation: Gdas Bali Health Wellness Resort
What It’s Like Staying at TanaDewa Resort Ubud, Bali: A Luxury Jungle Retreat in the Heart of Ubud
Choose Samanvaya For Your Next Adults Only Bali Getaway
Is Penestanan Ubud Good for Digital Nomads?
So, is Penestanan Ubud a good place to stay? In my opinion, absolutely.
And if you’re looking for the best area to stay in Ubud for digital nomads, I’d definitely put Penestanan on your list.
The area has a strong international community, plenty of cafés, wellness businesses, and restaurants, and the slower pace makes it much easier to settle into a routine.
I’ve never had a problem with the Wi-Fi when I’ve stayed here, and having a villa gives you something you don’t necessarily get in a hotel.
Space.
A kitchen.
A pool.
Somewhere you can actually spread out and feel like you’re living rather than just travelling.
And when you don’t feel like cooking?
Grab.
When you want coffee?
Walk or jump on the scooter.
When you want to work somewhere else for the afternoon?
There are cafés everywhere.
When you want to completely switch off?
Go back to your villa, jump in the pool and listen to the river.
That’s a pretty good work-life balance if you ask me.
Penestanan vs Central Ubud
If you’re trying to decide between staying in Penestanan or central Ubud, my answer is pretty simple.
Stay in Penestanan.
Okay, I may be slightly biased.
But I’ve been coming here since 2012, and I’ve watched both areas change dramatically.
Central Ubud is fantastic if you want to be right amongst the action. There are shops, markets, restaurants, and plenty happening around you.
But it can also be busy.
Very busy.
For me, central Ubud is somewhere I love visiting.
Penestanan is somewhere I actually want to stay.
I like being able to walk out in the morning and find a coffee overlooking the rice fields.
I like being able to jump on my scooter and be somewhere else in a few minutes.
I like hearing the jungle and the river.
I like that there are enough restaurants and cafés around that I don’t have to plan my entire day around getting into town.
And most of all, I like coming back to somewhere peaceful after spending the day exploring.
That’s the difference for me.
Which Penestanan Villa Would I Choose?
Surely you know the answer by now.
Villa Raja Damai.
It’s my favourite of the three.
The location is gorgeous. The pool is gorgeous. The views are gorgeous. The sound of the river is gorgeous.
But more than anything, it’s the people.
The staff are wonderful, and that makes such a difference when you return to somewhere year after year.
I love that I can wake up, walk out and see jungle and river instead of traffic.
I love having coffee somewhere overlooking rice fields.
I love being able to jump on the scooter and be at the places I need to get to without feeling like I’m in the middle of Ubud chaos.
And I love that feeling of being secluded without actually being isolated.
That’s Penestanan for me.
I’ve been coming back since my kids were tiny. I stayed here in 2025; I’m returning in 2026, and somehow I don’t see myself stopping anytime soon.
I’ve watched Penestanan go from somewhere that felt like the middle of nowhere to one of the most interesting places to stay in Ubud.
But thankfully, it still feels like Penestanan.
And that’s exactly why I keep coming back.
