The locale

The Ylang Ylang rests in the quiet coastal village of Saba in an area collectively known as Ketewel within Bali’s eastern Gianyar Regency. This eastern coastal region is an exceptional part of the island - naturally beautiful, unspoilt and packed with cultural and scenic attractions. Saba is the quintessential Balinese village, distinctive with its stretches of emerald rice fields and coconut groves, dotted with a harmonious mix of unobtrusive expat residences and local dwellings.

The Ylang Ylang’s gardens stretch down to Saba Beach, with a reminder of Bali being a volcanic island, as its sands are shimmering black. The deserted stretch of beach offers unobstructed panoramas with stunning views across the Badung Strait and Nusa Penida, one of Bali’s smaller sister islands. And on a clear day, the silhouette of towering volcano, Mount Agung, is visible in the distance. Sunrises are a spectacular treat here, especially over Nusa Penida’s limestone cliffs.

A tidal river flows some of the time between the beach and villa. For half of the year, you can just stroll down to the beach directly. As Peanut River alters its course with every changing season, the other half of the year requires crossing the river by way of a small boat provided by the villa to access the beach.

With strong currents directly in front, it’s safer to swim in a protected bay area just five minutes westwards (or head south to the calm waters of nearby Sanur). The famous surf spot Keramas, also known for the famed Komune beach club is only five minutes away, one of Bali’s top surf spots with the rare option of night surfing. The offshore reef here is renowned for its surf breaks, and there’s excellent surfing to be had ten minutes in either direction of the villa: nearby Mascheti Beach has world-class surf breaks and hosts international surfing tournaments.

Saba is famous for its traditional Gamalan music, with some of the finest Legong dancers on the island hailing from here. Private dance performances at the villa can be arranged on request. Balinese Hindu purification ceremonies are held beside the sea at nearby sacred Pura Segara sea temple; the main temple stands at the entrance to the road leading to The Ylang Ylang, where prayer blessings are performed daily.

Distances

Saba Bay Stables

1.50 km

Bali Safari and Marine Park

5 km

Cucukan Beach

5 km

Sukawati

6 km

Mas Carving Center

12 km

Sanur

15 km

Ubud

16 km

Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS)

29 km