Amed in East Bali is one of Bali’s top diving destinations, and if you’ve always wanted to see the Japanese shipwreck, it’s the only place to do so.
However, as Amed is not a key feature of Bali’s tourist trail, there aren’t that many choices of accommodation in the area.
So, our team took the chance to go and find the best of what’s on offer, and this is what they discovered about Good Karma Bungalows in Amed, Bali.
Our In-Depth Assessment Of Good Karma Bungalows
Our reviews maintain complete steadiness in procedures and assessment criteria. This promotes fair evaluations and a user-friendly tool for side-by-side comparisons.
Hotel Type: Budget
Area of Bali: Amed
Star Rating: 2-Star
Typical Minimum Price per Night: 470,000 IDR per night (approx. $30 USD or $47 AUD), depending on room type and season
Good Karma Bungalows Address: Banjar Selang, Jl. Raya Amed, Bunutan, Kec. Abang, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80852
Good Karma Bungalows Website: Good Karma
Room Types: Deluxe Double Bungalow, Villa with Sea View, Small Double Room
Facilities: Good Karma Restaurant, Outdoor Swimming Pool, Kids’ Pool, Terrace, Airport Shuttle, Garden, Beachfront, Shuttle Service, Yoga Classes, Massage Services
Cleanliness and Maintenance
This place is kept spick and span by the cleaning team, and it’s fair to say that we couldn’t really find anything that they’d neglected.
Maintenance is a bit more challenging with older bungalows in a remote location, and there are definitely signs of wear and tear, but nothing that’s going to spoil your trip./
Sleep Quality
This is a nice area, and it’s a bit outside of Amed town, which means that there’s very little noise at night. We couldn’t hear anything in our rooms.
However, while the bed is clean and comfortable, there is an issue with a lack of blackout curtains; these rooms get really light, really early in the morning. It’s fine for heavy sleepers, but light sleepers who enjoy a lie-in are going to be disappointed.
Staff Attitude And Service Culture
There’s nothing wrong with the service at this resort, but we did feel that the staff were going through the motions rather than enjoying their work with guests.
This is really unusual for Bali, and it was a little disappointing. We don’t expect to be treated like Gods where we stay, but we think a smile and a bit of enthusiasm isn’t too much to ask for, either.
Check-in/Check-out Experience
Check-in and check-out are more than easy enough; mind you, this is a small resort in a remote location, and there aren’t going to be any coach parties rocking up to ruin your arrival.
However, given how remote this place is, you’re unlikely to want to take advantage of their bag storage facilities, and we strongly recommend you book transportation in advance, as there’s no Grab or Gojek service available here.
Bathroom Quality & Functionality
The bathrooms are fine, if unspectacular, though we don’t think you can ask for much more given the low rack rate here.
The towels are nice enough, and there are toiletries available, even if they’re nothing special.
Value For Money
For all its flaws, this place is cheap, and that makes it excellent value for money; you can’t really complain about a villa for $30 USD a night or thereabouts, anywhere in the world.
It’s an attractive enough place that’s good for a few days away on this coast of Bali, and that will do.
Food And Beverage Execution
The food here is average, and that is something of an issue, because it’s also quite expensive, and you’re a long walk from anywhere else that serves food, and there’s no Grab service in this area.
So, if you don’t mind “OK”, then you will be fine, but if you want great food, this may not be the hotel for you.
Location & Immediate Surroundings
Amed is nice enough, and it’s great for diving and snorkelling, but really, unless you’re seeking the quietest of hotel breaks, you will need transportation in this area.
Also, we can’t stress enough that this hotel is isolated even for Amed and that means you need transportation just to get in and out of town, unless you enjoy very long hikes in the boiling sun.
Facilities & Amenities Vs Promise
We think in terms of the room rate, this place has above-average facilities, and they’re in good condition.
However, given how isolated this place is, if you’re staying for more than a couple of days, you will probably wish that it had more of them.
Overall “Personality”
We feel that Good Karma is a pleasant place to stay with nice views, but it’s also nothing special, a good place to lay your head, but not somewhere that you’ll be raving about after you leave.
That’s OK, serviceable is more than good enough when you get a cheap villa in the middle of nowhere.
Summary: Our Overview Of Good Karma Bungalows
Good Karma is great value for money, and if it’s not the best resort that we’ve ever stayed in, it’s certainly not the worst, either.
If you want to spend time in Amed and don’t want to spend a fortune on accommodation, it’s the sort of place that’s worth checking out.
Grading: Very Good
FAQs
Is Good Karma Bungalows Family Friendly?
Yes, Good Karma Bungalows is a family-friendly resort. It welcomes children of all ages with their parents or guardians.
However, they operate opaque pricing with respect to children, and you’ll want to check the small print carefully before you book a room.
They can supply extra cots or beds, but they charge an additional fee of 200,000 IDR per person per night.
There is a kids’ pool at this resort, but otherwise, there are no children’s facilities and no babysitting or kids’ club services.
Final Thoughts On Good Karma Bungalows
Of course, you have to make some compromises for a villa by the sea for $30 USD a night, but Good Karma Bungalows makes the right compromises.
This is a lovely space with an emphasis on comfort and location. The pool area is gorgeous, and the beachfront is ideal.
We’d be happy to recommend this place to anyone with one proviso: the basic rooms don’t have AC. So, if that’s essential to you, make sure you opt for a villa or a bungalow.
